Thanks for a great Scott

 

 

I've been going to the Scott for over 30 years and still get exactly the same buzz out of the trial as I did the first time I visited. 

 

I've seen wet Scotts, dry Scotts, sunny Scotts, misty Scotts, warm Scotts and frosty Scotts – and enjoyed each and every one equally.

 

Getting up early on Scott Saturday morning – while it's still dark outside – and heading off into the Yorkshire Dales with headlights blazing, is one of the best bits of the year.

 

And from the moment the first rider heads off at 9am the day is just one long buzz of anticipation.

 

You have to get into the Scott, checking the programme, checking the route and most of all checking the time. 

 

See who's leading the field on time, who's coming through fast, weighing-up just how long you can stay at one section before making that decision to rush ahead and be (hopefully, if your calulations are right) just in time to catch the first man through. 

 

It's all part of the game on the day. Arrive too late and you miss the leaders, too early and you are just wasting time – you could have caught them somewhere else!

 

There really isn't a spare minute and before you know it you are belting back to the finish field, hopefully just in time to catch the first man home.

 

Then make your own unofficial timings so you know (or think you know) who has set Standard Time and – more importantly – how many time penalties everyone else is due.

 

Yes, time really does fly in the Scott.

 

The trial doesn't need any modern trappings to keep it current or relevant, it remains a simple, compelling, ultimate test of man and machine against the elements. 

 

The Scott does not need computer games, dancing girls, fairgrounds or any other fripperies or distractions to attract its followers. 

 

It is unique in that virtually every one of the thousands of spectators is a genuine enthusiast who knows exactly what's what – and this makes it all the more enjoyable as information is shared, swapped, seeked and freely given.

 

Back at the finish there is generous applause for the winners, genuine sympathy and empathy for the losers. 

 

We all felt for those who came up short so near the finish and yet so far – like Alexz Wigg, whose machine expired with just two sections to go and Emma Bristow, who suffered a similar fate. 

 

Life can be cruel.

 

In a rapidly changing world, rock-solid traditional  events like the Scott are few and far between. 

 

Massive thanks to those who give up their time and devote their efforts to keeping this incredible event alive.