Gary Maclennan has only one thing on his mind right now, and that is the 2013 Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT) that will take place from 6th to 11th May in and around Fort William. The forty-year-old car valet company owner from the host town is perhaps not a name that you would normally associate with this iconic event, but he is one of the many amateur riders who will proudly take his place at the SSDT in early May alongside the stars of the trials world that are synonymous with the SSDT.
Whilst last year's SSDT winner Dougie Lampkin bids for an historic and record-extending seventh victory, Maclennan's goal for his tenth SSDT in a row is simply to finish. Gary and Dougie will join two hundred and seventy three other riders of all ages and abilities and from the far flung corners of the world for six tough days in the Scottish Highlands, when this annual event continues its long association with the Fort William area.
Maclennan, who is married with three daughters aged from eight to seventeen, finished one hundred and ninety third in last year's SSDT and was keen to share what this unique event means to him personally. "I grew up in Fort William and used to watch the SSDT each year when it came to town. Right from being a six-year-old kid I wanted to be a part of it, although mainly due to girlfriends and other things in my younger years, I had to wait until much later in life to make that come true."
"My first Scottish was in 2004, and thankfully it was not as bad as the stories I had heard over the years." Gary enthused. "That said it was still tough, but I loved every minute of it and still do. This year will be my tenth SSDT and it feels as special as the first. F
or me it's all about the challenge and having the craic with the other riders."
"I am never going to win the SSDT, although we still have our own battles within our group of riders and if I can finish in front of them and in the top two hundred again this year, I will be happy with that." The local man went on to say. "I was fortunate enough to ride alongside Dougie Lampkin a couple of years back. Me riding with a former World Champion - where else can you do that? Can you imagine a local golf player saying he was playing in the same event as Tiger Woods? No! It's exactly that which makes the SSDT so special."
Showing his wider understanding Gary added. "I help organise some smaller events for my local trials club and can therefore really appreciate the huge efforts that go on behind the scenes to make the SSDT such a great week for all the riders and followers. The Edinburgh and District Motor Club and the army have done an incredible job over the years of bringing people from all over the world and from all walks of life to enjoy and experience the Scottish Highlands at their absolute best."
"Roll on May!" ended an excited Maclennan.
To find out more about the Scottish Six Days Trial and spectating opportunities, please visit the website at www.ssdt.org.
Images courtesy of trialsphotos.com