SSDT Man and Machine
Proudly classed as the most famous motorcycle trial in the world with a sporting heritage going back as far as 1909, the Scottish Six Days Trial is still ‘the’ one on most rider’s Bucket List of events to enter and, most importantly, finish. Covering six days of riding from Monday through to its conclusion on the Saturday, it covers more than 500 hundred miles on the motorcycle, usually in the first week of May.
Based around Fort William, the event’s home for the week is the exposed West End car park on the banks of Loch Linnhe. From here the entry of close-on 300 riders will leave and return on each of the six days after covering a full day’s riding. What does it take to finish this enduring event, you may ask? Just a handful of words will tell its own story: ‘Prepare – or prepare to fail’.
The machine
First and foremost, the machine you have chosen should be presented to the ‘Weigh In’ team on the Sunday before the opening day in pristine condition. It’s no excuse to turn up with a ‘dog’ of a machine and expect it to finish. The UK importers provide an excellent back-up service free of charge but they are are not the ones responsible for preparing your chosen machine; it’s down to you, the owner. Be it a brand new or a relatively new machine or a second-hand one, you will need to carry out your preparation. Each of the importers usually provides a pre-event machine checklist, which can be found on our website: www.trialmaguk.com. If you are not sure who the importer is, a quick look for their advert in this magazine will give you all the contact details.
To obtain this free service, it’s advisable to call the relevant importer well prior to the event to register your machine with them. To keep your machine in the event, they will need to know the year, make and model. You will also need to provide credit card details and your contact information in case you need to use any parts they provide. Remember that the service is free, but not the parts!
When I was competing in the event, if funds allowed I would purchase a new machine four weeks before the event so that it could be ridden, prepared and then ridden again, just to check it was all okay. I would then once again check everything over and add that little extra preparation for the six-day event. I also believe it’s better to purchase and take all your consumables to the event. If you call in at your local trials dealer, you will probably find that they have some experience of the event and many will have ridden in it.
Most modern machines will finish the event barring a disaster or a mechanical fault beyond your control, as mechanically they are all very good but just bear in mind that they will need ‘loving’ as well. It’s maybe good fun to go fast on the road but remember these are trials machines and should be ridden accordingly! Why go and spoil your week by wrecking your engine on the road? Cruise at a pace you are comfortable with, and it’s the same on the off-road terrain.
The rider
We all like a good time, but around four weeks before the event or sooner start watching what you are eating and in particular drinking, especially alcohol! Try and get out on your machine that little bit more and aim to be ‘bike fit’ before the event as it makes the whole week much more enjoyable. Due to work commitments in the week, I used to go swimming, and I found this worked well for me as well as competing in actual events. A brisk walk can also help, which most people can find time to fit in.
Equipment
Head: First and foremost this is maybe the most important part to be protected. I am still a firm believer that the more you spend on a crash helmet, the better the fit and quality. If the budget can push to a lighter-weight carbon fibre one, you will soon find out what a good investment it is. Remember that this will sit on your head all day and if it’s uncomfortable you will soon find out! The days of wearing grinding goggles are long gone, thank God, and once again I would suggest purchasing good quality, well-fitting pair. Do not fit tinted lenses, use clear ones so you can easily identify the lie of the ground.
For the hazards, you have three options with what to do with the goggles, which all work. I used to prefer putting them wrapped on my arm, but the easiest option is to put them on back-to-front on your crash helmet. It keeps the inside clean and dry and out of harm’s way. For the last option you can pull them down around your neck, but I found this can be very uncomfortable. I also advise wearing a neck warmer as it’s convenient to pull up and cover your face on the road – and of course, they keep the neck warm and dry!
Body: Two words: base layer. Well worth every penny to keep warm, always! If it’s hot, you can always remove it.
Upper body: There are plenty of excellent-quality trials jackets now available. In the past they were, shall we say, not as waterproof as they could be but now you will find some on a par with, if not better than, some of the high-street walking manufacturers’ brands, and I can speak from my own experience when I say that they are 100% waterproof. Again, pop into your local trials dealer and try a few different ones on. It is also worth checking that they have some decent-sized pockets, which will come in very handy. Make sure you have one good dry pocket for your time card that is easily accessible. From my experience, a base layer, riding shirt and jacket are a must unless it’s exceptionally hot. A sleeveless body warmer is also a good option under the jacket if you have a long road-ride in front of you.
Gloves: Find a brand you like and buy three pairs if the budget allows. One pair to wear, one pair in a dry plastic bag to carry with you, and leave a spare pair with someone you will see during the day. Warm, dry hands are a real morale booster on a cold, wet day. They will also protect your hands from the elements. Once again if you have a long road ride, it’s worth putting some overmitts or more durable warm gloves on.
Lower body: If you are fortunate to have a warm week then base layer and riding pants will be fine; yes, you may get a little wet on the moors with the many river crossings, but they are very comfortable. If it’s a wet week, then I would recommend over-trousers. Once again the specialist trials clothing manufacturers can supply these but always remember to try before you buy, you may want one size up from what you usually wear so once again get along to your local dealer as they are there to help.
Feet: One pair of boots is fine, but you will be putting them on wet every day! Try and stretch to two pairs so you can wear a dry pair every day, leaving the other pair to dry out on alternate days. Invest in a good fitting pair of riding socks; I would also recommend seal skins on top of these. The SSDT is about rocks and rivers so looking after the feet is vital. One small tip: put your riding socks and seal skins on and then your riding pants after. Most people’s feet get wet with water going over the top of the sock, not just the boot; as the sock is under the pant, it keeps the water out.
What to Carry: Your choice, a bum bag or a rucksack. In it you will need to carry a tubeless tyre repair kit, enough tools if you drown the machine in a river to dry it out, chain link, spark plug, spare lever blades, maybe a gear lever and a rear wheel spanner. You will also need a front inner tube – this can be used if the rear tyre comes off the bead and you cannot get it back on. I also think it’s worth carrying metric Allen keys and ‘Tee’ bars for the sizes on your machine, for their ease of use, and an adjustable wrench. Do not expect other riders to carry your tools! If you are using your tools, they will usually help, but if you’re asking for tools you will get a different reaction!
With a rucksack, you can remove clothing or carry some extra, and this appears to be the preferred option. Some of the rucksacks also have drink systems fitted so you can kill two birds with one stone. Once again it’s worth purchasing it and trying it before the event as it’s on your back all day.
Remember: Get yourself into your local dealer for all your SSDT requirements; yes the internet is an excellent tool, but I would strongly recommend that you ‘try before you buy’ and purchase from the dealer first hand. As previously mentioned, there is a fair chance the dealer will have some ‘Scottish’ experience to pass on to you. If you forget anything, you can purchase all your last-minute trials needs in the ‘Parc-Ferme’ start and finish area.
Monday – Saturday: For some riders, this is a trials riding holiday, and for some, it’s a job. Late nights drinking alcohol with your friends is good fun but remember that the day after you will be out on the machine all day. Scotland also has a zero tolerance level on alcohol with drinking and driving. Be very aware and alert when riding on the public highway.
Due to its location, the roads carry many large HGV articulated vehicles so beware of the turbulence when they pass you and concentrate on your riding. It’s also worth keeping an eye on the local weather forecast.
Sensible eating and drinking and going to bed at a reasonable time will all go towards your efforts to finish what many consider the ultimate motorcycle trials adventure. The elation of finishing this event, especially if it’s your first one, will live with you forever. Get yourself along to the awards presentation where at last you can have a drink, and enjoy!