My 1961 International Six Days Trial
by Chris Cullen

​The 36th International Six Days Trial took place at Llandrindod Wells in Wales from 2nd to 7th October 1961.

It was a 1200 mile marathon of off-road trials and special tests of both man and machine, and was the year the East German team were unable to participate due to the escalating 'Cold War' situation with Russia and its USSR countries.
 
For a number of years the A.C.U. had been trying to persuade the F.I.M. to change from the old format, whereby a number of teams could lose no marks during the first five days and then had to sort out positions through racing in the speed test on the last day, to a new one with special tests held every day. Riders would earn bonus points in special tests and positions would be established as the trial progressed; and the 1961 I.S.D.T. was to be the first one to take on this new format.

Whilst doing National Service in 1960-1962, we had six Cubs on user trials for the military and rode in the 1961 I.S.D.T. in Wales

Here I am on the right with fellow team member Gordon Coppuck, getting the bikes prepared for the I.S.D.T.

​Six of us entered in the Six Days as the Army M.C.A. (Motor Cycling Association) Team on the Cubs. The team consisted of Sgt. Major 'Tiger' Timms Staff Sgt. Steve Johnson, Sgt. Gordon Norton. Sgt. Tom Mayers. Cpl. Gordon Coppuck and myself.
 
Steve and Tom's machines both suffered broken front down tubes, but they strapped them up with chains and carried on. 'Tiger' Timms and Gordon Norton retired, although I cannot remember with what problems.
The only gold was won by Gordon Coppuck who, after National Service, went on to join Bruce McClaren as a design engineer and designed the car that James Hunt won the world F1 championship in.
 
Unfortunately, the big end seized on my Cub on the last special speed test, and dropped me from a gold to silver medal!
 
Incidentally Bud Ekins rode in the event on a 650 Triumph.