We are delighted to announce that from 2025, we have a new award, for the Best performance by a rider on the B Route, under 35 years of age at the time of the event – The Peter Valente Memorial Quaich.
Presented to the club by his brother, Simon C. Valente in memory of a trials rider from Edinburgh who competed for 50 years and sadly passed away at a trial near Dunfermline on May 2nd 2021.
Peter Cosmo Valente rode his first trial in April 1971, The Campbell Trophy Trial organised by the Dunfermline and District MCC on his four-speed Bultaco Sherpa.
Peter had been participating at the East Neuk club’s trial at Drumcarro, near St. Andrews in Fife when he felt unwell, returning to his vehicle. There were first aiders present and then Paramedics who did their utmost to revive him, but sadly he slipped away peacefully.
Peter was born in Edinburgh in June 1953 and was Trials Secretary of the Melville Motor Club in the 1970s. He was also a member of the Hawick & Border club and latterly had been actively helping the Galloway MCC set up their trials section.
Peter and his younger brother Simon were active riders in trials both north and south of the Scottish border. He was the type of person that proved you did not have to be a ‘top flight’ rider to gain the respect and comradeship of other competitors and officials in the sport.
Peter also enjoyed fun at events and around 1975, he and brother Simon appeared at an Edinburgh St George trial wearing bright red jerseys that were almost identical, but written in block capitals on the backs were the words: “THIS ONE” and “THAT ONE”.
Peter was inspired to ride trials in February 1968 while spectating at the Edinburgh Southern ‘Coronation Trial’ which took place near Bathgate, West Lothian and was bitten by the trials bug.
Over the years, Peter owned just about every trials bike known to man, this included his first Bultaco Sherpa four-speeder, progressing to five 5-speed Bultacos, one of first Mk 2 Ossa MARs in Scotland, then a Kawasaki KT250 followed by a Honda TL250 which he found overweight and didn’t keep it long. He also owned one of first Beamish Suzukis in Scotland, followed by a Montesa 348, Fantic 200, Yamaha TY250 and latterly a Montesa 4RT.
Peter competed in two Scottish Six Days Trials. His first was in 1977 on the Beamish Suzuki, but the front forks compressed heavily and failed to rebound, he soldiered on with no front suspension for a couple of days but cried enough and was forced to retire. Undeterred, Peter returned six years later in 1983 on the 156 Fantic when he finished in 206th position and he was satisfied that he had taken on and finished the historic event.
The Peter Valente Memorial Quaich is now awarded to the best performance by a rider competing on the full B Route. On the base there is a plate which reads: “Peter Valente 1953 – 2021 Born in Edinburgh, Peter Valente was a lifelong motor cycle enthusiast who completed 50 continuous years of trials competition. He was known for helping other riders, organising trials, and his love of the sport, humourous approach and knowledge of trials history touched many people. Peter was a strong supporter of the Highland Classic Two Day Trial from the outset.”
Peter Valente Memorial Quaich Winners:
2025 – Derrick Edmondson