ALAN SMITH

Charles Alan Smith, aged 80, died peacefully at James Cook Hospital, Middlesbrough, on 27th April after a fall at home. Alan, a life-long motorcycle enthusiast, competed in motorcycle road racing, trials and scrambles for most of his life. He was a well-known character, not only in the East Yorkshire Centre but also worldwide, when guiding his son Jared Smith into the top ten of the FIM World Motocross elite. When Jared retired from the world scene, Alan returned to trials, competing and plotting routes. A founder member of Guisborough DMC in 1973, along with close friends Trevor Buckworth and the late Allan Fothergill, they raised funds for initial financing by organising motorcycle events.

With stories abound about Alan, all will continue to live on. He will also be remembered as a formidable competitor with abundant enthusiasm, and his storytelling remains legendary.