The New Year has got off to a pretty poor start for me with two deaths close to me and my family. I stood today at the funeral for a lovely lady who died Christmas Eve after a long illness aged 49. Earlier in the day, my pal at the farm next door came round to tell me that his son had died yesterday, a tragic accident with a faulty gas fire, age 37. He was a smashing lad, who was just getting his life on track
Can you imagine what's been going through my mind today, with all the issues we're going through at present?
I bet you all can. Look we've all probably been close to a tragedy of some sort in our lives, and, yes, you've guessed, today's events took me to our beloved Island.
I'm not wanting to cheapen each life that is lost over there,by insinuating that they don't matter,of course they matter, but is there any point to our existence if we DON'T take risks? Not that we shouldn't look at the organisation at all times, if things go wrong, in order to take stock of issues, but look guys and gals, do you see what I'm getting at? Are we moving towards a right old nanby mamby state, where all risk is removed, so the greatest danger we all face is an inefficient gas fire, or a miserable demise through disease?
Give me the challenge of the Mountain Course ANY time, even if our wonderful marshals be occasionally flawed, even if the standard of riding is imperfect, and the preparation of my bike, and anyone else's is less than 100%. I'll take the risk because NOTHING above the speed of chess can be made safe. I love that Island, and I will do anything I possibly can to preserve racing there.
I'm sure I've rattled a few feathers with my irresponsible talk, but, hell, I feel like rattling a few feathers tonight!!
Before you jump onto your computerised quills,I DID say that we should take stock if mistakes are made!! We should ALWAYS make efforts to improve safety, so long as they are reasonalble and workable.I'm just concerned that we are having laws made for us by folk that have never sat their arses on a race bike, but obviously know best.
Tonight I'm in the right mood to ditch the golf clubs, and write off for my racing licence!