Here is a link to an article on Speedtracktales website which is dedicated to the International Six Days Trial (now International Six Days Enduro). It features the 1964 ISDT when the famous movie actor Steve McQueen rode for the USA Vase team at Erfurt in Germany that year.
Entries are now open for the Centenary Scott Trial, the most famous one-day time and reliability trial in the UK, which takes place on Saturday 18th October 2014. Entries are limited to 200 competitors and will close on 5th September. The hard working officials of the Richmond Motor Club (Yorkshire) Ltd are pulling out all the stops to ensure that the 100 years celebrations will be a great success. keep tuned to Trials Guru for more updates as they become available!
Scott Winners:
1914 – Frank Philip (Scott)
1914-18 – No Trial – World War 1.
1919 – Geoff Hill (Triumph)
1920 – Clarrie Wood (Scott); Jim Whalley (Sunbeam)
1921 – Clarrie Wood (Scott; Billy Moore (Scott); Harry Langham (Scott)
1923 – Billy Moore (Scott); Ernie Mainwairing (Scott)
1924 – Tommy Hatch (Sunbeam); Wally Clough (Scott)
1925 – Eddie Flintoff (Sunbeam)
1926 – Eddie Flintoff (Sunbeam)
1927 – Oliver Langton (Scott)
1928 – Eric Langton (Scott)
1929 – Vic Brittain (Sunbeam)
1930 – Len Heath (Ariel)
1931 – Vic Brittain (Sunbeam)
1932 – Allan Jefferies (Triumph)
1933 – Len Heath (Ariel)
1934 – Ken Wilson (Panther)
1935 – Len Heath (Ariel)
1936 – Billy Tiffen (Velocette)
1937 – Allan Jefferies (Triumph)
1938 – Len Heath (Ariel)
1939 – 1945 – No Trial – World War 2.
1946 – Bill Nicolson (BSA)
1947 – Bill Nicolson (BSA)
1948 – Jim Alves (Triumph)
1949 – Bill Nicolson (BSA)
1950 – Bill Nicolson (BSA)
1951 – Bill Nicolson (BSA)
1952 – John Draper (BSA)
1953 – Arthur Shutt (Francis Barnett)
1954 – Jeff Smith (BSA)
1955 – John Brittain (Royal Enfield)
1956 – John Brittain (Royal Enfield)
1957 – Artie Ratcliffe (Triumph)
1958 – Sammy Miller (Ariel)
1959 – Jeff Smith (BSA)
1960 – Arthur Lampkin (BSA)
1961 – Arthur Lampkin (BSA)
1962 – Sammy Miller (Ariel)
1963 – Sammy Miller (Ariel)
1964 – Bill Wilkinson (Greeves)
1965 – Arthur Lampkin (BSA)
1966 – Alan Lampkin (BSA)
1967 – Sammy Miller (Bultaco)
1968 – Sammy Miller (Bultaco)
1969 – Sammy Miller (Bultaco)
1970 – Sammy Miller (Bultaco)
1971 – Malcolm Rathmell (Bultaco)
1972 – Rob Shepherd (Montesa)
1973 – Malcolm Rathmell (Bultaco)
1974 – Rob Edwards (Montesa)
1975 – Malcolm Rathmell (Montesa)
1976 – Malcolm Rathmell (Montesa)
1977 – Martin Lampkin (Bultaco)
1978 – Martin Lampkin (Bultaco)
1980 – Malcolm Rathmell (Montesa)
1981 – Martin Lampkin (Bultaco)
1982 – Martin Lampkin (SWM)
1983 – Gerald Richardson (Armstrong)
1984 – Nigel Birkett (Yamaha)
1985 – Gerald Richardson (Yamaha)
1986 – Tony Scarlett (Yamaha)
1987 – Philip Alderson (Yamaha)
1988 – Philip Alderson (Yamaha)
1989 – Philip Alderson (Yamaha)
1990 – Robert Crawford (Beta)
1991 – Philip Alderson (Yamaha)
1992 – Steve Colley (Beta)
1993 – Steve Colley (Beta)
1994 – Dougie Lampkin (Beta)
1995 – Robert Crawford (Yamaha)
1996 – Graham Jarvis (Scorpa)
1997 – Graham Jarvis (Scorpa)
1998 – Graham Jarvis (Scorpa)
1999 – Graham Jarvis (Bultaco Sherco)
2000 – Wayne Braybrook (Montesa)
2001 – No trial – Foot & Mouth Outbreak.
