The Army Trials Team

Trials riding is one of the most demanding of the Off -Road motorcycling disciplines, and one of the most affordable and accessible. As its flagship event, the Army Motorcycle Trials Team takes part in the Scottish Six Day Trial (SSDT) one of the oldest and largest (113 Years) off road motorcycle events in the World. This is the only event where a clubman can ride alongside the best in the World. The Army has entered a team since the early 1930s and only missed one in 2001 (Foot & Mouth) and 2020, 2021due to the Covid Pandemic. The event covers an average 100 miles per day over some of the most arduous terrain in the area of Lochaber, Scotland. Day one starts from the centre of Fort William (first Monday in May) and finishes six days later with one of the most arduous days on the lower slopes of Ben Nevis.

If you wish to get involved in trials riding, whether as a novice, or to join the team please don’t hesitate in contacting Maj Sandy Mack MBE on the number below. We are also looking for people to help with the SSDT refuelling teams each year, so if you would like to gain a first-hand insight into trials riding and see ‘The best Trial in the World’, come and get stuck in with the team.

Key Personalities

Maj Sandy Mack MBE (SCOTS) Army Trials Secretary - Has ridden the SSDT 18 times and has set up the current structure and sponsorship for the Army Trials Team. He is also the Refuelling Manager for the Scottish Six Days Trial. He is currently serving with 1 RMP.

Maj Ian (Jack) Horner RLC Team Manager/Assistant Secretary – Jack has been the Team Support manager for the last 5 years and is key to the Army Teams success.

LCpl Mathew Haigh AGC (SPS) Media Officer/Rider – Matty is currently the AGC Trials Team manager and will ride his first event in 2022

WO1 (GSM) Paul Kingswood Rider – Paul has been involved in the support of the event for the last 4 years. He will compete in his first SSDT 2022.

Sgt Sam Ridgway-Sanderson REME Team Capt/Rider - Has ridden the SSDT on 4 previous year 2016, 2017,2018 and 2019.

LCpl Stuart Mack RMP Team Capt/Rider - Has ridden the SSDT on 5 occasions. He is currently on the Army TASS programme.

Lt Sam Cave Royal Signals Team Rider – Will ride his first event in 2022 after a few years of helping the team and learning the event.

PO Dan Peace RMP – Dan joined the Army Reserve in 2020 and comes to us with a pedigree as a full Factory rider for Sherco and has competed in 3 previous SSDT events.

Spr Malcom Summers Royal Engineers – Malcolm joins the team for 2022 and will be riding his first SSDT. Malcom has competed in the British Youth Trials Championship and gained podium positions.

Cpl Richard Penfold RLC – Richard has previously ridden the 2018 and 2019 SSDTs and is a stalwart within the team. Sadly, due to deployment he will not be able to compete in the 2022 event.

Development riders

To develop younger riders to the standard required to compete at the SSDT we hold up to 3 training weekends throughout the year. Currently we have a number of riders for the future and are always looking out for new talent to boost our numbers and ensure that there is representation from the Army in years to come.

Sgt Stu Payne Royal Signals SSgt Raz Erasmus Royal Engineers

LCpl Jack Metcalf Scots DG Spr Nathan Burroughs Royal Engineers

Cpl Dan Champion REME Spr Jamie Meggitt Royal Engineers

LCPl Billy Elliot RLC Pte Finlay Marshall

Cpl Tommo Thomson RLC

Latest News

The Army team has been very successful over the last few years by winning the coveted John Bull Trophy for Best Service Team, and also winning the best Service individual rider.

The Team are now in preparation for the 2022 SSDT 2 – 7 May 22. Selection has taken place for 2022 and the Army will field 2 x 3 man teams for 2022

The Team will ride the 2022 Sherco Trails bikes supplied by Malcolm Rathmell Sport the Uk Importer for Sherco.

Future training events will be organised later in 2022 with the teams in attendance to ensure that new and development rider gain from the more experienced riders.