The Championship standings are complete, the Most Improved Rider ballots have been counted, the Best Event of the Year has been determined, the 2019 Awards Banquet has been scheduled for February 22^rd and a Fun Trial at the TTC the following day has been confirmed.  The 2020 Rule Book has been updated and the 2020 schedule is set.  That about concludes my administrative and scheduling duties for the year as the Association’s President.   This post will be my last “President’s Announcement” on our website.

The annual STRA business meeting held on November 5^th included a review of the season in regard to participation, a summary of the recently held NATC meeting and the proposed 2020 STRA event schedule.   The meeting also saw rule changes for the 2020 season voted in by attendees.  These changes addressed riders changing classes and the delegation of Championship points; the ability to remove a hand from the handle bar when a foot is on the ground; promoter leeway to alter event start times; and various other small modifications to existing rules in the attempt to make them more accurate and succinct.

The most essential part of the meeting however, was the election of officers for the coming year.  At first there was a lack of volunteers to take over the Youth Director and President positions for 2020 when Curt Comer and I resigned.  After discussion amongst the forty plus attendees, a plan was developed to help the association continue.  Current officers other than the two noted above will remain in their current posts with the exception of Francois Saint Laurent, who will move from the Vice President role to a Media Coordinator role.  Ray Peters will step into the President’s role and Alex Niederer will become the Vice President.  A shout out goes to Kim Bronstein who stepped up and volunteered her services to be Secretary/Treasurer, a position that has been vacant for the past two years.  Nick Smith and Alan Shirley also volunteered support to aid Ray and Alex throughout the season so don’t be surprised to see them running the show when the President and Vice President are unable to attend STRA events due to National and Pro trial commitments.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     2020 STRA Officers                                                                                                           President                              Ray Peters                                                                             Vice President                   Alex Niederer                                                                     Secretary/Treasurer      Kim Bronstein                                                                   Administrative Aids       Nick Smith and Alan Shirley                                     Competition Director    Dawn Shirley – to be assisted by                                                                                   volunteers in exchange for event work                                                                          credit                                                                                       Media Coordinator           Francois Saint Laurent                                               Sporting Steward               Eric Mattson                                                                     Youth Director                     Vacant – duties are to be carried out                                                                             by the promotor and volunteers for                                                                                 work credit

A stop gap plan to continue the youth program was proposed and will be developed as the season approaches.  The plan is to have each event promotor set up youth sections and have events scored by STRA volunteers in exchange for work credit.  The idea of exchanging labor for work credit was also extended to assist with rider check-in and pre-event operations under the direction of Dawn Shirley.

As I sign off as President I would like to thank everyone for the opportunity and the support over the past three years.  Together we accomplished a lot and implemented many new ideas to expand our sport, improve rider participation and heighten the STRA experience.

It is often said that reluctant leaders make the best leaders.  I have no doubt that this association will continue to develop and prosper under Ray’s direction and with the talented support of the other officers.  A heart felt thank you for everyone for stepping up and continuing to lead the Southeastern Trials Association, truly making it a premier trials association.

I hope to see you at the 2019 Awards Banquet on February 22^nd and the pre-season Fun Trail on the 23^rd.  We have some special things planned to officially end the 2019 season and to welcome our new officers for 2020.

Douglas

The Executive Board and Competition Director have reviewed the performance of STRA competitors for 2019 season in order to create a list of candidates for the Most Improved Rider Award.

STRA members please click on the link https://www.stratrials.com/most-improved-rider-poll/ and review the candidate’s accomplishments listed in alphabetical order and cast your vote at the bottom of this page (please only one vote per STRA member).  The award will be presented at the 2019 Championship Series Banquet on February 22nd, 2020.

VOTING ENDS DECEMBER 15th, 2019.

The following proposed rule changes and ideas for enhancing our association were submitted by members of the STRA.  The following items will be voted upon at the 2019 business meeting on Saturday November 2nd following the Mark Moon Memorial Ride and be implemented for the 2020 riding season.

