THE 2019 motocross season is upon us, and most of the area’s riders have completed their winter testing and tried out their new machines.

Askam’s Gavin Southward and Barrow rider Dee Jay Walker got the ball rolling with fine wins in both of their respective classes on the Preston Docks track last weekend.

Full marks to Dee Jay because, after a lighting start to the first corner, an over enthusiastic rival ran into the back of his machine knocking him off, then promptly rode over him.

Thankfully the Barrow man was not injured and went out to win his next race – they breed them hard in these parts!

Young Finlay Pickering, also from Askam, redeemed himself after stalling at the start, ploughing his way back through the field to a well-earned fourth place.

You have to feel sorry for Barrow’s Taylor Roberts though because, after a great race, the electronic timing equipment failed and he still doesn’t know his result.

This weekend, many of the local riders should have been at Haverigg for the first round of the Cumbria MX clubs 2019 championships and collecting their 2018 championship awards.

Sadly, our English weather has put paid to that and the recent heavy rainfall has waterlogged the track leaving the organisers no choice but to postpone the event.

They are now looking for a suitable date that doesn’t clash with other meetings. Get in touch with Lianne on 07522 964565 for further details.

* NEIL McDougall, who organised the popular Bardsea Bike Nights, has moved to a new venue for 2019.

Despite raising funds for the Air Ambulance he came under constant pressure from just one Bardsea resident at every gathering last year. As a result he’s relocated the night to the Pennington Memorial Hall, just off the A590 near Swarthmoor.

They’ll still be held on the last Tuesday from 5pm to 9pm ,starting on April 20 then being held on May 28, June 25, July 30 and August 27. Make sure you pop those dates in your diary.

The Tyson Rooms will be open at the hall to leave your helmets and jackets in, and the indoor washrooms will be available for visitors.

To get the ball rolling, Neil is hosting a one-off gathering this Sunday with a pancake and coffee afternoon from 1pm to 5pm.

* ULVERSTON drag racer Dave 'Rocket' Peters is bringing along his awesome turbo charged 600BHP nitrous oxide burning Suzuki dragster to Sunday's event at Pennington.

Mike Bibby, from MBR, is taking the 1000cc Racing BMW he's prepared for the Graham Wilcocks team which Manxman Michael Evans is to ride in the TT this year too.

Also in attendance will representatives from the Blood Bike Service, so why not pop along and meet up with like minded motorcyclists for a chat?

* IF you are thinking of displaying your machine at this year's Cumbria Steam Gathering in Flookburgh on July 26 and 27, get in touch with entry secretary Steve Morris ASAP. He can be contacted on 07971 421114 after 6pm.

At the time of going to press, there are only 15 places left available in the up to 201cc and over 201cc classes for private entries.

The Vintage Scooter Club and the Honda Goldwing club have confirmed their attendance and invitations have gone out to the Furness British Motorcycle Club, the Furness branch of the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club, and the Italian Motorcycle Club.

Mike Bibby will be donning his judges garb this year to pick out the winners of the various classes.

* Do you own a Brough Superior, similar to the one Lawrence of Arabia owned? Have a look at the back of your garage.

Although not completely restored, a 1930 model sold at the H&H Auctions at the National Motorcycle Museum last weekend for a record-breaking price of £425,000.