I had Media Credentials issued by Cycle Canada Magazine to photographically cover the 1981 FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) World Motorcycle Observed Trials round at Watkin’s Glen, NY. The United States round of the 1981 FIM Trial World Championship was held on June 14, 1981, at Watkins Glen, New York. The event took place during a transitional era for motorcycle observed trials, marked by the rise of younger riders introducing trick-riding techniques and a shift away from the historical dominance of Spanish manufacturers. It was very hot and humid!
from Google:
The United States round of the 1981 FIM Trial World Championship was held on June 14, 1981, at Watkins Glen, New York. The event took place during a transitional era for motorcycle observed trials, marked by the rise of younger riders introducing trick-riding techniques and a shift away from the historical dominance of Spanish manufacturers. [1, 2]
🏁 Key Event Highlights
- The Winner: French rider Gilles Burgat took first place riding for the Italian manufacturer SWM. [1, 2]
- The Dramatic Tie-Break: Burgat tied with his countryman, Charles Coutard (riding a Montesa 349), with both finishing the grueling trial with 47 marks lost. Burgat secured the victory via the tie-break rule by recording three more “cleans” (zero-penalty sections) than Coutard. [1, 2]
- Challenging Conditions: Competitors faced typical hot, humid summer weather in upstate New York. The terrain featured tight, technical layouts and exceptionally slippery waterfall sections. [1]
- Evolution of Technique: This specific trial highlighted a stark contrast in styles. Former World Champion Bernie Schreiber showcased his famous “floating bank turn” by bouncing his front wheel off rock faces, while the victorious Burgat utilized precise clutch control and two-wheel hop combinations to navigate the tight sections. [1, 2]
This victory at Watkins Glen served as a pivotal stepping stone for the 19-year-old Burgat, who went on to secure the 1981 FIM Trial World Championship title later that year
footnote from Google:
According to records, he held official Media Credentials from Cycle Canada Magazine for the event, working as a photographer on-site during the 1981 FIM World Motorcycle Observed Trials round at Watkins Glen. As a local trials rider from Ottawa himself, he documented the event alongside other Canadian enthusiasts who made the trip down to New York to watch the world’s top competitors.
