Highland Two Day
With huge open arms – obviously following the Covid-19 guidelines and the social distancing rules – the Inverness and District Motor Club opened its doors to the start of the Classic Trials season calendar with its very popular, friendly and successful Highland Classic Two-Day Trial in early June. Under the pandemic cloud, the preparation and planning had to be meticulous for the event to go ahead; the club should be very proud that they met the high level of criteria in all areas with a superb event enjoyed by all who attended. The wonderful Alvie Estate, just a few miles south of the Highland town of Aviemore, welcomes motorcycle trials to its grounds, and the icing on the cake this year was the excellent weather that blessed the area for all to enjoy. As always, with the popularity of the classic scene, the entry filled up to its limit of 200.
Back in 2013, the club raised the event’s profile with the introduction of ‘Edition’ themed trials based around motorcycle manufacturers and personalities. It opened with Bultaco, followed by Dave Thorpe, the tenth year, Yamscot, Honda, Montesa Cota and SWM. Unfortunately, 2020 was cancelled before this year’s competition welcomed the Fantic edition. To add to the event’s prestige, the ex-works supported rider for Fantic, Steve Saunders, attended as the guest of honour. A group of ‘Signature Riders’ who have either contributed their expertise to motorcycle sport or won the ‘Scottish’, British or even World Championships over the years are also included in the entry.
FANTIC THEME
Entering into the spirit of the event, Steve Saunders made the long journey from his Gloucester base and arrived with his Fantic along with 70 other riders who would also be riding the Italian manufactured machines. From the early 200 models through to the last of the twin-shocks and the 300 model, it was so good to see such a wide variety of the red machines present.
A very popular and respected rider, both in the past and in the present, as the official TRRS UK importer, Steve was very impressed with the event as he had never been to the Alvie Estate before. Unfortunately, his Fantic suffered from an electrical problem on day one, which forced his retirement. However, in a very sporting gesture, he continued on day two on another Fantic loaned by the AG Bikes man Andrew Brown.
Steve spent some time in conversation with the estate owner, The Laird Jamie Williamson, who took time out of running the busy sporting estate to chat with the riders who enjoyed a weekend of sport on his land. The vast expanse of land on offer allows the club to have the trial totally correct for a classic trial to accommodate the twin-shock machines. With wide-open sections, everything can be ridden without the use of the clutch if so desired, and the classic rocky streams provide a level of grip that is rarely found outside of the Highlands. Throw in the variety of banks and climbs on the estate, and a good day’s sport is guaranteed.
SUPERLOOS AND SUCCESS
It was the first year that Alvie & Dalraddy Estate’s Event Manager Suzie Crerar has been involved. She certainly made every effort to accommodate the Inverness & District MCC to help make the event a resounding success.
A new results method was implemented and managed by Secretary of the Meeting Mieke De Vos, a former SSDT Secretary. It helped with the overall logistics of the event and to get the results put together correctly. Accommodating so many people is not easy, but everyone was happy, and the introduction of the new ‘Superloos’ was well received. This 2021 Highland Classic Fantic Motor Edition was voted a great success by the riders and officials who attended the event. The club has already started planning the 2022 Highland Classic, with the theme being Ossa. Entries will be online on 1st February on this club’s excellent website.