big john

Actually Bigfoot, Scotland is classed as a "Region" of the ACU, it is not classified as a "centre". The Scottish ACU has an agreement with the ACU in that the SACU recognises the ACU as the controlling body of the sport of motorcycling throughout Britain and the ACU recognise the SACU as the controlling body, on their behalf, in Scotland. Big John

I think this matter has been discussed on here previously, but here goes..again! Yes, the ACU charge £10 for a registration card and it is purely for identification purposes. The cost of administering it probably outweighs the income it generates, but it works well for the riders and the ACU who collect their money via the rider's levy portion of every entry fee from every event. There are many times more trials riders in ACU land than in Scotland...fact! The SACU did look at an alternative, which would have been a £20 Registration Card fee plus around £3.50 rider's levy at each event whether that be national or closed to club. Based on 2009 entry levels, trials would have contributed £5,000 less per year to the SACU funds. The trials committee put forward the proposal to SACU management and it was outvoted - democratically I may add. Primarily, because the other disciplines thought that they would be carrying a deficit for their trials counterparts, but also because SACU officials did a straw poll at the Bob MacGregor Trials Academy and most riders on that day stated they preferred to pay an up front £43 licence fee, rather that (perhaps) pay more if they rode regularly. It was simply outvoted. I personally don't have any preference as trials is still the cheapest form of motorsport, yes look at Spain and France their governing bodies do charge way much more to their competitors. As for not having paid staff to administer the sport, it is highly unlikely to get sufficient volunteers to do what the SACU staff currently do for no payment! Fact of life, it is a full time job keeping a sport active at governing body level, whether that be bike sport or athletics etc. With regard to entries at AMCA events in Scotland, it hasn't so much to do with cost it is more to do with the standard/level of events. They are laid out to take few marks and this has appealled to the mass market, which is to be applauded. Some SACU clubs need to consider this...what do the majority of their riders want? A hard event that they get 5 after 5 in the sections, sections that appeal to the top class rider or an event that takes few marks and riders enjoy? Hope this clarifies some points. Big John

Decal man "Crawfy" is looking into the production of the Dalesman tank decal, watch this space! Big John

Indeed! Struggling to get a really good one for under a grand now! Big John

That's more like it! Big John

Nobody by that name (stated above)ever won the SSDT! Big John

For sure Reg May was a brilliant mechanic and tuner of Bultacos, he sorted out all the Comerfords bikes for their appointed riders (Tony & Malcolm Davis; Alan Lampkin; Colin Boniface - etc etc), which also included Martin Lampkin's bikes too. If it was good enough for Martin & Co - it was good enough for anyone else! Don't forget Julian Wigg either, he knows his way around a Bultaco motor and used to sell as many (if not more) than Comerfords direct to customer outlet! I agree the modern Puma Racing (Jose Luis Rodriguez - to be exact) and Rafa Vasquez Bultacos - both men turn out very good products, but these bikes are built for "modern" riding habits. Don't forget Reg was tuning bikes differently and with the tools and equipment available in the 1960-1980 period that's 30 years ago! Just for the record, especially for the doubters and arguement people, I have personally known all four of the "tuners" named above! Big John

Not quite true, bikes do go in and come out again, but its all done very secretly and few are ever sold! No condensation in the batcave, which is a must for preservation! Big John

Indeed, I do like the band! Big John

Your riding buddy (i.e. those around you every day) will usually help out a little if you don't know the language, don't worry too much about that! Big John

Well done MexMex, you listened to reason, fit approved Hebo tank across the forks, make sure it doesn't snag anything, remember the SSDT racing plate will have to be fitted in front of your tank after signing in on the Sunday. My son has ridden the SSDT twice with Hebo tanks fitted, no problems, but he did not link it in to main tank, he kept it only as reserve and emptied it by tubing when his tank got low. Army were happy to fill it up and not worry about taking it apart which saves time too. Best of luck in the 100th edition of the greatest trial on the planet! Lastly, watch out for the guy who interviews riders for the radio station, I believe he asks difficult questions! Big John

Give Commercial Vehicle Direct in Bristol, always come up with correct cover. Word of caution, van insurance has gone up this year, even with another years' no claims my wee van (Peugeot Expert 2.0 HDi 2.0) the premium is

Well said Craig Oh, Old Trials Fanatic - time honoured phrase is this: If the hat fits, wear it! I wasn't actually directing my comment at anyone in particular, but there you go...it wasn't even on this thread! Big John

Any approved auxiliary tanks must be fitted to the machine. Big John

I really enjoy myself when people start posting stuff and prove that they really don't know what they are talking about! As Sammy Miller once said, "give me the facts, I don't like listening to stories"! Remember the motto: the mouth... like the throttle... works both ways! Big John

Listen...If it was built by Reg May for his son, I can tell you...it was special! Big John

Damn it, I was speaking to Jon May at the show and didn't realise it was his bike until much later, I could have asked him all about it! I reckon its probably an early motor in a modified later frame, rear shock mount was like Vesty's later bikes, which were modified by Reg May anyway! Never mind... I know a man that will tell me all about it! Big John

PM me with your e-mail address please! Big John

Yes I saw that bike, I liked it...a lot! Big John

The green paint on the frame of the bike in the photo is very close to the original colour. There was once a Tractol enamel that was a close match, I think it may have been called Mid Green. Send me a PM with your e-mail and I'll keep you informed about the tank decals. Big John

I saw that bike, mark 1 Dalesman Puch from 1968/69, with the Puch moped forks and front hub, would look good with a set of stickers on it, mind you that version had a green sticker with the original green and black Puch emblem. Big John

You may need to line the fuel tank anyway as it is over 30 years old now. I have an original Dalesman tank decal I am going to get reproduced for the Puch engined bikes, would you be interested in a couple of sets for your acquisitions? A chap in the USA wants a few sets already! Big John