Get geared-up for SSDT blast - some important preparation notes
By John Dickinson on 20th Apr 18
With the Scottish Six Days Trial rapidly approaching Monday to Saturday, May 7-12 it is time for those lucky enough to have bagged an entry, the event was well over-subscribed, to get themselves sorted for the week ahead.
The first thing is to contact the importer of the machine you are riding, i.e Beta, Gas Gas, Sherco, Scorpa, Vertigo, TRS or in the case of Montesa you need to contact Mickey Oates Motorcycles as they are organising Montesa servicing.
This could be particularly important if you have just made a late change of machinery. This is so the importers know how many riders they have to cater for and you can order any spares you may need which can be delivered to the start in the Fort William parc ferme, which is in the West End car park.
All the main current manufacturers will have a major presence in the parc ferme and will provide a service to all of their signed-on riders.This includes a work area for you to visit each night before signing-off where you can avail yourself of services like an airline, tools, etc plus technical support to enable you to carry out any necessary repairs.
Prepare
But remember, YOU are responsible for your machine prep and servicing.
The importers and factories do a brilliant job but DO NOT expect to turn up at Sundays weigh-in and a factory mechanic will miraculously prepare your shed of a bike. It is NOT going to happen.
Not only should you arrive at Fort William with your machine in tip-top, ready to roll condition, remember that you are also responsible for your bikes well-being through the week. If you think that you will be knocking control levers off and breaking gear pedals etc, ensure that YOU have the spares with you before the start.
Also a spare throttle cable, the odd chain link/ half link and tools to maintain your chain should be in your backpack/bumbag. Several of the importers also provide a cracking pre-trial checklist and maintenance must do procedure we have seen the Beta and Gas Gas prep sheets and they are gold dust if you really want the best chance to finish the Six Days.
Much of the info is applicable to all machines and Id well recommend you take a look.There are no end of tips that could save you at best, a lot of time, and at worst a retiral.
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