News

The weather forecast for Saturdays Ride & Skid It Flat Track Experience Day wasn't good and it was definitely correct. The rain was incessant and it was pretty windy for most of the day. I had to change my waterproofs after an hour, not a good sign!!

From the event point of view there was reasonable amount of surface water on the track but amazingly the bikes weren't affected like a couple of weeks ago, mind you the bikes were the new flat track bikes. Even so I don't envy Aidan and Les having to clean the bikes and kit either; what a job!!

I don't know how many riders there were but Aidan said some had dropped out from the original 20 but some other riders had turned up to replace them, so there must have been aground twenty riders. Pretty sure the majority were experienced riders in their own fields. I have read since that some were superbike riders.

Even though I was soaked and couldn't see what I was doing because of rain on my glasses and the camera viewfinder although I did manage to keep the rain off the front of the lens. Towards the end I just couldn't see and I just had to point the camera in the general direction of the riders and hope for the best!! Amazingly I did get some photos though!

Anyway some photos from the day, generally in a chronological;ogical order.

Mordning Session











































Afternoon Sessions








Adam Allott






Aidan Collins































Thanks for looking and more photos after in the ride & Skid It Gallery.

Andy

The weather forecast for Saturdays Ride & Skid It Speedway Experience Day wasn't good and it was definitely correct. The first hour or so wasn't too bad but definitely raining.Then the rain really set in and boy did it rain!! Storm Alex had arrived and it settled in for the rest of the event. The light wasn't too bad for the morning sessions but deteriorated in the afternoon. That didn't help the photography and trying to keep the rain from getting on the front of the lens is always a challenge.

From the event point of view there was reasonable amount of surface water on the track but the driving heavy rain hampered the reliability of the bikes and at one stage the bikes had to be interchanged frequently; I think Les must have had his hands full keeping the bikes going. I don't envy them having to clean the bikes and kit up either; what a job!!

I have no idea how many riders there were, probably around eleven which included three novice riders.

I gave up around two as I was soaked and could hardly see what I was doing with rain on my glasses and the camera viewfinder, I did manage to keep the rain off the front of the lens though. Amazingly I did get some photos though!

Anyway some photos from the day, generally in a chronological;ogical order.

Morning Session

Session 1- Familarisation













Session 2















Afternoon Sessions





















More photos will be in the Ride & Skid It Portfolio.

Thanks for looking.

Andy

Ride & Skid It held a Flat Track Experience Day on Saturday the first one for a while. It wasn't a bad day reasonably bright a bit a cold breeze breeze but even better no rain.

Don't know how many riders there were, probably around thirteen which included a couple of lady riders. I think everyone were experienced riders but as is usual some raced round the track a lot quicker than the others.

Anyway some photos from the day, generally in a chronological;ogical order.

Morning Session




















Aidan Collins





Afternoon sessions


Adam Allott[/bb












Adam Allott























I can't put a buy option on the photos in the news but if anyone wants to buy any, just email me. Other photos are in the Ride and Skid It Gallery.

Link to video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GrJy5NOIUWo

Thanks for looking.

Andy

It was a really nice day on Saturday for another Ride & Skid It Speedway Experience Day probably one of the nicest this year. It was reasonably warm, a bit of a breeze and no rain. They even watered the track, which I did see them do earlier this year but it is a good indication of how dry the weather has been recently. On a down side for photography, the lighting was very contrasty and the dust does become a bit of a problem when it hides the riders in a dust storm; especially when Aidan is blasting around the track.

There were thirteen riders, including four novice riders; I think some of the novice riders had ridden before but if not Les who generally looks after the novices had done a fantastic job in preparing them for the afternoon sessions.

It's not often I get to speak to any of the riders and partners but It was nice to have a chat to Angela Hadfield and her husband Roland and also Danny Brotherton and Mark Simm


Danny Brotherton & Mark Simm


Roland Hadfield

Some of the photos follow in a general chronological order; unfortunately I can't put a buy option on the photos in the blog but if anyone wants to buy any, just email me. Other photos are in the Ride and Skid It Gallery.