Additional items may be added to this list if submitted to the President (stramail@charter.net) no later than noon October 30th, 2019.  Only items pre-submitted for peer review will be eligible to be voted on at the business meeting.

For The Championship (Rule Changes)

Proposal 1: Section 3.4 states “A Rider wanting to compete in a class other than their normal class may do so by indicating to the Competition Director that they are riding for “Exhibition only”. This allows the rider to test their performance in another class. An exhibition rider will not be eligible for series points but may be eligible for the awards of the day subject to the discretion of the promoter.”

Proposed change:  “A Rider wanting to compete in a class other than their normal class may do so however, they may only qualify for points in one class per season.  Riders competing outside their normal class will be considered to be riding for “Exhibition only.” This allows the rider to test their performance in another class. An exhibition rider will not be eligible for series points but may be eligible for the awards of the day subject to the discretion of the promoter.”

Reason for change: This change will prevent the potential for riders changing classes towards the end of season from effecting season long point battles among the regular competitors in that class.

 Proposal 2: Section 5.4.c states:  “Rear dampers may be replaced with gas filled units. Rear wheel travel (not shock travel) is limited to four inches. Front wheel travel is limited to seven inches.”

Proposed change:  “Rear dampers may be replaced with gas filled units. Rear wheel travel (not shock travel) is limited to four inches. Front wheel travel is limited to seven inches.”

Reason for Change:  Rule seems unnecessary and submitter suspects that all the air cooled monoshock bikes have more than 4 inches of rear wheel travel.

 Proposal 3:  Section 8.0.b.5 states: “The rider does not have both hands on the handlebar when footing while stationary.”

Proposed change: “The Rider removes their hand from the handlebar and uses their hand to reposition the motorcycle or perform mechanical adjustments to the motorcycle when footing while stationary.”

Reason for Change: To be consistent with current NATC rules.

 Proposal #4:  Rule 10.1 states “Promoters should start events no earlier than Eleven O’clock Local on Saturday and no later than Nine O’clock Local on Sunday.   There will be 30 minutes between the end of the morning event and the beginning of the afternoon event. Youth events will be held at the Promoters and Youth Directors discretion.”

 Proposed change: “Promoters should start events no earlier than 11:00 a.m. local time on Saturday and no later than 9:00 a.m. local time on Sunday.  Promotors may alter that time if warranted (e.g., available daylight, land use restrictions, etc.) and given the President’s permission.  There will be 30 minutes between the end of the morning event and the beginning of the afternoon event. Youth events will be held at the Promoter’s and Youth Director’s discretion.”

 Reason:  Each year one or two events (most notably the Mark Moon Memorial Ride) occurs where daylight is limited because of Daylight Savings Time.  Due to an early sunset Promotors and riders are hindered and sometimes put in a position where it is not safe to ride due to lack of daylight.  The proposed change would give leeway to the Promotor to alter the start time under the guidance of the association’s President.

 Proposal #5: Rule 12.3 states “Each rider’s championship score for the year shall be based on the points earned in ½ the total number of events plus one. Each rider’s best scores in this number of events shall be used in computing the total championship score for the year. (See Novice exception (page 5, item 4, #4)).”

Proposed change: “Each rider’s championship score for the year shall be based on the points earned in ½ the total number of events plus one. Each rider’s best scores in this number of events shall be used in computing the total championship score for the year.  (See Novice exception (page 5, item 4, #4)).”

 Reason for change: In 2015 Rule 4.4 was introduced to encourage Novice riders to remain active in STRA events by allowing them to qualify for year-end awards after only riding and working three events.   Their Championship points however are tabulated the same as all other classes.  Elimination of the wording in Rule 12.3 would help clarify this point.

 Proposal #6:  Rule 13.4 states “Thirty (30) layout points will be awarded to the Trials Master and one additional worker per STRA Trial.  Layout points can only be earned one time per year.”

