The Pre’65 Scottish Trial Committee has had their post-trial review meeting and the 2014 event has been deemed a “roaring success” which is a direct contrast to 2013. Although it was a tough trial, there was nothing dangerous and all the sections were cleaned on both days even although not everyone did so. This is not just our thoughts, we have received an unusually large number of letters and emails congratulating us on promoting and running a fabulous event and weather to match. The weather in particular could be a hard act to follow but let’s see what 2015 brings.
The celebratory 30th Anniversary Parade of riders around Kinlochleven prior to the start of Friday was fantastic and loved by riders, spectators and the local community. The streets of Kinlochleven were packed to witness the vast majority of the entry take part in this nostalgic event which proved to be a joyous and emotional occasion. It was led by Clerk of the Course, Willie Robertson, Guest of Honour, Alex Fender and his son, Alan Fender (number 91) and Raffle Winner, Mark Samuel (number 181). Thank you to all who took part and to the many officials who stood around the route to ensure everyone’s safety.
As with any event, we are indebted to our sponsor, Putoline Motorcycle Oils and Daily Sponsors, Clark Commercials and Hope Technology for their support and to all the landowners and their tenants for allowing us the use of their land. We would also like to say a huge thank you to all the observers and other officials who do sterling work before, during and after the trial. Without your assistance the trial would not be possible.
We would also like to extend our thanks to a very popular Guest of Honour, Alex Fender. He thoroughly enjoyed meeting and chatting with all the competitors as they started each day and congratulating them on their performance during the Awards Presentation. Congratulations also must go to the trial winner, Rob Bowyer. He fought hard to take the premier award as it was fiercely contested. Well done to all the other award winners and condolences to James Noble who suffered a badly broken leg in the latter stages of Saturday in his quest to win. The Pre’65 Scottish Committee wishes him and the other riders who suffered an injury during the trial a speedy recovery.
Entry forms for the 2015 Trial will be available from 1 October 2014 to download from the Pre’65 page on www.ssdt.org