Colley calls it a day
By TMX Archives on 12th Oct 07
THERE was a surprise presentation at the final round of the 2007 Colin Appleyard British Solo Trials Championship staged at Skyrakes, Skipton, Yorkshire, on Sunday when Steve Colley announced his retirement from British Trials Championship events after 19 consecutive title-chasing years..
In what turned into an emotional moment at the end of the day, RhodaRathmell made the announcement and delivered a heartfelt few words,saying that Steve had contributed a tremendous amount to the Britishtrials scene over the years and that he was a genuine inspiration androle model for our younger riders.
Top FIM and ACU trials official Dave Willoughby presented Steve with a commemorative silver platter.
Steve, now 35, and the Isle of Man's most successful trials rider,is three-times British Trials Champion and has ridden factory Fantic,Beta and Gas Gas machines and among many International successes haswon the Scottish Six Days Trial on no fewer than four occasions and theprestigious Bercy Indoor three times.
Said Steve: I had been thinking about calling it a day at the endof this British Championship year but as the final round approached Ialmost started having second thoughts. Then I had a really good firstlap today... but you have all seen the shambles I made of the secondand third laps (Steve still finished fourth on the day) so I think thisis it!
I have had a brilliant time over the years and made loads offriends. That was really good of Rhoda and Malc to do what they did because I have never ridden for them.
It's all quite emotional really. I'd just like to thank everyonewho has helped me down the years like John Lampkin and John Shirt whoare both here today.
Labled years ago as Showtime' for his flamboyant riding style,Steve said: I'm not going to disappear though, I have my Trials Showon the road and will be looking to perform over 30-times next year atvarious shows.
If that brings the sport of trials to the attention of a few peoplewho would otherwise never see it, it's got to be a good thing.