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Uslar-Fürstenhagen (02.06.2025) Preparations by MSC Weser-Solling for the traditional Night Trial in Uslar-Fürstenhagen are picking up pace. On Saturday, August 2, Germany’s motorcycle trial elite will compete above Uslar-Fürstenhagen in the fifth round of the German Championship.

At the monthly meeting at the “Landgasthaus zur Linde” in Fürstenhagen, Jonas Schulze, Chairman of the ADAC local club, and Dietrich Siemon, Night Trial race director, briefed the members on the upcoming preparations. “Following the successful championship debut two years ago, we have once again been awarded championship rounds for both men and women. We will again prepare seven demanding terrain sections and add even more variety to the course design,” said Schulze.

Inspiration for this was gathered the previous summer, when 25 members traveled to the World Championship round in Neunkirchen in the Siegerland region. “We watched what the best trial riders in the world do on their machines. It impressed us greatly and gave us additional motivation for our Night Trial. With our own team of judges, we showed at the World Championship that we are already world-class in at least one area,” Schulze continued.

The intense phase for the MSC organizing team begins on June 14 with a working day on the club’s own grounds. The new large barbecue area at the clubhouse will be inaugurated, which will also be used for catering during the Night Trial.

The ADAC Night Trial of MSC Weser-Solling in Uslar-Fürstenhagen
Trial riders are the acrobats and climbers of motorcycle sport. In trial, the winner is whoever masters difficult terrain sections without errors. With body control and a feel for the millimeter-perfect line, trial riders seek the best path over head-high obstacles and the perfect unity with their 70-kilogram motorcycle. Touching the ground with the feet incurs penalty points. Speed plays no role; there is only a time limit. Trial is the highest art of motorcycling. At the ADAC Night Trial in Fürstenhagen, the floodlights create additional excitement and atmosphere. The riders tackle seven terrain sections. The layout is compact. Only a few minutes’ walk separates the numerous spectator points. Since 2023, the Night Trial has been part of the German Motorcycle Trial Championship in the elite classes for men and women.

Where the Night Trial for motorcycles usually takes place, this weekend it is the cyclists who face the challenge. At MSC Weser-Solling in Uslar-Fürstenhagen, the course is set up for riders of all skill levels.

Fürstenhagen. Normally, engines roar in summer on the trial course of MSC Weser-Solling in Uslar-Fürstenhagen. Every two years, motorcycle riders demonstrate their skills as they navigate from obstacle to obstacle. On Saturday at 11 a.m., mountain bikers take to the motor and cycling sports grounds above Fürstenhagen for the two final rounds of the ADAC Hessen Cup. On Sunday, the event continues from 10 a.m. On-site registration is still possible. The entry fee is ten euros. Admission for spectators is free.

For the non-motorized two-wheelers, the same applies: the main thing is over rocks and roots. MSC Weser-Solling is hosting the two final rounds of the ADAC Hessen Cup in trial. While the MSC’s Night Trial features competition for points in the German Motorcycle Trial Championship, this autumn it is the cyclists’ turn. In twelve performance and age classes from “Hobby” to “Elite,” trial riders attempt to ride through terrain sections without putting their feet on the ground. Depending on the class and difficulty level, the course goes over stones or boulders, sloped terrain, roots, or tree trunks of various sizes.

A Challenge for All Skill Levels

Riders in the upper classes often don’t just ride through the sections but hop and jump over tall obstacles with their specialty bikes. Any type of bicycle is allowed, including unicycles. The “Smileys” in the age group up to eight years old start on balance bikes. “Anyone can come by and join in. For beginners, there are special lines that you can tackle with fun and no prior experience using any off-the-shelf mountain bike,” says Nils Kunkel, race director and deputy chairman of the ADAC local club. “We got the course into shape last weekend,” reports Kunkel.

MSC Weser-Solling expects more than 40 riders. They must ride through five to six terrain sections twice on each day. Around 20 MSC helpers are deployed. Also competing on the course is Finn Steinmann from Fürstenhagen. He aims to fight for the win in his class on his home track.

