|
|
Website for the U. S. National Championship Observed Motorcycle Trials
|
Pat Smage, AMA/NATC 2008 Trials Champion
The Geoff Aaron Achievement Award
_______________________________________________________________________
2008 National Trials Series Flyer
2008 National Trials Series Flyer Page 2
PDF of both (600k)
| Wow, what a great year we had in two long weekends! Congratulations to Patrick for holding off a tough challenge by Cody at a fantastic weekend in Duluth!
There are "only" two things left to do: win the TdN and have our annual NATC meeting to set next year's schedule. I took the opportunity while freezing on the starting stage to try to get input on next year's series format from the riders by taking an informal poll asking whether they prefered a series with two 3-day events, three 3-day events or three 2-day events. I'm glad to report that it seems everybody wants at least a 3-weekend series. Here's what I got: 8 votes for the same format as this year, two 3-day events, 23 votes for three 3-day events, and 28 votes for three 2-day events. We will add this question to the rider poll giving all of our loyal riders the opportunity for input.
Many riders also responded that they would ride whatever, they just want to ride. It seems while we struggle a little with our wallets at the pump, when it comes to competing with our friends from across the country, well, let's call it "priceless."
As we approach the meeting, it seems three things are paramount: 1. Series format: consider a series that pleases our riders having enough events to satisfy them, pleases our organizers in that can they really support a three day event without "burning out" the troops from the local club , and can we do this during the summer when our kids can do it? 2. Entry fees: IF we have a surplus this year, what should we do with it? and, 3. How can we bring money from outside the sport through sponsorship to help offset some of the costs? On the latter note, I had some good conversations recently with a couple of individuals that may take some leadership on this. We will see.
Ok, so everyone probably also heard about the other "survey" I did: asking who will do a national next year. So far (and this is VERY tentative right now) it is looking like Vermont and NY back to back in July. I need to hear from Texhoma and Tennessee, but of those present at Duluth, that's what I heard.
Anyhow, if you have thoughts on these matters, please get with your club representative. If you have no representative, email me. Always take into account the viewpoint of a rider, an organizer and or a club worker bee to ensure your ideas are well thought through.
Finally, thanks to all of the riders, organizers and NATC volunteers, it was a great year. Now we can relax and lend our support to Kip and the US TdN team as they prepare for Andorra. Best of luck to the SWM/NATC Team USA! Brian Posted by: Brian Behling on August 28, 2008 11:41 PM |
|
| Team selection chairman, Bruce Bolander announced the following team members for the 2008 men’s and women’s team: For the men, Will Ibsen of Roswell, GA; Pat Smage of Elkhorn, WI; Cody Webb of Watsonville, CA; and, Keith Wineland of Fountain, CO. The women’s team will be Caroline Allen of Norton, MA; Sarah Duke of Colorado Springs, CO and Louise Forsley of Hillburn, NY.
The NATC is excited about the prospects for our young team and thanks all of the applicants for submitting their letters of intent early this year. Additionally, we thank the selection committee for their efforts to send the best riders to represent the USA at the TdN. We look forward to there being more and more applicants in the years to come to give the committee a challenge and to bring out the best in our AMA/NATC national series.
This is the first year that a selection committee chaired by the NATC COO has utilized the process published on the USA TdN website. The selected riders battled hard over a grueling three-day national at Colorado to do their best to secure spots on the team. “The selection committee is confident that despite their youth, the team is ready to work hard and do an excellent job of representing USA trials riders in international competition” according to Bruce.
The NATC now turns over the process of preparing and training the team to Kip Webb, this year’s Team manager. Given the rising fuel costs, airfare alone will be a challenge and we encourage our trials riding friends to do what they can to help our Team to success. The Team thanks all of the sponsors, helpers and friends; and in particular, Sid and Dawna Mauldin of Specialty Welding Machine, Team title sponsor. Please visit the USA TdN website http://www.usatdn.org/ for news about Kip’s preparations, more sponsorship opportunities and plans for the Team. Go Team USA! Posted by: Brian Behling on June 18, 2008 8:23 PM |
|
| So sad to relay this news from Bill:
A Merry Christmas wish to you from the Brokaw house.
The snow is coming off the mountain right now, so it looks like a white Christmas in the making. But I would swap any of the last fifty two Christmases for it. My Annie went to Jesus last Saturday the 22nd. Her seven year experience with cancer finally came to an end. It was a joy to take care of her these last months and she actually only had real problems since June, and never pain beyond what ibuprofen could control and that not requiring regular doses. So that was a blessing, but she did get very weak, which bothered her the most. So this is a crappy message to send out on Christmas day but this is the first time I have had some down time to do it, as you might imagine. Memorial service will be January 7th, 10:30 AM, at Central Christian Church, 20th and Pikes Peak Ave. Colorado Springs. A Monday naturally, as the bike shops are closed.
So tip a cup of nog to Annie's memory if you would.
Thanks friends
Bill Brokaw Posted by: Brian Behling on December 26, 2007 10:53 AM |
|
Copyright
© 2008 North American Trials Council Inc. (NATC) All Rights Reserved
Website for the U. S. National Championship Observed Motorcycle Trials
Site modified and maintained by South
Mountain Pages
|
