bigfoot

For anyone who fancies a go at the SSDT one day this is a great one day trial in the same neck of the woods. Based in Kinlochleven it is a tough days trials in some of Scotland spectacular scenary. The moors are the same ones used in the SSDT and the sections are also quite similar. I've not done it for a few years but I'll be there this year as practise for May. It's always been my favourite one day event. Time is often tight so don't spend too much time looking around.

K If what my man at Michelin says is true and I've no reason to agrue, your Dunlop will also be road legal. He stated that the FIM will not accept a trials tyre that is not fully road legal as to comply with the regs the tyre should be suitable for use on the trials where road work is included. He pointed out that any markings to the contrary on the tyre wall should state where these restrictions apply. North America was mentioned as they can only be used there for limited milage and at certain pressures. (though knowing the USA this may change state to state). Look out for an E or e marking on the tyre that means its been accepted for European road use. My garage questioned the tread patern too but the regulation states that the distance between the nipples cannot be bigger than the nipples themselves so its OK. Well on bikes at least, I wouldn't like to meet a girl who met this requirement.

I've just gone through an MOT and at first it failed on tyres 'Not for highway use' These were Michelin X11s. I had to fight the MOT'er and get him to contact Michelin for confirmation that these tyres are OK for highway use in the UK. If you get this problem have your garage call Michelin UK on 01782 401853 and speak to the technical manager Barry Robinson. He will inform the garage that the tyre is legal.

Boof The rule was not new last year. It was just that last year if was inforced with a 10 mark penalty. The same still applies this year.

Yes and I'd do the same for you.

I saw it too and he should have been reported for it. It's difficult for and observer to mark a 5 for someone modifying the section as its not covered in that way in the sporting code. The observer should have reported the rider to the CofC for later action. I'm usually a hard marker and give a 5 as soon as the bike stops but seeing as I'm riding the Scottish this year maybe a little softer marking would suit. I'm no good at this hoping about lark so when I stop its often with a dab and get a 5. Thats where the hoping around helps as the observer sees a ride more in control of the bike and let them off with it as long as they don't dab. However rules are rules and everyone should be treated the same. It doesn't matter if you stop with of without a dab it's all the same in the rules.

Wonderboy I feel confident it i'll be me. First retirement that is.

I'm still awaiting my ones from Andy. I've got some Putoline ones you can have. I think they're rare

Ok then I need to keep Kinell behind me and try and catch Perce. That's as long as those two are good for time. Kinell, keep an eye out for a set of 300 gasser handlebar sticking out of the moors. I'll be somewhere near by.

No problem, any time

None it's all leaked out.

I know. The materials would be more than that if you were to make a one off. How come a mass produced item like a mud guard can be more than a two piece welded together and tested fuel tank.

Bill Good to see you joining TC. Charge it back to the health board on expenses.

Here was I reading with interest the price of the TXT tank wondering how much it would cost to get an 04 Pro one. I phoned Haven and got a real shock.

Gordon / Mark I know who you are speaking about regarding the change to a twinshock. The step from Novice route to Expert Route is just too big for some. The club has lost a lot of good riders over the years because they found the Expert route to hard some moved to Twinshocks but didn't stick at it for long. This is why the club started a fourth route last year for intermediate riders. The inter class is placed between the two and anyone in the club can ride it. If a club expert (not expert licence holder)wanted to ride but was obviously doing so for a trophy and was though good enough for the expert route the club will step in and exclude them. Expert licence holders are only excepted after approval by the club and currently there are none. I can't think of any ringer is the club at the moment. I was probably the closest in coming back down last year in to the new inter class but that worked out fine. I was competing for wins but not taking the thing by storm or in fact winning the trophy in the end.

I'll second that. I can't believe how much grip my 300 finds. It's like no other bike I've ridden.

Tee Hee Hee

The tool couch. Must be a first.

Kinell It gives the Beta a fat boy Monty look.

John What discount are you offering for the signed copies?

I bought a pair for my 2001 TXT and modified them. I cut them up the middle and then sewed on a big plastic zip making sure there was enough material under the zips to stop the zip rubbing. This made them easy to remove for cleaning et cetera. I had them one for a couple of years and never saw any wear. Lewisport do them or use to.

Thanks Pete. Luckily we got pretty much the same info elsewhere which was lucky since his presentation was this morning.

BigJohn's book isn't out yet that I know of. This is where he appears and corrects me. I would guess if you PM him he can sell you a copy direct when it comes out.

My son is doing a project at school about hobbies. He want to do a bit on trials and has a 2-5 minute presentation to do. I'm looking for any information on the net regarding the history of the sport. I've got Bigjohn's wonderful history of the SSDT but not trials in general. When and where did trials start for instance? Anyone that can help with links or info would be appreciated. BTW my son is 12 years and needs this info tonight (1st of Feb) or tomorrow.

Real name - John Hird - Rider Number TBA.