SSDT Preview: Riders head to scrutineering
By John Dickinson on 27th Apr 16
SCOTTISH Six Days Trial fever kicks-in tomorrow prior to Mondays first day in the saddle when riders present their machines to the scrutineers for an official check and to have their riding number marked in paint on the engine and chassis.
In earlier times items like fuel tank, front and rear suspension and both wheels were marked as well – and some think they still should be – as the trial was all about reliability.
These days you can change most items without incurring any penalty.
Whatever, it is what it is and the competitors will quickly form a long queue in parc ferme to wend their way to the scrutineers who enjoy day-long banter with the riders who are hopefully providing immaculate well prepped machine, ready for the week ahead.
All the major manufacturers provide servicing facilities and spare parts and do their best to help riders of their machines and riders are told time and again it is their responsibility to arrive with a machine ready to go.
But there's always someone turning up with a problem or in a last-minute panic trying to get it fixed before scrutineering closes.
These facilities are extended all week with airlines for cleaning out radiators, blowing up tyres, tools, special tools and all service items on hand for riders to use should they have the time to spare.
Once through scrutineering machines are lined-up in parc ferme in the familiar rows until all 285 make quite an impressive sight.
In the afternoon riders are allowed back to collect their machines for the familiar parade through Fort William High St which is enjoyed by competitors and locals alike.
The foreign riders dress-up in hats and wrap themselves in flags and on return to parc ferme, line-up for pics with their countrymen.
Riders also have to sign-on with their documents, licences etc and then machines are finally lined-up and locked-in parc ferme until Monday morning...
