Set Sections
Join an experienced setter, carry markers, test lines and learn how sections are created for different grades. You do not have to know how to set an entire event on day one.
Membership in Action
How Members Can Help
Pathfinders is a volunteer-run motorcycle club. No member is expected to do everything, but there is a reasonable expectation that members contribute where they can during the year. A little help from many people is far better than a lot of work being left to the same few.
Why It Matters
The Trial Does Not Start When the Bikes Start
Before a rider reaches Section 1, somebody has spoken with the property owner, cleared access, planned the course, set sections, arranged permits, prepared sign-on, organised observers and officials and transported club equipment. When the last rider finishes, the work continues until the sections are pulled down and the property is left tidy.
Members do not need an official title to be useful. Many of the most valuable jobs simply need another pair of hands.
Before the Event
Help Build the Trial
Working Bees & Clearing
Help clear access, trim vegetation, move fallen branches, prepare parking areas and make the property ready for riders and families.
Signs & Equipment
Load, transport or place section equipment, arrows, signs, tables and other club gear needed for the event.
Event Planning
Experienced members can assist organisers with schedules, property liaison, volunteer coordination and the many small jobs that need to be confirmed before event day.
On Event Day
Keep the Event Moving
Observe
Give a riding day back by observing a section. New observers are supported by club officials, and observing is one of the best ways to understand the sport.
Sign-On & Administration
Help riders and officials through sign-on, direct people to the right place and support the Race Secretary with straightforward event-day administration.
Scoring & Event Support
Assist with digital scoring, checking missing information, moving equipment, checking on observers or acting as a runner between sections and event officials.
Welcome New Riders
A friendly introduction matters. Help new riders understand where to go, how the event flows and who to ask when they are unsure.
After the Last Rider
The Event Is Not Finished Yet
30
Stay Another 20–30 Minutes
This is one of the simplest and most useful things any member can do. Pull down sections, collect markers and signs, pack club equipment, pick up rubbish and help leave the property as we found it.
When ten people stay, pack-down can be quick. When everyone leaves, the organiser and a few regular helpers can be left with another hour of work.
Build the Future
Take on a Little More Over Time
Become an Official
Work toward accreditation as a Clerk of Course, Steward, Race Secretary or Technical Official. Experienced officials can help you learn the role.
Help Organise an Event
Start as an assistant organiser and learn how a trial comes together before taking responsibility for an event of your own.
Mentor & Share Knowledge
Help juniors, new riders, new section setters or new officials. Passing on knowledge is how the club becomes less dependent on a handful of experienced people.
Help Behind the Scenes
Committee work, club meetings, equipment maintenance, property relationships, sponsorship, photos, communications and website support all contribute to the club.
Recognising the Commitment
Some Roles Receive Recompense
Helping the club is part of membership, but Pathfinders also recognises that some roles create direct costs or require a substantial event-day commitment. The 2026 policy includes recompense for whole-day observers, Race Secretaries and required Scores Recorders, plus free-ride incentives for event organisers and some support roles.
A Simple Expectation
Pick One
Nobody needs to do all of these. A good starting point is to choose at least one practical contribution during the season.
Help set one event
Observe at one event
Attend one working bee
Stay and pack down
Help with sign-on or scoring
Learn an official role