Jim Anderson
Special to the Sun

For those in Kern Valley that attended the “Observed Trials Competition” at the Keyesville recreation area this weekend,  they had the chance to experience a great event.  When you think of a sport that involves motorcycles in competition, you think of young men and sometimes women roaring around a track on loud motorcycles at death defying speeds, the final awards going to only the top three fiercest competitors. 

Not so, in this sport; no loud bikes, speed could be a deficit, gender makes no difference, age is definitely not a consideration, grand-kiddo’s to Pa Pa’s and Na Na’s had smiles on their faces that couldn’t be removed with a Brillo pad.  

A rider navigates his motorcycle over a large boulder during the Observed Trials competition in Keyesville last weekend.

This sport involves a light weight motorcycle built specifically for navigating difficult, technical terrain in a confined marked off coarse (section).  The route you are required to navigate between the entry gate and the finish line depends on your skill level, whether beginner or the most experienced pro. 

The objective to the sport is to make it through the section without removing your feet from the pegs or assisting your forward progress by putting your feet on the ground (dab).  It was refreshing to observe such a disciplined, professional sport, but most of all those in attendance enjoyed the helpful courteous nature of all those involved.