big john

Limit is 120 riders, we don't expect to have a ballot...but don't leave it until the last minute! Big John

Mick Wilkinson is coming now too. Should be fun times! See you there... Big John

Phone call this morning from Mick Wilkinson, he's coming up for Alvie! Big John

Well, it looks like a stock 199A with the rear subframe modified to be similar to the later 199B. Even if it was one of Bernie's bikes, which I personally doubt or not easily verified, as most of his weer probably supplied by either Bay Area Bultaco or the factory... so what? He rode them for around 6 months then got a new one. Bernie must have had litterally dozens of 325 Bultacos in his career, just look as his book, just about every photo, he's on a different bike! Some in competitions, some were "training" bikes. Big John

I see a certain weekly publication ran a short story on the Highland Classic at Alvie in this week's edition, breaking news that Carlos Casas has entered! See you at Alvie Carlos! Big John

Fair point Hamish, the severity of the "Allie Beag Invaders" was definately putting folk off riding it, the Stewards' report in past years reflected this point. However, Lochaber MCC are "under new management" now! Big John

Come on guys, its the Pre65/Twinshock; Over 40 & Youth championships! Big John

http://www.todotrial.com/ttclasico/indexttclasico-total.htm? Does this work? Big John

That's no excuse, It's my 25th Wedding Anniversary around the weekend of Alvie, I've postponed my 25th wedding thingys until September! Big John

I always take the view if you have only done one thing to a bike and it won't start, what was the last thing you did/changed? Thta will be the root cause! Obviously changing the oil and filter will not be directly involved with a no-start. However, disconnecting the electrical supply plug and not reconnecting it properly will have an effect, as will a throttle cable pulled out of its moorings, this will decline a start as the bike will be in unsafe mode! Did you have the bike keeled over and inadvertantly pull out the cable? Was there anything else you did to the bike other than change the oil and filter? Big John

I see, mind you I'm the good looking one on the right! big John

What got worse? Big John

Can I have one of those but with an NGK B4ES? As Wiggy says, one blip and it's clean! Big John

Nope, I'm still not going to comment, other than some of the postings on this thread are quite confusing! Big John

I'm being professional and saying nothing on here, just watching! Big John

Hey Spikey, Is it true an observer shouted your number to ride a section as: "come in 99...oh are you having trouble 66???" Glad you enjoyed yourself, that is what it is all about! Big John

Sounds good to me Bigfoot, well done for your efforts so far, keep up the good work! Big John

Yes, I remember watching Javier Cucurella at the SSDT in the seventies, rode for Bultaco! Big John

The Scottish ACU issues its own licences to riders who actually live (reside) in Scotland. If you live in England or Wales then you get yourself an ACU Registration Card and pay per trial. In Ireland they obtain MCUI licences. The SACU have an agreement with the ACU that they do not issue licences to riders who live in England or Wales or Ireland and that also includes foreign nationals. There is also the issue of repatriation costs in the unfortunate event of an accident occuring during an event and that is why overseas riders need FIM Gold Cover for the repatriation insurance. Cost has absolutely nothing to do with the issue, its down to insurance and legal matters! Big John

Definately differences between '05; '06 and '07. I have an '06, my lad has an '09 and they are like chalk and cheese to ride. I lent him my bike yesterday to ride a Scottish Championship round (Clubman class which he won) on my '06 and it took him half a lap just to get used to the harsher power delivery. He says its more like a switch than the smooth power delivery of his '09 bike. He rode the SSDT last year on his '07 which was a second hand one and it too was smoother than my '06. Having said that the '05 was still lacking the improvements made to the 06 model. If you want my advice go for the '07, you will not regret it. Myself, I'd have an 2010 model, still considering the remote posibility! Big John

Nah, I rarely went in to the Palais, only to have a chat with Danny the Bouncer at the door whom I knew (another trials rider!) I usually went to either locally to the Green Tree (The Twig) or into Edinburgh! Big John

Correct, well done, your starter for 10 as they say! Big John

Aha, manager of the 'Palais De Dance'?? Or was it 'Queens', whatever... Sure you were not the original owners' eldest son (Jim & Jean MacLeod) maybe? In that case you must be 'Norman', elder brother of Alastair then? The ground you mention was probably that of Dan Reid at Ballencrieff??? Ho-yes I know who you are then Norrimac! Bet you'll be surprised when you find out who Big John is then? You knew both my Mum & Dad. Best wishes, Big John

West Lothian?? I probably know you then? Have a good time at the Scottish. Big John

The SSDT uses vast tranches of private ground, there is no roving commission for the use of motorcycles, it is strictly at the behest of the landowners and in some cases their tenants. The trial organisers go to a lot of trouble to get the permission for the use of the competitors who pay a fair bit of money to ride the trial. Spectators pay? Yes you've guessed it, nothing! The right to roam legislation does not apply to motorcycles either! That is why spectators are welcome on foot and should park their vehicles considerately or where directed to by Northern Constabulary during the week. By venturing on to private ground with a motorcycle endangers the SSDT greatly, just read Highland Lassie's post about Leanachen Forest, that is Forestry Commission property, as is a heck of a lot of the course during the week. The Forestry have imposed a speed restriction on that section of the course and they are entitled to do so, it is their property! It cannot be stressed enough that following the SSDT on a bike, unless it's on the public highway, is an absolute no-no situation! Big John