2002 – Michael Philipson (Beta)
2003 – Graham Jarvis (Sherco)
2004 – Graham Jarvis (Sherco)
2005 – Graham Jarvis (Sherco)
2006 – Dougie Lampkin (Montesa)
2007 – Dougie Lampkin (Montesa)
2008 – Graham Jarvis (Sherco)
2009 – Graham Jarvis (Sherco)
2010 – James Dabill (Gas Gas)
2011 – Jonathan Richardson (Sherco)
2012 – Michael Brown (Gas Gas)
2013 – Dougie Lampkin (Gas Gas)
2014 – ?
John Duncan Williamson
A short history of one of Scotland’s’ best known trials riders.
It is very unlikely that, before 1975, there is a club trophy in Scotland that does not feature the name J.D. Williamson. A popular and stylish rider, he competed in the Scottish Six Days Trial for 25 years, only missing two events. In his 23 years competing in the SSDT he won no fewer than 14 challenge trophies.
Jackie, as he was always known, was born in 1930 and raised in Newtongrange, Midlothian. He came into motorcycling just after the Second World War. After two road bikes, a James twin and an ex-WD Matchless, Jackie was introduced to the sport and into the Edinburgh Southern Motor Club in 1948 by his two friends, Tommy Robertson and Jimmy Hutchins, both famous names in Scottish motorcycle sport.
In 1948 the repainted Matchless was part exchanged for a genuine trials AJS 350 and Jackie entered the Evening News Trial for novices and non experts, finishing a close second to Ian Bell, later to be several times Scottish scrambles champion.
As was the custom of the time all the bikes of the 1950`s were pressed into service as a scrambler, grass tracker, hill climber and the AJS was road raced at Beveridge Park, Kirkcaldy. Although a great all rounder and with a fair amount of success, it was trials in which he ultimately excelled.
The SSDT beckoned, probably every trials riders dream, and on the AJS in 1949 he gained a second class award, followed by a first class in 1950 and a special first in 1951. He continued on the AJS until 1953, when he was entered by Edinburgh dealer, JR Alexander, on a BSA B32 “…a good bike but low and felt heavier than the AJS” winning the award for Best Scot, a performance he repeated in 1954. In 1955 Jackie collected a 1st class award, but Matchless mounted in 1956, he failed to finish and it was replaced by an Ariel.
The following year, entered by the DMW factory through their local agent Edgar Bros. Jackie rode a 250 twin, “Super on the road but hopeless in the sections.” By the 1958 Scottish, he was Ariel mounted which was ridden until the 1960 event.
To remain competitive Jackie opted for a two-stroke DOT in 1961, but quickly changed to Greeves, which he rode until 1966. On his two-stroke bikes, he won 10 of his challenge trophies (The Sidney Latimer, The Allan Hay, The Jimmy Macgregor and the Henderson Challenge Trophies). It was with Greeves that he claimed the Scottish Trials Championship triple in ‘62,’63 and ‘64.
The Spanish invasion had taken hold and like most top riders, he jumped ship to Bultaco from 67 to 69 continuing his winning ways. In SSDT`s of ‘70 and ‘71 he rode Montesa. He ended his SSDT career on an Ossa winning his final Sydney Latimer Challenge Trophy in ‘73 but this was by no means the end to his motorcycling.
