Storm Dennis certainly didn't deter the thousands of dirt bike enthusiasts who attended the Classic Dirt Bike Show at the International Exhibition Centre in Telford last weekend.
Now the biggest show of it`s kind in Europe, hundreds of rain-soaked visitors flooded the three main halls packed with off-road machines of every make and size.
The organisers had again ensured there was something for everyone and it was good to see so many familiar faces from the Furness area browsing around the many stalls.
I did spot one Furness individual who shall remain nameless, with his good lady carrying a motocross frame on her shoulder while he browsed at some rear wheel sprockets.
Mind you, it does say in the wedding vows 'for better or for worse'.
I caught up with Darren Hudson and his daughter Cloe on their stand, who were being inundated with enquiries from prospective riders about the Twin Shock Motocross series they organise.
He tells me places are already filling up fast with many would-be riders signing up at the show.
If you intend on competing yourself, get in touch with Darren or Cloe on 07887 407590 and register your machine now before its too late.
Broughton`s trials ace Nigel Birkett was having a busy time too promoting the new four stroke Scorpa Trials machine on his stand.
He had half a dozen or so two stroke and four stroke models on display attracting a lot of interest.
Elsewhere, I spent a couple of hours browsing around the many beautifully restored classic scrambles, trials, speedway and other off-road machines.
Former World Trials champion, American Bernie Schreiber, recalled many of the highs and lows of his career during on stage interviews to an appreciative crowd,with former British Scrambles champion Brian Goss recalling many amusing stories of his career too.
All in all, a great show and one that will definitely be in my diary for next year.
* After attending the Classic Dirt Bike Show at Telford, we made the short drive up to Crewe to support the annual fund-raising evening organised by the Crewe & South Cheshire Motorcycle Club, who organise the race meetings on the Tonfanau circuit in mid-Wales.
They organise this event every year with all profits offsetting riders entry fees at their events.
On arrival, we were pleasantly surprised to find ourselves allocated a table with none other than multiple TT winner Charlie Williams, TT winners Nick Jefferies, Stan Woods and guest of honour, British Superbike star Jenny Tinmouth.
After the raffle,quiz and auction, Nick Jefferies interviewed Jenny on stage in his usual quick witted manner to the amusement of all the guests.
Even in the company of all these past winners, I couldn't even win one of the many raffle prizes... Ah well, maybe next year?
* While attending the Tonfanau 'after event discussion group' in the hotel bar, the problems besetting the Aintree circuit came up.
I'm pleased to report one of the Aintree Motorcycle Racing Club's committee members was among us.
He revealed the solicitors acting for the rider who crashed there heavily and is suing the club have turned their attentions towards the ACU, who issued the track safety certificate before the unfortunate incident took place.
With this in mind, the club have moved forward.
The Liverpool Car Club and the Jockey Club, who both use the circuit, have agreed to contribute towards the costs of the resurfacing required and the safety fencing.
Unfortunately, work cannot commence until after the Grand National in April, but if all goes to plan we could see racing there later in the year after all. I'll update you on this page as things progress.
* The Furness branch of the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club have wisely decided to reschedule their next 'tiddler run' for smaller machines until Sunday, March 1, having had to abandon the previous three planned runs due to the weather conditions.
Their next meeting is next Thursday at the Newton Arms in Dalton, starting at 8pm, and new members are always welcome.
* The Westmorland Motor Club, who resurrected the Barbon Motorcycle Speed Hill climb last year after an absence of nine years, have moved the date of this year's meeting to Saturday, June 27 to avoid clashing with any other major events in the area.
I attended the last one and it was great day out - even TT legend John McGuinness turned up to have a blast up the half-mile course that has been in use since 1950. Pop this one in your diary too.
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