July 14, 2008
Chuck Sun
My European MX tour just keeps coming! Last week was the slick grass hillside of Farleigh Castle. Motocross industry icon Dennis Slythe introduced me to the Motocross Madam Marielle Tirot to work out the details of French licensing and entry to the International Belleme racetrack. Dennis lives right next to the 1000-year-old Leeds castle, 30 minutes to the Folkestone train tunnel and a short 30-minute train ride to Calaise port in France. Sammy, as Brad Lackey refers to Dennis is full of energy for 61 or any age and races the 490 Maico in between locating and buying vintage mx bikes throughout the world. Sammy gave me the update on the Normandy Landing and how the French people revere the soldiers and sites that gave their country freedom from the Germans in 1947. Sammy went on to say that the roads are very straight so that Napoleon's cannon's could be transported quickly to the front lines. But when he went on to say the French bread had ingredients that had a calming affect on the local residents I wasn't so sure! Bastille day is the equivalent of Independence Day where French won control over a prison operated by Louis the 16th ending the power of just one king that began a free society.
Saturday around noon we stopped by a very old MX track that had a twin shock event going on. Steep up and down hills on a very fun looking track next to an ancient farmhouse. Nozay MX track had many famous riders attend events such as Jean Michele Bayle but had been closed for about 15 years. A lot of dirt and hard work put the Nozay track back in racing shape. Sammy had me sitting down in front of the Presidente of the club speaking in broken French. Next thing you know he unloaded his 490 Maico and said practice is at 2pm! Cool, I'm in...Sammy's Maico named Le'beast, as a mechanic had decided to raise the exhaust port about 3mm and even with the reed valve (French say clapper) when the beast rpm's got up in the range it would start to shake and pull your arms out! Problem was that the track was steep down hills with turns on off cambers. This is a trait on most French tracks, but when you throw in lack of brakes and the clutch coming and going, the beast was a challenge. Don't get me wrong though, the track was a blast! After stalling the first moto I finished 3rd and went on to win the other 2 motos. That's right 3-20 minute motos and it all finished up by 7 pm. There were only 3 classes. Classic, which was primarily BSA 4 strokes and a few Vintage CZ's, Husky's & Maico's. Sidecars then twin shocks, which is where I raced with good riders on SWM's and Monoshock Yamaha's. Club organizers do not charge entry fees or gate fees. They make their Euros from the beer and food concessions. An unexpected treat to say the least!
Sunday it was on to Belleme, just a couple hours away, all the riders rode into the town square to have a cider with the Mayorie, promote the race and celebrate Bastille Day. World Champ Graham Noyce had made the trip over with a couple of buddies and was taking in the celebration as well. Graham got tangled in a first turn crash and took a peg into the back requiring stitches as well as fore head from the impact! Always, never say die...Graham finished the moto but was not allowed to ride with fresh stitching. Back in the pit area, tables and barbeques came out with as much food as possible, Red wine flowing freely. On to the music tent for more celebration and dancing as people from town began to file in. Getting out just after midnight was a good thing as practice began at 9am sharp. A morning highlight was when Sammy's buddy Robert (Albie) bumped started his Maico in a field and as he was turning off his choke did not notice he was heading for a camouflaged swamp! His bike was buried in black muck, missing the first practice and requiring 5 Brits to pull him out! Happy 50th Ablie!
My ride for Monday's Bastille Day was offered by Moto Madame's husband Stephane Tirot's Honda 360 Mugen with Ohlins shocks and Fox forks. Over 4000 spectators turned out to enjoy the sunny warm day on the hillsides of Belleme, town's church steeples easily viewable, and the track being right near the centre of town. Bellemois Moto Club would run twin shocks and vintage bikes all together, so lappers on vintage bikes were not doing the 5 doubles on the track requiring some attention. Former French Champ 35 year old youngster Christopher Leray was allowed entry on a 490 Yamaha linkage single shock took the win. This was a special fun event and not a French championship in which the more modern single shock would not be allowed. A classic battle developed between a smooth riding Frenchman, Martial Briens on a 490 Maico and myself on the 360 Mugen. Martial would get out into the lead and I would have to pick up time in the turns as Martial would pull strong on the large up hills. It was not until the last 2-3 laps of the three 20 minute motos that I could find a way around the French twin shock champion for 1st twin shock. Afterwards we all had a great time sharing red wine, French bread and loose interpretations from one another. Only a little over 2 weeks until Lommel, Belgium Vet final, so I'm off to Dunkurque, France for training in the sand with British Vet speedster Terry House and receiving some sand tips from 3 time Dutch Champion Toon Karsmakers (Pierre's brother) Bouncing from race to race without a plan has only been possible by the enthusiastic motocross community that have been more than hospitable in my first riding return to Europe in 27 years. Thanks to Vince for translating the French inquiries! Vince took some liberties in translation as wine kept showing up! Cheers!