The Inverness & District Motorcycle Club’s Highland Classic 2 Day Trial at the beautiful Alvie Estate, near Aviemore is taking shape with a fresh section of route being tested at this time. Entries from all over Scotland, England and parts of Europe are now confirmed. There are 125 riders and a list will be shown here shortly.
This year’s Guest of Honour is former Ossa, Bultaco & CCM factory rider, Dave Thorpe from Chesterfield, England. Dave was the first man to win a World Trials Championship round in 1975, the year the championship was won by fellow Bultaco rider, H. Martin Lampkin.
The event is aimed at Pre’65 and twin-shock machines, Thorpe has entered the event on his Triumph Tiger Cub and will be riding the A-Route/Unit Class. Other notable entries include: last year’s Guest, Yrjo Vesterinen with daughter Hanna Vesterinen; former Bultaco team rider: Norman Shepherd; former Cheshire ACU champion, Peter Salt; bike builder and developer, Alan Whitton; from Spain: Javier Cruz; Luis Munoz; Puablo Munoz; Salvador del Campo; Juan-Pablo Moll and journalist Tim Britton.
The event is sponsored by Classic Trial Magazine & Trial Magazine.
‘Trials UK’ – based in Horsforth near Leeds, are the Official 2014 Scottish Six Days Trial merchandise distributor for the forthcoming event.
Run by super-enthusiast Nige Pearson and his team, they are a friendly outfit and have supported the SSDT for many years taking a stand within the Parc Ferme/Trade Village area in Fort William.
Follow this link to view and purchase your 2014 Scottish Six Days merchandise from Trials UK.
As a follow up to our story on Christian Rayer, the French Montesa and Yamaha development rider, here is a period video clip of the development Montesa 247 Cota:
When Honda/Montesa launched their new to market 4RT (Four-Stroke Racing Trial) model in 2004, there was one southern English trials dealer who was particularly taken by the new fuel-injected trials machine from Montesa.
Based in Bedfordshire and with a background in the motor trade on the technical side, Mick Gallagher decided that he would find out as much as he could about the seemingly complex machine.
Mick or ‘Munch’ as he is universally known in the trials world, had been in touch with the then Montesa UK importers, Jim Sandiford Imports Ltd in Bury, Lancashire and a dealership was agreed.
The new model was brought into the UK in time for the 2005 trials season and had been rigorously tested in the previous year’s Scott Trial by factory development rider, Amos Bilbao. No apparent problems were encountered even although sceptics wondered how all that electronic wizardry would stand up to inclement UK weather, but it did, and still does!
The Montesa 4RT uses the PGM F1 fuel injected technology taken straight from Honda’s Fireblade, except it manages one cylinder instead of four. Munch began collecting as much data as he possibly could from a variety of sources and soon established himself as the oracle on the 4RT.
Over the period 2005 until 2009 when Sandifords were still importers, many riders purchased their machines from MSPORT, Munch’s dealership. Many had their bikes breathed upon for increased performance or even just detailing.
Munch himself a trials rider, on Montesa 4RT of course and each year has a week’s holiday at Fort William where he is one of the 30 strong observing groups of officials at the annual Scottish Six Days Trial.
In late 2009 the importership of Montesa was transferred to Pidcock Motorcycles, who sold direct to market and did not operate a dealer network. This didn’t upset Munch too much, for by now more and more riders were seeking him out to repair their now ageing machines and saw what improvements were possible over the standard product from Montesa. MSPORT became an independent dealer, but specialising in 4RT models and this is what they do to this day. This is a common feature of the motor trade with franchise official dealers and those who are classed as independent but use genuine parts for repair or if the customer has a restricted budget some aftermarket or non-OEM parts.
Either way, it’s the build up of knowledge over that past 10 years on this particular model of trials bike that sets Munch and MSPORT apart and still keeps the Bedfordshire dealership buzzing.
