Five former winners aiming for Scott Trial glory on Saturday

ONE hundred and six years ago, employees of the Scott motorcycle factory at Shipley assembled in North Parade, Otley, for a day out in the Yorkshire Dales.

The day was partly excused as a test day for the products of the factory. The route travelled over to the pack horse bridge north of Dob Park, where the deep ford across the River Washburn tested the Scott components.

The machines speeding across the rough terrain in Swaledale and Arkengarthdale today are a far cry from those of the last century, but the format to find a winner is unchanged. Times against a relentless clock and how many penalties for putting a boot down or worse still – stopping.

The competitors will ride the 76 observed sections with only a brief halt to determine a reasonable line of attack and refuel maybe two or three times. After months of planning and route plotting by the Richmond Motor Club organisers, the trial is ready to roll.

Michelle Wilkinson has compiled a very detailed 88-page programme, which will be a collector’s item immediately. It is on sale in various shops in the Richmond area and also at the official car park at Feldom Moor, Marske.

The first Scott Trial in 1914 at Otley. Pictured at the works before the first Scott trial in 1914, eleven of the fourteen entrants. Described by Alex Dovener as the original Optimists. For the record the competitors were Alf Dean, Alex Dovener, Leslie

On Saturday five former winners will aim for another victory. Nine time-winner Graham Jarvis is not competing, but Ian Austermuhle, Michael Brown, James Dabill, Dougie Lampkin and Skeeby’s Jonathan Richardson will be setting the pace.

They start in the final 20 competitors on the list. A warning to spectators though – do not impede competitors in the observed sections. There could be more than one competitor in a section and the observers have to record every move. Every inch of the course is on private land and patrolled by travelling marshals and that means no trail riders anywhere and at any time.

James Dabill at the 2019 Scott Trial, at Orgate Falls, Marske

There are some fabulous items in this year’s Scott Trial Charity Auction, which will be held prior to the results presentation tomorrow evening at Richmond School.

Take a look on the Richmond club’s Facebook or Instagram page to see what is on offer, including guaranteed entries for 2022's prestigious trials such as the Scottish Six Day Trial, Scottish Pre '65 Trial, Reeth Three-Day Trial, Leven Valley Two-Day Trial, and Highland Classic Two-Day Trial. To place a reserve bid on any of the items, contact Charlotte Brown via email at lottiebrown29@gmail.com or see facebook.com/RichmondMotor Club.

Weekend fixture list

Saturday: Richmond Motor Club, National Scott Trial, Feldom Moor, Marske, 9am.

Sunday: Pickering Motor Club, Winter Motocross, Haygate Lane, Pickering, 11.30am. Spen Valley M.C.C. R.A.S Sport championship, Parkwood Offroad Centre, Tong, 12pm.