Results for Madison Heights
Written by Ed Beehler
31 riders attended the recent CVOTC trials at Madison Heights. Many of the riders were attending their first CVOTC event. Several spouses also attended. Some riders traveled from as far away as TN and PA to make the event.
Rain was predicted for late afternoon, and although a bit warm, traction and conditions were very good. 10 sections were laid out, including an optional “Roll Your Own” section which allowed riders to be Trialsmasters du jour. For whatever reason, most riders opted to bypass this section. Could it have been fatigue, or mental stress? Only each rider can answer that question for themselves!
Trialsmaster Barnette outdid himself with well laid out sections including rock gardens, a gully, two hillsides, and a creek section that may have measured one hundred yards long…. or maybe it was closer to two hundred yards long. As they say, “Opinions vary!”
One rider was heard to say “We are going to be talking about that creek sections for years!”
The highlight of the rider’s meeting was a master class presented by Dr. Heyer. In the interests of inoculating CVOTC members against the recent pandemic of “Trials Rider Butt Hurt” (TRBH)! Dr. Heyer discussed several strategies, including 1) offering distressed riders a hug, 2) stopping the event for a group hug, 3) riding thru the “U R a Winner” section to regain confidence and poise, and for the worst cases of TRBH, 4) spending a “time out” in the “Whiner’s Safe Space!”
Thru out the day, several riders availed themselves of the healing properties of riding the “U R a Winner!” section and spending a few minutes in the “Whiner’s Safe Space!” The results were miraculous! Equanimity was rapidly regained and smiles and laughter were ubiquitous! Even riders who crashed in the “U R a Winner!” and those who could not find their favorite toy in the “Whiner’s Safe Space” emerged more confident, and ready to rejoin the battle against gravity and Mother Nature!
John Hendricks, Rusty Lacy, Paul Fueling, Michael Friesen, Christian Alva, Ellis Daw and others were observed voluntarily following Dr. Heyer’s recommendations. Jo Ann Beehler said that Rusty did an absolutely perfect & hilarious “pouty lip” impression while in the Whiner’s Safe Space. Not an act? Indominable souls seeking a competitive advantage! Is that not what trials is all about?
Here’s a shout out to Martin Sturla: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hz1JWzyvv8A He’s not really a Brit, but fakes the accent well. He could be a Strayan.
No significant amount of rain fell, riders completed three loops, and spirits remained high. All in all, a good day for all involved!!
CVOTC history was made at Madison Heights this weekend with the first ever acknowledgement of “SportsX” finishers. The riders earning win, place, and show awards did not announce their genders, and Madison Heights management did not ask!
Results:
EXPERT
David Webster 31
ADVANCED
Joe Palrang 32
Martin Sturla 41
SPORTSMAN
Jon Quell 3
Evan Gorczynski 4
Paul Fuelling 11
Josh Hendricks 12
Tiara Glasby 15
Ellis Daw 23
Leslie Matheson 34
Berndie Lunsford 61
VINTAGE SPORTSMAN
John Hendricks 46
INTERMEDIATE
Robin Burst 12
Bryce Lunsford 14
Brian Merritt 16
Jeremy Ocheltree 17
Ash Harrison 22
Kevin Hobbs 30
Rusty Lacy 33
Danny Ocheltree 42
Erin Kelly 61
Kim Brown 78
VINTAGE INTERMEDIATE
Christian Alva 17
Michael Friesen 19
NOVICE
Logan Patsel 28
EXHIBITION
Randy Herndon
Gary Heyer
Rick Schill
Bob O’Sullivan