Tree trunks, stones, and other obstacles await the cyclists this weekend at the bicycle trial in Fürstenhagen.

Photo: MSC Weser-Solling e.V.

Winners and runners-up of the club championship of MSC Weser-Solling e.V. in the ADAC. From left: Thomas Klepsch (1st Touring), Ulrich Wallrafe (1st Off-Road), Uwe Henne (2nd Motorcycle Trial), Jonas Schulze (1st Bicycle Trial), Rüdiger Sonne (3rd Touring), Torsten Schumann (1st Motorcycle Trial), Silas Schumann (3rd Motorcycle Trial)

Off-Road, Trial, and Touring – MSC Weser-Solling in the ADAC
Honors Its Club Champions

(Uslar-Fürstenhagen, 13.03.2024) At the festive “Winter Social,” MSC Weser-Solling e.V. in the ADAC honored its club champions. In four categories, the active members competed for victory and placement during the past season.
At the club’s meeting place “Zur Linde” in Uslar-Fürstenhagen, Chairman Jonas Schulze (Oedelsheim) presented certificates, winner T-shirts, and contributions toward competition costs to the best of the 17 ranked competitors.
In the off-road class, Ulrich Wallrafe (Dransfeld) once again took the win. At the Erzbergrodeo, the most renowned extreme enduro race of the year, the Husqvarna rider made it to the final among nearly 1,200 starters in Eisenerz, Styria.
In the MSC’s trial competition, Torsten Schumann came out on top. He secured third place in the senior class of the German Motorcycle Trial Championship for the ADAC local club. Torsten and his son Silas Schumann (both from Mengershausen) also won the Lower Saxony Championship title in their respective age classes. Runner-up in the club championship for trial riders was Uwe Henne (Langgöns), who competed successfully at events in the Italian Alps and also managed to finish in the top six of the “Touring” class.
The winner in this category, by a wide margin, was Thomas Klepsch (Heisebeck), who among other things attended the WRC rallies in Monte Carlo and Passau as well as the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring.
Chairman Jonas Schulze was also first on two wheels and convincingly won the bicycle trial category. This year, the MSC’s own events will also focus on this discipline. On September 28 and 29, the ADAC Hessencup in bicycle trial will take place on the motor and cycling sports grounds above Fürstenhagen.

The board of MSC Weser-Solling (from left): Frederic Sonne, Martin Sonsalla, Heiner Spannuth, Jonas Schulze, Gerhard Fraas, Sabine Sonsalla, Stefan Leibecke, Nils Kunkel, David Cerny

“Outstanding Work” – MSC Weser-Solling in the ADAC Looks Back on the Night Trial and Bids Farewell to Its Chairman Dietrich Siemon