MSPORT are 100% independent and can upgrade a customers 4RT bike to M-Spec using many innovative parts, sourced from all over Europe.
MSPORT are always keen to hear of someone who is selling a 4RT or is looking to buy a new or newer model. Whether it be a decal set or a complete motor tune or re-map or suspension upgrade, Munch is your man!
Postscript:
This Trials Guru article was written on April, 3rd 2014.
Sadly, Mick ‘Munch’ Gallagher died on the evening of 16th March 2016 having suffered a cardiac arrest while playing five-a-side football. The Trials world is poorer as a result of our good friend’s passing.
This Easter Monday, April 21st, The McKee Clock Arena, Bangor, will play host to a special one-off motorbike competition guaranteed to thrill and entertain young and old alike! The Lego Live Show will featureeight of Ireland’s best trials riders who will compete over a challenging course of giant colourful Lego pieces in this specially designed, brightly coloured, arena show. Be prepared to be thrilled as these talented bikers showcase their amazing skills and perform some breath-taking stunts and manoeuvres! Starting at 11am, this spectacular show is not to be missed.
There are plenty of other activities happening around the Town too; a Giant Slinkies show will take place in The Sunken Garden alongside a special official Lego workshop, where children can come along and help build a mosaic of an iconic Bangor image.
On The Promenade, Bangor & Holywood Town Centre Management in partnership with North Down Borough Council will be hosting a Spring Fair where an array of local crafts and speciality foods will be available. Take the time to have a browse in this picturesque setting.
At 3pm over 200 children and young people from local youth and dance groups across North Down will take part in the spectacular Buttercup Carnival Parade. The parade will have a distinctly different feel this year and will be a celebration of Bangor and the surrounding areas with a lively Spring theme. Look out for giant buttercups, butterflies and ladybirds, dance groups, live music, a Pickie Swan, boats and lots of other surprises! There will also be a “Lucky Buttercup Competition” taking place with lots of opportunities to win some exciting prizes from local retailers like The Flagship Centre, Easons, The Sports & Fashion Outlet, Pickie Fun Park and many more.
This year, The Parade will be led by the The Mayor of North Down, Councillor Andrew Muir who will be travelling in a very colourful rickshaw. The Parade’s route will start at The Town Hall, then onto Main Street, along Quay Street, turning into High Street and making its way back up Main Street to The Town Hall – an extravaganza not to be missed.
Also, on Easter Monday, North Down Museum will be holding its annual Easter Egg Hunt from 11am – 1pm (cost £1) and there will be live music in Coffee Cure with “The Woodworms.”
There’s plenty happening at Project 24 over the Easter weekend too with the rescheduled “Out Of The Shadows” event which will take place from the April 18th– 21st.
Pickie Fun Park will also be open all day with lots to do and see, take a ride on a swan, play in the play park or just have a coffee and relax in the refurbished café.
So come on down to Bangor with your family and friends this Easter for lots of family fun!
John Lampkin at Beta UK http://www.beta-uk.com has just issued a help sheet specifically for Beta riders who are riding this years’ Scottish Six Days Trial (5-10 May, 2014).
Please make sure it relates to your particular Beta model or contact Beta UK for further information or assistance. Phone: 01535 655970
Nevis Radio, Fort William will be in the Parc Ferme for the 2014 Scottish Six Days Trial. With Morning Show presenter David Ogg (The Oggster) and Guest SSDT Presenter ‘The Moffster’ (aka John Moffat) From 07:00 to 11:00 GMT every morning during SSDT week.
The SSDT Morning Programme is sponsored by ‘Michelin Competition Tyres’ and ‘Trial Magazine’, bringing you news, views and rider interviews as it happens – daily. Nevis Radio is the only radio station to bring you the action from down-town Fort William during the Scottish. Tune in to: 96.6; 102.3 -102.4 FM or ‘Listen online’ www.nevisradio.co.uk
John Moffat & David Ogg – your Nevis Radio OB Team at the SSDT 2014.
