Harwich goes Road Racing
With the former focal point of the Snetterton race circuit being with drawn from Centre control in the late 1980`s, Road racing has taken progressively less of a role in Centre activities – though many eminent road racers reside in the Centre. Harwich MCC – itself one of the smaller clubs has however swum against the trend and as a club, carrying its banner under the name of: “Arijonda”, fields no less than six members competing in classic race meetings – as the title suggests, all riding Hondas. Adapted K4`s are very popular in club racing and the team exclusively runs these road-based bikes. Under the captaincy of former series Champion: Larry Barnes,(who is also Harwich club secretary), Club chairman: Ian Champ, Rod Chapman, Tony Thompson, Darren Chapman and Rob Cook, all take to the tarmac at week-ends. For the coming 2008 season it is reputed that they will be joined by yet another competitor – a very commendable effort from a comparatively small motorcycle club.
That there is full support in these campaigns from their fellow members is evidenced by a proposal at the 2007 club AGM to provide stand-by funding if a rider found himself facing a large financial expenditure in his racing – such as a major blow up or accident - from club funds. This was granted on a vote by the members. The club also features a high content of road riding members, who frequently ride out on club runs to the circuits where their colleagues are performing .
One further aspect to Harwich and motorcycles. On September 7th, the mammoth motorcycle road run from London to Harwich, in aid of the Essex Air Ambulance, takes place. Harwich club members act as stewards to park the bikes and direct their riders. Last year the town which has the smallest parish area of anywhere in Essex – hosted over 5000 machines which presented a great logistical task for the club.
Any offers of help in this regard for this year`s run would be greatly appreciated. For further details, please contact the hard-working (and hard riding ) Larry Barnes on 01255/551088