(Uslar-Fürstenhagen, 15.02.2024) “This is now my last lap as Chairman; the checkered flag is already in sight.” Dietrich Siemon sounds a bit wistful as he opens the annual general meeting of MSC Weser-Solling at the Landgasthaus zur Linde in Uslar-Fürstenhagen shortly after 7 p.m. Around 35 members and guests of the ADAC local club have gathered, and Siemon begins by looking back on a successful year 2023.
The most important event was the Night Trial, which the MSC staged again as a round of the German Championship after a four-year break. For the first time, the women’s elite class also competed in Fürstenhagen alongside the men.
“The official final report from the German Motorsport Federation commends us for outstanding work and a great event. I would like to thank all members and the supporting clubs for that,” says Siemon.
The active competitors, led by sports director David Czerny, also have successes to report. Torsten Schumann secured third place in the senior class of the German Motorcycle Trial Championship for the MSC. He and his son Silas also became Lower Saxony champions in their respective age classes. Bernd Schenkhut travels internationally as Technical Director for the motorcycle world federation. He oversees the rounds of the Endurance and Sidecar World Championships and was deployed in Japan, among other places.
The club’s finances are more down to earth. Treasurer Martin Sonsalla reports a consistently stable situation regarding income and expenditure.
Secretary Frederic Sonne is pleased about growth in the club. Membership rose from 127 to 134 in 2023, thanks to new members joining in the off-road sport area.
At the meeting, Dietrich Siemon names former motorcycle racer Günter Schlieper as an honorary member. Schlieper was successful in the German Road Racing Championship and in trial, among other disciplines. Jörg-Otto Quentin also receives the honorary title. He served the club in numerous roles, including Vice Chairman, Youth Officer, and Auditor. Schlieper and Quentin have been MSC members for 50 years.
Also honored for long-standing membership are Jochen Dörner, Heike Fraas, Manfred Sustrate (25 years each) and Uwe Thies (40 years).
Large parts of the new MSC board have considerably fewer years under their belts. Dietrich Siemon proposes Vice Chairman Jonas Schulze (27) as his successor. The assembly accepts the proposal by an overwhelming majority and subsequently elects Nils Kunkel (29) as the new Vice Chairman. With Secretary Frederic Sonne (26), half of the club’s leadership is now under 30 years old.
Confirmed in their roles are David Czerny, Martin Sonsalla, and press officer Heiner Spannuth, as well as auditors Frank Krummacker and Stefan Leibecke. The same applies to the arbitration board consisting of Gerhard Fraas, Udo Schminke, and Sabine Sonsalla.
After the elections, Jonas Schulze pays tribute to his predecessor, who joined the MSC in 1978 and has held official positions in the club for 32 years. Siemon served as assistant sports director and Vice Chairman, among other roles. As an active competitor, he rode bicycle and motorcycle trial, supermoto, and circuit racing in the Harley Davidson Cup. Since 1993, Siemon has been the Night Trial race director and will continue in this role for the next edition in August 2025.
“In your twelve years as Chairman, you have elevated the Night Trial to the German Championship and taken on an important role for trial sport in the region and throughout Germany. We thank you for that,” says the new Chairman Schulze, presenting his predecessor with a certificate as “Honorary President for Special Tasks” to the applause of the members. Dietrich Siemon will continue to maintain contacts with local politics and allied clubs on behalf of the MSC.
Successor Schulze, meanwhile, looks ahead to the coming year, for which he called on the ever-growing membership to provide more support with the club’s work.
The planned sporting highlight on the club’s own motor and cycling sports grounds is the ADAC Hessencup in bicycle trial at the end of September. At past events, over 100 participants in various classes were at the start.
The MSC will also show its presence at the international level. At the Motorcycle Trial World Championship round in Neunkirchen in the Siegerland region (July 5-7), the Schumann family will provide a judging team. A club trip to this trial highlight is also being considered.
Other dates include the May Day hike and trips to the Nürburgring for the 24-hour race (May 30 – June 2) and the camping meet in August, during which MSC members also plan to attend the Oldtimer Grand Prix (August 8-10). 
Beyond sporting activities, Schulze provided information about a planned merger with MSC Göttingen. Very constructive discussions between the two clubs and ADAC Niedersachsen/Sachsen-Anhalt are currently underway.
When the meeting ends at 9:23 p.m., the outgoing and new chairman set off together on the last lap of the day – to the photo session with the elected and honored members at the MSC Weser-Solling clubhouse.

