A DR's twelve months in London.

Makes my toes curl. All the best, Jim.

2013 - Metzeler road race challenge

Enjoy All the best, Jim.

Even the spectators are heroic!

And as for the saga commencing after ten minutes .... I'd still be there now. All the best, Jim.

TT 2013 - one fan's view

For those yet to go, a flavour, for those who have been, a memory. All the best, Jim.

Got away with it!

All the best, Jim.

Where would we be without engineers?

All the best, Jim.

DJ

Still missed. All the best, Jim.

The 'Ring - November 2013

Some excellent balance, (apart from Aremberg & the Carousel), all adding up to a good wet lap. All the best, Jim.

Macau -- Makes the Monte Carlo GP look like a Health & Safety convention!

All the best, Jim.

Off-road techniques in detail

All the best, Jim.

Nicky @ play!

As they'd say in Yorkshire, "He's a bit good". All the best, Jim.

The inestimable Dougie Lampkin @ the London show last year

I used to marvel @ Dougie and his cousin James' talents when Dougie's father was coaching them up @ Flappit back in the day. Dougie went on to be twelve times World Champion, whereas I just got steadily worse! All the best, Jim.

899 Panigale @ Imola

Ben Cope delivers some smooth riding in wet conditions. All the best, Jim.

No bike is worth a life.

Even that of a gun carrying thief. All the best, Jim.

Josh Brookes @ the Mountain.

I've watched Josh do this lap, after lap, after lap - he's inch perfect every time. Cannot stop myself from holding my breath each time though! All the best, Jim.

A review from across the pond

All the best, Jim.

Certainly NOT clever, but.....

FULL of skill, (cf the guy on the HD @ 5:20). All the best, Jim.

Simply scary!

But takes your breath away nonetheless! Enjoy. All the best, Jim.

BRD - Speaking of which, places available for next Wednesday 18th September

Places available for Hopp Rider Training's last "Better Riding Day" @ Cadwell in 2013. Treat yourself to the finest track in the UK, with the finest instructors, (!), and the safest track time of all, before we slip into the rigours of winter. -- http://www.hoppridertraining.co.uk/better-riding-day/ There are also a few slots left on Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership's day @ Cadwell on Tuesday the 17th - again the last one of 2013 -- http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/lrsp/motorcyclists/performance-plus All the best, Jim.

Two years ago @ Cadwell 1

Hopp Rider Training's, "Better Riding Day", @ Cadwell remains the very best and safest introduction to riding on track. All the best, Jim.

"Rush" Hour on the Stelvio

Brings back memories. All the best, Jim.

Why Marshals are necessary

Excellent teamwork by the Marshals @ Silverstone. All the best, Jim.

I lapped Guy Martin, Friday 9th August, 2013

My, "ability", to pass Mr Martin, twice in the same session, may have been somewhat enhanced by my being on a BMW HP2 Sport and he on a Kawasaki AR50, (I'm told that he was cheating however, as the Kawa's motor had been stroked and it was in reality an AR93 - CHEAT!) Here is a clip of another, "Piglet", doing Mr M in the same session. All the best, Jim. ps - Phil Crowe is awesome, turning out repeated laps of 1:30, in traffic, and not one dodgy or pushy pass!!!

it's not termed, "Green Ice", for nothing.

A quick, "Piglets", rider tests the grass on the exit from, "the Chicane with no name", @ this year's IXION Cadwell meeting. All the best, Jim.

Interesting comparison.

Yes, I know, they have two wheels too many - but interesting nonetheless. All the best, Jim.

John & Michael at work 2013

All the best, Jim.

1935 vintage

All the best, Jim.

"There was no way I was going to stop!"

All the best, Jim.

Only a fortnight to go......

To the Manx! A detailed circuit commentary from "Milky", "Don't catch your shoulder on the wall", Quayle. All the best, Jim.

MGP Newcomers 2012

Worth it for Paul "Big H" Hunt's pit-lane talk alone. All the best, Jim.

Lucky to walk away.

All the best, Jim.

SPA 24hr - 2013

All the best, Jim.

102mph - on a push bike!

Makes me feel exceptionally humble. All the best, Jim.

No shoes?

All the best, Jim.

Now a match between Stoner & Marquez......

That would be worth paying to see! All the best, Jim.

Tragic, certainly. But, Pam Strang's response lifts the spirit.

http://trib.com/news/local/casper/casper-man-fulfills-lifelong-dream-dies-three-miles-later/article_1e0acb38-0309-5c6e-846e-439d30170b7b.html All the best, Jim.

As adverts go - this would take some beating.

Enjoy - I did. All the best, Jim.

!?!

I'm lost for words. All the best, Jim.

We all know that some drivers never actually "see" us.....

But, we are also guilty of some pretty ropey riding! All the best, Jim.

DJ on open roads!

Awesome. All the best, Jim.

TT 2013

Enjoy. All the best, Jim

3 minutes of John McGuinness' Mugen TT lap - 2013

Quite quiet. All the best, Jim.

BSB lap of Cadwell - 1:33

Enjoy. All the best, Jim.

