Scottish Six Days Trial 2011

Preview

THREE Gloucestershire motorcycle trials riders are heading to the Scottish Highlands for the 100th anniversary of the most famous trial in the world.

Brothers Henry and Joe Bendall, with cousin Jason, will take on 180 observed sections of the Scottish Six Days Trial from Monday, May 2.

This will be reigning ACU Western Centre trials champion Henry's fourth attempt at the SSDT - last year he claimed his maiden first class award.

Joe returns to the event after a year away, and the experience of a very wet week in Scotland in 2009 will stand him in good stead.

Jason is an SSDT newcomer but a one mark loss in the Wyegate long distance trial last month, until mechanical gremlins struck, indicates he is in good form. The Bendalls hail from Aylburton, and will represent the West Glos and Dean Forest MCC. Keep up with their progress at athe West Glos website

The trial attracts world's best and it is is preceded by a two day version for pre-65 machines. Four-time SSDT winner Steve Saunders from Cheltenham is a heavy favourite to win aboard his Triumph 350 twin.

Last year lady luck wasn't on his side for his first attempt, but he still finished fifth. Many Gloucestershire riders are on the pre-65 entry list.

Stroud Valley MC rider Billy Andrews from Gloucester will be aboard a 175cc Bantam, David Arkell has entered under Cheltenham Home Guard MCC's banner on a 500 Ariel, and Tewkesbury rider David Eeles competes for the same club on his ever-improving Triumph 500 twin.

Martyn Goodall (Cotswold 90 MCC) from Cheltenham has entered on a similar machine, while Andrew Weddle (CHG) will be mounted on a rigid Panther 350. West Glos and Dean Forest MCC rider Ian Wixon will be looking to do much more than get round the demanding course on his 350 Triumph twin.

Golden Valley MCC rider Paul Wilkins has entered on a 250 Greeves, while James Steynor (Golden Valley) will ride a 500 Ariel. Regular county visitors Ken O'Brien (250 Cotton) and Keith Wells will take to the starting ramp at Kinlochleven on Friday. Wells is again aboard a rigid framed DMW on which he won the under 250 rigid award last year.

Former Tibberton resident and Cotton motorcycles employee Colin Dommett will also compete, alongside his son Scott.

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