Tel stars

A record crowd flocked to the show on the Saturday despite the horrendous weather forecast and they were not disappointed once inside. 

 

Roads around the centre were jammed for most of the morning, before ex World Motocross champion and legendary Finn Heikki Mikkola did the honours by opening the show. 

 

Fears that the inclusion of modern trials bikes may harm the general feel-good factor of the show were unfounded, as most people agreed that the content was just right, with a good mix of bikes, spares and clothing to be found. 

 

There certainly does not seem to be an air of doom and gloom around the Classic, Twin-shock and Evo scene at present as all appear to be booming, and about the only growth area in MX. 

 

Wrighty had amassed another record number of display bikes and stands for the show-goers to get their teeth into, and the main MX themes this year were Swedish Husqvarnas and Frank Hipkin Sprites. 

 

Just about every Husky model was on display including the Rickman Husky that Graham Noyce cut his teeth on when joining the adult ranks at 16. 

 

With the Evolution Era – which covers bikes from 1982 to 1989 – taking off at the moment, it was great to see them on show in such big numbers, with row after row of Hondas, Suzukis and Kawasakis. 

 

Rod Spry – the Lancastrian, whose name has become synonymous with the word restorer – had another dozen or so immaculately restored machines with two beautiful JBRs, a pair of early Suzukis and a superbly crafted Bultaco. 

 

The Twin-shock MX boys had numerous Maico, Yamaha, Honda and Kawasaki stands to find the spares to upgrade their bikes and for the classic enthusiasts there were stands from DOT, CCM, Rickman, Faber BSA and Royal Enfield.

 

And all had superb examples for the public to drool over. 

 

Motocross legends mingled with the crowds throughout the weekend, including Dave Bickers, Alan Clough, Andy Roberton, Johnny Brittain and many more. 

 

There were guest speakers on the stage every hour covering trials, motocross, speedway and road racing, which again drew the crowds and on Saturday night, there was the Jackson Giles dinner in the adjacent hotel. 

 

Nearly 200 guests were treated to tales from MC Colin Dommett, Mike Jackson, Alan Wright and another off-road legend Johnny Giles, who regaled the diners with his stories from numerous trips abroad chasing gold medals in the ISDT. 

 

Just about the only thing Alan Wright had not bargained for last weekend was the adverse weather, which curtailed the show an hour early on Sunday.

 

But with every passing year the show gets bigger and better, and I can guarantee we will all be back at Telford in 2013 for more of the same.

 

FOR FULL REPORT AND PICTURES SEE T+MX FEBRUARY 3