Guzzirider

Helen and I went to the Goodwood Revival on Saturday. Weather was fantastic- not a cloud in the sky, and we had an ace time. It was a very British occasion, Union Jacks everywhere, air displays by Spitfires and of course lots of historic (and noisy!) racing machinery. The racers were mainly past masters, some of whom were in their 70s but they were racing as hard as ever. The Barry Sheene memorial trophy was contested by pre-1954 bikes- mostly British but with a few BMWs, an MV and a Gilera. Both Italian bikes had mechanical problems! The atmosphere was very informal and we had total access to the pits so we could inspect the machinery close up, including the race winning BSA Gold Star which was ridden by Wayne Gardener. I only had my small digital camera with me so I could not get any good close ups of the racing, and the short vid clips are taken with the same camera. Turn your volume up and enjoy!

An update: http://www.thunderbikeuk.com/forum/index.p...;page=0#msg2913

Gyles's Dad owns several bikes I think inc the Raceco Daytona- I don't know for sure but maybe it was that bike. Guy

Earlier today I heard that Gyles had had a spill at the PB trackday at Cadwell yesterday. All I know that is Gyles was taken to hospital in Hull by Air Ambulance after sustaining a head injury, and is in a serious condition. He's a great guy, in fact I have never known anyone who is so damn enthusiastic about Guzzis, especially of the sporting variety, and I hope that he has a speedy recovery. I know that his family are with him- probably best to respect their privacy right now. I'll post any updates as and when I hear anything. Fingers crossed matey. Guy

Just watched the 125cc race- most boring one of the season and the camera work is awful- very difficult to follow what is happening and too many helicopter shots. Now starting to rain!

There is an apology on the BBC website saying they cocked up.

Send 'em an email or give 'em a call- they will speak good English I am sure.

My local dealer makes 'em road legal with lights for an extra grand on top of the asking price. Its no big deal assuming you have the cash for the bike in the first place. Guy

I watched some of the practice on Eurosport- these guys were riding in rivers and the rain was bouncing down really hard. Some of the locals were asking which date they would be racing on if it was raining on Sunday, and were told, erm this is Moto GP- they race on Sunday whatever the weather is! Still think there is a serious chance the race may be cancelled- some of the floods on track are going to cause serious crashes if the weather stays like it is.

Yes Helen has that combination on her V11 Sport- no problem.

I like Nicky- one of the few guys who still likes to hang it sideways. Sounds pretty certain that he will be joining Ducati. Maybe he can make the number 2 Ducati go fast- Capirossi and Melandri struggled with the 800 in comparison to Stoner. I'm more excited though by the news that 21 year old Tom Sykes will be replacing Haga in the Yamaha WSB team. Tom lives just down the road from here and was able to run pretty close to Bayliss in race 1 at Donnington last weekend. Guy

Excellent! Here is a vid of a Hypermotard tackling Pike's Peak

I like the Italian way of life- yes they do go to work but living a life is much more important- things are not so rushed- you don't see many fat people, people take proper lunch breaks and don't run around like blue arsed flies (unless they are driving!). I expect the rate of heart attacks is much less than in the UK or the US.

Maybe when your gut starts growing, a Harley beckons.......

New cafe racer The new V11? Retro styling and new 4v motor?

Nice one Paul! I think my bike is winning- thanks to everyone who is voting- please keep 'em coming!

My V11 has reached the final of the Carole Nash Britain's Got Biking Talent competition. I've got no biking talent whatsoever but if you want a Guzzi to get in the final 12 you can vote here: Link Cheers Guy

Hi Antonio- it was not a Guzzi rally- but there were a group of Guzzisti who went. We visited this place yesterday for lunch in a sleepy Lincolnshire hamlet- stayed a few hours- a complete pie experience- maybe you need to be English to understand the wonder of the pie. PJ's Pie Pub Apologies for the drunken text! Guy

"A limp wristed ladies bike chained to a little Guzzi- ARSE!!"

Have they never heard of jet skis?????

Nice work BFG. Great sound- also a good demonstration of how hard the 4V motor pulls over 5k revs in comparison to the old 2V.

Nearly- isn't it time for Orkney dwellers to put some straw in a cardboard box and then hibernate for the winter, like the tortoise in Blue Peter?

Arsenal