Category Archives: Trial News

Trial News

New Awards for 2025

Highland Classic News!

We will have two new annual awards this year at the Highland Classic. For the ‘Laird Jamie’s Challenge’, for the best performance by a rider over 35 years of age competing on the shortened B Route, the winner will be awarded the ‘Schreiber Cup’ which will be donated by 1979 World Trials Champion, Bernie Schreiber. A suitable cup is currently being sourced. The winner will be posted glassware to keep.

Secondly, for the best performance by a B Route rider, over 35 years of age, the Peter Valente Memorial Quaich. This award is being presented to the club by Peter Valente’s brother Simon, who was also a trials rider. Again, the winner will be posted glassware to keep.

BSA/Triumph Edition, Trial News

Bernie Returns in June

1979 FIM World Trials Champion, Bernie Schreiber, the only American to win the championship, makes a welcome return to the Highland Classic and Alvie Estate this year!

Bernie is celebrating 45 years since his history changing win, having defeated 3 times world champion, Yrjo Vesterinen, also a former guest of the Highland Classic.

Bernie stated on his facebook page: “I am delighted my entry has been accepted to ride the 2024 Highland Classic Two Day Trial – BSA/Triumph Edition.
This will be my third attendance since 2019 on an SWM, 2023 on Bultaco and a BSA for 2024.
Thank you to John Moffat for the opportunity once again to ride one of your unique machines.
My thanks also to the Inverness & District Motor Cycle Club for organising the The Friendliest Classic Trial in Scotland. – See you in Scotland!”

Trial News

New Trial Partners for 2024

The Highland Classic has a history of working with our ‘Trial Partners’ who help make the event a success.

This year we celebrate the BSA / TRIUMPH Edition:

This year we welcome back Moto SWM who were our partner for the 2018 SWM Edition.

And welcome on board for 2024, Hodge Plant Ltd:

Along with 7even Construction of Aviemore, a local business near to Alvie Estate:

Plus our existing Partners:

Rockshocks who will supply some prizes.

Highland Temporary Works who provide the display centre at the Trial HQ.

REH Forks Ltd, provide a prize for the best perforamce by a rider using REH forks.

Gavin Cairns Roughcasting who this year will supply the number boards for all the riders and officials.

RAD Decals who provide the event stickers:

and InMotion the Trials Specialist, prizes for the event.

Trial News

Ray Sangster Trophy

It’s that time of year when motorcycle clubs start making plans for the sporting season ahead, Inverness & District are no different!

We are making some detailed changes to the Highland Classic BSA/Triumph Edition for next year, the main one being that we will have a new trophy to present, named the ‘Ray Sangster Memorial Trophy’ for the best performance in the trial – yes, that’s right an overall winner!

The winner will be the competitor who competes on the A Route and on a Twinshock, the rationale being that Ray Sangster was a founder/member of the Inverness & District club and rode such machines as Moto Gori, Bultaco, hence what we now refer to as ‘twinshocks’.

Ray was also the person who approached Laird Jamie Williamson to run motorcycle trials on Alvie Estate, so we have a lot to thank Ray for.

We are currently discussing the way to address any over-subscription for the entries for the 2024 trial, it may be that we now try the ballot method as we have relied on a ‘first come, first served’ method since the trial became a two day affair many years ago. This would mean that entries would open online at 8pm on Thursday, 1st February as planned and close 14 days later, to give everyone sufficient time to apply.

Entry fees will be due whenever the rider’s entry is accepted/confirmed and is very likely to be £70 – £75 as we have not increased the entry fee since Covid in 2020.
Full details are, as usual be announced on the event facebook page and this website, links as attached below.
Kind regards and have a super festive season when it comes!
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/groups/HighlandClassicTwoDay

John Moffat Entries Secretary – Highland Classic Two Day Trial 2024 – The BSA/TRIUMPH Edition – 8/9 June
“The Friendliest Classic Trial in Scotland”

Suzuki Edition, Trial News

2023 Over and Out

Well, that’s the Highland Classic over for another year and it just goes to show that you don’t need to travel to Costa Brava or Andorra to get sunshine, you can drive to Aviemore and get a nice trial and good weather too!

A few comments were raised as to why we don’t have the cheese/wine/beer stop nowadays. Quite simple, there are licensing issues dispensing alcohol and the risk that if anyone had too much and was involved in a subsequent RTA, the club could be under scrutiny, so sorry about that. I’m sure you all enjoyed the catering laid on by our friends at Ness Highland Catering, headed by Samantha.

Next year we are planning some improvements to help increase competitor enjoyment, so watch this space. AND… we will host the BSA/Triumph Edition with guests who rode for these factories! I can’t thank enough those who were involved, the Trial Partners, suppliers, the observers and anyone who helped make our event a success.

Thanks go to NIGEL BIRKETT who was a terrific Guest of Honour for the Suzuki Edition and won his class too!

Last but not least, Laird Jamie Williamson of Alvie & Dalraddy Estates Ltd and his team for allowing us to carry on even after they suffered a major fire just 4 days beforehand. We also hope to use the Trial HQ again next year as it ticked all the boxes.

Finally! We will be sending out a questionaire to all participants by e-mail, be sure and reply with any constructive comments please.

Yours in Sport, John Moffat Entries Secretary HC2DT and IDMCC Ltd, General Secretary.

(Photo Credit: Scottish Enduros/Charlie MacKenzie)

Trial News

APICO HIT Perfect 10

Apico Factory Racing have supported the Highland Classic Two Day Trial for ten years!

The company based in Burnley, Lancashire have been supportive since 2013, the only break being in 2020 when all motorcycle sport activity was disrupted by Covid-19.

Apico supremo Dylan Brown and his Promotions Manager, Scott Cannon are both very enthusiastic trade supporters of a variety of events throughout the UK and it is a pleasure to have them support the Highland Classic.

Their support is to provide items which go towards the rider’s welcome packs when they sign in at Alvie Estate.

Trial News

OBSERVERS WANTED

The appeal begins for the 2023 Highland Classic Two-Day Trial. We always need around 18 observers for both days to make the event successful.

If you can spare some time to help the club, we would like you to complete the Observer’s application form as soon as possible.

We have a draw for both days with cash prizes and there is a goodie bag, packed lunch and meal supplied both days for all observers.

APPLY NOW PLEASE!

2023 Observer’s Application Form