Motorcycle Trials

The first motorcycle was designed and built by German inventors Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach in 1885, it was essentially a motorised bicycle. Some also say that the first motorcycle was built by Sylvester Howard Roper of Roxbury, Massachusetts in 1867.

In 1894, the first motorcycle available for purchase, built by Hildebrand & Wolfmüller. Many bicycle manufacturers adapted their bicycle designs to accommodate the then new internal combustion engines. As engines became more powerful, the designs outgrew the bicycle origins. And the number of motorcycle producers increased. So did the types of motorcycles- street bikes, choppers, cruisers, naked bikes, sport bikes, touring motorcycle, underbones, motocross bikes, supermotos, trials motorcycles, dual-sports, endure, adventure touring, etc. The list goes on.

Of all the types of motorcycles, trial motorcycle is less known. Trial motorcycles are distinctive in design and build; extremely sleek, short & lightweight, lack seating since they are designed to be ridden standing up and have a short suspension travel in comparison to a motocross or enduro motorcycle. There are no street motorcycles which resemble a trial bike. These are purpose built machines to negotiate extremely tough terrains or obstacle courses. Major manufacturers of trials bikes are Gas Gas, Beta, Sherco, Montesa Honda, and Scorpa.

Like any other type of motorcycling event- MotoGP, Superbikes, Motocross, Endurance Racing, etc., motorcycle trials is also an event. ‘Motorcycle trials’ is a non-speed event held on both natural and man-made obstacle courses. The event can be held both outdoor or indoors. Riders have to ride through the course in a designated route without putting their feet down. The total distance covered can be measured in meters- the focus is on the rider’s ability and bikes agility unlike other motorcycle events in which the focus is on speed and distance.

The possible scores in each section are 0, 1, 2, 3, or 5. The score is zero points if a rider goes through the section without touching the ground with a foot. Score zero is also called "cleaning the section." The score is one, two or three, when a rider touches the ground once, twice or thrice respectively— as long as the section is completed without stalling the engine, dismounting, going out of bounds or going backward. A rider gets five points for failing to complete the section, sometimes called "a fiasco". The winner is the competitor with the least points.

Trial bike events are very popular among auto enthusiasts in UK and Spain. ‘Trial des Nations’ is a world indoor and outdoor championship event. British rider Dougie Lampkin has won seven world outdoor titles. The current outdoor world champion is Antonio Bou of Spain who is also the current indoor champion.

Vintage Cars and Classic Cars

Most car enthusiasts wouldn’t have thought that there is much of a difference between vintage cars and classic cars. For them any car that is older is either classic or vintage. But it is not so; Vintage cars are the cars manufactured between 1919 and 1930. As far as Classic cars are considered, the cut off year is 1948 i.e. cars manufactured before 1948. According to the Classic Car Club of America, classic car is a fine or distinctive automobile, either American or foreign built, produced between 1925 and 1948. But for most auto enthusiasts a classic car is any old car that is in perfect condition.

When the cars were introduced in 1919 it was a ‘wonder car’ for the common people as it was quite rare at that time. But by the end of 1930 it was a common sight on the roads. Most of the features that we take for granted in the modern cars were first introduced during the vintage period for instance, car heating, car radio, anti freeze, four-wheel braking, power steering and so on. Some of the cars belonging to this period are Peugeot Type 125, Austin 12hp, Rumpler, Fiat 520, Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A, Opel Laubfrosch, Rolls-Royce Phantom l, Hillman 14, Renault Monasix, Triumph Super 7, Mercedes-Benz SSK, Morris Minor (1928), and Renault Reinastella.

Some of the Classic cars are Benz, Bugatti, Buick, Cadillac, DuPont, Humber, Jaguar, Mercedes, Packard, Stutz, Willys-Knight, and Volvo.

Many vintage and classic car owners exhibit their priced possessions at auto events and even take part in competitions such as Concours where the judging factor is how much the car has retained its original condition. Those who love vintage or classic cars and would like to possess one can get information about it online. There are several websites that carry car video clippings info about its features, price, performance and so on.

Picture the Cars, as they are

‘Car’- the word has a near religious significance to many. For all those who live, breathe, eat and talk cars, it’s truly a boon that today the internet enables them not only to enhance their knowledge of cars, but also to view car pictures and videos. Auto enthusiasts can now enjoy the experience of viewing the latest makes denoting busy lifestyle and the classic models which symbolized leisurely luxury.

It’s quite convenient now, for hardcore car fans to adore and admire their idol amongst the multitude of car pictures made available on the web, showing exactly what a car enthusiast would want to see.

Monte Carlo Rally

Locally known as the Rallye Automobile Monte Carlo, the Monte Carlo Rally is an annual race that is held along the French Riviera in the Principality of Monaco and Southeast France. It is sponsored by the Automobile Club de Monaco who also organizes the prestigious Formula One Monaco Grand Prix. Every year auto enthusiasts flock to Monte Carlo to watch this spectacular race.

Being first race of the WRC (World Rally Championship) season, Monte Carlo Rally is also one of the most important rallies around, winning which gives the car and the driver a great deal of credibility and publicity. It also lets competitors to choose their starting points from approximately five venues roughly equidistant from Monaco itself.

This rally, also known for its most famous special stages in the world, which is run from La Bollène to Sospel over a steep and tight mountain road with many hairpin turns. In this stage, racers come across the Col de Turini, which normally has snow sections at that time of the year. The Turini is also driven at night, with thousands of fans watching the "Night of Turini", also known as the "Night of the Long Knives" due to the strong high beam lights cutting through the night.

Truck Racing

Racing has become a popular sport among all categories of vehicles, ranging from F1, sports cars, bikes to even trucks. These races pull large amount of crowds and are also followed by auto enthusiasts from all over the world.

Truck racing is another form where modified versions of heavy trucks battle it out on racing circuits. Started over 20 years ago, this type of racing is mainly popular in Europe, UK and America. Some of the popular truck makes involved in this truck racing are MAN AG, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Renault Trucks and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series held in America is one among the well known truck racing series, where race modified production pickup trucks race against each other. Some other top truck racing series include ARCA Lincoln Welders Truck Series (held mainly in Indiana and Ohio, this series runs on numerous short tracks throughout the Midwest), Fórmula Truck (it’s a Brazilian truck racing series), Pickup Truck Racing and Thunder Nationals.