INTA Boosts Amateur Motorcycle Trials Riding
Spokane, WA, Club Hosts Competitions Throughout Inland Northwest
The Inland Northwest Trials Association (INTA) was formed more than 20 years ago to give motorcycle riders a chance to participate in amateur observed trials competition.
The club is based in Spokane, but holds events throughout eastern Washington and northern Idaho from March through October annually. Many of the events take place at Sulphur Springs, an old gravel pit a few miles east of Connell, Washington. INTA also holds one event annually for the Pacific Northwest Trials Association. This event is usually held at Connell. All events are free to spectators.
Trials Like an Obstacle Course for Motorcycles
Trials competitions do not involve motorcycles racing around a track. They’re more like obstacle courses for motorcycles. Riders must navigate their bikes over natural terrain such as boulders, tree stumps, steep hills, creeks and mud, all without putting their feet down to balance themselves. Any rider who puts a foot down earns a penalty point, called a “dab” in trials lingo, for the first three times this happens. Any rider who stalls, falls off his bike or goes off course earns five points.
There are usually eight to 10 sections in a round or loop, with each round being completed several times. The rider who earns the fewest penalty points in his competition level wins.
Riders Range from Novice to Champ
There are several classes of competition, from novice or beginner to expert and champ. Each section has one basic route, with deviations to accommodate the skill levels of the riders. Different colors of plastic ribbon are used to mark the route levels.
Competitors in INTA meets range from juniors of 10 years old to senior citizens. Trials is considered a generally safe motorcycle sport since speed is not involved.
INTA Formed in 1986
INTA was formed in 1986 after two other trials clubs, CANAM and Walla Walla, folded several years earlier. A lot of work is involved in setting up trials, and members of those two clubs experienced burnout, according to Layne Davis, one of INTA’s founding members.
Davis had been competing in trials for three years in New Mexico when he moved to Spokane in 1981. Disappointed there were no longer any trials clubs, he met Jim Redman in 1982. Redman, a trials rider, had just moved back to the Spokane area.
They put on a trials event in northeastern Washington which attracted many riders but few people willing to help with setting up courses, then taking them down when the meet was over. By 1985, David and Redman had found trials riders willing to help out with the logistics, and several competitions were staged. INTA was formed the following year. The club now has about 30 members.
Riding trials at Connell, WA
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Novice trials rider
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INTA trials rider
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Trials terrain at Connell, WA
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