Steve Parrish
Parrish’s take on all things bike-racing.
Well, we’re properly into winter now, aren’t we? It’s been a busy week as I’ve packed up the holiday home, given back my Triumph Bonneville and even passed my flight test again – luckily for me I know the instructor.
I tell you what though, there’s no rest for the wicked. I’ve been absolutely flat out with the MAD tour, and it’s been really great! I’ve finally got some t-shirts to get rid of, and I love seeing all you lot pissing your pants. It makes it all worthwhile. In between shows, I managed to dip into that new Silverstone Experience centre opening as well which was cool – I was expecting it to be a bit crap and full of cars, but they’ve got a load of bike stuff in there, including a new Suzuki GP bike and some old Sheene stuff, alongside a host of bits like machine guns from when it was on an old airfield. I even ran into my mate Jason Plato who races touring cars which is a good laugh – although the silly bugger seems to think his book is funnier than mine. No chance.
I think the highlight of my month though was being back at Oliver’s Mount. I hope you all read and enjoyed the Race Feature on it from this month, because I’ve got to say it is really bloody special. It’s a mad track, but great to both watch and ride – you almost feel like you’re on an access road rather than a proper track. Saying that though, I did a few laps on an old thing and it’s a great atmosphere there; it’s almost like a little TT, and anywhere I can go with my old mates and spin the tails of how fast we used to be is fine by me. But then again, it’s not always about the past, as I’ve got EICMA coming up in the next couple of weeks – you know, the bike show in Italy where they do all of the unveiling. I’m going along with Suzuki who have some pretty cool things, although to be honest, they’re all a bit dirty for you lot – if you get my drift. From there, it’s on to the NEC and Motorcycle Live! It’s always nice to get over to there and have a laugh, and meet a load of you guys (and girls) in the process. I’ve heard there’s some top-quality metal coming so I can’t wait to see it all in the flesh over the next few months. I mean, supercharged nakeds, wings galore… what’s next? I don’t know, but I’m bloody glad manufactures are still pushing the envelope…