betabill

Real mixture of pros and cons to the whole thing and glad it is not a done deal, but quite a few people now realising that the 6 mile trek may be a step too far i have spectated, ridden and observed but i must say if it was at the auction mart and i wasnt involved in some way i would not go up there. Yes it is far better to look out over Loch Linnhe than be in a big barn especially if the weather is good. It is embarrasing as a local how little the Highland councillors we vote for do for the trial but rest assured they will all be in the council chambers for the free drink and food that is on offer. I think Jamie was spot on about the reasons for stopping in at the car parks especially the young people who are the next generation of SSDT riders, 6 miles out of town they will not be there as they will have to rely on parents to provide lifts ect. The magic about the scottish in town was rushing home after school and then head in to the car park to see what was happening. I hope in 10 years time my kids will still go to the West End car park or somewhere in centre in town where ever that may be and be able to look at the bikes and the stalls, and not to a large club trial situated 6 miles out of town which will only ever see the riders and a few friends.

Some interesting points Mark but remember the mountain bike world cup is exactly that a world event televised by Sky television, being born and brought up in the Fort i remember the Parc Ferme moving for a couple of years to car park at the other end of the town which is now occupied by Morrisons. Even this short distance did the trial no favours, the west end carpark is a good focal point, the parade is there, close to shops and hotels and Bed and Breakfast for most. Nice flat ground for trade stands and vehicles, and believe me the rural complex will be hit by the weather just as bad if not worse. It is lacking facilities and too far out of town so you then lose all the young people coming to the Parc Feme as the West End is within walking distance for most. I think you may want to put 2009 down to just another wet Fort William week and pray for no rain next year. So as for moving to Aonach Mor i would think very carefully as it could be potentially a disastrous move alienating the people of the town who i tell you will not make the journey up there.