The Scott Trial, for those who don’t know, is held near Reeth in Yorkshire, England by the Richmond Motor Club (Yorkshire) Ltd. A competition run over a moorland course of approximately 70-75 miles, consisting of one lap. It is the most challenging of one-day trial events in the UK, possibly the world, its appeal is universal to both club riders and international professionals.
David Tye on his factory BSA in the 1954 Scott Trial – Photo: Ray Biddle, Birmingham, England.
Annually this event raises a size-able amount of funds for the ‘Scott Charities’, a range of local charitable associations and trusts which helps local communities. Much of the funding comes from an auction at the presentation of awards on the Saturday evening.
Scott Trial 2013 Scott Trial winner: Doug Lampkin (Gas Gas) – Photo copyright: Neil Sturgeon, Darlington, England.
The event itself began in 1914 when Alfred A. Scott who manufactured ‘Scott’ motorcycles in the town of Shipley, set up a test of his products ridden by workers at his factory. It was a reliability trial event to help publicise and prove his machines to the buying public. Of the 14 competitors who entered only 9 completed the course. The First World war intervened, but it was re-started in 1919 and continued by the Scott factory until 1926 when it was taken under the control of the Bradford & District MC. The trial was based near Harrogate at a village called Blubberhouses, then moved again to Swainby in Cleveland, not too far from where it is based today. The event organisation passed to the Middlesbrough and Stockton Motorcycle Clubs.
Emma Bristow (Sherco) in the 2013 Scott Trial – Photo copyright: Neil Sturgeon, Darlington, England.
From 1950 the Scott moved again to Swaledale where it has remained until the present day and it is held within the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Prior to Richmond taking over the reins in 1990, the Darlington & District Motor Club had organised the Scott. But throughout it’s history the event maintained its stature as the ultimate test of man and machine against the elements and course not just on observation but on reliability and against the clock. Scott competitors are always conscious of the clock ticking on as they traverse the moors of North Yorkshire. There are several re-fueling stops along the way, staffed by teams of enthusiastic volunteers not just from the Richmond Club but by people that are happy to be part of this great event.
Local man Philip Alderson has won the Scott 4 times, in 1987 -89 and 1991. Seen here in the 2013 Scott on his Gas Gas. – Photo copyright: Neil Sturgeon, Darlington, England.
The course sports 76 observed sections and it is quite usual to see more than one rider in the section at one time, which is a feature of this event. There is at least one observer and also a ‘checker’ who notes only the riders numbers down as they enter the section. There is a team of officials on machines who make sure that all is well and they collect the observers books as soon as the last rider has left the sections. There is a small but very efficient results team back in Reeth who record all the observers scores into a computer for results production. The eventual winner is a closely guarded secret, until revealed at the presentation of awards and as the results are read out on the Saturday evening, you can feel the tension building within the Richmondshire Cricket Club pavilion where the awards ceremony takes place.
Fastest man, who set standard time in 2011 was John R. Sunter (Montesa 4RT) seen here in the 2013 Scott. – Photo copyright: Neil Sturgeon, Darlington, England.
And of course on 18th October 2014 the Richmond Motor Club (Yorkshire) Ltd will host the celebration of 100 years since Alfred A. Scott organised the very first SCOTT TRIAL.
See you in Swaledale….
