Road Safety Rally

1979 Press Cuttings

Leicester Mercury, 1979

Expert Rider's Win

A 19-YEAR-OLD Wigston motor cyclist has won a prize in the expert class of the Motorcycle Rider 1979 competition organised by the Leicester Phoenix Motor Cycle Club.

Paul Aspinall, of 17, Denmead Avenue, Wigston, was presented with third prize in the class by 15-times world motor cycling champion Mike Hailwood.

The competition involved a 15-mile road drive, an obstacle course, and an examination on the Highway Code.

Paul became one of the youngest riders to pass his advanced motor cyclists test when he took it a year ago, and was only the second Leicestershire rider to pass.

He belongs to the Marconi Radar motor cylists team, where he works as an apprentice. He began riding by taking a Police motor cycling course on his moped when he was 16, and since then has owned seven bikes, the latest one being a CS 550E machine.

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Ken Ives Motorcycles gave strong support to the Road Safety Rallies. You can just make out Steve Todd by his demo mopeds.

 

Motor Cycle Rider, 1979

MOTORCYCLE RIDER 1979

THE LEICESTER PHOENIX Club's Motorcycle Rider 1979 Competition on 19 August attracted almost 100 entries from a wide area. Novice and expert riders had to cover 20 miles of an observed route before being tested on skill, judgment and road-craft knowledge at Leicester Cattle Market.

Extra attractions for competitors and spectators were provided by the static display of local clubs and dealers. The Council Road Safety Section showed films including Mike Hailwood's legendary re-conquest of the Isle of Man in 1978. This drew spontaneous cheers from the audience, many of whom were wearing TT supporters T-shirts bearing the message 'Mike Hailwood can walk on water'.

Mike Hailwood presents the team trophy to T. Wicks, S. Price and B. Sabin of the winning Phoenix Honda Riders in the Motorcycle Rider 1979 competition. IAM examiner Wally Bradshaw (right) and Phoenix Club chairman Terry Reynolds look on.

The films were followed by the presentation of trophies and prizes by Mike Hailwood in person who attended the event to encourage the riders to pursue the highest riding standards.

Following the event, riders had the opportunity to see themselves as recorded on video while competing.

National Motorcycle Training Scheme instructors who acted as observers last year and this year are of the opinion that riding standards have improved and               

this is confirmed by initial inspection of the results. Despite stricter marking, K. Kent who won last year's event with a loss of only 25 points improved his performance to a loss of only 19, yet was beaten into second place by M. Bazeley with 11 penalties. Phoenix Honda Riders took the Expert Team prize with Corby and Kettering MCC in second place.

The Leicester Phoenix Motor Cycle Club meets every Tuesday and Wednesday evening at the Cricketers, Grace Road, Leicester.

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Competitors lined up ready to try the road test.

 

Motor Cycle News, 1979

Another success for
Leicester Phoenix

Organised for the second year running by Leicester Phoenix Motorcycle Club, "Motorcycle Rider 1979" attracted nearly 100 entries to Leicester Cattle Market on August 19th, when novice and expert riders took to the road to cover 20 miles of observed route. After returning to the Cattle Market the competitors were tested on skill, judgement and roadcraft knowledge.

Extra attractions for competitors and spectators were provided by the static displays of local clubs and dealers. Refreshments were available throughout the afternoon and the Council Road Safety Section projected films, including Mike Hailwood's legendary reconquest of the Isle of Man in 1978 which drew spontaneous cheers from the audience.

The films were immediately followed by the presentation of trophies and prizes by Mike Hailwood in person who attended the event to encourage the riders to pursue the highest standards.

Following the event, riders had the opportunity to see themselves on a video recording of the contest.

"Star Rider" Training Scheme instructors, who acted as observers last year and this year, are of the opinion that riding standards have improved and this is confirmed by initial inspection of the results. Despite stricter marking, K. Kent who won last year's Expert event with a loss of only 25 points improved his performance to a loss of only 19, yet was beaten into second place by this year's winner M. Bazeley with 11 penalties. Third was P. Aspinall. Other results: Novices 1, G. Drinkall; 2, G. Mills; 3, J. Stevenson; Under 50cc 1, A. Porter; 2, A. Wood; 3, K. Dowsing.

Team prizes Experts, Phoenix Honda Riders; Novices, Charnwood RAC/ACU.

Club Secretary, Ben Crossley, tells us that the 1980 event is already under preparation for a suitable Sunday in August. Details of trade display spaces are available from him at 2 Hobrook Road, Fleckney, Leicester LE8 0BT.

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The above are transcribed from original press cuttings.

Tim Wicks Steve Price Bryn Sabin Terry Reynolds Mike Hailwood Wally Bradshaw