Jon, Chris, Pete and myself went off to Canada Heights today, it is right next to Brands Hatch race track, and kind of tucked in between J3 of the M25 and M20 motorways.
Firstly a bit of history copied and pasted.
CANADA HEIGHTS
The course at Swanley, Kent known as Canada Heights, acquired its name during the 1914-18 War when a large contingent of Canadian troops were camped there on the high ground. It has, however been in regular use for off-road motorcycle sports for many years, and by the Sidcup and District Motorcycle Club since 1948.
Over the years, the circuit has hosted many events, from Club level to International status. It drew large crowds and national television coverage with the BBC "Grandstand Trophy" events during the 1960s.
Despite its popularity and regular use by riders and spectators alike, it still remained just a rough piece of land for motorcycling until 1985, when the Sidcup Club bought it with the aid of a Sports Council grant and sponsorship from companies and individuals. Once purchased, the Club members set about transforming the whole area. Access roads were laid to improve entry for spectators; the tangled undergrowth was cleared to provide better parking and viewing. Then the exciting new track was created. During the recent years, the land has been dramatically improved, but never at the expense of the beautiful countryside and wildlife. Further land at the rear of the site was recently purchased and in 2010 a storage barn was built to accommodate the ground maintenance equipment. The land has been properly managed, with many new trees planted as the Club continues to develop the "South’s Most Spectacular Circuit".
Canada Heights
Above : The track at the 2003 Early Birds (Photo by Andy Burt) Canada Heights
Above : The track from the air at the 2000 Early Birds
The Sidcup Club is extremely proud of its asset and encourages its use by the Police for officers motorcycle training, walkers, horse riders, the Scouts, mountain bikers and others who love the countryside but are not involved in motorcycle sport. The track itself is spectacular and demanding. It brings out the very best in moto-cross riders allowing them to use every ounce of riding and athletic skills. Its popularity is seen by full entry lists for all our events and good crowds to see the action.
Today was also a Superbike meeting at Brands Hatch, and I panicked, thinking all the Zillions of cars and bikes would mean a long wait to get in to the track..... naaahhhh, the Police had it covered and over-rode the traffic lights sensibly and got the traffic off the M25 fast and efficiently.
Huge Bonus points for sensible policing again.
Clearly horsepower still rules in the lanes. Took a while to get a spot to overtake.
Once registered I walked about and took some pics of the old skool stuff, which is pretty much what you are getting to day.
Being a Wobbler, I did not take the camera out on the sections, so just trust me when I say the 15 sections were great, with space for White and Red routes. There was also enough obstacles for the experienced guys to play about.
Before we took off, Jon was in hysterics as a Hornet had made itself comfortable in Pete's pants, zapping him on the butt. Bloody big and aggressive bugger he was too, leaving Pete whimpering. ( I would have called the medics in, had it been me)
I have XL size hands/gloves to give perspective.
Right, on to some good stuff. No comments needed .
Immaculate Impulse Buy.
Lastly, a pic of Lebowski's WANT ! ! ! face. Beta Evo envy.
All in all, another great day, great company, and loads of guidance and encouragement from the guys, thanks.
The old guard, including Dick who set us off and has been riding 67 years were typically helpfull and full of advice.
Now time for a Brandy and Pepsi Max, I think it is deserved.
Firstly a bit of history copied and pasted.
CANADA HEIGHTS
The course at Swanley, Kent known as Canada Heights, acquired its name during the 1914-18 War when a large contingent of Canadian troops were camped there on the high ground. It has, however been in regular use for off-road motorcycle sports for many years, and by the Sidcup and District Motorcycle Club since 1948.
Over the years, the circuit has hosted many events, from Club level to International status. It drew large crowds and national television coverage with the BBC "Grandstand Trophy" events during the 1960s.
Despite its popularity and regular use by riders and spectators alike, it still remained just a rough piece of land for motorcycling until 1985, when the Sidcup Club bought it with the aid of a Sports Council grant and sponsorship from companies and individuals. Once purchased, the Club members set about transforming the whole area. Access roads were laid to improve entry for spectators; the tangled undergrowth was cleared to provide better parking and viewing. Then the exciting new track was created. During the recent years, the land has been dramatically improved, but never at the expense of the beautiful countryside and wildlife. Further land at the rear of the site was recently purchased and in 2010 a storage barn was built to accommodate the ground maintenance equipment. The land has been properly managed, with many new trees planted as the Club continues to develop the "South’s Most Spectacular Circuit".
Canada Heights
Above : The track at the 2003 Early Birds (Photo by Andy Burt) Canada Heights
Above : The track from the air at the 2000 Early Birds
The Sidcup Club is extremely proud of its asset and encourages its use by the Police for officers motorcycle training, walkers, horse riders, the Scouts, mountain bikers and others who love the countryside but are not involved in motorcycle sport. The track itself is spectacular and demanding. It brings out the very best in moto-cross riders allowing them to use every ounce of riding and athletic skills. Its popularity is seen by full entry lists for all our events and good crowds to see the action.
Today was also a Superbike meeting at Brands Hatch, and I panicked, thinking all the Zillions of cars and bikes would mean a long wait to get in to the track..... naaahhhh, the Police had it covered and over-rode the traffic lights sensibly and got the traffic off the M25 fast and efficiently.
Huge Bonus points for sensible policing again.
Clearly horsepower still rules in the lanes. Took a while to get a spot to overtake.
Once registered I walked about and took some pics of the old skool stuff, which is pretty much what you are getting to day.
Being a Wobbler, I did not take the camera out on the sections, so just trust me when I say the 15 sections were great, with space for White and Red routes. There was also enough obstacles for the experienced guys to play about.
Before we took off, Jon was in hysterics as a Hornet had made itself comfortable in Pete's pants, zapping him on the butt. Bloody big and aggressive bugger he was too, leaving Pete whimpering. ( I would have called the medics in, had it been me)
I have XL size hands/gloves to give perspective.
Right, on to some good stuff. No comments needed .
Immaculate Impulse Buy.
Lastly, a pic of Lebowski's WANT ! ! ! face. Beta Evo envy.
All in all, another great day, great company, and loads of guidance and encouragement from the guys, thanks.
The old guard, including Dick who set us off and has been riding 67 years were typically helpfull and full of advice.
Now time for a Brandy and Pepsi Max, I think it is deserved.
keep it up Grizz, ive been trials riding for a couple of years, learn something new everytime, sometimes good sometimes bad but its great to spend a few hours in the frsh air with like minded people, keep em up
