Countdown to the Scottish
By John Dickinson on 13th Apr 16
THE 2016 Scottish Six Days Trial (and the preceding Pre-65 Two-Day Trial) is almost upon us - a fact that has suddenly dawned on many riders lucky enough to get a ride this year, as the event was once more over subscribed and a dreaded ballot was held.
Next week we will bring you our preview of the Pre-65 Two-Day, when the entry list will have been brought up to date, as some riders will have sadly been forced to withdraw for whatever reason.
Others, having sat nervously on the reserve list, are offered the chance of a coveted late entry.
Former Pre-65 winner Davy Morewood is one who has had to withdraw due to a knee injury which requires surgery.
Davy had also had to pull out of the Six Days as well where he was due to ride with son Reece.
"That will have to wait until next year,” said Davy, who will be in Fort William looking after his boy all week.
The Pre-65 will take place on Friday/ Saturday April 29/30 and again be based in Kinlochleven, so you still have time to organise a run-up to watch.
If you have never made the pilgrimage to the Highlands to watch the Pre-65 riders and bikes tackle legendary hills like Pipeline, Caolasnacoan and Cnoc-a-Linnhe you still have plenty of time to arrange it.
And if you are into Classic bikes at all this event should be top of your bucket list!
With road race ace and TV personality Guy Martin due to appear in the event on a 500 Ariel then this is the year to go look!
The Six Days will take place starting Monday, May 2, following weigh-in day at the Fort William West End car park and a grand parade of riders and machines through Fort William on Sunday, May 1.
Last year's winner Dougie Lampkin will be looking to make himself a 10-times winner having logged his ninth victory in last year's event in which he gave the Vertigo factory a dream debut win in the event.
We will bring you a full SSDT preview in TMX dated April 28.
Meanwhile, any rider with an entry needs to make sure that he/ she is registered with the British importer of whatever make of machine they are riding, be it Beta, Sherco, Gas Gas, Scorpa, Montesa, TRS or Vertigo.
All these factories will be offering back-up facilities including working space in the parc ferme, tools, compressor etc, spare parts service and a mechanic to advise on any problems that may crop up. Several, including Gas Gas and Beta, have put out online hints and tips to owners of their machines which are well worth a read – whether you are riding the Scottish or not.
The main hint is, do NOT expect to turn up in Scotland with an unprepped bike and expect them to do the work.
The machine is YOUR responsibility and you should arrive at the start ready to go.
They will then give you every assistance and every chance to achieve your goal which to most riders is simply to finish – followed by a good result!
