A headline worthy of the tabloids?, yes, but such headlines are meant to draw you into reading the article, I know, its my job, and you have read this far so you may as well carry on.
Last Sunday's twinshock trial at Denman saw nearly thirty riders contest the last round of the club's championship at Martindale, which begs the question, why are there not that many riders at every Denman trial?
Sure, its a long way to travel, but where isn't in Australia? True, the bikes are heavier and more difficult to ride than their modern equivalents, but that's the point. It would be a shame, and also a travesty, to see them rotting away in some forgotten corner of a shed, never again to feel the granite rocks under their tyres, or fall into a watery grave in some flooded creekbed.
Trials riders are by nature more easy going than their 'racing' counterparts, they don't sulk at the back of the garage after every race, just because so and so beat them or the bike wasn't quite right, or they don't agree with some decision or other.
No, while waiting our turn to ride the section, we chat to each other, slag each other off if deemed necessary and exchange bike tips etc, or just watch admiringly as a higher grade rider does something we only do in our dreams.
What better way to spend one Sunday a month other than in the company of some great guys riding over some fabulous countryside?
Unfortunately, in recent months, the numbers have been falling.
Attendance at this year's two day was also down, possibly due to the powers that be in other states scheduling other events at the same time.
One suggestion has been to allow monos at some of the events, whilst keeping a certain number purely twinshock for the club championship. In my opinion, this would be a betrayal of what the club is trying to do, which is keep these bikes out there competing.
Oh that we had the same fervour as the UK riders, a statement that may well draw several responses from that end of the world.
Credit must go to Col and Mal for getting the twinshock side of the Denman club up and running, but even greater credit must go to Andy Daly and Geoff Grist, without whom it just would not happen at all, on any Sunday.
They both give up their rides on a regular basis so that the sections have observers, and the event has officials. Plus, the ladies need a toilet.
Anyone who has been involved in the running of a trial, or indeed any other type of event, knows just how much work goes into it, and to see that work come to practically nothing on the day can be very frustrating, and a little soul destroying. Full marks to Andy for lasting this long.
However, I think he's had enough and is handing the mantle on to younger hands for next year.
I'm sure everyone who has ever ridden at Denman will join me in wishing Andy well on his return to competition next year, with not a worry in the world, except of course he may be riding an RL Suzuki.
Its up to us to make sure the events are at least moderately well patronised next year, or they will disappear completely in NSW, as this is the only club catering solely for twinshocks in this state.
At the moment, the majority of riders come from the Newcastle area, a two hour trip, and Coona, ie me, a three hour trip, plus the occasional visit by other 'names' from further afield.
Perhaps these distant competitors could consider attending at least three of the proposed eight events next year, in addition to the excellent NSW Twinshock Championship in July, also organised by the club.
I believe some of the Newcastle riders are trying to organise a regular weekend practice outing, and to this end are 'collecting' venues to ride at.
If you can help, post something up on the twinshock forum. Also, without wanting to open too big a can of worms, perhaps those of you with twinshocks could give your side of the story, in fact I believe they would be welcomed.
Obviously these events would benefit from more publicity, so the intention is for the club to report on each event, complete with results, on at least one website in the future.
At the moment, the boys intend to run the events in the existing format for next year, but it is up to all those twinshock owners out there to rally round and ensure this aspect of the sport continues for many years to come.
Please note, no trials bikes were drowned during the production of this article.