One of the amazing things about observed trials is the world class talent it attracts. This is not only true of the participants on the bikes, but also happens to be true in this case of a participant behind the camera and on the keyboard--a particular Shan Moore. Longtime pubisher of Trials Competition newspaper, Shan began covering national level events for Cycle News, and shortly therafter won MotoJournalist of the Year Honors from the AMA. He was recently inducted into the Trials Hall of Fame by the NATC.

Shan just fired up Trials & Enduro News, broadening the scope of his trials coverage into the world of off-road racing and riding. Responsible for some of the most iconic images caught on-camera in trials, Shan's also an all-around good guy. I thought it might be fun to turn the tables and have Shan become the interviewee for once. And a "10 Question" session seems to be a cool way to do it. So, without further ado...

1. Shan, when did you start riding? Was trials your first motorcycling experience?
My first bike was a Honda 90 that I rode to school when I was 14. At that time you could get a motorcycle license at 14 to ride on the street. My first racing experience was in motocross. There was a really cool track in a nearby town that hosted an InterAm race and I was hooked after watching that.

2. How did you get started writing?
At about the time I got married, when I was 28, I got into trials and eventually I was nominated to do the club newsletter.

3. How did your involvement with Trials Competition begin?
The Joe Patrick and his family (wife, Clara, and daughters Carolyn, Rhonda and Vonda), owned Trials Comp at the time, and when Joe passed away, the family had problems keeping things going, so I was at a national in New Mexico and Clara asked me if I wanted to buy Trials Comp. I thought about it all the way home and called her that night and said, Yes! It's been a learning experience ever since.

4. How did Trials & Enduro News come about?
Actually, another former Trials Comp owner first introduced enduro coverage to T.C. Curt Comer, the 1981 national trials champ, ran Trials Comp for several years and he turned it into Trials & Enduro News in the early 90's. When the Patricks bought the paper they dropped the enduro coverage. I've been covering the national enduro series for Cycle News for the past five years and I have just always thought the two sere very similar.

5. Which events do you most look forward to going to each year?
I love going to the Trials Training Center and I love Donner Ski Ranch, so I was excited to see that round on the schedule for 2010. But mainly, I just like trials people, so any big trials event I go to is right where I want to be. But I can't forget the Central Regional Series. That series is dear to me because there are some really good clubs involved and it was something that Ramon Agurrie and I came up with - a series for the average guy.

6. What was your funniest interview?
An interview with Dougie Lampkin. It was funny because his father, Martin, would butt in and answer the questions for Dougie if he thought Dougie couldn't think of an answer.

7. What are your favorite motorcycles?
Anything with new technology. When the first Betas came out with disc brakes, it was soooo cool. Then the watercooled Aprilia's were a big fav of mine. Right now, I can't wait to see the new Sherco and OSSA in person.

8. Do you have a picture you've taken over the years that really jumps out at you?
Yes, I took a photo of Ryon Bell at Donner Ski Ranch going up a crazy rock. He hit it at full speed and his suspension rebounded and it sent him straight into the air. I got the shot when he was about 10 feet in the air and he was actually over the top of the ledge. His minder, Bruce Monighan, is in the background of the photo and you can see Ryon's face, which adds to the photo.

Another favorite is a shot of Geoff Aaron, also at Donner, with the lake in the background.
[Note: You can see that photo as the covershot for the 2005 issue of TrialSport Magazine here.]