The Yamaha ‘Magical-Chase 220’ – Photo: Ricky Wood, Derbyshire
Mick Andrews will debut a Yamaha ‘Magical-Chase 220’ at the Inverness & District MC Ltd, Highland Classic Two-Day trial at Aviemore on 11th June.
Former European Trials Champion and multiple SSDT winner, Mick Andrews will be guest of honour at the Highland Classic 2 Day in June 2016 – Photo: Ricky Wood
The bike has been developed by Colin Leese with direct input by Mick Andrews and now owned by Derbyshire rider, Ricky Wood who will also take part in the annual classic trial on Alvie Estate on the Saturday and Sunday 11/12th June.
Mick told Trials Guru that the machine has been built with ideas that were used on his factory 0W10 machines from the mid-1970s when he took the honours twice at the SSDT.
Andrews: “We have put a lot of effort into this little bike which runs very well and the first to ride it was its owner, Ricky Wood who has allowed me to ride it competitively at the Highland Two Day. Colin Leese of ‘Chase TY’ has done all the hard work with my advice and guidance. He builds the TY220 to order and there is quite a waiting list”.
Based loosely on the factory oW10 concept, the Yamaha ‘Magical-Chase 220’ looks purposeful – Photo: Ricky Wood
Mick Andrews is this year’s guest of honour, a feature of the Highland Classic which now boasts 150 riders competing on a shooting estate which lies four miles south of Aviemore.
Mick Andrews samples Colin Leese’s handiwork in a pre-season testing session – Photo: Ricky Wood
The theme this year is ‘The Yamscot Edition’ which not only pays homage to Magical Mick Andrews when he rode for the Japanese company, but also Shirlaws Motorcycles of Aberdeen which used the ‘Yamscot’ moniker back in the 1970s to promote the Yamaha off-road and racing brand in Scotland.
Mick Andrews puts the Yamaha Magical-Chase 220 through its paces – Photo: Ricky Wood
Photos courtesy and copyright of Ricky Wood, Derbyshire.
‘El Donkey’ at rest. The number painted on the exhaust is a nod to the way the numbers were used in the 1970s and 1980s SSDT
We set out to find out what made Skipton trials rider, James Moorhouse want to ride the the 2016 Scottish Six Days Trial on a 35 year old motorcycle.
Moorhouse: “Ever since I got the 340 Bultaco I call ‘El Donkey’ – I jokingly said I would do the Scottish and it just snow-balled from there. After breaking down on the Tuesday last year I knew I had to come back and finish what I started.”
Taking a short breather is James Moorhouse with ‘El Donkey’ the 1981 Bultaco Sherpa in the 2016 Scottish Six Days – Photo courtesy of Matt Betts
What preparations had he to do to the bike prior to the Six Days:
Moorhouse: “Just about everything you can think of, the piston, main bearings, wheel bearings, chain and sprockets, brake shoes, tyres. All of these components were replaced by my ‘factory mechanic’ and friend, Robert Barber.
We sent the rockshock dampers to be serviced and stronger springs fitted by manufacturer, Gary Fleckney in Bedfordshire and InMotion/Bultaco UK in Egham, Surrey both were very helpful, they have a fast postal service”.
James Moorhouse tackles Cnoc-A-Linnhe – Photo: Iain Lawrie, Kinlochleven
“I had fitted fat-bars to an adapted top alloy yoke some time ago and the snaky exhaust pipe.
Because of last year it was always in the back of my mind it could go bang, but I knew we had done everything we possibly could so if she didn’t make it then it was simply wasn’t to be and I wouldn’t waste an entry on it again. Fortunately the entry wasn’t wasted!”
2016 SSDT – James Moorhouse on Pap of Glencoe – Photo copyright: Iain Lawrie, Kinlochleven
James continued:
“Tuesday afternoon over the moor, she got some water in the carburettor and would only run with the choke on. At the next section I drained out the carb, it must have whiskered the spark-plug so I had to replace that too – luckily I had a plug on me, in fact I carried a lot of spares in my bag”.
Running repairs through the week long event included: Welding the exhaust pipe, welding a snapped rear brake arm and fitting a new rear tyre on Friday morning. The rear tyre and plug were the only components replaced during the week.
It was noticeable that James rode with a broken front mudguard:
James: “It didn’t affect the way it rode so thought I’d save some weight!
