Lawrenceville VA, 17March2024

Trialsmasters Mark Barnette and Gary Heyer provided a wonderful day of Observed Trials for the season opening CVOTC March 2024 event.  We’ve held many events at the Lawrenceville’s Logs and Ledges venue over the years but I cannot say it has ever gotten boring.

Although the weeks leading up to the event including some flooding of surrounding areas, Logs and Ledges drains quickly and only some strategically located muddy spots remain.  Even though mud can make it difficult to find traction, it was there for those that waited.  Waiting in this instance means good position on the bike, centered and well balance, and just the correct amount of throttle.  Traction was surprising good.

Also good was the weather.  Mostly the sun was shining with a very brief passing rain cloud.  Not nearly enough to dampen anyone’s good times.  Smiles were abundant and everyone seemed to be having a great season opener.

The loop consisted of eight sections ridden three times.  Although it was thought this event would be on the soft side, the scores had a good spread within classes.  Winners tended to be on their game and scores went up quickly from there.  Personally, I thought the scores indicated great judgement on section difficulty by the Trialsmasters embracing the “consistently fun, challenging, non-lethal sections…with the emphasis on FUN.”

Another big personal win for me is to see new faces at a CVOTC event.  Yes, I love the long-time members however to get a glimpse of the future seeing new members with varying levels of experience is rewarding.  As is seeing riders decide they’re ready to move up a class.

Don’t ever forget, “These are the good old days!”

Photos above (L to R): Matt Simpson, Jim Ellis, David Webster, Devon Hightman

Photos courtesy of Mark Barnette

Results:

EXPERT

Devon Hightman 18

David Webster 28

ADVANCED

Joe Palrang 7

Martin Sturla 9

Paul Fuelling 13

Matt Simpson 24

Ed Romney 59

Mike Mazal DNF

SPORTSMAN

Bob Poetzsch 10

Bryce Lunsford 24

Ash Harrison 37

John Hendricks 37

Berndie Lunsford 39

INTERMEDIATE

Brian Merritt 13

Scott Barber 45

Kyle Giddings 48

Jamie Hightman 69

VINTAGE Twin Shock

Jim Ellis 14

Scott Porter 47

Michael Friesen 48

Rick Schill EXH

EXHIBITION

Randy Herndon

Mark Simpson

Joshua Hendricks

Kim Fuelling

Frank Wolf

Kevin Bobal

Mike Hightman

Keith Bell