Katy Sunter, One Of Only Three Female Riders Competing In 100th Scottish Six Days Trial
Out of the two hundred and seventy five entrants who will take part in this year's centenary edition of the Scottish Six Day Trial (SSDT), the Worlds' oldest surviving motorbike trial competition, from 2nd to 7th May, only three will be female. Amongst this elite group of women warriors, whose bravery must be greatly admired, is a female competitor who is an excellent advert for 'girl power' in what is generally regarded as a man's World. Katy Sunter, from Richmond, North Yorkshire, is now preparing to compete in her sixth SSDT although this will be the first year she will have taken part without her brothers by her side, yet she is still as keen as ever.
_'Like most riders the SSDT is pretty much the most important event of the year and something I'm always working towards. Every year since I first entered I've had my brothers John and Mark next to me, but this year I'll be doing it solo. John has recently become a father and has less time, whilst Mark fancied a year off. It will be strange not having them riding with me, although my boyfriend Dan Thorpe will be riding, so that should be good,' commented Katy.__
Being a part time shepherdess Katy has been kept busy recently as lambing season is in full swing, but she has still found time to practice on her Gas Gas trials machine on a regular basis. As one of three female riders that have entered the 2011 SSDT Katy will be looking to beat Becky Cook and Emma Bristow.
'Running around after the sheep has kept me both busy and fit over the past few weeks, but it's all good fun. I always try to enter into any competition with some personal target or goal and this year's SSDT is no exception. The main female riders I'll be up against are Emma Bristow and Becky Cook who are both excellent riders in their own right. My close friend and training partner Gavin Thornton will also be competing and beating him for once would be great,' she continued with a smile.
'The fact that this year celebrates the centenary of the SSDT makes it even more special than usual, there's no doubt that the competition will be stiffer and the riding harder. Ever since I was little I've always wanted to win the female class at the SSDT and I'll be fighting hard for it this year. This year I'm determined to do it,' concluded Katy.
Marking its centenary, the 2011 Scottish Six Days Trial will take place in and and around Fort William - the Outdoor Capital of the UK - between Monday 2nd and Saturday 7th May - for more details please visit www.ssdt.org
The sport of motorcycle trials is a test of riding skill over observed sections where the winner is determined by skill alone. When competitors ride each of the thirty testing sections every day their feet must remain on the footrests of the bike. They must negotiate steep gullies, slippery rock steps, rocky streams and boulder-strewn gorges. Sections vary in length and severity, and riders are penalised if they put their feet down to help them ride the section, and more so if they fail to negotiate the section in its entirety.
The Scottish Six Days Trial has the additional test of reliability over long distances, with riders completing up to 100 miles each day over a combination of rough moorland, rocky tracks and public roads; designed to challenge the ability, experience, strength and stamina of each rider and the reliability of the bike. There is also a set time within which each day's route must be completed.