(Uslar-Fürstenhagen, 22.02.2023) “Just keep going with the bicycle trial. You’ll get to motorcycles naturally!” The sporting advice comes from the longest-serving member of MSC Weser-Solling Uslar-Fürstenhagen to its youngest. Former motorcycle sidecar racer Arnold Kubitza (Schoningen), born in 1936, sits after the general meeting of the ADAC local club in a convivial round together with bicycle trial rider Finn Steinmann (Fürstenhagen), born in 2008.
Earlier, MSC Chairman Dietrich Siemon (Fürstenhagen) had led a harmonious members’ meeting of the club at the Landgasthaus Zur Linde. Siemon and his fellow board members David Cerny (Uslar, Sports Officer), Jonas Schulze (Oedelsheim, Vice Chairman), Frederic Sonne (Kassel, Secretary), and Martin Sonsalla (Dransfeld, Treasurer) reported on stable finances, membership numbers, and activities in the enduro and trial disciplines. The board was elected unanimously by the 41 members present. The new press officer is Heiner Spannuth (Bückeburg).
In the subsequent outlook on the 2023 season, the revival of the Night Trial on July 29 was the focal point. Once again, the most spectator-friendly trial event in Germany counts toward the German Championship. For the first time, the women’s class will also compete in Fürstenhagen. Chairman Siemon said: “The first items are checked off. The event parking issue was resolved informally at the Christmas market in Fürstenhagen, and the volunteer fire department is on board again.” Jonas Schulze added: “We will build a new section. In a very sustainable way, we’re using stones from Heisebeck that we used to practice bicycle trial on.” A working day is planned in the coming weeks.
Other dates in the club’s calendar include the camping meet at the Nürburgring from August 12-19 as part of the Oldtimer Grand Prix. Locally in Fürstenhagen, members are participating in the “Clean Countryside” campaign on April 1 and going on a group hike, first on May 1.
Honored for long-standing membership were Birgit Hartwig (Adelebsen, 25 years), Bernd Schenkhut (Einbeck, 30 years), Renate Drüke (Fürstenhagen), Edelgard Engelhardt (Fürstenhagen), and Inge Sustrate (Fürstenhagen), each 40 years.
Dietrich Siemon named club veteran Horst Henze (Bursfelde) as a new honorary member. Henze has been an MSC member for 50 years. He competed in autoslalom on Audi and Mitsubishi in the 1980s. His wife Loretta fondly remembers the time and their shared successes. She said: “We took turns in the race car and were both fast. In Bad Pyrmont, I once won the big trophy from the casino in the ladies’ class.”
Arnold Kubitza has even more years of membership to show. Kubitza is the last remaining founding member of MSC Weser-Solling and receives the honorary certificate for 60 years of membership. “In my younger years, I participated in cross-country rides, some over 250 kilometers, mostly on a 250cc Adler with a sidecar,” recalls Kubitza. And further: “My passion for the sport was great. At times, up to ten motorcycles were in my garage.”
Bicycle trial rider Finn Steinmann listens to Kubitza with interest and studies at length a photograph of MSC Weser-Solling’s first cross-country ride from May 1, 1962, which the veteran had given him: “It’s time I started riding motorcycles too,” he says.

Preparations for the International Night Trial on the second Saturday in August in Uslar-Fürstenhagen are in full swing. National and international top riders from various countries will battle their way through spectacular terrain obstacles under floodlights for the 19th time on August 12, 2017.

For race director Dietrich Siemon, the Night Trial magic already began in winter 2016: “We took advantage of the good weather between Christmas and New Year to make initial modifications to the course, including improvements to the access routes,” says Siemon. For the 52-year-old, this is his third Night Trial as chairman of MSC Weser-Solling. Things really get going for Siemon and the 25-strong setup team on weekends: “We still have a lot planned. One section is being completely rebuilt, and on the others we are again creating spectacular riding lines.” The first stones have already been delivered and are being placed on site right away (see photo).

In the week before the Night Trial, the MSC works on the course every day.

Together with the Technical Relief Agency (THW) from Bad Lauterberg, the 30,000-watt floodlight system will also be set up.

On the remaining July and August weekends, the team prepares the course, the judges’ tower, and the spectator catering area. Immediately before the competition, the MSC prepares the course specifically for riding in the dark. Around 20 tall floodlight masts are installed for this purpose. Each individual section is illuminated with approximately 2,000 watts.

Volker Meyer is already out and about several times a week on Night Trial business. The 44-year-old is responsible for marketing: “The sponsor search for the program booklet and the course is going well. Several companies quickly snapped up their regular spots at the sections. But we can still offer attractive advertising opportunities,” says Meyer. In the coming days, he plans to boost regional advertising with several hundred promotional posters, banners, and flyers.

Fürstenhagen. So that international top riders can tackle spectacular terrain obstacles on August 12, 2017, preparations at Motorsportclub Weser-Solling in Fürstenhagen are already in full swing.

For race director Dietrich Siemon, the trial magic already began around Christmas: “We took advantage of the good weather between Christmas and New Year to make initial modifications to the course, including improvements to the access routes,” says Siemon. The 50-year-old is overseeing the competition of motorcycle acrobats for the second time as chairman of MSC Weser-Solling.