 Proposed change: “Thirty (30) layout points may be awarded to the Trials Master and up to one additional worker per STRA Trial.  Layout points can only be earned one time per year.”

 Reason for change: Provide flexibility in awarding points.  Some Trials Masters do not want the automatic points to go to their championship score and the current rule mandates the giving of 30 points.

Proposal #7:  Rule 13.8 states “All STRA riders competing in the Florida Trials Association annual Fun in the Sun 2-Day event will be given work credit for that day’s event provided the rider finishes the event and was not given the opportunity to work in a scoring capacity.”

Proposed change: “All STRA riders competing in an event for which the Promoter provides checkers will be given work credit for that day’s event provided the rider finishes the event and was not given the opportunity to work in a scoring capacity.”

Reason for change: As evidenced by Hollytree this year, Promotors beyond Fun in the Sun are able to provide checkers for events.  This proposal “officially” broadens the scope of events for which people can get work credit.

For Member Consensus

 No items submitted at this time

For The Promoters (What we want Promoters to do for us)

 No items submitted at this time

The first event for the second half of the 2019 STRA Championship Series was sponsored by Hollytree Off-Road Park and the Huntsville Trials Club.  We must say what a great way to end the three month break from competition.  We had 58 riders competing Saturday and 41 on Sunday.  We lost a good many people on the second day due to fatigue, bumps and bruises from day one, bike malfunctions and other commitments.

Sections were not overly hard but they were not easy either.  They seemed just right to challenge riders of all skill levels over rocky ground and through trees.  The weather was hot (in the 90s, which is atypical for September, even in Alabama), clear and dry.   Traction was great and the overall course was challenging.  The loop transverse from section six to seven was considered an extra section by many riders and kept things interesting to say the least.

No one at the event could recall the last STRA competition held in Alabama.  We are sure glad it was back on our schedule this year and hopefully will be in the years to come.

The second event for the month of September was another hot one at Henry’s Hills in Cornelia, Georgia and it, too, was a great outing.  67 riders on Saturday and 54 on Sunday participated on sections that were technically laid out by Jamie Gourley, emphasizing off-camber turns, short hill climbs, well placed logs and creek bed riding.   The prolonged dry weather in the area made the course extra challenging because the footing was as fine as talcum powder in some places. We thank Henry and JW for taking the time to use a water hose to wet down the staging area in an effort to keep dust at a minimum.  We had a lot of new riders take part in this event.  It was great to see new people become excited with their exposure to the sport.    We hope to see them at our next event on October 19^th and 20^th at the Trails Training Center for the 58K.

As mentioned during the announcements at Henry’s Hills, the yearly STRA Business Meeting will follow Saturday’s event on November 2^nd at the Mark Moon Ride in Ringgold, Georgia.  The agenda will include voting on rule and operating changes and the election of new officers for the 2020 competition year.

Most of the current officers are willing to stay on in some capacity for 2020 but they are open to giving up their administrative positions with the STRA if someone has a desire to take over their duties.  Those officers are Dawn Shirley, Francois Saint Laurent, Ray Peters and  Eric Mattson.   The positions of President and Youth Director, however, will become vacant and an election will be held to fill those roles.  If anyone is interested but is not sure of the responsibilities, please contact me and we can discuss what the roles currently entail. Vice-Presidents note: Francois Saint Laurent is available for any position except that of President as he will be out of the country for an extended period.  We really need someone to express interest in taking over the Presidents role.

The other item scheduled on the Business Meeting agenda is modifying the current rule book and current system of operation.  We will follow the same process as we have the past two years:  any potential change to be discussed at the meeting must be submitted by noon on October 30^th to stramail@charter.net.  All proposals will be posted on this page for members to review.

Proposals should resemble this example.

“Proposal:  Amend Rule 13 – 4 states “Thirty (30) layout points will be awarded to the Trials Master and one additional worker per STRA Trial.  Layout points can only be earned one time per year.”  Propose change to “Thirty (30) layout points may be awarded to the Trials Master and up to one additional worker per STRA Trial.  Layout points can only be earned one time per year.”

