Some of the nation’s best technical motorcycle riders will set their skills against extreme schist terrain in the national moto trial championships in Alexandra this Labour Weekend (October 22-24).

Southern trials group representative and event organiser Grant Anderson said it was the first time the event had been held here since 2012. 

“Ninety five entries are in to date… which range from minis, kids who might be seven or eight to those in their 60s - our masters.”

In moto trials, the emphasis is on fine balance, bravery and throttle control, with the aim to conquer the terrain without touching feet on the ground, stopping or falling off. Points are lost for these faults and the rider with the best score wins.

Riders have to make their way through a designated route suitable for their grade and age, which is marked out with coloured flags and pegs. They have 12 sections to run three times within a set time limit. 

Grant said although Central has the best trials terrain in New Zealand the sport is a minority one and not that well known.

“Motorcycle trials teach the foundations of motorcycling skills, it's the base fundamentals really and gives a good grounding that transfers to all other forms of riding safely.”

The local Southern trials group of riders have spent the past four weekends doing section marking on two properties in Blackmans and Conroys Gully.

Grant said trials is an engaging, polite form of motorsport and without the aggression that can be present in other disciplines.

“Riders have open face helmets… and it's all about skill not speed.”

Locals can earn pocket money helping with the three day event as the organisers urgently need 12 observers for each day.

“Volunteers will go away having had a great day out, there’s a lot going on and it's interesting from an spectator perspective,” Grant said.

“They’ll be looking for if [riders] put a foot down… but it's fun, and we want to pay people to observe for the day.”

Grant said a local club could put their hand up and earn $1,000, or the roles could be filled individually by school students or retirees looking for something enjoyable to do over Labour Weekend.

Volunteers need to bring their own lunch, clothing, good sturdy footwear and sunscreen and be physically fit enough for spending time outdoors from 10am - 3pm. 

Riders from the North Island and Canterbury will join those from Central, Otago and Southland in the NZ Moto trial champs.

Prizegiving is on Monday (October 24) at Monteiths Bar.

Watching the action is free, keep an eye out for the top grade riders on the orange line course as Grant said they’ll blow spectators away. 

If you like what you see, the local trials group is arranging a ‘have a go’ day on November 6 for those new to the sport. 

For more information contact Grant on 027 235 8644.