Great to see many Access Norton folks at Barber. We often get down under our canopies and don't get to smell the roses, but this year I made a point to get out and say hello. Matt and the CNW crew were in great form. Comnoz and his brother changed Jim's front tire under our canopy using a floor jack and sidestand to support his bike - fun to watch. Swoosh came by early on and shot the breeze. Lots of other faces - several with Access Norton t-shirts (I rocked mine on Friday). There were more Commandos just riding around the paddock and outside the track than I remember in years past. Lots of really beautiful bikes.
Our boy John Magyar, aka "Dances", kicked some serious butt in the BEARS race. As the bikes came around to complete the first lap I was so damn happy - he was first overall and had a 6 second lead on 2nd place! His lead went up to 9 seconds overall during the race, but a certain Triumph wanted to catch him and reeled him in a bit, but it was not to be for the Triumph - Dances got the checker quite easily; flag-to-flag. Seeley Commando for the win!
Sadly, the impending hurricane put a damper on the whole event, not just the racing. Word has it Mr. Barber said the gates would be closed on Sunday for spectators (other than the Museum), but AHRMA could run on Sunday if they wanted. AHRMA made the right choice to call it and we packed up Saturday night and made our way home. It was a good call, because the storm hit Saturday night and no-one in their right mind would've gone out on that track Sunday. Then again, we don't always have "right minds", do we?
Now back to work, building Commandos to be ready for spring!
See you all in 2018