SSDT: Joe Baker leads after soggy Day 1
By John Dickinson on 3rd May 16
JOE Baker was the surprise first day leader of the 2016 Scottish Six Days Trial, the Sherco mounted Devon ace, who mainly rides only local centre trials these days, dropping just two marks over the 22 sections after three groups, containing eight subs in total, had to be scrapped due to the burns and rivers being in spate.
The 66 mile Monday route of the 2016 Scottish Six Days Trial was certainly an eventful one as heavy rain overnight turned the river at Nevis Range, which comprised the opening two Leanachen groups, was a raging torrent. Clerk of the Course Jeff Horne had no dilemma in scrapping those as bikes would have simply drowned. And out on the moors the remote group of just two subs named Meannach was also scrubbed.
With rain still falling in the morning and wintry showers blowing in all day, the early numbers had the worst of the conditions as many of the streams and rivers so water levels drop considerably over he four to five hours it took to get 285 riders through each group. And that meant that reigning champ Dougie Lampkin, shooting for an amazing tenth victcory, had to put al his years of experience to full use to restrict his daily total. The Vertigo ace dropped eight for the day including two in the final group at Lagnaha – and was mighty relieved to get that first day behind him.
All the riders ahead of him in the final results were riding much later in the day and still have their early days to come while for Tuesday Doug goes to the back of the entry. His cousin, Beta mounted James Lampkin, riding with Doug was right with him on the results sheet, dropping just nine marks, a superb effort following on from his Pre-65 epic ride on Dad Sid's BSA C15.
In contgrast to many years, just nine riders completed the day with scores in single figures, and this from just 22 sections, so anyone can see how difficult a day it was out on the moors.
Michael Brown, on the Gas Gas and riding in a bunch containing John Shirt and Alexz Wigg towards the rear of the field, was sitting in second place, just a single mark behind Baker while local ace, the amazingly lean and fit Gary Macdonald (he recently completed a running race up and down Ben Nevis in well under two hours) campaigning a Scorpa, was in turn just another mark back followed by Wiggy.
For the full Day one report check out TMX News May 5
