Motourage

Jordan Szoke uncrated his new Raga Gas-Gas 300 just one short week before Rounds #2 and #3 of the Canadian Motorcycle Association Observed Trials Championship held in Tweed and Arden, just a few kilometers from Belleville ON.  At the end of the two day event, a new CMA Trials Champion was crowned.  Szoke once again, attempted to become the slowest man in Canada on a motorcycle and follow up his 2009 CMA Trials Championship.

Jordan Szoke, photo courtesy of u-vu.ca

The backyard of Dave Cordy in Tweed ON hosted Round 2.  The last time an event was held at this location it was a prestigious World Event.  The organizers carefully laid out a 10 section four-loop competition for the Nationals.  The CMA competitors adjusted to what seems to be the norm in Trials competitions – a small amount of moisture decorating the sections.  Around noon on Saturday, Szoke strapped on his Shoei and starts out on his new Raga Gas-Gas for his first loop.  In Trials competitions the goal is to achieve the lowest score by keeping your feet off the ground and yourself on the motorcycle, while negotiating through a series of sections placed within a loop.  Szoke scored most of his points in the first and second loop as he familiarized himself with the proper lines, finishing the day in third and giving him one small point lead in the championship.  When asked about his third place finish, Szoke replied, “I was riding really well today and I love my new motorcycle; although unfortunately we had some mechanical problems kept us out of it today.  Tomorrow doesn’t come soon enough”

Large staircases and huge rock walls welcomed the Expert CMA competitors Sunday morning at the 400-acre home of Dave Southam in Arden, ON.  “This area is just awesome.” says Szoke “It’s really tough, but that’s just the way I like it. ”  10 modern, carefully laid out sections in a three-loop event was all that stood between Szoke and his second CMA National Trials Championship in two years.  A spectacular ride in section five of the second loop, Szoke was leading the event just a few points ahead of his closest competitor, Will Duggan of Victoria, BC.   “That was the ride of my life.” says Jordan.  Szoke collected a few extra points in the third loop and finished the event in second place, enough to earn him another CMA National Trials Championship for the second consecutive year.  Second was Jordan’s good friend Jonathan English, and Will Duggan earned third place in the three round championship.

“What an amazing year for us.” says Jordan “To earn not only a perfect season and a National Championship in Superbike, a National Championship in Sportbike and to follow it up with another National Trials Championship is just a dream come true.”

What is Observed trials?