New to trials in the Chicago area

Hi Guys, After years of mx'ing, road racing and woods riding, I drank the Kool-Aid and bought my first trials bike. I've had my new (to me) '07 Gas Gas 300 Pro for a week and it's the most fun I've had riding in years! I find myself looking for any 20 minutes I can steal away to practice balance, turns and hysterically fun wheelies all in the privacy of my own tiny back yard.

I'm in desperate need of advice before I reinforce my incredibly crappy technique :eek1

Anyone in the area to ride with?

http://www.nitrotrials.com/Nitro/Home.html

These guys appear to be somewhat nearby,check out their website.

I live in Michigan and there are several clubs around me.I am going to help work on a guys property who is holding an event next Sunday. Just for the fun and learning experience.I don't even own a trials bike but am looking for some local advice and don't want to bore everyone with stupid questions when I can go observe for myself.

I'm diving in head first

try this.<cite>www.[B]motatrials[/B].com/</cite>

Thanks for the tips guys- I'm considering doing the Double Blip class at the Trials Training Center Nov 17/18. Anyone done this?

I ended up buying my bike from going to Keith's place two seasons ago. Be sure your account has some extra cash, you're gonna want to get a bike for next season!

I rode a 2001 GasGas 320 and LOVED it.Yup I was at Keithswill probably be back next saturday and sunday,look me up if you go this year,my names George!!

Asa member of Wisc. ( Wota ) and Illinois ( Nitro ) you will have a blast, plenty of help if you ever need,
We have several here on the site that chime up once in awhile.
If you are looking at actual trials areas you are all within 1-2 hrs of almost all of them....

Get a hold of Smudge. He rides trials and lives near Chicago.

He is like a vampire , only rain is his nightfall !!!!

Great advice guys- thanks for the responses. Can't wait to get to my learn on!

Dave,
It was a real pleasure to meet you today! thanks so much for driving so far to come play around on our farm and have some trials fun with we two trials junkies!

you're doing VERRRY well with the Gasgas, and you'll soon be rocking my world in novice at the events.

PS: extra thanks for spotting me, along with Mike, to try that log for my very first time ever!!!

https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10151061323015876&saved (cant figure out how to embed the actual video, chaps...)

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<embed src="https://www.facebook.com/v/10151061323015876" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="1" height="480" width="640"></object>

Hi Amcross- I had the best time riding with you both yesterday! I couldn't believe how smooth you are with the throttle. You rocked that big log like it was nothing!

Tell Mike thanks again for all of the advice- he had me climbing stuff that I wouldn't have dreamed of on my dirt bikes.
Good luck this weekend and hope to ride with you again soon!

now... anyone else got some stuff to play on locally?

We usually will do a play date, However if you guys want, NITRO is having a meeting/playride at Ottawa this next week end ( 11-12-12 ) http://nitrotrials.com/Nitro/Home.html
You would be welcome to play, meet most of dist 17 trials riders, and get some of the best tips for riding,
best of all ( FREE )
We unfortunatly wont be able to make it, We have the last OMA National coming up
You would like meeting my daughter,(AMCROSS) she rides almost every night and a real barn stormer..
Either way, Hope to meet you all soon
Ron

Hey Ryan
No need to worry, its only seals. We will meet soon, Try and make it down we missed you at the last trials...
Stay in touch, still looking for a fall ride..
Ron

AWESOME, Ron! I'd love to meet her! Hopefully some other time....

OK, Dave and this video convinced me. I want a trials bike!

Pancero -- that is the COOOLEST thing I think I've ever read on this forum.

Keep him going, Dave! and bring him down!

Pancero - if you can come to our place with Dave, we'll gladly toss you up on one of our bikes. it won't be a fancy <5 year old show stopper ... but we'll be sure you have some fun, get to play in the dirt, and get hooked first hand!!

You can keep it in my garage

It'll be great practice for Bolivia- maybe I should've got on one of these before Colombia :huh

Will do Amcross! I feel like I'm recruiting for a cult- he'll be drinking the punch in no time

I know it would be a far trip to pick up,, But if anyone closer wants, I will be posting my daughters Sherco 04 200 soon, completely 100% gone through, lots of fresh stuff, Plenty of referrals id needed!!!
Here is a nice close up shot of it
And her newest toy...2012 2.5 All Farkled out

She likes that shirt can you tell?