I thought on Friday she was running a bit weak but on Saturday she felt as good as new”.
When asked if he would do it again, James replied:
“I have achieved what I set out to do, it’s time to retire her from the SSDT, but I will compete again but next time on a modern bike”.
Many thanks to James for allowing Trials Guru to publish this article.
A happy James Moorhouse at the finish of ‘Town Hall Brae’ on Saturday 7th May with friends, Boyd Webster (left) and Alan Mudd (centre) Photo: Rachel Chamberlain
Dougie Lampkin added a tenth Scottish Six Days victory to his tally of wins of the annual Highland classic on Saturday 7th May 2016.
Showing signs of emotion at the awards ceremony due to the recency of the passing of his World Champion father, Martin, Dougie was a popular winner and both the third place-man, James Dabill and runner-up, Michael Brown voiced their respect for the twelve times World Champion.
Vertigo owner, Manel Jane who was on hand to present the prizes was delighted to witness Lampkin’s victory on the Works 300 bike.
Trials Guru’s John Moffat acted as master of ceremonies and stated publicly that the memory of H. Martin Lampkin would be forever associated with the Scottish Six Days Trial. He also pointed out that the best performance by a rider of a machine up to 250cc was James Lampkin, son of Alan R.C. Lampkin who won the SSDT 50 years previously in 1966 on a 250cc BSA.
Trials Guru’s John Moffat (left) with 2016 SSDT winner, Dougie Lampkin (centre) and Verigo creator, Manel Jane at the awards ceremony i Fort William – Photo: Trials Guru/Jean Moffat
Doug Lampkin will be trying to make it ten wins, seen here with official, Mick Gover at the start of the 2011 SSDT – Photo: Trials Guru/Jean Moffat
Remember to tune into Nevis Radio, Fort William online to listen to the Scottish Six Days Trial coverage 2016. Every morning from 07.00 until 11.00 GMT.
A.R.C. Lampkin (left) presents a finishers award to 68th placeman, Bryn Matton from Kent – Photo courtesy of Cheryl Matton.
The Pre’65 Scottish Trial concluded on Saturday 30th April with Dan Clark winning on three marks lost.
The original ‘guest of honour’ Guy Martin couldn’t make the presentation of awards at the Kinlochleven Community Centre, but his place was taken by none other than 1966 Scottish Six Days winner, Alan R.C. Lampkin.
It was an excellent choice as ‘Sid’ is a great supporter and enthusiast of the sport and his 1966 SSDT winning machine, 748MOE was being ridden by his son James to commemorate the achievement, 50 years previously.
James won the Lampkin Trophy for the best performance by a rider on a machine not exceeding 250cc losing a miserly seven marks.
Sid recounted the 1966 event which only used Town Hall Brae on the Saturday and finished in Fort William.
As for the 250 BSA C15 it has survived almost 100% intact since its sale in 1967. It was registered in 1964 by BSA motorcycles and has a Victor frame and swinging arm and of course a full factory machine.
James rode very well on a very standard 1964 motorcycle.
Trials Guru’s John Moffat was ‘master of ceremonies’ at the presentation.
The SSDT routes for 2016 will NOT be published pre-event as previous years on-line. A decision was taken by the organising committee as they wish to sell as many programmes as possible to ensure that as much charitable money is raised.
The official SSDT programme, priced at £3.00 is now available at The BP filling station, Esso filling station and John Steele’s ‘Hyperhut’.
Proceeds go to the Leanne Fund as in previous years. The programme will be on sale at the West End Car Park (Parc Ferme) and at the trial HQ – Ben Nevis Hotel and Leisure Club.
Post script:
Message from SSDT Secretary, Mieke de Vos: “I will send programmes out to people who cannot make it to the trial. They can contact me through the website or on secretary@ssdt.org “
Guy Martin picks up his 350 Ariel that he will use in the 2016 Pre’65 Scottish Two-Day Trial on 29/30 April from Hope Technology’s designer Owen Hardisty – Photo courtesy of Hope Technology.
With the 2016 Pre’65 Scottish Trial about a week away, the committee would like to thank our sponsors – Putoline, Hope Technology, Kia Motors and REH Forks for their support, without them we would not be able to add the finishing touches to the event that help to make it the trial it is today.
The first 15 lucky reserve riders have been successful in gaining a place so if you are still waiting, please don’t give up hope yet.