MORNING SESSIONS

Session 1 - Familiarisation











Session 2 - Sliding












Adam Allott









AFTERNOON SESSIONS

Session 3 - the racing line








Aidan Collins

Session 4 = open session





https://images.on-this.website/news/15606_15708459605f68fe7ca7374.jpg[

[img="https://images.on-this.website/news/15606_18183285175f68fe7b0fc81.jpg"]


Going and then he bit the dust










Adam Allott




Adam Allott

Link to video/slideshow on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/cKmoB_1Eg-o

Thanks for looking.

Andy

Ride & Skid It held a Speedway Experience Day on Saturday. It wasn't a bad day as far as the weather goes at Buxton, definitely cloudy, a brisk breeze at times, one very light shower in the morning. So not much to complain about there.

I think there were sixteen riders, including four novice riders; I'm not sure whether any of the novice riders had ridden before but by the time the afternoon sessions started they appeared to be riding with some confidence. Some of the experienced riders were riding quite competitively, which made for some interesting viewing. Well that's the photographers view for all it's worth.

I've had a bit of a problem with the old technology today and after loading the photos onto the external drive that I usually use; I couldn't get them off again or edit them. I think it's something to do with the cable, so I've ordered a new one, which wont arrive until Tuesday. Because of the problems and a lack of time the photos haven't been edited or sharpened but they have been cropped. I've not spent a lot of time in selecting them either but there are lots of photos of most riders.

Some of the photos follow in a general chronologigical order; unfortunately I can't put a buy option on the photos in the blog but if anyone wants to buy, just email me. Other photos will be in the Ride and Skid It Gallery eventually.

MORNING SESSIONS

Session 1 - Familiarisation









Session 2 - Sliding























AFTERNOON SESSIONS


Aidan Collins





































Thanks for looking.

Andy

Ride & Skid It held a Speedway Experience Day on Saturday. Weatherwise it was a pleasant day, a bit of wind, a couple of light showers during the morning and the afternoon was reasonably bright.

I think there were sixteen riders, including six or so novice riders; everyone appeared to enjoy the day and they got to grips with it and put up a good show of riding.

The light was a bit contrasty at times and the rain made things s little difficult but otherwise it was good day photographically.

Some of the photos follow in a general chronologigical order; unfortunately I can't put a buy option on the photos in the blog but if anyone wants to buy, just email me. Other photos will be in the Ride and Skid It Gallery.

MORNING SESSIONS

Session 1 - Familiarisation








Some of the novice riders with Richard May



Session 2-learning to slide



















AFTERNOON SESSIONS

Session Three - the racing line










Aidan Collins







Session Four - open session










Les Collins








Aidan Collins - after it's all over


Adam Allott - time to play

Thanks for looking.

Andy

Harley Owners Group

Ride & Skid It held a Flat Track Experience Day on Saturday. Weatherwise the weather forecast was for thunder storms and heavy prolonged showers so I did go prepared with a change of weather proofs fortunately however it was quite pleasant with just a couple of very light showers.

I think all the riders were pretty well experienced if not in the field of flat track as I think they were all members of The Harley Owners Group. From the photographers point of view all the riders put up a good show.

Photographically I had the 100-400mm back on the 7D after its repair which gives a bit more focal length when required. I also used the 5D and the 24-70mm lens to get some different shots when the riders where on the infield section.

I also took some candid shots of some of the riders during Aidans' briefing session which I'll put in the gallery; if any rider wants it just email me and you can have it, no charge.

Some photos from the day follow in a general chrongoraphical order.

MORNING SESSIONS


Aidan Collins














Adam Allott





AFTERNOON SESSIONS


Adam Allott


















Adam Allott


















Les Collins



More photos to follow in Latest Photos and Ride & Skid It Gallery.

Link to 6min video/slideshow on youtube:
https://youtu.be/N0M_YUet9wc

Thanks for looking.

Andy

A group photo of sorts, may be two or three missing

Ride & Skid It held their second Speedway Experience Day on Saturday. Weatherwise it was a good day, I don't think it rained at all even though there were a few dark clouds at times. As it was a nice day the track dried out as the day progressed but I think everyone coped admirably.

I think all the riders were pretty well experienced and there didn't appear to be any real novices. All of them put up a good show especially in session two which some riders do find difficult.

I thought I might struggle a bit without the 100-400mm lens but the 70-200mm worked well and I got some good shots. I did try the 24mm-70mm lens but I only took a few photos with it.

I did take some individual photos of some of the riders before the start; if those riders want the file for social media just email me; they are free.

