SSDT: The calm before the storm
By John Dickinson on 8th May 19
SUNDAY before the Scottish Six Days Trial is given over to Technical Control, historically named the weigh-in.
It comprises machines being scrutineered in parc ferme and the engine and chassis marked with official painted numbers while signing-on is completed in the trial headquarters, The Ben Nevis Hotel.
With a fine sunny day, the parc ferme which is the Fort William West End car park for the rest of the year was packed with riders and fans just enjoying the atmosphere.
There was plenty of chatting and catching-up going on while riders busied themselves with last-minute prep.
Some riders turn up with machines having been checked, checked and checked again and get them scrutineered early doors and get it out of the way.
Others stress and fiddle and stress again before checking in last-minute, convinced they have missed something vital. With all safely in parc ferme by two oclock there was then an hour to spare before the entire field filed back in to collect their machines for the Official Parade through Fort William High Street.
All the contenders were looking confident including of course Dougie Lampkin (Vertigo)looking for a record 12+1 (otherwise known as 13), wins!
James Dabill (Beta) is ready to take the fight to Doug once again and has fingers crossed that fate doesnt play a cruel hand as it did last year, when a flat tyre spinning in the rim in a Ben Nevis section on Saturday afternoon cost him a cricial maximum.
Jack Price and Michael Brown represent a twin-pronged Gas Gas attack while Sherco look to Dan and Jack Peace to apply the pressure.
More like this…
2019 SSDT: James Dabill breaks away on Day 2
James Dabill eased the factory Beta into the sole lead of the 2019 Scottish Six Days Trial today (Tuesday) with a clean observation score for the second consecutive day to remain the only rider to retain a clean sheet through the two days and 60 sections of competition.
British hotshots lead the way on Day 1 of the Scottish Six Days Trial
James Dabill (Beta) and Iwan Roberts (TRRS) shared the lead at the end of the opening day of the 2019 Scottish Six Days Trial, the pair completing Monday's opening 71 mile, 30 section route without loss of marks.