Hello Trials Guru reader!

This is a rather different ‘Gloves Off’ as I have been off on my travels again to Belgium for the 50 year celebration of Domaine Bilstain, which of course was the big talking point in the early 1980s with their famous huge step!

I have obtained permission from our good friend at the Spanish Trial premier website, ToDoTrial, Horacio San Martin to make use of his excellent report for your enjoyment.

Best regards, Bernie Schreiber

Photo Credits: Bernie Schreiber; Pierre Yves Soete; Hugo Jossart; Thomas Baarz; Pascal Degueldre.

The Bilstain Motor Area, in Belgium, celebrated its fifty years of existence in style during the weekend of September 30 and October 1, with great riders within the history of trials.

Text: Horacio St. Martin

Domaine Bilstain was founded in 1973 and then it has been a reference place for motor enthusiasts, from all over Europe, mainly in off-road disciplines, both on two and four wheels.

Although its area is not very large, the enthusiasm and work of those who founded it and keep it alive.

While the existence of trial areas or motocross circuits are the most normal and common facilities in the vast majority of advanced countries, unfortunately in Spain we are still in a state of “underdevelopment” in terms of trial areas or areas where it allows its practice, since few places have ideal areas to enjoy our sport in nature, mainly in Catalonia. The reason we have so few areas is none other than the excessive zeal and obstacles on the part of the environmental authorities of our country. That is why the Bilstain Area turning 50 years old is a reference, an example to follow and a demonstration that the environmental impact is minimal and completely sustainable.

The event was great and given the great trial history of this place, which hosted some of the most famous rounds of the trial world championship in the 80s, one of the main activities was the Trial of Legends.

It featured some of the most renowned riders in the history of trials, as well as Mick Andrews, Bernie Schreiber, Steve Saunders, Charles Coutard and Adam Raga. Prominent local drivers such as Eric Lejeune and other fans.

There were also multiple world champions, Jordi Tarrés and Eddie Lejeune, who although they did ride on their motorcycles, they did not take part in the trial.

There were concerts, a gala dinner, a giant paella, autograph, an exhibition of classic trial motorcycles, and spectacular trial and trial bike exhibitions by Adam Raga and Kenny Belaey. Possibly the most anticipated moments of the weekend were those in which the aforementioned great trial myths could be seen in action in the areas.

Adam Raga was competing on a BSA Pre-65 4-stroke, thus giving a certain advantage to the rest and offering a nice spectacle, with Mick Andrews, at 79 years old, at the controls of a modern Vertigo!

It was especially nice to see the magnificent steps through the areas of Bernie and Charles on a Bultaco or Steve on a Honda Rothmans. Along with them, the fans shared areas, and one of the most beautiful things about our sport is the closeness between all the fans and with the great champions.

Sunny and pleasant weekend that the greatness of trial and its beautiful history could be enjoyed.

So here is to continued support for our sport for at least another 50 years!