The Scott Trial winners – Year by Year:
Year
Entries
Finishers
Winner
Fastest Rider
1914
14
9
Frank Philip (Scott)
Frank Philip
World War I – 1914 to 1918
No Event
1919
74
35
Geoff Hill (Triumph)
Geoff Hill
1920
131
64
C.H. ‘Clarrie’ Wood (Scott)
Clarrie Wood
1921
50
29
C.H. ‘Clarrie’ Wood (Scott)
Clarrie Wood
1922
58
27
Harry Langman (Scott)
Billy Moore (Scott)
1923
80
30
E. Mainwaring (Scott)
Clarrie Wood (Scott)
1924
90
35
W.H. Clough (Scott)
W.H. Clough
1925
117
64
Eddie Flintoff (Sunbeam)
A. Jackson (AJS)
1926
134
30
Eddie Flintoff (Sunbeam)
W. Evans (Triumph)
1927
145
60
Oliver Langton (Scott)
W. Evans (Triumph)
1928
116
51
Eric Langton (Scott)
Eddie Flintoff (Sunbeam)
1929
119
97
Vic Brittain (Sunbeam)
Eddie Flintoff (Sunbeam)
1930
92
38
Len Heath (Ariel)
Allan Jefferies (AJS)
1931
100
63
Vic Brittain (Sunbeam)
Stanley Woods (Norton)
1932
94
70
Allan Jefferies (Scott)
Allan Jefferies
1933
69
32
Len Heath (Ariel)
Len Heath
1934
69
38
Ken Wilson (Panther)
Ken Wilson
1935
74
42
Len Heath (Ariel)
Allan Jefferies
1936
80
38
Billy Tiffen (Velocette)
Allan Jefferies
1937
89
42
Allan Jefferies (Triumph)
Allan Jefferies
1938
86
Len Heath (Ariel)
W.J. Smith (Levis)
World War II – 1939 to 1945
No Event
1946
137
Bill Nicholson (BSA)
Bill Nicholson
1947
147
Bill Nicholson (BSA)
Bill Nicholson
1948
100
Jim Alves (Triumph)
Jim Alves
1949
137
Bill Nicholson(BSA)
Bill Nicholson
1950
195
Bill Nicholson (BSA)
Bill Nicholson
1951
178
Bill Nicholson (BSA)
Bill Nicholson
1952
169
Johnny Draper (Norton)
David Tye (BSA)
1953
156
Arthur Shutt (Frances Barnett)
David Tye (BSA)
1954
140
Jeff Smith (BSA)
Jeff Smith (BSA)
1955
145
Johnny Brittain (Royal Enfield)
Gordon Jackson (AJS)
1956
139
Johnny Brittain (Royal Enfield)
Gordon Jackson (AJS)
1957
163
Artie Ratcliffe (Triumph)
Brian Stonebridge (Greeves)
1958
178
Sammy Miller (Ariel)
Jeff Smith (BSA)
1959
197
Jeff Smith (BSA)
Jeff Smith (BSA)
1960
236
Arthur Lampkin (BSA)
Jeff Smith (BSA)
1961
180
Arthur Lampkin (BSA)
Arthur Lampkin (BSA)
1962
201
Sammy Miler (Ariel)
Sammy Miller (Ariel)
1963
223
Sammy Miller (Ariel)
Arthur Lampkin (BSA)
1964
183
72
Bill Wilkinson (Greeves)
Bill Wilkinson (Greeves)
1965
188
Arthur Lampkin (BSA)
Arthur Lampkin (BSA)
1966
193
43
Alan Lampkin (BSA)
Arthur Lampkin
1967
184
40
Sammy Miller (Bultaco)
Bill Wilkinson (Greeves)
1968
150
46
Sammy Miller (Bultaco)
Gordon Farley (Greeves)
1969
176
44
Sammy Miller (Bultaco)
Malcolm Rathmell (Greeves)
1970
147
61
Sammy Miller (Bultaco)
Alan Lampkin (Bultaco)
1971
185
76
Malcolm Rathmell (Bultaco)
Alan Lampkin (Bultaco)
1972
195
Rob Shepherd (Montesa)
Rob Shepherd (Montesa)
1973
201
49
Malcolm Rathmell (Bultaco)
Malcolm Rathmell (Bultaco)
1974
185
48
Rob Edwards (Montesa)
Malcolm Rathmell (Bultaco)
