In the mid seventies following a good Manx Grand Prix result I received an invitation to race at Olivers Mount in Scarborough alongside Barry Sheene and co.

Not being a big Sheene fan I jumped at the chance.

He received £20,000 appearance money and I paid a £60 entry fee.

Olivers Mount is a two and a quarter mile hillside circuit with steep woodland edging the track.

Determined to get away first, I hatched a plot with the starter who happened to be a friend of mine and not a Sheene fan either.

He gave me a signal when he was about to drop the flag.

My little legs pushed off the Suzuki before anyone else and we got away first, only to crash at the first corner.

Amazingly no one ran over me.

Absolutely livid with myself I remounted and set off after the pack.

As I reached for the front brake at the end of the top straight at around 130mph, it wasn't there. It had snapped off in the spill.

Just missing the war memorial, man and machine disappeared backwards through a hedge down a steep banking to the sound of breaking branches.

I was convinced I was to end my days wrapped around a tree trunk.

When things finally came to rest, still conscious, I couldn't believe my luck, until opening my eyes, revealed this pink/red stuff covering my visor.

I thought I`d split my head open.

Thankfully as it turned out I was merely face first in a rhododendron bush.

The banking was so steep the marshals and medics couldn't reach me so they just threw down a rope and dragged up one very second hand Suzuki and a battered Les T with it.

Barry and a couple of others did come to the medical centre to see this miracle man that had “gone over the top” at the Monument and survived, then promptly flew off in his helicopter clutching his £20,000 plus his winnings leaving me to nurse a few bruised ribs and dislocated finger.

Retribution for trying to gain an unfair advantage?

Finley takes to the air at Ironworks Park

Following the relaxing of the current lockdown restrictions some circuits and Moto X venues have reopened for non competitive events only.

Cadwell Park and Donington threw open their gates to track day events where budding world champions can try out their skills on their own machines under controlled conditions.

Track day events do not come under ACU ruling

Local youngsters Willow Price & Finley Pickering were quick to take advantage in the ease in restrictions too and had an enjoyable day testing their bikes at the Ironworks Moto X Park near Redcar.

Strict lockdown rules had to be adhered to at all the venues. Entries were only accepted on line and no overnight camping was permitted.

The Cumbria Moto X club, who run the meetings at Haverigg. are wisely awaiting decisions from their own governing body before opening their gates.

Stay clear of Fell for now

The Bootle Scrambles club, which organises trials events on Bootle Fell, are appealing to riders to stay away from there as it is not private land and doesn’t come under the category of places you can legally ride now some of the lockdown rules have been relaxed.

Unknown individuals have been recently seen unofficially riding in the area. The club don`t want to jeopardise the relationship they have with farmers who have the rights to the fellside - many who have just released lambs.

It is a criminal offence and if caught you will lose your ACU licence, face prosecution, and have your machine impounded. It may be the individuals concerned are not aware of the current ruling, so if it is you, have a little patience, and hopefully you’ll soon be able to return riding in organised events again.

Keep an eye on your speed

Many of you maybe already aware, hopefully not to your cost, that starting last Monday police forces throughout the country and here in Furness have stepped up a visible speed enforcement campaign.

It`s been brought about by concerned police chiefs who have noticed an increased activity of speeding motorcyclists who have been itching to get out since the coronavirus regulations restricted them.

This fact, coupled by the lighter evenings and warmer weather, they think could contribute to serious accidents. The operation runs until June 8 so please ride sensibly, keep within the limits, stay safe, and prove them wrong here in Furness at least .