The second in a series of talks by Lester to our club members and guests.

At Whaddon Village Hall on Wednesday 5th February at 8pm

To a busy Whaddon Village Hall, Lester spoke about the present day challenges of racing at club and national level compared to the scene 50 years ago.

50 – 60 years ago racing was, for want of better words, run on an amateur basis.  Bikes were basic, suspension crude and electronics virtually non-existent.  Circuit safety, certainly at many tracks, left a lot to be desired.  Racing clubs proliferated.  One set of tyres was deemed sufficient for all weathers and if a rider was lucky, a mate or two might come along to help out on the day.

Everything has changed.  Racing at all levels is far more professional, circuits are safer and bikes are faster, much faster.  But there are downsides.   There are now fewer racing clubs, fewer meetings and consequently less track time which, with the speed and complexity of modern bikes, is essential to ensure optimal setup for good performance. A rider needs a back-up team to interpret the data and fettle the bike.  Also needed are various sets of tyres to cope with the vagaries of the British weather.  

In short, today you need time and money, preferably lots of it!  Talent is, of course, essential.

If you ever get the opportunity to attend one of Lester’s talks they are well recommended.

Again the club extends its thanks to Lester and wish him and his son Cameron all the best for the coming season.

Report by Guy Moody

Mental Health Motorbike

On Wednesday 4^th December some 20 club members attended a talk in Whaddon Village Hall given by Martin Young from the Mental Health Motorbike charity.

Martin began by introducing himself and he stated that the aim of the charity was to provide a free face to face and online mental health first aid support for the biker community throughout the UK.  The charity existed to create meaningful and purposeful opportunities, for all bikers, so that together the wellbeing of the biker community was promoted.  He added that this could be achieved through 1 to 1 and peer support, events, training activities and projects, working in partnership with other organisations and clubs.

Martin then gave a number of statistics that highlighted that mental health issues amongst all people, not just bikers were more widespread than generally recognised and added that males, in the age range 20-49, were most at risk from self harm, or worse, as a result of mental health problems.

Martin outlined the support available and gave details of the training available for those wishing to become involved with the charity.  He concluded with a short question and answer session.

We would like to thank Martin for his insightful and thought  provoking talk to the club.