Some photos from the day follow in a general chrongoraphical order.

MORNING SESSIONS


Les Collins fitting steel shoe


Adam Allott and Aidan collins in their new kit

Session1












Adam Allott


Covid-19 Sanitising

Session2








Aidan Collins















AFTERNOON SESSIONS

Session3 and 4




Aidan Collins



























There are more photos in the Ride & Skid It Gallery.

Thanks for looking.

Andy

Ride & Skid It held their first Speedway Experience Day of 2020 on Saturday. Weatherwise it wasn't a particularly good day, the light wasn't brilliant and there was some heavy rain at times which didn't do anything for the condition of the track.

I think all the riders were from Lichfield Advanced Motorcyclists Club and it was nice to meet and chat to a fellow photographer William Paparazi Hollingshead who was taking photos for them - no chance for me then!!

I think one or two of them struggled with the conditions perhaps but most stuck at it and saw the day out.

I didn't have a particularly good day, when I found one of my lenses had gone kaput, luckily I found there was a problem and swapped lenses during the morning; unfortunately that didn't avoid a massive amount of files going into the trash!! Anyway I did end up with enough and hopefully someone may be interested.

Some photos from the day follow in a general chrongoraphical order.


I can't look




















Adam Allott























Thanks for looking and there are other photos in Latest Photos and The Ride & Skid It Gallery. There is also a short video, taken during the morning sessions. Link: https://youtu.be/BY2pk07nFEM

Andy

Ride & Skid It held their first Flat Track Experience Day of 2020 on Saturday. Weatherwise it was a pleasant day really, some dark clouds from time to time and some scattered rain; as things can go with the weather at Buxton there wasn't anything to complain about and I certainly I didn't need two lots of weatherproofs.
Not sure how many riders there were and I can't even count them on the group photo as there wasn't one due to Covid-19 social distancing guidelines. I think the riders were all experienced and certainly no novices.

Photos from the day follow in a general chrongoraphical order.

Photos From The Day:























































There are more photos in Latest Photos and the Ride & Skid It Gallery.

Link to short video of the day: https://youtu.be/QJlVx3Fswok

Thanks for looking.

Andy

Ride & Skid It held their second session of 2020 on Saturday. Not sure how many riders there were, seventeen or less. Although the sun wasn't cracking the slates it wasn't too bad and no rain until late into the day.
or the camera as he slid round the bend or at least that's what it looked like. There were a couple of notable riders that I know of, Danny Webb(99)and Stephen Campbell

Photos from the day follow in a general chrongraphical order, hopefully there should be two photos of each rider. No group photo due to social distancing.

Photos From The Day:


Tai






Steve Wilkinson






James








Ted Wilkinson


Archie May




Ooops


Stephen Campbell


Lewis Bates


Adam Allott










Boyd


Les Collins























Thanks for looking.

Andy

Ride & Skid It held their first session of 2020 on Sunday. There were 17 riders consisting of ten juniors and seven senior riders. The practice day was held on a lovely sunny day, great for both riders and photographer. With it being a practice day there weren't any teaching sessions and the riders just did their own thing out on the track.

The junior riders may not be have been big in size but they were certainly big out on the track, no fear and all of that!! One young man posing for the camera as he slid round the bend or at least that's what it looked like.

Some photos from the day follow in a general chrongraphical order, hopefully there should be two photos of each rider. No group photo due to social distancing.

Photos From The Day:















































































Other photos are in Latest photos and Ride and Skid It gallery.

Thanks for looking.

Andy

Riders, Sliders & Skiders - 02nd November 2019

The weather forecast for Saturdays Ride & Skid It Flattrack Experience Day was for a rainy day, max temp of 7 10 degrees C and a brisk breeze. The forecasters definitely got it right, I think the rain was a bit worse than last Saturday as it persisted through the afternoon. Overall the light was a bit brighter which made it slightly better for photography.

Ive looked at the group photo a few times but Im not sure how many riders there were around eighteen I think, including two ladies and two or three novice riders. All the riders did really well considering the weather.


Some of the riders preparing for the morning sessions

The layout of the infield track was similar to last week but different enough to enable me to get a few different shots.

Photos from the day follow in a generally chronological order.