New Sections

Things really get going for Siemon and the 25-strong setup team on weekends: “We still have a lot planned. One section is being completely rebuilt, and on the others we are again creating spectacular riding lines.” The first stones have already been delivered and are being placed on site right away.

In the week before the Night Trial, the MSC works on the course every day. Together with the Technical Relief Agency (THW) from Bad Lauterberg, the 30,000-watt floodlight system will also be set up. On the remaining July weekends, the team prepares the course, the judges’ tower, and the spectator catering area. Immediately before the competition, the MSC prepares the course specifically for riding in the dark. Around 20 tall floodlight masts are installed for this purpose. Each section is illuminated with 2,000 watts.

Volker Meyer is already out and about several times a week on Night Trial business. The 42-year-old is responsible for marketing: “The sponsor search for the program booklet and the course is going well. Several companies quickly snapped up their regular spots at the sections. But we can still offer attractive advertising opportunities,” says Meyer. In the coming days, he plans to boost regional advertising with several hundred promotional posters, banners, and flyers. (nh/shx)

On September 8, 2013, a round of the bicycle trial Hessencup 2013 took place in Fürstenhagen for the third time. In beautiful weather, 50 bicycle trial riders gathered to compete against each other. Together with visitors and MSC members, around 150 bicycle trial enthusiasts came to the Schweineweide. It was the 6th round of the bicycle trial Hessencup this year.

The Hessencup was created to inspire young and interested bicycle trial riders for the sport. In the individual rounds, each participant can improve their riding skills.

8 sections had been prepared. Among others, MSC junior riders Jonas Schulze and Nils Kunkel actively helped build the sections. Both also competed themselves. The individual sections offered multiple lines in different colors and competition classes/difficulty levels.

Competition classes/difficulty levels with corresponding color:

• Elite U16 and above / red
• Specialists open / green
• Experts open / blue
• Advanced U13 and above / white
• Advanced up to U13 / white
• Hobby U13 and above / black-white
• Hobby up to U13 / black-white
• Beginners U13 and above / black Nonstop
• Beginners up to U13 / black Nonstop
• Smiley up to U9 / Nonstop

The Hessencup organizers and the active riders were very satisfied with the sections and the overall organization. The following MSC members competed:
– Sören Kunkel, who took 2nd place in an exciting tiebreaker (Beginners),
– Carlotta Stuwe took 2nd place in the Smiley class.

On Sunday, February 3, 2012, the club champions of MSC “Weser-Solling” e.V. Fürstenhagen in the ADAC were honored.

After a brunch, the highlight was, as every year, the awards ceremony for the 2012 club champions. All winners were delighted to receive the coveted club champion T-shirts. These were presented by the Chairman Dietrich Simon. For the 2012 club championship, MSC members, including active motorsport competitors, had entered in a total of 8 different categories.

The results were as follows:

The “Automobile Sport” category once again went to the rally team of Uwe Henne/driver (Langgöns) and Frank Krummacker/co-driver (Göttingen). The team completed 3 international events last year:

• France: Retirement
• Southern Sweden: Class winner, 47th overall
• Waldviertel Rally in Austria: Class winner, 19th overall

The Southern Sweden Rally in spring 2012 was the 40th rally together for Uwe Henne and Frank Krummacker.

The “Motorcycle” category was won by Ulrich Wallrafe (Göttingen). He participated in the 2012 Erzbergrodeo in Austria: Qualifying: 281st place, Final: 193rd place

“Motorcycle Trial” club champions (awarded twice in 2012) were Manfred Sustrate (Fürstenhagen) and Torsten Schumann (Göttingen)

Results for Manfred Sustrate:
German Trial Cup: Class 3, 20th overall
Lower Saxony Championship: Class 3, 6th place
Hesse-Thuringia Championship: Class 3, 1st place
Various event participations: Nord Cup, City Trial Cup, OWL Championship, Arena Trial (25 events total)

Results for Torsten Schumann:
5 European Championship rounds: Class Over 40, 9th overall
4 German Trial Senior Cup rounds: Class 4, 4th overall
Various event participations: Nord Cup and other trials (14 events total)

The “Motorcycle Trial Youth” category went to Janos Schumann (Göttingen). He successfully participated in a total of 4 events.

