After a wet but good trip to Oulton last year, we were looking forward to what was forecast to be a dry warm day.

The evening was spent at The Swan in Tarporley which was full with Folly riders, although there was only a small group for dinner. Folly & report regulars David Cooper & Terry Harris joined officers and instructors for a pleasant evening before departing for a night in the bridal suite, David apparently relegated to a sofa bed whilst Terry enjoyed the space of a queen size four poster complete with canopy.

Morning dawned with no sign of sunshine and plenty of drizzle. At breakfast Ian Fox & David Cooper said “Well, I didn’t bring the wets as the forecast was so good” – thanks boys, you know that you always bring everything so as not to jinx the weather!!

Briefing was slightly different to usual - with Geoff on holiday this left Graham in the driving seat. Now having to ensure that every rider has been briefed and had not missed anything, a handful of latecomers were not allowed to join the main audience & were briefed separately afterwards. So as to not waste any of your valuable track time please try to arrive promptly for sign on and briefing as this is likely to become the norm.

The day was full, with 25 riders from the VFR owners club organised by Mick Cheeseman and 16 from AMEC, who sponsor a leading privateer Sam Corke in the BSB. This group had been organised by Martin Spellman. Thanks to both groups for coming and we look forward to seeing you all again soon.

Due to being full we had a handful turn up early with the hope of getting a place if someone didn’t show. One was Clive Seamarks of Riverside Motorcycles in Northampton. They had come along with a couple of customers, Richard Aston and Paul Longmore. Due to the wet start they left riding till the afternoon, but were then seen enjoying a good afternoon on a very nice matching pair of Yamaha R1’s done Virgin Mobile style, with Clive on a KTM showing them the way. Also with them was the SuperStock bike usually ridden by Mark Heckles.

Two that did brave the rain and doing very well in both the morning & afternoon were a matching pair of yellow GSXRs in preparation for some racing in the near future. They led to a few discussions between officers & instructors about were they 750s or 1000ccs only to be told when I asked that they were the only 600s. Isn’t there a saying about size not being important?!

Whilst on the subject of nice bikes I promised I would mention the R1 of Denis Fall which had a home paint job done by both his daughters. Kimberly, who was there supporting her dad, proudly showed me round her artwork. Maybe this is the start of a new trend in customising paintwork. Dads be careful in the summer holidays if the kids pop into the garage with a paint brush & you’ve some emulsion lying around!

All groups had a slow and steady start to the morning, taking care in some very slippery conditions. This gave everyone plenty of time to practice & ‘perfect’ their riding for a lovely dry afternoon.

As with most days there was our fair share of fallers, six in total, all escaping any major physical injuries except maybe some battered pride, but there was a few bikes showing the effects. One of note would be the ZX9R of Robert Lomax, who after a fall at Druids could be found in the paddock patching together his bike with as much duck tape as possible. With bits of the fairing & the windscreen removed, he was allowed by marshals to continue in the afternoon not before spraying the obliging marshal with a fountain of coolant.

Instructors Mike, Darren & Chris were all kept busy with riders asking for help with various lines techniques etc… Mike was especially pleased I’m sure to be asked by one of the late comers Karen Saunders on her VFR400 for help in her first novice session after a recommendation from friend Michelle Snudden also with VFR400 who Mike had helped in the morning. Michelle’s words to me were along the lines of “I’ve had the instructor with a red helmet this morning, could my friend have him this afternoon.” With recommendations like this I’m sure you’ll be busy for the rest of the year!

Me & Billy finally made it out on track - no don’t get to excited, we were in cars not bikes. Billy enjoyed a couple of laps with a marshal at lunch complete with history lesson, whilst I managed a 10 minute plus lap with Peter for guidance to collect in the cones at the end of the day. At least we both got to see round what everyone rightly says is a pretty & scenic track. Still too many corners for me & the CB500…

Many of you will have seen, and judging by the gaps in the boards, bought photos from our regular photographer, Stuart Norris, but if you missed them then you can send a brief description of your bike and gear to Stuart, who can then sort out proofs for you to choose from. Contact him at snorris @ netcomuk.co.uk. There was a really good variety of shots and included some interesting backdrops.

Oulton is a glorious circuit set in beautiful Cheshire countryside and is ideal for our track days. Thanks go to Phillip Bannerman and his team, especially Stuart in race control, for their friendly and efficient management that helped to make the day so successful. Many of you have asked us to return next summer and we certainly intend to do that.

Don’t forget that it’s getting close to the end of the season for us now, and we wouldn’t want you to miss out on our last 2 days. Mallory is on the 19th August and has space available in the both the advanced & novice groups. Then we finish the year with a trip to Snetterton on September 23rd - this will be Peter’s last track day as a folly officer so come along to see him off!

Justine