MORNING SESSIONS










Richard May














Jenny Tinmouth





AFTERNOON SESSIONS








Adam Allott






Jenny Tinmouth


Adam Allott







Thanks for looking.

Andy

Riders, Sliders & Skiders - 26th October 2019

The weather forecast for Saturdays Ride & Skid It Flattrack Experience Day was for persistent rain heavy at times, max temp of 5 degrees C and a light breeze. The weather certainly didn't disappoint the forecasters, it was definitely wet and cold, well certainly so in the morning. Amazingly in the afternoon I won't say it was bright but it didn't rain for most of the sessions, which was wonderful. For once I really did go prepared, three weatherproofs, padded pants and waterproof over trousers, and wellies and a change of shoes. I have to say apart from my hands I was warm and dry.

From the group photo there were 15 riders no ladies and no novice riders. I've got to say I thought all the riders did really well considering the weather. From the photo they all looked a happy smiley group, and nearly everyone was smiling and looking at the camera, a rare event indeed!

Unfortunately due to the weather, it wasn't a great day for photography, so it was a day for highish ISO and wide f stops. Trying to keep the rain off the lens was a bit of a trial and I failed miserably at one point as I faced into the wind and rain to try and get some photos from a different point of view.

Aidan and Co. probably due to the weather, changed the layout of the infield track as well, unfortunately I'm not sure where to get the best shots from with this particular layout but I did get a few good shots.

Photos from the day follow in a generally chronological order.

MORNING SESSIONS
















Aidan Collins



Aternoon Sessions


Adam Allott












Archie May




Adam Allott

















Thanks for looking.

Andy

Riders, Sliders & Skiders - 19th October 2019

The weather forecast for Saturdays Ride & Skid It Speedway Experience Day was for a grey day, cloudy and a good possibility of rain. As it turned out the morning was quite reasonable, a bit Autumnal and quite chilly during the morning but there were bright periods for most of the morning then unfortunately in the afternoon the rain arrived.

From the group photo there were 17 riders which included one lady and one novice riders who I believe hadn't ridden before. I've got to say I thought he did really well. The other riders were put on a good show with some riders riding quite competitively between themselves


The novice rider (never ridden before)


The flat track bikes in pristine condition before the start.


A view of the the infield track and scenery beyond


Aidan Collins giving a final briefing before the first session

Photos from the day follow in a generally chronological order.

MORNING SESSIONS


Aidan Collins demonstrating

























AFTERNOON SESSIONS






Adam Allott




Adam Allott showing the rider where he should be on the track























Thanks for looking.

Andy

Riders, Sliders & Skiders - 12th October 2019

The weather forecast for Saturdays Ride & Skid It Speedway Experience Day was for a grey day, cloudy and the possibility of rain. As it turned out it was quite reasonable, a bit Autumnal and quite chilly during the morning but there were bright periods for most of the day and best of all it didn't rain.
From the group photo there were 20 riders which included three ladies and three novice riders who hadn't ridden before.


The three novice riders (never ridden before)

So it was a good day for photography for a few reasons, nice light, no rain and some good riders. Also on the last Speedway Experience Day of the Ride and Skid It Season, Neil Collins usually attends and he's good to watch and photograph.


Neil Collins

Finally the icing on the cake; Aidan and Adam did a ride in their undies in support of Oliver Brindley who sadly was badly injured racing in the USA a few weeks ago.


Aidan & Adam preparing for their ride


Oliver Brindley when he attended a Ride & Skid It Session a few years ago



On the downside there was an event on the Raceway next to the speedway track which does add some atmosphere to the proceedings but unfortunately a haze descends on the track which I think is a combination of burning rubber and exhaust fumes and it stinks. It also mucks up the photography.


The Haze


Aidan Collins giving a final briefing before the first session

Photos from the day follow in a generally chronological order.

MORNING SESSIONS

Session 1 - Familiarisation













Session 2 - Learning to Slide












Ooops overcooked it



Lunchtime Riders


Neil Collins


Tom Mcclean




Neil Collins

AFTERNOON SESSIONS

Session 3 - The Racing Line






Aidan Collins





Session 4 - Putting the learning into practice


















Neil Collins

Thanks for looking.

Andy

Riders, Sliders & Skiders - 05th October 2019

The weather forecast for Saturdays Ride & Skid It Speedway Experience Day was for a reasonable day and it wasn't wrong! It had rained on the Friday and possibly even over night but the track didn't appear too bad and there wasn't much surface water unlike the previous Saturday.


