For the past 35 years the American Trials Association (ATA) of Southern California has been hosting an annual fundraiser event known as the El Trial de España (ETdE), with all proceeds going to send a team of America's best motorcycle trials riders to Europe to represent the U.S. in the International Trial des Nations (TdN) competition. El Trial de España has become the oldest and most prestigious trials in America and the ATA wants everyone to mark their calendar and join us for what promises to be an even bigger and better annual American trials classic. This year's event will be held on Saturday and Sunday May 22 and 23, 2004.The location of this year's ETdE will be Reed Valley, a private trials riding paradise near Temecula, CA, less than a two-hour drive from LA or San Diego. Reed Valley is also the home of new ETdE title sponsor MotoVentures Inc, offering dirt bike training and trials riding services from this site. MotoVentures and the ATA will host a press day on Thursday, May 20 before the event with all the Top trials riders and trials bike manufacturers on hand to answer questions and offer test rides. Traditionally, the ETdE has been held in conjunction with an AMA Trials National, relegating it to more of a social gathering for all participants other than the Pros. Now as a stand-alone event, the ATA can create a fun and challenging two-day event with fundraising proceeds now split between the TdN team fund and the ATA land acquisition fund.To generate the much needed funding each year the ATA sells t-shirts, charges a spectator and camping fee, and sells raffle tickets with many great prizes that include new motorcycles and many valuable products donated by generous sponsors. Of course direct donations are always welcome. Bill Markham, ATA President states: "The 35th El Trial de España will be like the old days where all participants will get a great competition on Saturday and then watch the best American riders duke it out for the prestigious win on Sunday, all while raising money for a worthy cause."For more info on trials in Southern California visit www.atatrials.com.
