It is with great sadness that we have learned about the sudden passing of five-time American trials champion, Marland Whaley. He was just 60.

Marland Whaley aboard the very trick Honda 4-stroke trials machine.

Born in San Diego, California on July 3, 1958, he won the ‘Trial De Espania’ in the U.S. that eventually brought him to the attention of American Honda for which he campaigned their ultra-trick and experimental RTL series four-stroke trials machine.

Marland Whaley

After retiring from motorcycle trials, he took up cross country mountain bike riding, a sport in which he also excelled.

It is believed he suffered a cardiac arrest at his home in Montana.

The 1979 World Trials Champion, and fellow competitor Bernie Schreiber commented: “I was stunned when I heard the sad news about Marland Whaley. He was such a great competitor and talented trials rider. We rode and competed together all over the world and always held high the American flag. My deepest condolences to his family. Marland will be missed. R.I.P. Champ.”