Bedfordview motorcyclist competes in international trial

Bedfordview resident Bruce Watts recently competed against riders from across the world when he competed in the Manx 2 Day Trial.

The trial, held on the first weekend of September, is held in the Isle of Man.

Bruce, who has been riding motorcycles for most of his life, has been participating in the trial since 2005.

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During the trial, motorcyclists have to manoeuvre 30 different obstacles set out on the route.

Bruce said in addition to navigating the obstacles, participants travel across the Isle of Man’s mountains, moors and roads.

He said the motorcycles used in the trial are older motorcycles.

The trial has two categories for participants, namely the pre-1965 category and the pre-1975 twin shock category.

Bruce said the weather at this year’s trial was some of the worst in the trial’s 22-year history.

“I got wet in places I never knew existed.”

Despite the weather, Bruce said he had a wonderful experience at the event.

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“If I could compare it to any other sporting event I would compare it to the Comrades Marathon,” said Bruce.

“Like the Comrades, if you break down on the side of the road other motorcyclists will stop and help you.”

He said participants share a camaraderie and all get along despite being from various countries.

At the end of the first day, the motorcyclists often spend time together, learning more about each other’s country.

“The beer is good, the food is good so it is nice to enjoy it in good company,” said Bruce.

“The event is more than just a trial, it is a journey.”

Although the trial can be taxing to some, Bruce said participants need to be relatively fit.

He said marshals do medical checks on all participants to ensure their health is in good order.

The marshals also assess each participant’s motorcycle to ensure they can be used in the trial and will not endanger anyone.

In addition to being a frequent participant of the trials, Bruce is the chairperson of the pre-1965 and pre-1975 twin shock motorcycle groups, which are affiliated to the South African Northern Regions Trials Club.

The group, like the trials, focuses on older motorcycles and encourages community members to make use of them.

He said the group often goes out to farms to have fund-raising motorcycle events.

The funds raised by the charity events are often donated to animal shelters in Roodepoort, Pretoria or the SPCAs in the area.