NMTA kicked off it’s first event over the past weekend. I don’t remember the last time that I had this much fun at an event. It was great to see Monte and Sam back on bikes after long recoveries from their injuries last season. I thought the sections that Steve set were perfect.
I had been thinking during the past couple of events that maybe I should consider moving up to the AMA class from Nov. I finished out the 2025 season in 2nd place, I was 2nd or 3rd for every event I rode, but I was worried about the lack of wheelie control, I know I really need it to be successful if I move up. As Mal and I were walking the sections on Saturday, I looked carefully at the AMA lines. After we looked the first 4, I was convinced that I could ride it and not hurt myself. (Which is going to be the main driver for if I ride up in AMA at other events.) The next 4 sections each had a split that shall we say gave me pause….. in other words scared me. I did get to see the trials master ride a few of them, seeing that made me feel better about trying them. I knew that I was going to want a spot for about 4 things, just in case I buggered them really bad. I admit I closed my eyes on the spooky down all three times in section 8.
For all my concern, I had a blast riding all of it. I did get a fair number of points, but I was still really pleased with the day. Besides having fun, I didn’t paddle all of them, (just part of #4, I just couldn’t get that down.) I cleaned a few of them, and I only got one 5, although I think I should have gotten at least more. I no longer offer up where I messed up to the scorers, unless they ask. I struggled with section 1 all three times, but I knew I could clean it, so 4th time was the charm. I should have gone back to a few of the others to see if I could clean those up too. Next time, the day thoroughly kick my butt, I was exhausted when I got home, more mental, but totally worn-out. Time to be more consistent in working out, I’m going to need more endurance if I’m going to do two days in a row of AMA.
I’m shooting to complete all the event this year, along with setting sections for December. I’m already off to a bad start when it comes to taking pictures. I’ll get some next time!