We got this On The Edge 2-Wheel Action Shows press release from Tom McNeil this week. The TTC is one of the show sponsors and our very own Alex Bedley is one of the riders.
On The Edge performs trials demos for audiences throughout the southeast and has two goals in mind according to Tom McNeal, owner/rider. “Our goals are to provide top notch entertainment at events and also introduce people to trials and encourage them to try it out”, McNeal said. “If trials demos aren’t connecting the dots to events or venues where interested individuals can try trials out we are really missing the boat. That’s why we encourage people to come to the Trials Training Center and learn more about the sport and take a class”.
The team consists of Alex Bedley and Will Ibsen on the motorcycles and Dave Campbell and Nigel Kohring on the bicycles. With a new rig and setup the shows have taken on an even more professional look and 2012 is looking to be a busy year. Events typically include fairs, festivals, car shows, concerts, etc. McNeal added, “We would like to book more demos at enduro, motocross and other motorcycle related events. That is where you get people who have a passion for motorcycles and many who may be to the point of giving trials a try. My work with Dale Malasek, GasGas USA, is to get as many new people into trials as possible. Without Dale at GasGas, Trials Training Center, Whataburger, Go Build Alabama and Bell Company we would not be able to be near as successful and we hope that we can positively impact the trials community”.
Many recognizable names in the sport have helped On The Edge get to where they are through influence, advice and friendships including Charlie Roberts, Catherine Bedley, Geoff Aaron, Nelson Crouch and of course Tom’s dad and brother Glenn and Steve McNeal.
You can check out the team on Facebook and ‘Like’ them for a chance to win an official team jersey. Their website is www.ontheedgeactionshows.com. Feel free to contact them if you would like to book them for your next event.
Although the demo’s are no dought entertaining, I personally believe it scares soom people away from the sport of trials. Your demo’s should include novices that are doing some very simple ‘stunts’. Showing nose wheelies, jumping up on cars, riding up on the top of the truck, etc. will, in some cases, give the impression that “all trials riders’ are nuts. I’ve had people tell me that they attended a trials exibition in Kansas City and will never get into trials, because they “just ain’t that stupid”. I tried to explain that you start out in the beginners class and go up from there, but… not sure if I got through to them or not.
Hi Marion, thanks for chiming in.
I think it’s a valid criticism but it’s also true for other sports, for example Supercross and Endurocross in stadiums where many people have no clue that there are club-level Motocross and Enduros events for those starting out.
With On The Edge, Tom McNeil really wants to educate people and get them to try trials, which is why he says in his press release:
Good point Marion and it is up to the announcer and riders to get the point across that you do start on the basics and can work up as high as you want to or are able to.
My hope is that when my girls get a bit older I can have them in the show doing some very basic moves and show the audience than a 9-10 yr old girl can do trials and so can they.
Happy 2012!!