Beach Motocross

Sunday 14th October.

Today's post is written by Ian, who is a fan of motor sports, rather than me, who isn't!

Over a beautiful October weekend Weymouth played host to the annual beach Motocross event. This event which is organised by the Weymouth and Portland Lions Club and the Purbeck Motorcycle Club attracts over 250 top riders from all over England.

On Sunday afternoon, I followed my ears as they led me to the beach where the races were already in progress. A stretch of about a quarter of a mile of Weymouth’s sandy beach at low tide had been converted into a about a mile long Motocross course with a long straight along the waterside with the rest of the circuit comprising turns, 'Bomb Holes', 'Dare Devil' jumps and some chicanes.

Six races were run in the categories of Expert, Senior and Junior (15+) and several top women riders took part – although it was impossible to tell this when they were in all their protective gear. The bikers' leathers and helmets were in all colours which made the sight of the bikes queuing to take their places at the start a colourful affair. The noise of the racing hit you like a wall of sound and there were some fantastic sights as the bikes set off from the start line along the fast straight where the bigger 500cc bikes can hit 90 mph. There were plenty of thrills and a few spills – but no serious injuries thank goodness.

The seafront promenade was packed with the estimated 15,000 people watching and it was a fabulous experience. There was also a beer festival over the weekend – but I passed on that – for this year anyway.