The “Bicycle Trial” category went to Jonas Schulze (Oedelsheim). At many bicycle trial events, he frequently stood on the podium and brought home many trophies.
Results:
Best result: Hessian Youth Champion!
North German Championship: 3rd place
German Championship: 20-inch class, 7th place

The “Helper” category went to Manfred Eickmeier (Fürstenhagen), who actively supported both the motorcycle and bicycle trial teams. As water carrier, mechanic, driver, and team manager, Manfred deservedly won this category.

Club champion in the “Junior Touring” category was Frederic Sonne (Heisebeck). Supported by his parents, he was a regular presence at many trial events.

The traditionally most fiercely contested “Touring” category was won this year by Inge Sustrate (Fürstenhagen). By attending numerous motorsport events such as motorcycle and bicycle trial, she deservedly became club champion.

Afterward, everyone sat together in a relaxed atmosphere and spent a few enjoyable hours together.

On August 29, 2010, a round of the bicycle trial Hessencup 2010 took place for the first time. In very mixed weather, 55 bicycle trial riders gathered at the Schweineweide to compete against each other. It was the 4th round of the bicycle trial Hessencup…

On August 29, 2010, a round of the bicycle trial Hessencup 2010 took place for the first time. In very “mixed” weather, 55 bicycle trial riders gathered at the “Schweineweide” to compete against each other. It was the 4th round of the bicycle trial Hessencup. The Hessencup was created to inspire young and interested bicycle trial riders for the sport. In the individual rounds, each participant can improve their riding skills.

8 sections were prepared. Among others, MSC junior riders Jonas Schulze and Nils Kunkel actively helped build the sections. Both also competed themselves. The individual sections offered multiple lines in different colors and competition classes/difficulty levels.

• Elite U15 and above / red
• Specialists open / green
• Experts open / blue
• Advanced U15 and above / white
• Advanced up to U15 / white
• Hobby U15 and above / black-white
• Hobby up to U15 / black-white
• Beginners U15 and above / black Nonstop
• Beginners up to U15 / black Nonstop
• Smiley up to U9 / Nonstop

The following results were achieved by the bicycle trial riders of MSC Weser-Solling e.V. Fürstenhagen in the ADAC:

• Björn Henrici took 2nd place in the “Elite U15 and above” class
• Jonas Schulze took 2nd place in the “Specialists open” class
• Nils Kunkel took 3rd place in the “Experts open” class
• Frederic Sonne took 5th place in the “Advanced up to U15” class
• Jannes Thies took 1st place in the “Hobby U15 and above” class

The Hessencup organizers and the active riders were very satisfied with the sections and the overall organization. Everyone had a great time; only the awards ceremony took place in light rain. But that didn’t dampen the good mood. After the awards ceremony, everyone gathered for grilled food and various cold drinks, and the day ended on a satisfying note.

Gert Eggert of Eggis Motorradshop in Duderstadt has noticed this too. Eggert knows the club through the international Night Trial, which the MSC organizes every 2 years, and is aware of the youth work in the club…

New Trial Motorcycle for MSC Youth

Things are happening at MSC Weser Solling in the ADAC! Gert Eggert of Eggis Motorradshop in Duderstadt has noticed this too. Eggert knows the club through the international Night Trial, which the MSC organizes every 2 years, and is aware of the youth work in the club. Once again, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer Beta has launched an initiative to promote youth development, aimed at raising the profile of trial sport in Germany. The Duderstadt motorcycle dealer immediately thinks of the MSC.

In this initiative, interested motorsport clubs are provided with a motorcycle free of charge for one season for their youth work. Only wear parts, crash damage repairs, and inspections must be covered. However, these can be carried out by the club itself, which should also have an educational benefit for the young trial riders. Currently, the MSC youth group consists of about 15 kids aged between 6 and 14. Since very few of them have their own motorcycles, it is good that the MSC can now provide 2 trial motorcycles for practice sessions with the new 125cc Beta and the club’s own 200cc GasGas.

