The ACU now have a new Chairman. John Collins has replaced Brian Higgins as Chairman of the ACU and his Chairmanship commenced as of 1st January 2017 for a period of two years. Details for John are given below:
John Collins: Age - 69. From: Port Talbot, S.Wales.
Career: Technology Teacher – 30 years – now retired.
Business interest: Along with wife Audrey have lived and ran a small Competition Motorcycle shop for over 40 years where they still operate a business specialising in all things Trials. Past Bultaco main dealer and specialist. Still working with this marque.
Riding Career: Started riding Trials in early 70’s. Some MX (badly). Took up Enduro in 70’s and rode for over 20 years including British Championship. Rode at Clubman & Expert level and then back to Clubman as age kicked in. Continued to always ride Trials as well.
Won ACU/British Clubman 4 stroke title three times and Welsh 4 Stroke title four times.
Still riding Centre Trials and some ACU Trail Champ Trials when ACU commitments allow.
Rode numerous Trials at all levels, also Weston Beach Race was a favourite including first one where John managed 64th on a Bultaco, many times on modern bikes and then returned on a Bultaco for last time many years later to finish 164th again on a Bultaco!
Represented Centre in both Trials & Enduro Inter Centres – selected for MX Inter Centre but declined - not to cause embarrassment!
Official: Member of Neath Motor Club – over 40 years.
Became Centre Sec in 1988 and held post for 12 years - Now Life Vice President.
Chairman of Welsh Motor Cycle Federation & Enduro Committee for numerous years.
Joined ACU Trials & Enduro Committee in 1990 and became Chairman in 2002 until present day.
Current Vice President FIM Europe Enduro Commission and member for many years.
Current member of FIM Enduro Commission and member of FIM Enduro Bureau.
Organisational: Clerk of Course for numerous Centre Trials up to present day.
Clerk of Course for several outdoor UK World Trials.
Clerk of Course & Referee for several UK World Indoor X Trials.
Clerk of Course for UK World Indoor Enduro at both Sheffield & Liverpool. Scheduled to be Clerk of Course working with Paul Eddy for 2017 World Enduro - Hawkstone Park.
Past Trials des Nations Team manager (with wins in both Mens & Womens)
ACU ISDE Delegate at ISDE for many years and now FIM Steward at ISDE.
Referee for past few years at FIM World Super Enduro events.