Trials USA Heritage Series: Recent Episodes
Brad Baumert
Dave Russell from New England area was one of the Pioneers of our Sport, through his efforts in the New England Trials Association he transformed local trials forever, working to formalize formats and have more organized events. He also promoted and produced a World Trials round in the USA, paving the road for others to follow.
Wiltz Wagner, who started his motorcycling at 28 years of age, was destined to put an important imprint on the sport of observed trials. He started in 1967, and we might imagine the bike would simply be for relief from the pressures of his vocation, medical research; but as the years would prove, Wiltz seemed to thrive on the pressures of making something happen. This drive would shape motorcycle trials sport in America for decades to come and the end is not in sight.
Don Sweet was a highly competitive from the 70's. His fight for the top step of the podium was relentless. During his trials career he always worked a full time job and started a family! Don left a indelible mark of hard work on the sport of Trials.
Shan found Trials and has never looked back. To say he is a contributor to the sport would be a understatement. He has turned his passion into one of the most fulfilling careers ever. His way to becoming one of the most celebrated motorcycle photojournalist was paved by Trials!
Bill Brokaw was a leading competitor and lifelong supporter of motorcycle trials competition. He helped foster trials in Southern California as a champion rider and later as an organizer in the 1950s. In the 1960s, Brokaw moved his motorcycle dealership and family to Colorado and helped form the Rocky Mountain Trials Association. He also became a member of the North American Trials Council, the organizing arm of trials competition in America.
Bob was an early competitor who bridged the gap for a Japanese factory to win championships - he changed the sport and how it was supported.
Marland was an early competitor multi-time National Champion, and international rider. Sponsored by a Japanese factory his efforts would change the way champions were supported. His hard work and ethics earned the respect of the entire sport.
Dale was a pilot who found motorcycling as a release. Finding Trials early on, he was hooked. He has won more Championships than you would care to count, became one of the largest trials motorcycle importer in the United States, supported one of the largest and most successful teams the series has ever known, and still to this day, in his 70's, is competing!
Jim Ellis formed a friendship with Bill Grapevine, he worked with Bill throughout the development and manufacturing of the prolific GRM (Grapevine Racing Motorcycles) Trials motorcycle, developed by Bill and manufactured in Mexico, you have to hear this story!
Bernie tells the unbelievable story of his journey to become the only Trials World Champion to come from the USA, His undeniable style changed trials in America forever. Learn how he went from local star to international trials legend!
Stan, a trials enthusiast to the bone. From his base in Colorado Stan has had an impact on our sport throughout this country. His efforts within the RMTA (Rocky Mountain Trials Association), his home club has produced many of the top riders in the USA. His outspoken nature has pushed the sport to improve and challenged riders skills until it hurts. Hear his incredible story!
Bill, was dedicated to trials, but his true love was training and helping the youth of our sport. Hear his adventures, unbelievable vison, and downright work he put into everything he did.
Jerry is Trials. One of the nations first Champions, he also put incredible efforts into promoting the sport, hosting many Nationals and World Trials. He has continued winning Championship throughout his senior years. Along the way he fathered the 6-time national champion Ryan Young. Hear his incredible story!
Curt lived the dream during the early part of his life, riding a motorcycle for a living. Chosen, at a very young age, by one of the Japanese brands to compete on their newly developed trials machine is not the only interesting thing about Curt, his mark on motorcycling and our sport has been lifelong.
Martin has had such an impact on Trials, both in the USA and internationally, it is hard to separate the man from the enthusiast. Besides being a early competitor in the sport, he is now the diplomat for the sport on an international level.