Types of off road sport run
Moto X
The world of modern Moto-Cross is very exciting, exceptionally tough and utterly demanding. It requires great physical fitness and the utmost concentration from the competitors. Those who take part are superb athletes. Today’s moto-cross bikes are incredibly powerful racing machines. In the hands of expert riders they can perform amazing feats; they are capable of terrific speeds, and can jump both high and long from the specially raised parts of the track. Add to this the profusion of colours displayed on the riders clothing and machines, the spectacle can be breathtaking. There are few sports that offer spectators the excitement and thrills, while at the same time allowing them safely so close to the action. Above all, it is a sport enjoyed by all the family where parents can, and do regularly bring their children to watch in complete safety. Moto-Cross is a colourful, glamorous and exciting sport where top works riders are held in high esteem by their enthusiastic admiring followers. If you have never attended a top class moto-cross meeting, you are in for a pleasant surprise. Meetings range from a round of the British Championship (125, open class, under 21 and four stroke), centre championships, and club meetings.
The 2000 Early Birds.
Also sidecars are raced, there have been several Sidecar GPs, British Championships, British Qualifiers and Centre championships at Canada Heights.
10 time UK champion, and 5 time runner up, Chris Etheridge at the 2001 Sidecar GP.
Also older bikes are ridden including such ones as Twin Shocks.
For information on how to get started I would recommend having a look around the MXtrax.co.uk motocross forum for help. For info on sidecars try sidecarcross.com (check the message board). For info on the local MX scene in the south east check out mxsoutheast.co.uk (run by me as well). Twin Shocks don't currently have a website and I don't know anything about the pre-65 scene - but I would try the MXtrax.co.uk "Vintage" forum.
Enduro
The Sidcup Club also runs enduros. These are long distance, off-road events where the rider has to achieve certain objectives of both a time and distance nature, the failure to achieve the objectives involves penalty points. The winner is the rider with the least points at the end of the day's events. Events are run at centre and local level.
The June Enduro 2001.
For info on getting started I would recommend a read of the local enduro news website and this intro guide. Any further questions can be answered on the Mxtrax.co.uk enduro forum.
Trials
Trials is a motorcycle sport where specially prepared motorcycles ride over obstacles with penalties for the rider putting down his/her feet, if a rider does puts his/her feet down they loose points, the winner is the person who looses the least points. The Sidcup & District M.C.C. runs many trials throughout the year, although they are held more in the winter months. Events are run at centre and club level and with "old" bikes (pre-65).
Above: Marge and Alan Clarke at the 2000 Jack Thompson.
For more info try the Trials website especially the forum. An intro to trials, especially Beginner and Wobbler trials can be found here on the Double Five website. Bexleyheath's website contains lots of info and a forum all about the local scene.
Long Distance Trials
This is a new sport which we started running in 2000. Our one event uses about 100 miles of roads, tracks and byways in Kent. Around 100 trail bikes (the road legal ones) take part.
Above: Robert Smith at the 2003 Timber Woods Long Distnace Trial.
Above: Alan Brook on his trail bike.
For info on getting started I would recommend a read of the local enduro news website, the LDT dates list website, and the Rides.org.uk forum (Rides list) is a must. Any further questions can be answered on the Mxtrax.co.uk enduro and trail forum and the Rides list.