A big part of being able to ride Trial is having good balance. This being one reason why I believe Trial can be a good base, for moving on to other motorcycle sports.
Training balance with cones
Since balance is so important, it is necessary for us to train balance, and to continue coming back to balance training.
Unfortunately, this is something we tend to forget in the daily training, when we are all excited about going over edges, taking off-camber turns or riding up or down slopes.
This does not just apply to junior riders – it applies just as much to more experienced riders.
Balance changes as children get better on the motorcycle. In the beginning, the rider will often ride with both legs placed so they hit the ground all the time, or they will use them as balance bars while the child is in the saddle.
Later, the child will move his or her feet to the footrests, and the balance will now have to come from the steering and position on the bike.
Finally, the child will stand on the foot rests, and now the balance lies in the upper body, legs, and steering.
This is not just relevant for the balancing exercises, but also for braking and steering exercises.
I do not think there is a formula for when and how to get the child from sitting to standing, but there is probably no doubt that it depends on experience. The sooner the child can stand up, the better. However, I do not think you should force the process – it will come in time.
Remember to celebrate the child’s success.
Some of the balancing exercises we use in Trial.
A good way to train balance is by keeping the bike on a straight line. Do not underestimate how difficult it can be for a young rider, to ride a straight line between two cones.
Therefore, we usually set up two rows of cones next to each other so that they form a straight “road”.
The rider must now ride from end to end, without touching the cones.
If necessary, set up a cone at each end for turning.
We vary the difficulty by placing some artificial “whoopsies” in the section. An artificial whoopsie is just a piece of wood, placed across the direction of travel. It will naturally take the riders off course and require them to regain their balance.
Remember to return to these simple exercises – they are good exercises, even after the child has reached a higher level.
Another way to train balance is with a balance beam. We are familiar with those from regular Trial as well. The difference is that with junior riders we need to make the beam wider.
Take a couple of long boards, and place them side by side until you reach the desired width.
Make sure they do not separate as the child rides on them.
We usually set up a cone to show how far down the balance beam we got before the rider went off it. This way, the child can see progress compared to the last time through.
You can increase the difficulty making the beam narrower.
To increase the difficulty further, you can turn the beam into a seesaw. Or make a break at the center of the boom so it changes direction.
Again, your imagination sets the limits.
Equipment – what and when