Sea to Sky - Turkey - 2012

Please forgive the ads, (you can "skip" them after 5 seconds), and the overly hyper commentaries - but, Oh the sections, and the riding is worth it all! All the best, Jim.

Ah! those were the days........

Enjoy All the best, Jim.

Yippee!

Bookings are now being taken for Ixion's annual two and a half days on Cadwell Park's most excellent track -- http://www.ruffle.me.uk/cadwell/ -- places are disappearing very fast,(only 4 places left in the intermediate "Piglet" group), so get on-line and book yourself a place. See you there. All the best, Jim.

Setting off in 50 minutes for this year's pilgrimage ....

Enjoy. All the best, Jim.

Seems like decades ago - but only three years!

Keith Amors's win in the 2010 Supersport NW Race. All the best, Jim.

Fingerless gloves!

Loafers, chinos - this "dude" is sure cool! All the best, Jim.

Tanya Dentith

Tanya was one of the most gifted MX riders that I've ever seen, blessed with awesome bike control, balance,and a heart bursting with courage. She was also one of life's gentle souls and I am proud and honoured to have called her my friend. Tanya died yesterday @ Jurby practice track, and she leaves a hole in my life that will always gape. My heart goes out to her wonderful family & friends, who will be even more distraught than I. All the very best, Jim.

Yet more proof, as if it was needed!

That two wheels win. All the best, Jim.

Excellent commentary from Andy Winkle

These men and women are seriously courageous. All the best, Jim.

And the real mayhem commences @ 04:12

All the best, Jim.

1983 TT - Joey on the Honda V4 RS850R

"You can hit your helmet against the side of the wall"! All the best, Jim.

Steve Plater - 2011 - Hairpin to the Creg - less than 5 minutes.

All the best, Jim.

There are easier ways of checking your oil!

All the best, Jim.

1948 & they still make you gawp!

Now that's my sort of speed,and a "proper" commentator, complete with mistakes - my favourite point is the sight of a flag marshal, (in those days they were paid!), @ the entrance to Parliament Square, standing in the middle of the run off, pointing the way - he's a brave man. Enjoy. All the best, Jim.

Dougie Lampkin - still THE man!

Enjoy. All the best, Jim.

A smooth ariel passage featuring Guy Marin on the Mountain last year.

Enjoy. All the best, Jim.

Almost another funeral

Rubbernecking, don't you just love it?! And a couple of very lucky riders. All the best, Jim.

Hopp Rider Training - Newsletter

A couple of announcements to make from us here at Hopp Rider Training: First off for all those attending our Better Riding Days at Cadwell Park this season (still some places left for the first one on 15th May!!) we have a new photographer! His name may be familiar to some of you as he has worked extensively with RiDE magazine over the years (as well as others), it’s the one and only Mark ‘Weeble’ Manning. Excellent news indeed I think you’ll agree and we can all look forward to some great photos! His website is www.trackphotos.co.uk and will be up and running soon, emails to info@trackphotos.co.uk Secondly we have introduced a brand new booking system on our website as the original just wasn’t cutting the mustard - not clear and easy enough to use. So, no more coupons or codes to enter! There are still early booking discounts but its automatically updated on the booking form and a much clearer and easier to use system. We also have our quick booking tab at the top of the page for faster booking for returning customers (once you’ve booked in using the new site that is). If you haven’t liked us on our Facebook page yet then please do, add your feedback, photos, thoughts and questions and join in the fun!

Andy Carlisle @ The 'Ring

Doing what Andy does better than anyone else! Awesome. All the best, Jim. ps - he also happens to be a really nice bloke into the bargain, (not fair!)

Ouch!

It's to be hoped that she had a back protector cunningly deployed in her day sack! All the best, Jim.

Hildo's the man!

On the one hand - torque, rear wheel bias, and experience. On the other - BHP, 50/50 weight distribution, and youth. No contest really! All the best, Jim.

