I talk a great deal in my posts about my scores. I know a lot people don’t have a clue what I’m talking about… Here is a breakdown of how it works.
Trials like golf is the lowest score wins.
There are at least 8 sections that you have to ride at least 3 times. Sometimes there are as many as 12 sections. Most of the time there are just 8-9 sections. You are given a only so much time to complete all three loops. Usually, 3 hours for lowers, and 4 hours for uppers.
There are different levels depending on the clubs. NMTA my local one has 4 lower groups: Beg, Nov, Ama, and Intermediate. Each of the levels listed are from easier to harder. There are 5 levels of upper riders (Sportsman, semi expert, expert, master, and Champ). The “lowers” ride in the morning. The “Upper” rider observe the lower riders and give them their scores for each section. In the afternoon the Upper riders are scored by the “lower” riders.
Points:
You get points by putting a foot down, = 1 point with a max of 3 points (no mater how many times you put your foot on the ground. aka dirty 3s)
going out of bounds, = 5 points
missing your gate, = 5 points
riding through someone else’s gate, = 5points
stalling the motorcycle = 5 points
riding a gate the wrong direction, = 5 points
falling over with the bike, = 5 points
5 points is a fail for the section. You are no longer scored at that point. Most of the clubs will let you finish the section though.