Reason for the Change: Provide flexibility in awarding points.  Some Trials Masters do not want the automatic points going toward their championship score and the current rule mandates the giving of 30 points.”

I hope to get a lot of suggestions about how we can improve our association so they can be discussed at the Business Meeting on November 2^nd (stramail@chareter.net).  I also hope to see large turnouts for our last two event weekends for the 2019 STRA season at the 58K on October 19^th and 20^th and the Mark Moon Ride in Ringgold, Georgia on November 2^nd and 3^rd.

Until then, keep riding,

Douglas

Our luck with great weather ran out for our STRA April and May trials events!  For both events we had downpours in the morning, clearing rain as we rode and both were great.

Championship rounds five and six at Hickory Hills, March 13^th and 14^th had 57 riders Saturday and a hardy 37 on Sunday.  This allowed us to split score the first day but we peer scored the second day due.  Papa Joe, Ross Walls and Eric Mattson did a great job setting up the sections and loop.  It was well marked and the difficulty level was just right for the conditions.   There is no better venue on our schedule to ride in and after a rain than Hickory Hills.  Papa Joe’s ground perks great and overall the event can be best summed up as was wet, slippery, muddy and fun!  Another high point of the Hickory Hills event was that we had 16 youth riders at Saturday’s competition.  The youth program is Papa Joe’s passion and Dewanna Comer (Curt was off doing his newly assigned AHRMA duties) provided a great experience for these up and coming riders.  A big thanks to her for her solo effort!

Three weeks later we had The Spring Splash on May 4^th and 5^th, rounds seven and eight of the Championship series, at the Trials Training Center.  The forecast of heavy rain hindered the typical attendance and we had 59 riders each day.  In the end people’s caution was wasted because the weather worked out great for the adult riders.  The youth did have to brave a monsoon to ride Saturday morning but they did so with smiles.  As the weather cleared we had two beautiful days of creek and hillside riding set up in typical Charlie Roberts style plus cleaver and unique trophies to top it off.

The Spring Splash ended the first half of our Spring STRA season.  The season resumes September 14^th and 15^th at the inaugural Hollytree Offroad event in Hollytree, AL hosted by the Huntsville Trials Club.

Despite the lack of STRA events over the summer, some of our members did not stop riding.  June is typically the American Motorcyclist Association / North American Trials Council (AMA/NATC) Nationals month and we had a strong showing by our members in national competition.  The AMA/NATC Eastern Championship included two rounds in Nebraska and two in Minnesota.   We had five current STRA members compete and the highlights were Blake Bronstein taking fourth in the Jr Expert Class, Eric Mattson getting sixth overall in the Sportsman Class and Laura Peters becoming Eastern Champion in the Women Clubman class.

The Western Championship was hosted in Colorado and Oregon.  We had five current STRA members compete in Colorado and six in Oregon.  In this series Blake Bronstein again took fourth in the Jr Expert Class and Scott Jordon took third in the Senior Clubman class.

The climax of the AMA/NATC series was the PRO competition which includes all the Eastern and Western national events.   Of the twelve riders competing in this class, three are active in the STRA (Alex Niederer, Andreas Niederer and Karl Davis, Jr).  This competition saw Andreas taking ninth overall in the class and coming down the last event, he edged out Karl by one point in the final standings to claim second to Karl’s third.   What a great representation by all the riders who took part in the AMA/NATC Mototrials series!

There is still riding going on in the region so look at the area clubs for some tire time competition.  An example of this is Alan Shirley’s Fun Trial at the Chert Pit in Ringgold, GA on the 20^th of July.  His first event generated a lot of fun memories for people so we hope to see a great turnout.  Please go to the STRA Facebook page for more information.

Hollytree will come sooner than we know, so keep riding!

Douglas