Scottish Six Days Trial and Pre 65 Two Day Trial 2013
Preview: Ben Falconer
Past years: SSDT 2008, SSDT 2009, 2009 pre65, SSDT 2010, 2010 pre65, SSDT 2011 and Pre65, SSDT 2012, Pre65 2012
Western Centre riders are heading north in search of success at the world's most famous trial.
When The Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT) starts in Fort William on Monday, May 6, ACU Western Centre champion Simon Welch will be among the last group of riders flagged away along with Henry Bendall.
It will be the Gloucester and Cotswold MC rider's first attempt at the event, while Henry (West Glos & Dean Forest MCC) returns after winning a first class award in 2011.
Mounted on the new Jotagas machine, Simon will be on the road with Henry, but will be part of an effort by the Spanish manufacturer with strong Gloucestershire links.
Jotagas UK importer and four time SSDT winner Steve Saunders will be masterminding the charge to improve on an impressive debut for the marque last year.
Leading the Jotagas assault will be Jordi Pascuet who led last year for the first half of the trial, and British number three Ross Danby. With an entry list featuring Dougie Lampkin, James Dabill, Michael Brown, Alexz Wigg and Sam Connor, it will be tough to crack the top five for Steve's top two - but not an impossibility. As well as the sections being marked on "no stop" rules, the SSDT is far tougher on man and machine than any trial.
Keeping both in top shape for a week is half the battle in the SSDT, and assuming that happens for Simon and Henry, both should be aiming for first class awards at least.
Henry (Gas Gas 300) has four SSDT finishes under his belt and that experience will stand him in good stead. Although it's Simon's first attempt, a top 50 finish should be within reach.
Three more riders with a strong centre connection, Craig Talbot, Becky Cook and Fred Adams, will be looking to build on last year's success. BVM Moto in Stroud will be without Craig (Beta 300) and Fred (Montesa 250) for the week, as Craig aims for another first class award and Fred looks to grab a first class after coming close in his debut last year. European 2012 ladies champion Becky will be giving it everything to win back her best lady crown from Emma Bristow in the Highlands and should be in the top 100.
The SSDT will be preceded by the Pre '65 Scottish 2 Day Trial, in Kinlochleven on Friday, May 3 and Saturday, May 4.
On his fifth attempt, David Eeles (Cheltenham Home Guard MCC) is aiming to bring his 500 Triumph home for less than 100 marks, after coming close several times. Fellow CHG clubman Steve Hancox is also Triumph-mounted for his debut effort, likewise Ian Wixon (West Glos & Dean Forest MCC) on his fifth consecutive ride.
Peter Collins (Golden Valley MCC) will be steering his mighty 500 Ariel around the many large rock hazards, along with Neil Buttery (Wye Valley AC).
Keith Wells (Kings Norton) lost his best lightweight rigid title last year and will be hoping to get that back on the DMW. Martyn Goodall (Cotswold 90) is listed as one of 20 reserves in this hugely over-subscribed event.