SHINING THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL
Planning is an important part of life, whether it be in business, personal or even recreation. Plans can be detailed or simple. They can also be easily scuppered. 2020 took the wind out of everyone’s sails big time, with plans left in tatters. In the UK, we saw the cancellation of the Scottish Six Days Trial, the Scott, most nationals, and a plethora of club events as never before experienced apart from in wartime. Then, on the 19th January, we received news that simply took the wind out of our sails. The classic trials world was stunned to learn of Manuel Soler’s passing. The four-time Spanish National Champion (1974–1977) was 63. Words: John Moffat • Pictures: Mike Rapley and Donald Young
Igot to know Manuel when competing at the Robregordo Two Day trial near Madrid, Spain, in 2006. I admired his riding style when I watched the 17-yearold Soler at the 1974 Scottish Six Days. That year he rode number 37 on the special Bultaco model 133 Sherpa, a machine only supplied to factory riders. In subsequent years, I made a point of watching him when he came to Scotland as part of the Bultaco contingent.
Manuel was a very approachable individual, full of fun. In fact, a bit of a ‘playboy’; one of those characters that added a splash more colour to the proceedings. He was a member of the extended Bulto family. Being a Grand-Nephew of the Bultaco founder, FX Bulto, and the son of Juan Soler Bulto, who helped develop the Bultaco Sherpa prior to the signing of SH Miller in November 1964.
Once he got to know you, Manuel Soler was the sort of person who spotted you in a crowd and shouted out your name, embracing you with arms outstretched and a broad smile on his face before slapping you on the back and uttering the words: “Come on John, let’s get a beer”.
When our club organised the 2013 Highland Classic Bultaco Edition, Manuel was delighted to be invited as one of the Bultaco Classic Team along with Charles Coutard, Javier Cucurella, Jaime Puig, Ignacio Bulto, Yrjo Vesterinen, Dave Thorpe, and ‘team manager,’ Oriol Puig Bulto.
Manuel was the life and soul of the party and watching him ride the Alvie Estate rocks, one realised what a smooth, steady, and competent trials rider he really was.
‘Vesty’ loaned him a 325 Sherpa, and with its soft power, Manuel literally made it talk. He was so much at one with that motorcycle, I could have watched him all weekend.
When we took part in the Bultaco Revival trial at Sedbergh in 2017, we shared a room at a farmhouse bed and breakfast. What a laugh we had, but boy could he snore! Manuel Soler was a shining light, and it is very sad that that light has gone out.
PULLING THE PIN
Unfortunately, the organisers of the Scottish Six Days again had to make the weighty decision to pull the pin. The 2021 event is not happening for a variety of reasons, not least the global pandemic. One factor is the fuelling activity undertaken by the Army. As we all know, the armed forces have been mobilised to assist the nation. There is a lot to consider and discuss, not least the responsibility factor associated with running such a significant event. We can only hope that October is far enough down the line to ensure the return of that other great event, The Scott. Now that would be something to look forward to indeed. I hope the Richmond Motor Club are willing and able to run the 2021 trial, and if they do, I will happily lend them a hand if required.
WAITING
I have been heavily involved with my local club’s planning committee for the 2021 Highland Classic Two-Day. At the time of writing, we have obtained the FIME registration number and are making plans to run the event in June this year. We will try extremely hard to achieve a favourable outcome; only external factors could cause its cancellation. It is not foolhardy, as we carefully consider all the ramification; we understand that all events are indeed different. One can only plan according to the requirements of the event you have. You cannot base decisions on other similar events which have different challenges to meet. One thing is certain, we need to see that light at the end of the dark tunnel and having a plan is the way to reach that light and create favourable outcomes.