Since the sport originated in the UK over a century ago, motorcycle trials have enjoyed a rich
association with Fort William and the Lochaber region, which hosts the SSDT. ‘The Scottish’
as it is more commonly known, celebrated its 100th anniversary last May and continues to be
one of the most prestigious events in the international competitive motorcycle trials calendar.
Motorcycle trials are unique in the world of motorsport, with it being the only discipline where
the winner is decided on skill alone and not speed. The SSDT sees its competitors ride
across the challenging terrain of the Lochaber countryside on special lightweight trials bikes,
negotiating steep gullies, slippery rock steps, rocky streams or boulder-strewn gorges.
Competitors can cover more than 100 miles on some days of the event, making it the ultimate
test of skill and endurance.

The SSDT is also unique in that it brings together riders of all ages, skill and experience
levels, with everyday hobby trials riders completing the same course as their international
championship heroes. It is free to go along to watch this fantastic spectator sport.
Amongst this year’s competitors will be last year’s winner, 25-year-old professional trials rider
James Dabill from Leeds. 2011 marked a double victory for Dabill, as not only did he
win the SSDT in its centenary year, it was the second time he has won the event having also
taken home the trophy in 2007.

He comments:

“It was a great feeling to win the Scottish Six Days Trial in its centenary last year. The SSDT
is one of the best trials events in the world. It’s every young trials rider’s dream to go up there
and do it. Winning the SSDT was definitely on the list of things I set out to achieve in my
career and now I’ve done it twice. It would be great to get a hat-trick this year and become a
part of that select club.”

“I don’t think you could have an event like it anywhere else in the world. It doesn’t matter if the
weather is bad or good, it always feels great to be there.”

Dabill admits to having the ‘Scottish Highlands bug’ having recently returned to the region on
a cycling trip: “It’s a beautiful place and the people are always so welcoming. I’m definitely
looking forward to being back in May.”

Check out details about the 2012 SSDT event here

The festivities kick off on Saturday morning when spectators will be treated to an abundance of two-wheeled talent. Once the riders have put their bikes through technical control they will be on hand to sign autographs, before practising in anticipation for Sunday’s main event. Saturday afternoon visitors will bare witness to the awesome finale of the much talked about Highland Challenge, in which ex World champions Dougie Lampkin and Takahisa Fujinami will go head to head in order to settle the score once and for all.

In addition to this, World famous Steve ‘Mr Showtime’ Colley will perform his unique display of trials based tricks. Ex British Trials Champion Steve Saunders will also be in attendance with his distinguished training school, passing on some of his vast knowledge to the next generation of riders. The day will come to a close with a true clash of the titans as Colley and Saunders do battle once again in an unmissable event billed as Steve vs Steve.

Sunday morning will mark the start of the championship action proper as over fifty riders from all over the World will compete on the mountain course. Keeping up with the action could not be easier with a group of seven sections located close to the paddock and three man-made hazards actually at the start / finish area. The gondola will whisk spectators up the mountain to enjoy four more hazards, which are set in one of the most stunning locations on the planet and all within a short walk of the top station, which boasts its own restaurant and play area.

All in all it promises to be a great weekend for all the family!

Find out more about the trials world championship event here, with travel directions to the event.

There are plenty facilities nearby Nevis Range including hotels,  hostels, self catering and Bed & Breakfasts, all of which are only minutes from the town centre of Fort William.  For eating and entertainment take a look at the selection of pubs and restaurants in Fort William too. Of course there’s plenty more activities in Fort William to experience, and what better way to see more of the area that with a personalised guided tour of Lochaber!

Here’s a video from last year’s event to give you a flavour of what to expect!

Whilst advance tickets have now closed, tickets will be available on the gate throughout Saturday and Sunday. For further information please visit www.ukworldtrial.com or call the event hotline on 0845 643 6756.