Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/1048523
16 Trail Rider The Trials Section By Stu Preston Ah, the good old days! Who else can remember a me when dirt bikes were simple, fun and affordable enough for almost anyone to enjoy? When the most expensive hauler in the pits was a van or pickup, and camping out in your tent was living large? When all you needed to ride was a decent pair of boots, a pair of denim blue jeans, and helmets were op onal? When there were only three classes for Novice, Am- ateur, and Experts, and we all had fun almost every me at the events? Great days, indeed, that many of us would love to return to if we could. Well, who says you can't go back in me? Turns out the spirit of the past lives on if you know where to look, and a great example of this is the annual Kentuck Vintage Trial held each year in Killingly, Connec cut. Not only is this a fabu- lous day of fun in the forest for the Trials bikes (and riders) of yore, but the story behind this event is a great one as well! Imagine if you can, a fun yet challenging event for aging Trials bikes, set up by one person, with no entry fee, free food and drinks, tro- phies for each and every class, and all in an invi ng area of the New England woods full of fun rocks, roots, hills and hollows. Everywhere you look there are wonderful vintage Trials bikes, out in the elements where they belong, and all being ridden by happy riders with smil- ing faces throughout the day. Well imagine no more, as this event is for real, and ready for more to join in the fun as future seasons arrive. Full credit for this wonderful happening goes to long- me Trials enthusiast Gordon Brennen, who works relessly to manage the Kentuck Trial each and every July for the enjoyment of all lucky enough to a end. Riding his Penton Mudlark, Gordon knows what Vintage bikes are all about, and each year he sets up a fun and manageable course that is just right for the