On The Pegs May 2019 - Volume 4 - Issue 5 | Page 47

On The Pegs
the ETdE podium
Vol. 4 Issue 5 - May 2019
47
The weather this spring has been crazy. For the 49th run-
ning of the El Trial De España, Mother Nature provided a
perfect California spring weekend. With sunny skies and
temperatures in the low 70’s, April 13th and 14th couldn’t
have been better for a weekend of exciting trials. The
weather was so nice, even a local rattlesnake showed up.
Even though this is not part of the national series, El
Trial brings out national pro riders as they prepare for the
upcoming season and for their chance to lift the coveted
Spanish Sword, the perpetual trophy of El Trial. After taking
the runner-up spot last year and then following it up with
the second spot in the national series, Gas Gas rider Daniel
Blanc-Gonnet was a favorite to take the win. His teammate
Alex Niederer who battled with him throughout 2018 was
ready too. Teenage pro Josh Roper, who trains with Blanc-
Gonnet, was ready to show his stuff.
Karl Davis Jr. on his Scorpa decided to use his vacation
from his role as a villain in the Marvel Live stunt show to
come and compete as well. Karl, who gets to ride a trials
bike in the show, hasn’t competed in the national series in a
few years, but confirmed that he will be riding for
FactoryONE Mototrials and RYP USA in the nationals this
summer.
The Pro field was set. However, El Trial De España is part
of a number of other series including the starting event of
the California State Championships, The Conquer the West
Series, and the final event of the Southern California Trials
Association (SCTA) Championship. With approximately 85
entries, this was one of the largest events in over 10 years
for the SCTA.
Saturday morning started with some excitement. At test
one, a rather large rattlesnake decided to hang out in the
main line. Once that situation was cleared up, it was game
time. Men, women and kids; the riders were taking on the
rocks, sand, trees, and off camber obstacles. The Amateur
class did two loops on Saturday and three loops on Sun-
day. The Pro Class did one loop on Saturday morning and
then a special high octane loop that is referred to as the Pro