Motorrad's Course @: the 'Ring 2013

Herewith, details of Motorrad's closed circuit course for 2013. This might well be one of the last opportunities to sample this iconic track in safety, as the 'Ring's current managers appear to be making a complete Horlicks of running it! "Ardenne & Eifel Aventures Motorrad training course 7th & 8th July 2013, booking form now available online Hi ya, The booking form is now available to fill in and return to me for the Motorrad training course taking place on the 7th & 8th of July. Yes that's the Sunday the 7th when the F1 race will be taking place on the Gp track and Monday the 8th. What this means is that accommodation local to the track will be very difficult to book for the Saturday night before the course begins I recommend that you look away from the circuit by 20-50kms as its nothing like as big as, say Silverstone crowds wise, and book a room for the Saturday evening. Then plan to be at the track as near to 7am as possible on the Sunday morning to get booked in at the Motorrad truck in the parking area at the Nordschleife entrance. What I then suggest is that you either take the Dorint hotel option being offered by Motorrad or book rooms in the village of Nurburg for the nights of the Sunday and Monday as most become free after the race has finished at the F1 GP. Motorrad are offering an option just to take just the excellent buffet meals at the Dorint (if you are not staying there) on both Sunday and Monday evenings and I hope most of you do join us as its a cracking atmosphere for the evenings of the event, and the food is very good too! Please fill in the attached form completely and honestly to allow us to make the event as rewarding as possible and then send it back to me and I will acknowledge receipt and place the bookings. There are two types of entrant for this event. The Trainee who is a rider unfamiliar with the Nordschleife and wishing to take part in the event under the instruction and guidance of an experienced instructor as part of training group of no more than 8 riders and an Expert who is a rider with good knowledge of the Nordschleife and wishing to lap the circuit under control but unaided i.e 'Free Lapping' Booking Form http://requests.mouldywebs.co.uk/index.html For those of you who have not attended with me before the payments are made to my UK bank account and then, when we have it all together, I forward one payment meaning the 'poor' old banks aren't striping everybody for transfer charges individually. I will liaise with Motrorrad and send out the request for the payments to everybody who has returned forms asking for the payment in sterling at that days exchange rate once required. Iam unsure of the situation yet regarding the need for deposits but will be in touch with everybody who has booked if they are required. All motorcycles on the course must be fully road legal, licensed and insured and fitted with all legal road requirements, i.e 2 mirrors, working lights, road legal tyres with plenty of life left in them and a braking system with plenty of fresh material on the pads etc . Tyres can be purchased at the course if required but I reckon its a stress most of you can do without! All bikes will be required to be ridden on the course only after a transponder has been attached (provided by Motorrad, surety will be required at time of collection, license or passport etc) this is to record any motorcycles that are deemed too noisy. In reality all recognised silencers seem to comply without problems but if in doubt put the standard kit back on, choice is yours. All riders are required to be wearing a recognised form of motorcycle protective clothing, this DOES NOT include armoured denim. Either 1 or 2 piece leathers or armoured synthetic material clothing and also recognised boots and gloves. If required make sure to have a light weight wet weather outfit with you also. It goes without saying, I hope! that you should wear a quality undamaged crash helmet. There you go i reckon that covers all the details required at present, If this is of interest to you I look forward to receiving your booking forms and spending two days in July in your company on the worlds ultimate race track. Sporting Regards, Neil Leigh www.aeaventures.com" All the best, Jim.

Threat to the continued operation of Mallory Park

Here is a copy of an e-mail I received from the General Manager of Mallory :- Dear All, As you will no doubt be aware we are having some issues with the operation of the venue where the local council are trying to enforce the 1985 noise order for the first time after 28 years! We have asked for support where we can from all our friends etc. This should be done initially whilst we are negotiating a settlement by emailing the local council and signing the petition set up by our supporters at the following. Send support emails to steve.atkinson@hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk he is the chief executive of the council who will make the ultimate decision also please get as many as possible to sign government e petition on www.epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/46739. I do hope that you can find the time to support us and where possible send the details to your other colleagues, members etc. Thanks For your help, Kind Regards, John Ward General Manager Mallory Park (Motorsport) Ltd. Mallory Park Racing Circuit Kirkby Mallory Leicestershire LE9 7QE If you would like to support Mallory's continued existence as a racetrack, then please consider signing the petition. All the best, Jim.

Motorrad's 'Ring dates for 2013 announced

Things are looking ever more grim for those of us addicted to closed circuit laps of the Nordschleife. This year Motorrad are having to run only one course of two days duration, (last year there were three such opportunities), on the 7th & 8th of July 2013. As the F1 GP is scheduled for the 5th & 6th, accommodation will be problematic on the Sunday night to say the least! If however, you do decide to go and sample one of the pinnacles of motorcycle riding, I can point you in the direction of motorcycle friendly guest houses who might be able to assist. All the best, Jim.

Robbie Madison's latest promo

I particularly like the sustained front wheel landing @ 2:56, and the spectacular drop @ 6:12. However, even the DC adverts @ the end of the video are worth watching, not least for the spills captured - shows that everyone who tries comes a cropper sometimes, (& not trying is not an option!). All the best, Jim.

Even the best.....fall

"Enjoy" All the best, Jim.

Nordschleife opening times

Here is a link to the "public" opening times of The 'Ring this year. -- http://www.nuerburgring.de/angebote/fahrerlebnisse/touristenfahrten-nordschleife/oeffnungszeiten-nordschleife.html -- Matters continue to deteriorate in the management of The 'Ring, and if you have been promising yourself that, "one day I'll ride the Green Hell", then now might be a good time to get out there - while it still exists! All the best, Jim.

How has he managed to get the tyre smoke pink?!

Enjoy. All the best, Jim.

Who says that our Germanic cousins lack a sense of humour, (not to mention cojones)?!

Some people make me feel exceptionally humble All the best, Jim.

No apologies for another TT taster.

Enjoy. All the best, Jim.

@ 1:23 - And he saves it!

Just four months before we'll all be awestruck by these heroes and heroines again. Enjoy. All the best, Jim.

Grand Prix Racer

If you can access ITV4 next Tuesday 5th February @ 20:00, you'll see this:- All the best, Jim.