Jackie enjoyed speed and rode in the few timed events organised in Scotland. In a practice event for the International Six Days in `56, run by the Perth & District Club, he shared the premier award with Maurice Duffin of Dunfermline. Aged 39 in ‘69 Jackie, was invited to ride for the SACU Vase B Team in the International Six Days Trial (now ISDE) at Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bavaria. He was selected each year until ‘74, with the exception of ‘71 when pressure of business precluded him from competing at the Isle of Man. In ‘69 he competed on a Montesa Scorpion. Severely down on power against the Jawas; Zundapps and MZs he was forced to retire with a broken selector spring.
El Escorial, Spain in 1970 saw Jackie on a Jim Birrell of Markinch sponsored 250 Ossa. In 1972 at Czechoslovakia, Ossa mounted, he secured a bronze and was awarded the Arthur Prince trophy for being the only surviving British privateer. The USA hosted event in `73 which impressed Jackie greatly “…the organisation by the AMA was tremendous, the support people couldn’t do enough for the riders”. He rode the Welsh Two Day that year on his one day Ossa as his international bike was on its’ way to the ‘States. Crashing heavily and losing his helmet at San Pellegrino in Italy in ‘74 he suffered concussion and a broken nose, putting paid to any likely finish.
Using the Welsh Two Day trial as a proving ground for the ISDT he entered again in ‘75 but was compelled to retire due to back pain and headaches, obviously not fully recovered from his Italian excursion.
Musing over the various machines throughout his career Jackie considers his bike of choice was the Greeves, as it was on the Thundersley machines that he won his three Scottish Championships. He did ride again in the Scottish Greybeards in ‘86 gaining a 1st class award. By today’s standards 45 may seem rather young for hanging up ones boots but in Scotland of the early 70`s there were few over 40 years of age.
Although highly competitive, his jocular approach made him popular among his fellow trials riders. Jackie and his wife Rose are regular spectators at the Pre`65 and perhaps taking in a few days at the SSDT. A keen collector of films and photographs, in ‘86 he filmed the Pre’65 with really interesting interviews and great shots of Pipeline. Now living in retirement in Midlothian with beautiful views overlooking the Pentland Hills, we wish Jackie and Rose every happiness.
© – Trials Guru/Moffat Racing, John Moffat – 2014 (All Rights reserved)
Classic Trial Magazine Issue 9 is out now. Features: ‘The Thorpe Edition’ – Highland Classic 2 Day Action from Scotland. Dalesman – Built in Otley; Suzuki Factory 325; Armac Cub feature; Blackie Holden – The Legend; Youth – Kickstart Remembered; Pre’65 Scottish – 30 Glorious Years; The Trials Guru – Reflections. Read all about it in ‘Classic Trial’!!!
To subscribe:
http://www.boutiquecppresse.com/lang-en/trial-magazine-uk/178-subscription-to-trial-magazine-uk.html
Sorry we haven’t been active in the past few weeks, but the Trials Guru has been very busy riding his own bikes. – Stay tuned for more Guru!
Inverness & District Motorcycle Club organised the ninth Highland Classic Two-Day Trial over the weekend of 7/8 June at the Alvie Shooting Estate, near Aviemore.
120 riders took part and the Guest of Honour was former Triumph; Ossa; Bultaco and CCM factory rider, Dave Thorpe from Hillsborough.
John Hird (Trials Guru Videographer) produced the video of the event:
Results:
Link to Rick Lound’s Highland Classic 2014 photograph albums on Flickr:
http://heathbrindley.zenfolio.com/p400641445/h37C26BEB#h37c26beb
Click on the link to view photos by Heath at the SSDT 2014.
7 Days of video for your enjoyment by John Hird…
The Guru is proud to share the Acharacle Primary School’s video of the 2014 Scottish Six Days Trial…
PLEASE NOTE: This year the event organisers’ have been very fortunate to gain some new terrain and sections to utilise in the event some of which has never been used before. Whilst there is not a great deal for the spectators to see, competitors will enjoy the route and the sections introduced. There are a number of restrictions and constraints in place over the new areas, it must be must stressed that where you come across restricted areas and signs please do not ignore them. These are in place to ensure the event can continue to use the ground in years to come and more importantly not damage the surrounding countryside. So please do not be tempted. You may jeopardise the future of the event.
