Very good areas!
In my previous post about the Scottish I commented that it is a unique event in the world, which I recommended to experience on occasion, as a pilot or as a simple spectator. Well, before the end of the year I would like to comment on the recently held 2015 edition where I enjoyed as a spectator the 6 Days of Scotland, but let’s take it one step at a time.
Personally, I think that traveling around Scotland, with the language, the currency exchange, the chevrons, miles and above all driving on the left, is very uncomfortable, but the Highlands are the heart and the true symbol of Scotland, its wildest, most untamed and picturesque part, which has been able to captivate me with its infinite beauty.
Postcard-worthy places, the soils of legendary heroes, grandiose landscapes, imposing mountains, ancient forests that launch into the sea, freshwater lakes that blend into the deep fjords of the ocean, animals in the wild, lonely valleys and territories without human presence that take your breath away.
There are very few inhabited villages and you can find yourself driving for hours in the middle of nature in its purest form, surrounded only by plains, lakes and pine forests: an unforgettable landscape that, for centuries, has fueled legends and battles, a fable setting that delights photography lovers (nearly 7,000 photographs came out of Mercè’s camera).
The Highlands are the postcard you imagine of Scotland, an inspiring and wonderful region for its landscapes and history. Delving into its wild nature and recharging your batteries by practicing trials is not only very comforting for trialists looking for feats and goals to achieve, but exploring its many mountains, its imposing islands and the coastline that will take you to the Malt Whisky route is priceless.
That said, I would like to comment on the experience I had in the 2015 edition in which, for the first time, Asier Zurbano (my daughter Marta’s partner) participated.
As a good trialer, Asier’s dream was to participate, at least once, in the mythical 6 Days of Trial Scotland (SSDT). He signed up in 2014 and was not accepted, quite the opposite of 2015.
He rented a motorbike from John Lampkin (importer of Beta UK) and for a week we travelled together (with my daughter Marta and my wife, Mercè) 1,500 kms. following their adventures through the mythical Scottish areas.
He formed a very good and balanced team with Hug Alemany (it was his second participation in the SSDT) and Diego Urreta (with a very valuable experience of 10 editions). They received a prize for a team made up of 3 foreigners from the same motorcycle club (MOTOCAT), an award that I think deserved because in one way or another the three of them were responsible for them being able to finish the 6 Days. In short, a magnificent example of camaraderie.
Of the physical and psychological requirements to face the test, of the hardness of it and of the thousand anecdotes that occur in an intense 6 days, I may not be the most appropriate person to comment on it, but seen from the outside, it was an exceptional, great and wonderful week, enjoying what I like the most: My family, trial, friends and nature in its virgin state, no matter how many motorcycles have passed through it and that in our country many do not quite understand.
I can’t complain about the weather during those days but, as they say in the Scottish Highlands, if you don’t like the weather, wait 5 minutes it’s going to change.
And finally, I can’t finish this post without mentioning a very emotional moment that took place during those days. It is a personal issue that, for various reasons, is closely linked to trial and that took place in Fort William, during the parade prior to the start of the Six Days of all the participating riders, when Asier, upon arriving at the area where my daughter Marta, Mercè and I were, stopped the bike and knelt before my daughter to propose and give her an engagement ring.
I still get goosebumps remembering the scene, with the excitement of Marta and the trial riders and spectators applauding. It must be said that the two teammates, Hug and Diego, were “in cahoots” with him and collaborated in the “paralysis” of the parade, crossing the bikes when the time came. In this video you can see the scene at 9:12:
David has provided the means to channel any comments, but if you want to make it more personalized, you will always find me at bonaigua@bonaigua-trial.com
Lots of zeros!
Victor Martin
“Bonaiguá”
