CLASSIC CHAT
Tam Weir
Everyone in the classic world of motorcycle trials was hugely disappointed with the news that the Pre-65 Scottish was cancelled in May, but further cancellations came in both June and September, hitting the Highland and Leven Valley Two Day events, due to the Coronavirus. Going forward, all these events will continue in 2021 as long as we have found a way to deal with this dreaded disease. Classic Trial Magazine caught up with Tam Weir from the Kinlochleven & District MCC to find out more.
Ilive and work in Kinlochleven and the surrounding areas and we, as a club, at Kinlochleven & District MCC, have to understand and respect the people of the community. Both the Pre-65 and, for that matter, the Scottish Six Days Trial and our own Leven Valley Two Day event brings a massive influx of visitors to the area, as does the Highland Two Day Trial into Inverness and its surrounding areas. The village community in Kinlochleven enjoys the sport of motorcycle trials and welcomes the visitors and the much-needed tourism revenue that comes with the events.
Our small corner of Scotland has been welcoming motorcycle riders for many years,
and long may it continue. One of the main reasons for cancelling our event in September was to protect the more elderly element of the community from the Coronavirus as we had kept a clean sheet during the outbreak. We have to all understand that until a vaccine is found, we cannot guarantee the safety of the villagers or the visitors.
As a community in Kinlochleven, we have all worked hard to protect our future, and that most certainly involves motorcycle trials. The plus point from all of this disruption is the fact that the surrounding areas have all had time to recover. Unfortunately, due to a small-minded selfish minority, we have had some illegal riding in the area, and this has to stop with immediate
effect. We have a robust and excellent relationship with the surrounding estate and landowners. Still, they have reported sightings of this illegal activity, and we must – and will – act on any unlawful riding or trespass on their ground.
Many of you will have seen some of the estate owners at our awards presentation in 2019. They enjoy the sport just as much as we do. Plans have already been drawn up to run the events mentioned above in 2021 and, fingers crossed, they can all go ahead. Please keep your eyes open for any information on the events in this publication, or on the club websites, as we look forward to seeing you all to enjoy motorcycle trials in the Highlands once again.”