Manchester 17 trials help
Advice & guidance.
Starting trials, helping as an observer, understanding the rules, finding somewhere legal to practise or simply knowing how to behave at an event — this is the place to start.
Start here
Advice for riders
Manchester 17 already publishes detailed guidance for new riders and observers. These are the most useful starting points.
Getting Started in Trials
What trials are like, where to practise, what kit you need, joining the club, ACU registration, entering your first event and what happens on the day.
Getting Started →Observing
How section observing works, TSR22A stop-permitted scoring, footing, failures and practical advice for first-time observers.
Observer guidance →Trials Etiquette
How riders are expected to behave around sections, queues, observers, other competitors and the land on which the event is held.
Trials etiquette PDF →Protect our sport
No land = no trials.
All land belongs to someone and you must have the landowner's permission before riding on it. Manchester 17 warns that unauthorised riding at event venues risks the club losing access completely.
Do not assume unfenced or apparently unused land is available for practice. Use recognised practice venues and comply with the operator's conditions.
Find legal practice venues →Practice venues
Places where practice is permitted subject to the individual operator's rules, fees and access conditions.
Practice venues →Manchester 17 trials venues
Information about the land used for club trials. Most Manchester 17 competition venues are not practice venues.
Trials venues →Competition guidance
Rules & etiquette
Club advice is useful, but the current ACU Handbook and Trials Standing Regulations remain the definitive rules for competition.
Current rules
Check the current ACU Trials Standing Regulations for eligibility, machines, marking and event requirements. Rules can change from year to year.
Visit the ACU →Respect the observer
Wait until the observer is ready before entering, clear the section when asked and remember that observers give up their time so everyone else can ride.
How observing works →Ride within your limits
Follow route marking, listen to the riders' briefing and do not attempt obstacles beyond your ability. Conditions can change quickly with rain, mud and traffic through sections.
Event-day guidance →Useful pages
More help
Quick access to the main Manchester 17 information pages connected with competing and helping at trials.
Still unsure?
Ask before you ride.
If you are unsure about an event, a route, eligibility, practice access or anything else connected with a Manchester 17 trial, contact the club before turning up or riding somewhere without permission.
Contact Manchester 17 →