European Stars And Stripes (Newspaper) - February 9, 1989, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Motorcycle madness j i re Jyh Story and photos by John Millar Wiir Burg Bureau there was a High pitched whine from the motorcycle followed by a snapping and popping from its Muffler As the rider eased off the throttle. Straining almost every muscle in his body the rider twisted the throttle again and in a heartbeat was up and Over a Concrete Culvert Section. After climbing two More Concrete obstacles the rider drove up the Back of a station Wagon Over another car turned on a dime and climbed Back Over them in the opposite direction. Even that was not the end of his daredevil ride. He proceeded to manipulate his Bike Over other obstacles seven sets in All ranging from barely tire wide Low Walls to massive stumps. The rider was t a Hollywood stuntman. Nor was he a desperate outlaw running from the authorities. He was one of 16 cyclists from five countries participating in the recent International motorcycle trial in Mannheim West Germany. As in any motorcycle trial the object was to negotiate the course As quickly As possible while accumulating As few fault Points As possible. Fault Points were Given to riders for touching any part of the course including the ground with their feet or other parts of the body. More Points were Given for straying from the course or failing to negotiate an obstacle. Any rider who failed to Complete the course in seven minutes received More fault Points. The Mannheim event sponsored by the German automobile club adar differed from what motorcycle trial enthusiasts Are used to an outdoor Competition where riders Power their machines up creeks Over logs through mud across stumps and rocks. This trial was held indoors in the City s  Multi Halle a facility normally used for gymnastics competitions and the like. Although the absence of mud dirt and rocks was evident the obstacles seemed More difficult than the average Small Waterfall in a flowing Creek. Competitors had to rely on not Only their prowess with a motorcycle but on physical strength and endurance to Man Euver through the course. One obstacle had riders motoring Over logs set in helter shelter positions Only to meet a Large Block constructed of Railroad ties. It stood about 5 feet tall and a twist of the throttle alone would t get the Bike on top. Riders had to lift their machines and accelerate at the same time. Once on top they were met with another problem. Getting Down and Landing in an area slightly wider than each Bike turning the Bike in the same area and jumping almost straight up from the floor to an identical Block seemed to be quite an accomplishment at least if the Roar of the crowd had anything to do with it. 6 stripes Magazine february 9,1989 if if