From the group photo there were 16 riders which included six ladies and at least three novice or less experienced riders. I think everyone rode really well and I think some of the experienced riders rode competitively in the final sessions.


A mixed experience group with Les Collins

So it was a good day for photography, nice light, no rain and some good riders; what's to moan amount. I'm sure I could think of something if I tried but it was a great day.


Aidan Collins giving a final briefing before the first session

Photos from the day follow in a generally chronological order.

Morning Sessions

Session 1 - Familiarisation





















Session 2 - Learning to Slide


Aidan Collins giving a demonstration of how it should be done!






Ooops, got it wrong









Afternoon Sessions

Session 3 - The Racing Line








Aidan Collins having a blast



Session 4 - Putting The Learning Into Practice?













Thanks for looking.

Andy

Riders, Sliders & Skiders - 28th September 2019

The weather forecast for Saturdays Ride & Skid It Speedway Experience Day was for wet and windy weather and it didn't disappoint! It was another really wet Buxton day, although there were a couple of short periods without any rain. I think everyone associated with Ride & skid It must be hardy souls as I think everyone must have been soaked to the skin; I certainly was and that was with a change of weatherproofs at lunchtime!


They came prepared but obviously struggling with the wind!


I think you should be able to see the rain on this

There were 20 riders which included four less experienced or novice riders and one young lady rider. I think everyone rode really well considering how bad the weather was. Even the old bloke behind the camera did ok, managing to keep the rain off the lens and producing some nice pictures, well of course I would say that wouldn't I.


Some of the bikes sheltering under the gazebo

Photos from the day follow in a generally chronological order.

Morning Sessions

Session 1 - Familiarisation


Final briefing from Aidan Collins




The four less experienced riders











Session 2 - Learning to slide


Aidan Collins trying to remember how to do it















Afternoon Sessions

Session 3 - Familiarisation










Aidan Collins showing the riders the racing line







Session 4 - The fun Begins















Thanks for looking.

Andy

Riders, Sliders & Skiders - 24th August 2019

Saturdays Ride & Skid It Speedway Experience Day was held in fantastic weather, one of the nicest days of Summer so far. Good for photography and as far as I could tell good for riding, by the afternoon the track was very dry which can make it a bit tricky on the bends. There were two or three riders who bit the dust but they probably only sustained bruised egos.



From the group photo there were 15 riders plus a couple of private riders. The group consisted of four or five novices and the rest experienced riders. Two of the riders were ladies, one of them being a novice and from the eye behind the lens she rode admirably.



There was also an event being held at the racetrack next to the speedway track, which certainly adds a bit of atmosphere to the day, whether it's all good is debatable! Apart from the bumps, bangs and screeches you can hear, sometimes there is an acrid burning rubber smell and also a blue haze. It may not be apparent to everyone but when you look at some of the photos, its definitely there and it can be difficult to get rid of.




Aidan Collins giving some directions before the sessions begin

Photos from the days action follow, they should be in a general chronological order,

Morning Session

Session 1 Familiarisation





Session 2 Learning to Slide









Afternoon Session

The Racing Line






Aidan Collins







Session 4


Josh Thorp








Les Collins



Thanks for looking.

Andy

Riders, Sliders & Skiders - 17th August 2019

Saturdays Ride & Skid It Speedway Experience Day was held on a lovely bright day, which makes a change from the last few sessions. I've got to say I was getting a bid fed up of getting a good drenching as were the Ride & Skid It instructors no doubt.

There were a few patches of surface water on the track at the beginning but as the sun and the wind got a bit stronger, the track dried out quite quickly.


One of the bikes and track at the start of the session

From the group photos there were 17 riders including some novice riders of which two were ladies although I think one lady dropped out after lunch. I'm no expert but I thought everyone gave it a good go, although I think the learning went out of the door on occasions, with some riding on the edge perhaps being an appropriate description!


Aidan Collins giving some directions before the sessions begin

Photos from the days action follow, they should be in a general chronological order,

Morning Session

Session 1 Familiarisation







Learning to Slide











Afternoon Sessions




Tom McClean












Good job he got his arms out of the way!


See you later!

Thanks for looking

Andy