Monday
Starts as usual with a trip to Leanachan with 5 subs under the popular viewing platform that has been upgraded with new hand rails. The riders then move on to Bradileig before hitting Carn Dearg and Glas Bheinn. A relaxing run over the Blackwater dam road brings the field to Coire Mhorair for 3 subs. Followed by the traditional Cnoc a Linnhe, Garbh Beinn and Cameron Hill with its recently added top sub. Concluding at Lagnaha (7).
Tuesday
Reverts back to the traditional route starting at Laggan Locks (3) then over to Forest Gate (2). A run up to Jenkins Park and a nostalgic turn back the clock for some as Achlain is reintroduced with 2 subs. Riders are asked to follow the flags along the top side of the pylon line and around the pylon at the end of the route. Again this is one of the constraints in place. Meall Damh is next followed by Craig Nan Gobhar and Ceannacroc Forest. New fencing here has made it necessary for us to utilise the road for a short while. Again please follow the flags and do not be tempted to take any shortcuts. Creag Lundie with 5 subs will be as popular as ever with a long haul down to Allt Coire an Seilich (3). A run over to Glen Tarsuinn then Loch Arkaig’s new subs is then rounded off with a timely return to the newly designed Witches Burn with a natural amphitheatre.
Wednesday
Callart Falls kicks off today with 5 subs quickly followed by Callart (2). Along to Upper Mamore then down to a single at School Falls. Grey Mares Tail rounds of the Kinlochleven part of the day. Along then to the new Pap of Glencoe Group followed by Clachaig 3 subs, again new last year. The next group Eas a Bhodaich are not spectator accesable unless on foot or cycle. Glen Stockdale (2) in Appin is a fair walk in and if the weather is dry, worth seeing. Glenmuckrach are the last new subs before the all popular Lagnaha group with 5 sections.
Thursday
A familiar run to Bradileig first thing before reaching Feith a Cheannain (3) yet another new group introduced this year. No Scottish would be complete without Fersit (7) along with a trip through the notorious boulder field. A road trip takes the field on to Ruighe Mhor and brand new sections for this year, along with Coire Leacach. Yet again another new couple of subs in Fasfern 1 followed by Fasfern 2. A small hop up to Annat before a moor crossing like no other to finish the day at Trotters Burn. All in all a radically new Thursday.
Friday
Friday is peninsula day starting at the Mhuidhe (3), this year there will be a single and a double not a triple. Piper’s burn hosts 5 subs and is always a crowd pleaser. Glenuig plays it part with a single. W.Ds couple of subs, well enough said. Laudale, Laudale Cottage and Kingairloch play host to the only off road route of the day, Camasnacroise holds a secret this year. Then the day rounds off with Meall Nam Each, Kilmalieu and lastly Rubha Ruadh before a sea voyage on the way home.
Saturday
The last day remains mainly unchanged. Why mend it if it ain’t broke. Sleubaich kicks of the final day followed on by Upper and Lower Mamore. Scottish Six Days legend “Pipeline” looms next with its traditional triple sub and concluding with a double. The picturesque Loch Chiarain with its remote bothy entices the riders over the Chiarain path to the Gorge and up the Lairige. As a climax to the week and the event Glen Nevis awaits its loyal subjects from Achintee to Ben Nevis’s nemesis, then on to Nevis Forest before ending on a high in Fort William’ s very own Town Hall Brae (Rocky Brae) and a nice pint in the hub back in the Parc Ferme.
Issued by ‘TRIALS MEDIA’ – PR partner of the Scottish Six Days Trial 2014.
Photos: Heather Mead Photography, Dingwall, Scotland
TRIALS GURU - DEDICATED TO TRIAL 