PRESENTATION
Team Roundhouse
Satellite trials teams are very thin on the ground and in particular in the UK, but one man has the vision to change this and give opportunities to riders who he believes can achieve their goals in the sport. Driven by a passion for motorcycle trials, Simon Bullock has invested very heavily – in both monetary terms and man-hours – with his team, but he gets a huge sense of satisfaction from it. The icing on the cake for him is to see his riders on the steps of a World podium, something he has already achieved in the short history of Team Roundhouse.
HISTORY: Team Roundhouse was first established in 2001 as a motorcycle team. It started off by supporting Simon’s son Sam, and also Tom Sagar, who were competing in European trials championship events at the time. The team then went on to support trials and enduro rider Ben Hemingway. We turn the clock back through to the 1970s when team owner Simon Bullock was competing in trials himself on the early Ossa and Montesa machines.
SIMON: “I was competing with my cousins Andy and Rob Gardner, and Peter Salt, John Hulme and Paul Bennett to name just a few from that era. Bill Gardner, my uncle, fuelled my passion for trials and I have fond memories of travelling to trials at the Cheshire Centre and The North West in his cattle truck with Rob and Andy. This enthusiasm for trials riding has been passed on to my three sons, Sam and twins Brad and Dec. They have competed in trials from a young age. Brad and Dec attended trials from the age of two, supporting big brother Sam at all events. They started competing at five years old, and have been passionate about trials ever since those early days. Watching big brother Sam compete fuelled their desire to ride and Team Roundhouse expanded from there. Over the years, I have been disappointed to see how few riders from the UK have competed in European events. Many young riders, including my sons, have been inspired by the top riders such as Dougie Lampkin and I thought it would be great to help more young riders fulfil their dream. This has motivated me to expand our team and try to help up-and-coming riders to compete further afield.”
TEAM: This has expanded over the years and they now have a great structure set in place, with the guidance and experience of world championship contender James Dabill and Beta UK importer John Lampkin, himself an exworks rider. Currently the team consists of riders Dec Bullock, Jack Sheppard and Andy Chilton. Brad and Sam Bullock play an important role on the team, assisting with minding when required.
SIMON: “I oversee everything and we also have my cousin Rob who drives our race truck and cousin Andy who helps out with training when possible. Over the last few years, the team have managed to spend the winter months in Spain practising with the European contingent, including the current king of trials Toni Bou. When in the UK on a regular basis the team practise together as often as possible on locations in Yorkshire and Lancashire.
SPONSORS: Team Roundhouse has an excellent package of sponsors from the following companies: Gaerne boots, Airoh Helmets, Dunlop tyres, Dirtyboyz cleaner, Putoline oils and Ice Valley Water. The team is also sponsored by John Lampkin and Beta UK who are the importers of the Beta trials motorcycles. The Italian Beta factory also helps the team out with their factory input.
SIMON: “I am very grateful for the support we receive from the sponsors. The link with Beta UK and the factory at world championship events is vital, and it’s also good to see that they in return acknowledge the efforts we are putting in. What I would like to see is more companies approaching us with sponsorship, and in return we can maybe get some riders up onto the very top spot of the podium”.