One might imagine so, but, as in many other spheres of life (especially motorcycling), they are hidden from history. There are, in fact, plenty of stories and information of women's participation and achievements in such events - you just have to seek them out.

Arguably, the most well-known 'historical' women competitors in the UK who accomplished success in trials were Majorie Cottle, Olga Kevelos and Molly Briggs; all of whom specialised in International Six Day Trials (timed endurance events over demanding country). Pictures from their exploits show them smiling through mud and dirt-covered faces.

Emma Bristow is a trials rider of some talent. We know this because she has just become the  Women's World Trials Champion for the second year in a row - big congratulations from the Wemoto team!  She's twenty-four years old now but began riding a motorcycle when four. She won four British Youth Championships before going on to ride in the world championships, achieving ninth place in her first years competition at just sixteen years old.

She signed to ride for the Ossa factory team in 2011, and on their bikes was runner-up in the world championships in 2011 and 2012. She then swapped to Sherco, her current works bike, and won the 2013 European title before going on to clinch her first world title last year. She has now won her second.

Between the world championships, she rides in major trials in the UK including arena trials and the challenging Scottish Six Day Trial covering 400 miles of rugged Highland landscape with 180 special sections to be tackled. This year's event attracted 288 riders entries of which 221 were finishers; Emma was placed forty-fifth. She was also invited to compete in the X Games at the Circuit of Americas, Texas, in June, where she switched to her Sherco Enduro machine to take part in the Super Enduro event. Did I mention she was FIM World Women's Enduro champion too?

In these times, when the various forms of social media dominate information sources, Emma and her team have made ready and regular use of it to promote her and her participation in trials. If you don't know much about this branch of the sport or about Emma's championship world, search for her online. Better still, as our motorcycling summer fades into autumn, go and watch a trial. Even at club level, it's surprising how skilled a motorcycle handler you have to be to ride the sections.

You can view all forthcoming events in the UK on www.trialscentral.com.