4 minute read
Ally Beag Bike Trials
Iain ferguson Motorbike trials made a welcome return with the staging of the Ally Beag competition in Glen Nevis at the end of May. Organised by the Lochaber and District Motorcycle Club in conjunction with landowners Jahama Highland Estates and Ewan Cameron the event attracted 100 riders, both local and from across Scotland. Normally an annual event it is held in memory of exceptionally talented Fort William rider and mechanic Alexander John Cameron, known affectionately as Ally Beag (Wee Ally, a name given to him when he worked in Fort William’s Parade Garage to distinguish him from another mechanic of the same name). He stormed on to the Scottish Six Days Trial in 1958, aged 18 years old. Starting on an old bike which was all he could afford at the time, such was his success that he quickly moved on to new bikes, using his mechanical knowledge to adapt and hone their performance to maximum effect. He went on to win many competitions in a number of classes at events all over the country as well as many successes in his ‘home’ event, The Scottish Six Days Trial.
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His talent was well recognised and highly regarded, so much so that he moved to England, working for manufacturers and ‘works’ bike teams as both mechanic and rider – quite an achievement. In 1971 he decided to return home to Fort William taking a job at the British Aluminium smelter, where, despite many offers of positions with various teams and bikes companies, he stayed. Despite being diagnosed with Hodgkins Disease, he rode until the late ’70s, then took the role of observer at numerous trials. Ally died in 1998 and the Duncansburgh Church was overflowing for his funeral as so many wanted to pay their final respects. His name and achievements have not been forgotten through the trials and it seems appropriate that in these days of Covid restrictions and cancellations of sporting events, that his was possibly the only trial allowed and also that it should take place on land owned by ‘the smelter’ where he worked. In dry and sunny weather riders first crossed the River Nevis staying with lines set to ensure that salmon spawning areas were not disturbed by the activity. In line with Covid regulations, no spectators were allowed, so, as unusual as the great weather, the route of each section was given over only to official observers and riders. Several stages had been laid out, each with their own level of difficulty to challenge riders as they twisted their way over and around boulders of various sizes trying to keep the number of dabs to an absolute minimum. Observers kept a close eye on each and every attempt, carefully logging every move on the steep, rocky, but largely dry burns. Juniors too had their own stages on lower levels; no less challenging for them, with some as little as five years old showing great mastery of the sport, with many definitely up-andcoming champions of the future. Everything about the event was carefully planned, not only from a Covid but from an environmental point of view to cause minimum disruption in the landscape and habitat of domestic and wild populations. Jonathan Hart, liaison manager for Jahama Highland Estates, said: ‘After losing the Scottish Six Days Trial, the pre-65, the Grace Dignan trial and a host of other motorcycle trials events over the last two years we have been working closely behind the scenes with both Lochaber and Kinlochleven motorcycle clubs on how we can ensure the survival of these iconic events. ‘It is fitting then that the first major trial since Covid restrictions were introduced is the Ally Beag Trial based in Glen Nevis, given that Ally himself was an employee of the BA and an enthusiastic and popular local rider. ‘It is also important for Jahama Highland Estates to recognise the fact that local club riders have respected the lockdown regulations and have not been out on organised trials for over 18 months. So we are particularly pleased that we can thank them for their patience and that we can work with them and our other partners to secure a future for sustainable motorcycle events in Fort William and Kinlochleven.’
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