There is huge learning curve when contesting international competition.

Careful how much you commit to something. Don’t get too hooked. Don’t let your passion go too far. Because once you become addicted to something, it becomes nearly impossible to stop, but it might just take you to some amazing places.

When I first began trials riding, I used it as a tool to become a better rider. I thought it would be easy enough for me to do in my spare time when not enduro racing and adventure riding. At first, I was mildly put off by how non-instinctive riding a trials bike felt. I assumed it would come pretty naturally to me as most things in motorcycling do, purely because of the amount of seat time I’ve had through my life. But I struggled; small logs were the worst, along with tight turns. Things that I wouldn’t give a second glance at while riding on my dirt bike became a challenging feat. Most obstacles on a dirt bike are achievable, even when lacking skill, because of the bike’s weight, suspension, and power; in many instances, at least one of these three things assist riders through tough terrain when skill falters. A trials bike, however, weighs in around 68 kg (150 lb.)on average, offers nothing but torque, and has a unique chassis with a steep fork angle to allow for very tight turns and hopping and jumping with your bike without speed. Balance is key.

FIRST COMPETITIONS

I began entering competitions in my area and found a whole new community of motorcyclists within the sport that were supportive and tight-knit. I was even more grateful, as there were a few enthusiasts in my area. The first was Dave Rhodes, or “Outlaw Dave” as he’s fondly known; he gave me a taste of trials, and soon I was hooked and buying my first trials bike from him. I was also very lucky to have a friend, Ross Rathbone, whose facility I could use for training. My addiction to trials was also fuelled by a good friend in the area, Katie McGeachy.

Katie and I had decided to go to the 2024 Canadian Trials Nationals, held that year in Victoria B.C. at the Victoria Motorcycle Club, to compete. This competition brought riders from across Canada to compete for the national championship. I hadn’t ridden in Victoria before; the terrain was completely different than what I was used to in the interior of British Columbia and presented large, rounded rock slabs and so much moisture in the air that everything seemed slippery at all times. 

Throughout the day, I was on a roller coaster of self-doubt and confidence, achieving some tough…