In less than two week’s time the X Trial Australian Championship will arrive at Canning Vale on April 8th and 9th, where eight of Australia’s best Athletes from all over the country, will fight it out over two big nights at the Baseball Park stadium. The invite only event sees the top six riders in the country complete, plus two wildcard entries.
X Trial is a unique motorcycle sport that sees riders negotiate a man made obstacle course. Anything that could test the riders is used, from earth moving tyres, to skip bins and cable drums. The riders must negotiate the course without using their feet. Any foot touching the ground is called “dabbing” and incurs a penalty point. At the end, the lowest score wins.
“This is not a Gymkhana, ride between the cones sort of event. This is far more extreme,” explained Neil Price who is the top West Australian.
“We will have to take on 2-3 metre vertical walls, jump 4 metre gaps with no run up and taking off from platforms shorter than the bike length. It really is insane. With man made obstacles, the danger factor is much higher and the riders have to make a big commitment just to compete, let alone take out a win.
“For the audience it is an awesome show and it is a cheap family night out.”
2015 X Trial Champion Tim Coleman, will fly in to defend his title from China, where he is currently performing with a Freestyle Circus.
“I have had heaps of ride time, doing shows and training in between, so its been good. I had a great ride last year and I’m pretty confident I can have another good crack,” he said.
Coleman will have his work cut out for him, with Newcastle’s Kyle Middleton, the current Outdoor Champion, on form and wanting to over come last year’s difficulties. In 2015 a snapped foot peg on his 300cc Gas Gas, meant he had to borrow a spare bike to finish.
“I am feeling pretty good, having put in some good work early in the year already. I believe I am prepared and feel fit,” said Middleton.
“The field is all quality and to be honest anyone could step up and take the win.
“It is exciting because its different and brings the sport to the audience. I really enjoy riding for an audience who are into it.”
X Trial 2016 will also see Australian Women’s Champion Kristie Mckinnon compete, who has a wild card ride. Mckinnon shared her excitement about her first X Trial showing.
“I have only ridden one similar event years ago. I can’t wait for the challenge because the man made obstacles take you out of your comfort zone, and I really enjoy that,” she shared.
“I had an ankle injury which has kept me off the bike till recently. I have had a few weeks on the bike now, but I am not really happy with my form, but then again I never am, I am always wanting more.”
Tasmanian gun, Chris Bayles will be out to improve on last years’ podium result, having an incredible ride in last years wet conditions.
“I really enjoyed last year, the sections were spot on. I am feeling good on the bike this year and i have had a good run of events with the Tassie titles a few weeks back,” he said.
“I will need to be on form because this year there’s some serious competition, I reckon it will be a close run event. The guys who rode last year will have an advantage for sure.
“It’s a great night out for the public it really gives them a perspective, you know, they can sit and see it all in one spot and enjoy a beer. It’s really good for getting the sport out there.”
WA State Champion and local Gosnells rider Neil Price, who is heavily involved in the organisation will be happy to just have an event free year after his wife gave birth on day two of last year’s championship.
“Last year was crazy, with all the work of building the event and riding night one and getting a podium finish, I was really happy. Then when I thought it couldn't get any better, Charlotte decided to make an appearance and top off what was an insane week for us,”he said.
“2016 I hope is a little more relaxed! I am really excited to see the event return to the City of Gosnells. We need to thank the City and the Baseball board for helping such a unique family event like this happen.”
Motorcycling Western Australia President, Peter Clarke also shared his support for the X Trail event.
“From a spectator’s point of view, this is an event you cannot afford to miss out on. The excitement and disbelief of what these riders can do, is unforgettable. I noticed when we had the first event, the crowd participation was unbelievable,” he said.
“The crowd consisted of children right through to die hard motor cycling enthusiasts, which were absolutely in awe of what these motorcycle athletes could do.
“Neil Price and the team at Moto Dynamics will be presenting this event again at the same venue. The City of Gosnells also needs to be commended for supporting such an event as X Trial and I hope other councils and shires throughout Australia have the same vision and support for this remarkable event.”
There is plenty of great food and drink options, with Braised Bros and Two Queens Wood- fired food vans plus Pedalling Beans for coffee and dessert. A licensed bar serving beer wine and premix drinks at great prices.
Plenty of entertainment is on during intermissions, Test ride the Kids Oset Electric bikes, Test ride CZAR Trials Push bikes, meet the riders, test your balance to raise money for cancer research, trade stands, face painting and more.
Tickets are $25 for Adults and $10 for Kids with no extra fees at all. Book now at www.ausxtrial.com.au