1975
198
44
Malcolm Rathmell (Montesa)
Malcolm Rathmell (Montesa)
1976
200
53
Malcolm Rathmell (Montesa)
Malcolm Rathmell (Montesa)
1977
195
60
Martin Lampkin (Bultaco)
Martin Lampkin (Bultaco)
1978
183
76
Martin Lampkin (Bultaco)
Martin Lampkin (Bultaco)
1979
200
42
Malcolm Rathmell (Montesa)
Malcolm Rathmell (Montesa)
1980
177
41
Malcolm Rathmell (Montesa)
Malcolm Rathmell (Montesa)
1981
178
62
Martin Lampkin (SWM)
Nigel Birkett (Fantic)
1982
140
50
Martin Lampkin (SWM)
Malcolm Rathmell (Montesa)
1983
128
70
Gerald Richardson (Armstrong)
Gerald Richardson
1984
152
50
Nigel Birkett (Yamaha)
Gerald Richardson (Yamaha)
1985
104
63
Gerald Richardson (Yamaha)
Gerald Richardson (Yamaha)
1986
146
78
Tony Scarlett (Yamaha)
Philip Anderson (Yamaha)
1986
146
78
Tony Scarlett (Yamaha)
Philip Anderson (Yamaha)
1987
164
99
Philip Anderson (Yamaha)
Harold Crawford (Yamaha)
1988
151
71
Philip Anderson (Yamaha)
Harold Crawford (Yamaha)
1989
148
91
Philip Anderson (Yamaha)
Gerald Richardson (Yamaha)
1990
139
65
Robert Crawford (Beta)
Philip Anderson (Yamaha)
1991
145
62
Philip Anderson (Yamaha)
Philip Anderson (Yamaha)
1992
142
76
Steve Colley (Beta)
Wayne Braybrook (Gas Gas)
1993
140
69
Steve Colley (Beta)
Robert Crawford (Aprilia)
1994
166
68
Dougie Lampkin (Beta)
Dougie Lampkin
1995
142
80
Robert Crawford (Yamaha)
Robert Crawford (Yamaha)
1996
129
74
Graham Jarvis (Scorpa)
Steve Colley (GasGas)
1997
138
78
Graham Jarvis (Scorpa)
Graham Jarvis
1998
147
27
Graham Jarvis (Scorpa)
Graham Jarvis
1999
175
76
Graham Jarvis (Bultaco)
Wayne Braybrook (Montesa)
2000
195
83
Wayne Braybrook (Montesa)
Henry Moorhouse (GasGas)
2001
Foot & Mouth Outbreak UK
No Event
2002
200
86
Michael Philipson (Beta)
Ben Hemingway (Beta)
2003
200
83
Graham Jarvis (Sherco)
Graham Jarvis
2004
200
68
Graham Jarvis (Sherco)
Graham Jarvis
2005
200
78
Graham Jarvis (Sherco)
Ian Austermuhle (Beta)
2006
200
80
Dougie Lampkin (Montesa)
Dougie Lampkin
2007
200
85
Dougie Lampkin (Montesa)
Dougie Lampkin
2008
180
60
Graham Jarvis (Sherco)
James Dabill (Montesa)
2009
169
79
Graham Jarvis (Sherco)
James Dabill (Montesa)
2010
200
73
James Dabill (GasGas)
Michael Brown (Sherco)
2011
210
85
Jonathan Richardson (Sherco)
John Sunter (Montesa)
2012
191
71
Michael Brown (GasGas)
Michael Brown
2013
200
Dougie Lampkin (GasGas)
Jonathan Richardson (Ossa)
18th October 2014 – Who will be the Scott 100 winner?
Photo: Barry Robinson – All Rights Reserved
‘Trials Guru’ wishes to thank the members and committee of the Richmond Motor Club (Yorkshire) Ltd; Bruce Storr, Clerk of the Course and his team; and Neil Sturgeon for the use of his images.
The Premier Trial Website – Recording the History of the Sport 'Established 2014'
TRIALS GURU - DEDICATED TO TRIAL 