MotoTrials puts no premium on speed whatsoever. The winner is simply the most skilled and (sometimes) luckiest rider on a particular course. The format is relatively simple. Trials competitors must negotiate individual sections of extremely difficult terrain without putting their feet down. Penalty points are assessed for mistakes, and the rider with the lowest overall score at the end of the day wins.
Some of the sections for advanced riders are so difficult, it’s hard to imagine a mountain goat traversing them, much less a rider on two wheels. The top rung of the sport in the United States is the AMA/NATC National Observed Trials Championships.
AMA Vintage Trials Grand Championship
The most casual of racing disciplines, trials allows riders to test their balance skills navigating over logs, up hillsides and through creeks. Routes are available for every skill level.
The AMA partners with the North American Trials Council for the national MotoTrials championship. The AMA and the NATC have worked together since 1974 to establish and grow the sport of trials in the United States. The relationship has worked exceptionally well over the years, with the AMA providing national governance and a connection to world-level competition as the U.S. affiliate of the Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme, the world governing body for motorcycle sport, and the NATC contributing discipline-level expertise and close cooperation with trials clubs around the country.
The first AMA/NATC MotoTrials National Championship Series was held in 1974. It was won by Lane Leavitt. Other early champions were Marland Whaley, Curt Comer and Bernie Schreiber.
The series continues to thrive today, bolstered by a vibrant youth community and a dedicated group of volunteers, clubs, supporters and sponsors.