The parade which was started for the 30th anniversary as a one-off has now become an annual part of the trial. It takes place on Friday 29 April 2016 at 9.30am and will be headed by Guest of Honour, Guy Martin. We are very excited to have Guy at the event, not only to be our Guest but to ride as well and we hope he enjoys the experience and the challenge.
New for 2016 is a Shuttle Bus to take spectators out to the sections along the lochside. This is a venture by Kinlochleven Primary to help raise funds for the school as well as help the trial by easing the congestion and parking problems experienced at these sections. The cost of a return trip is only £3 or £5 for an unlimited trip ticket which we think is excellent value. Details are in the programme and local posters will be in the village. We wish them every success with this new and exciting addition to the facilities offered for the trial and hope that spectators will make good use of this service.
The 2016 range of merchandise and programmes will be on sale during sign-on in the Community Centre as well as in the Start areas each day. Please go along and have a look at the excellent selection on offer.
All the observers have been contacted but if you volunteered and have not heard, please contact Doreen on dstratford@live.co.uk
She is still looking for a few more volunteers for Saturday if anyone wishes to help out.
Secretary, Anne Gordon is walking the 96 miles of the West Highland Way from Milngavie, near Glasgow to Fort William at the end of May 2016 and is raising money in support of Glencoe Mountain Rescue. She would be delighted if everyone could make a small donation to this very worthwhile cause which several riders have had assistance from over the past few years. We never know who will be next to need them so she would appeal for you to donate in the charity buckets in the Trial Office and on the Merchandise Stand during the event or if you prefer, you can donate online at www.justgiving.com/Anne-Gordon2 More information can be found in the programme.
Other charity appeals during the event that we know of are from Mark Kemp who has been one of our backmarkers for a good few years and is currently riding his BMW round the world to raise awareness for the Teenage Cancer Trust. To support Mark you can donate online at www.justgiving.com/Mark-Kemp3 .
Graham Lampkin will be selling raffle tickets at the Pre’65 Scottish Trial in aid of Cancer Research UK and the following is a small piece from him:
“If you haven’t yet bought your raffle tickets for T-shirts signed by Jeff Smith, Sammy Miller and six Lampkins (from Arthur to Dougie), don’t despair. Graham, of the ‘Lampy goes 2 L n back’ charity trip for Cancer Research UK, will be at the start area of the Pre’65 Scottish on Saturday selling them. Ring him on 07989 446131 if you can’t find him. He’ll also be at the weigh-in for the SSDT on Sunday.”
There will also be a stall within the start areas each day to support the charity AFB (Armed Forces Bikers) for veterans from all three armed forces. Please take the time to visit their stall.
With the annual Scottish Six Days Trial and Pre’65 Scottish fast approaching, perhaps it’s time to remind ourselves that these are organised events, suitably insured and staffed with officials. These events don’t just happen and many months of planning and negotiations with public and private organisations take place each year, let’s keep it that way?
Have a read through the article on Trials Guru which explains fully the situation surrounding land use in the UK and how trials fans and spectators can do their bit.
There is a ‘right to roam’ but that does not include motor vehicle access!
The simple solution is, by all means go to these events, but don’t take a motorcycle, unless you strictly plan to follow only by the public highway.
Learn about illegal land use, it isn’t as obvious as you may think!
Gas Gas UK has received their first consignment of new machines following the recent purchase by Torrot, the Spanish electric motorcycle manufacturer of the Salt, Gerona made motorcycle brand.
The GGUK crew unpack a shiny 2017 Gas Gas at their Derbyshire HQ – Photo courtesy of Judith Mellor/Gas Gas UK
GGUK’s Kevin ‘Factory Kev’ Hipwell is seen here ‘unloading’ the first batch of crated machines at their Derbyshire headquarters.
GGUK has continued trading successfully as UK distributors of spare parts for the Spanish marque which has a very strong brand loyalty.
The return to market is welcome news for the UK trials buying public.
Torrot became the main and eventual successful bidder for the stricken Gas Gas concern after several bids collapsed early in 2016.
Gas Gas UK will be supporting the 2016 SSDT
The arrival of machines also co-incides with the announcement that Gas Gas UK will again be represented at the annual Scottish Six Days Trial (Monday 2nd – Saturday 7th May 2016) at Fort William where the usual support will be available to private Gas Gas owners as in previous years.
Kevin Hipwell unloads new crated GasGas machines at their UK headquarters
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