The handover of the trial motorcycle took place on April 10, 2010 at the club grounds “Schweineweide.” Many members were there for a working day to get the motocross track back into shape after the harsh winter for the upcoming season.

Ten years after his first start at the “Night Trial” of MSC Weser-Solling, Czech rider Pavel Balas has reached the top: Sunday morning around 0:30 a.m., he sets up for the final jump and lands precisely on the large boulder that traditionally replaces the winner’s podium on the “Schweineweide” in Uslar-Fürstenhagen.

In a gripping duel with the favorite Tadeus Blazusiak from Poland, the toolmaker from the Giant Mountains showed a touch more balance and won by just two points. Third was the German Champion Carsten Stranghöner from Herford.

Five years without a Night Trial was enough for the members of MSC Weser-Solling under event director Gerhard Fraas. With great energy, they had prepared six different scoring sections over weeks of work. Tree trunks, boulders, concrete pipes, and huge wheel loader tires were artfully placed in the path of the nine trial riders from four countries. The course had to be ridden as cleanly as possible in four rounds. Penalty points were given whenever a rider touched the ground with a foot, crashed, or went off course.

The roughly 1,500 spectators had it considerably easier than the riders: Only a few hundred meters separated the individual sections, and the numerous interesting viewing points could be reached quickly and comfortably. Particularly popular was the small “stadium” by the clubhouse, through which two sections passed, each perfectly illuminated by large floodlight masts provided by the Technical Relief Agency (THW) from Bad Lauterberg. Several hundred trial fans were constantly seated in the arena, turning the natural amphitheater into a cauldron of excitement.

Next to it stood perhaps the most spectacular section, nicknamed “Woodhenge” by the fans: The trial riders first carefully balance over an apparently random jumble of railroad ties. Then a brief stop, a momentary phase of concentration, powerful throttle blips in neutral. With great momentum, they charge up a steep wall of wooden steps. The ride ends with a mighty leap onto a broad platform. Even the sputtering two-stroke engines couldn’t compete with the spectators’ cheers after a successful run. The two top riders from Poland and the Czech Republic clearly set the pace in this section and were the only ones to go clean. The 28-year-old Balas had to put his foot down only once in the entire first round. Blazusiak from Krakow, on the other hand, crashed at the entrance to the “stadium” and received a “five” – the maximum penalty in trial. In the second round, the 19-year-old from Poland regained composure, then went on the attack in the third round: just two points. Balas, by contrast, collected eight. But the Czech rider stayed calm: just two points each for both riders in the final sections, sealing the first Czech victory in Fürstenhagen.

Balas accepts the winner’s trophy with likeable modesty. His father, who is also his minder, had earlier revealed the – quite simple – secret of the day’s success: “I left him alone during the ride, so he kept his nerves and won.” Competitor Blazusiak paid gracious respect: “Pavel rode outstandingly today.” And further: “I still need to gradually work out the lines through the sections in Fürstenhagen; it doesn’t happen immediately. The other riders already have more experience here.”

This applies among others to Carsten Stranghöner from Herford, who entered the Night Trial for the first time in 1994 and became a participant in a curious way: The now 24-year-old Westphalian was passing through and coming from a training camp. Unexpectedly, he saw his own name on the start list. Without his knowledge, his trial-enthusiastic relatives had registered him with MSC Weser-Solling. With a dirty machine and in a T-shirt, he entered the competition and thus began his international career, which to date includes four German championship titles among other achievements.

After a final sprint in the last round, the aspiring wholesale and foreign trade clerk finished third at the 2002 Night Trial, ahead of veteran Jens ter Jung from Burbach. The three young German riders Steffen Ulzheimer, Timon Oster, and Christian Wassermann bravely took on the comparison with the international elite. They earned personal successes with places seven through nine, on which they can build for their further careers. The Night Trial concept also seems more than viable after this attractive revival: The trial riders may soon be landing precisely on rocks and roots at night elsewhere too, as there are plans for a nationwide series of four competitions based on the Fürstenhagen model.