Dave Molyneux made a triumphant return to the Isle of Man TT races on Saturday after a year away from the race when he took his 15th TT win in the opening Sure Sidecar race.

Partnered by Patrick Farrance in what was Farrance’s first TT win, the Manxman was never headed. He romped home over twenty seconds clear of Ben and Tom Birchall, who recorded their first ever TT podium in second, just reward for their hard work during the week after their Monday evening crash. Conrad Harrison/Mike Aylott completed the rostrum.

Molyneux and Farrance got off to a flying start to lead at Glen Helen on the opening lap but it was close with the Birchalls only 2.5s adrift. Tim Reeves/Dan Sayle were only a further second back but John Holden and Andy Winkle’s horror week continued when they pulled in at the Glen Helen commentary box. Harrison/Aylott were in fourth with Dougie Wright/Martin Hull and Greg Lambert/Jason Crowe completing the top six.

The top two remained the same at Ramsey although Molyneux’s extended his lead slightly to four seconds. Reeves’ hopes of a first TT win were dashed as he pulled in at Sulby Village. That promoted Harrison and Wright up to third with Gary Bryan/Jamie Winn moving up to fourth and Roy Hanks/Kevin Perry completing the top five.

Molyneux and Farrance continued to press home their advantage and with an opening lap of 113.269mph, their lead was a healthy 13.96s. Harrison/Aylott were secure in third but it was close for fourth with just 2.45s between Wright and Bryan. However, Wright had to stop to make adjustments at Parliament Square and there was also disappointment for sixth placed pairing Karl Bennett/Lee Cain who were out at Kirk Michael.

There would be no further change in the rostrum positions as Molyneux’s lead was extended with the fastest lap of the race, 113.590mph, set on the second lap and that gave him an advantage of 30s going into the final 37.73-miles. Birchall did reduce the gap to 20 seconds but the Manx-British pairing had everything under control and they took the chequered flag by a commanding 22.2s. As well as Molyneux.s 15th TT win, it completed the unique set of having won races on Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki and Kawasaki machinery whilst Farrance was jubilant with his first Island victory.

The Birchalls were equally jubilant as they claimed a first ever podium whilst Harrison and Aylott made it on to the rostrum once more. Bryan/Winn took fourth as Rob Handock/Ken Edwards in fifth, Mike Cookson/Kris Hibbered in sixth seventh placed Gary and Dan Knight all completed their highest finishes. Frenchman Frank Lelias, with Charlie Richardson, in the chair took a brilliant eighth in just his second ever TT with the top ten completed by John Saunders/Shaun Parker and Tony Thirkell/Nigel Barlow.

Whether you need one particular part or you just fancy a browse through mountains of motorcycling goodies you should make a date in your diary for one of Britain's biggest bike jumbles.

Preparations are already being made for the 19th Carole Nash Eurojumble which takes place at Netley Marsh, between Cadnam and Totton, Hants SO40 7GY, on Friday, September 7, and Saturday, September 8.

More than 300 traders showcased their wares at last year's event and this year it looks certain to be larger still – offering an even greater treasure trove for motorcyclists in search of spare parts, tools, books, signs, magazines or even complete machines.

Club stands are being booked up too so you can take a look at some mouth-watering motorcycles that are still in one piece and there will be plenty of refreshments available to keep you going.

Mortons show organiser Nick Mowbray said: “If you’re a classic motorcycle aficionado you’ll know exactly how it feels to need that certain special component or that one precise piece to make your machine complete. Although, if truth be told, there’s usually more than one bit missing! Whatever you need, there’s a good chance you’ll find it at the 19th Carole Nash Eurojumble.

“With more than 300 different trade stands open both days you’ll have thousands of bits to rummage through and plenty of time to do it too.”

Free parking will be plentiful on both days and dogs are welcome as long as they're on a lead.

Gates are open 9am to 5pm each day.

Book now to avoid disappointment and take advantage of discounted prices. Pre-booked one-day tickets cost £6.50 for adults, £4.50 for senior citizens and £2 for under 15s. Two-day tickets cost £13 for adults, £9 for senior citizens and £4 for under 15s. Camping costs £20 for the weekend.

If you choose to pay on the day tickets will cost £7 for adults, £5 for senior citizens and £2 for under 15s.

Call our pre-booked discount ticket hotline today on 01507 529529. To book a stand, call 01507 529430.

For more information and details of the Classic Bike Shows team's other events, visit www.classicbikeshows.com

The announcement by the Government that vehicles manufactured before 1960 will no longer have to pass an MOT, has received a cautious welcome from the British Motorcyclists Federation.

While pleased that the Government is trying to cut down on regulation, the fact that thousands of cars and motorcycles will from 18th November no longer require an annual test of any sort is a concern say the BMF.

At the time of the consultation the BMF pointed out that there was still a lot of support from the classic world for some form of an MOT as an annual check of basic roadworthiness. The BMF’s response, while recognising that modern test standards were not suitable for 50 year old vehicles, also went on to acknowledge   that there was a problem finding testers who were knowledgeable on the limitations of older vehicles. 

The BMF also points out that owners of pre-1960 machines will still be legally required to ensure that they are safe and in a proper condition to be on the road, the problem now being though, who decides?

The Government have also said that it is allowing voluntary MOT tests and it might well mean that motor insurance providers will require historic vehicles to have been tested as proof of road worthiness, something that could also assist owners following road traffic accidents.

BMF Government Relations Executive Chris Hodder said: “Broadly speaking, the BMF is generally in favour of less legislation and regulation for motorcycle owners, but there is a very large degree of support for the MOT system and we did question whether exemptions should be made at all. We will now have to watch how the system pans out.”

A summary of response to the consultation is available here: 

Responding to our customer demand Compass Expeditions is expanding its tour offerings to include an epic 75 day ride from Cairo to Capetown in 2014.

“We are excited to be offering Africa as our newest destination as we, the owners of Compass Expeditions, have had a long time love affair with this incredible continent” says Mick McDonald, director of Compass Expeditions.

Africa is an amazingly diverse and rugged continent that has drawn explorers and adventurers the world over for centuries and we are thrilled to be able to offer our clients a chance to be part of the adventure as we ride from the bustling, ancient city of Cairo to the exotic, far Cape. The ride follows the Nile south crossing into the Sudan, then Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and finally South Africa.

“It is an epic ride that offers so much for the rider and will leave you breathless” says Brendan Barbetti, Co founder of Compass Expeditions.

Brendan has recently returned from an in-depth research trip of this route and is looking forward to once again riding Africa, his all time favourite destination, in 2014
 
For more information on this incredible 75 day expedition contact 1300 887 327 (within Australia) or +61 3 5368 2113 (outside Australia)

www.compassexpeditions.com

Stormin’ is not organised, as some people seem to think, by some big corporation with directors who are lining their own pockets, it is organised by a group of bikers, all of whom are rally-goers themselves. 

The organising committee are a group of twelve people from various walks of life who get together from February... 

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