After travelling through the British version of a monsoon and more delays on the M6 than the Brexit negotiations, I attended the International Dirt Bike Show at its new venue, the more central Staffordshire Showground last Saturday.

Having moved from its traditional home at Stoneleigh in Warwickshire, the new venue proved just as popular.

Dirt bike enthusiasts were certainly not put off by the heavy showers that frequented the two-day show and the traders I did speak to reported doing a good trade.

Thankfully, most of the exhibitors and traders were housed inside in the main hall. It was good to see many familiar Furness faces browsing around the stalls and stands.

I spotted young schoolgirl motocross racer Willow Price, who we featured on last week’s page trying out one of the new Yamaha machines for size on the Yamaha stand. By the look on her face, I think dad Simon will soon be advised what she wants for Christmas this year.

A special course had been set out in a small field at the rear of the halls, where prospective customers could try out the new range of Yamaha machines.

Full protective clothing, helmets etc were provided and basic coaching was given to visitors who took up the offer.

I was actually given the opportunity to try one myself, but as I learned to my cost many years ago it takes a very special skill that unfortunately I am lacking, to ride moto cross machines, so not wishing to demonstrate it to the spectators that lined the test track I tactfully declined their kind offer.

During the afternoon, many of the Motocross Championships that had taken place during the year held their presentation ceremonies on the stage.

First up was the Bridgestone British Masters Championship, in which Dalton’s Greg Fisher won the Clubmans class for the second year running.

Ireleth schoolboy Jamie Keith, who has had a fantastic season this year with his MBR racing-supported KTM, collected an award for his fifth place in the championship. A great result considering it was his first attempt and his first time racing on many of the tracks they competed on.

Former champion Darren Hudson from Askam, assisted by his daughter Cloe, was busy promoting the Acerbis National and Twin Shock Series that he’s heavily involved in organising.

Several riders were already signing up for next year’s seven-round series, one of which will be held this time on our local Route 44 track at Haverigg in April.

It’ll be good to see some of our local riders competing with some of the country’s best... might just pop up to that one.

*The last of the Torver Bikers Gatherings of 2019 takes place this weekend on Saturday and Sunday.

Always a popular meeting place for local motorcycle clubs and visitors from outside the Furness area, Linda,Tim and the team have been providing hearty free English breakfasts for visiting motorcyclists and their passengers up until 11:30am on the first Sunday of each month in St Lukes Church hall in Torver during the summer for several years now following a short service.

Tomorrow night, they hold their annual Torver Gathering night out in the Coniston Sports and Social Club.

There’s live entertainment from the unique Uncle Carbunkle Cyber Skiffle band, while camping, burgers and bar are available from 1pm for £10 admission.

A great night followed by a great breakfast on Sunday morning sounds a great way to end the summer motorcycling season. For full details, call Jim on 0711 808949 or Linda on 01539 441777.

*Many of you will be aware that after over 20 years of organising the Furness & South Cumbria Motorcycle Sports awards, I have reluctantly decided to stand down this year.

If anyone feels like they’d like to take over the reigns please get in touch with me via l.trotter@talktalk.net. I`m quite happy to stay in the wings and help out.

Over the years, these nights have raised thousands for the North West Air Ambulance service and given long overdue recognition to our local motorcycle sportsmen (and women). We’ve had some of the country’s top stars presenting the awards too.

If you did receive an award last year, could you kindly return it to myself or to Martin at Crooks Suzuki before November 5.

My grateful thanks to everyone who supported the evening in the past.

*The recently-formed South Cumbrian section of the Vintage Motorcycle Club are holding their next meeting this Tuesday at 8pm at the Ulverston Sports club on Priory Road.

If you have an interest in vintage motorcycles of any make or marque, pop along. They hold their meetings there on the first Tuesday of every month.

The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) announced this week that tickets for three of their major rallies next year are now available.

I know it’s a long way off, but the ‘Into the Valley’ and ‘Yorkshire Pudding’ rallies sold out quickly this year.

The dates are: Into the Valley Rally, May 1-3 at Sledmere. Farmyard Rally, June 19-21 June at Helmsley. Yorkshire Pudding Rally July 31-August 2 at Escrick.

Advanced tickets can be purchased by calling 0800 9883199 or via email at enquiries@mapevents.co.uk.