Here is a picture of which i believe could be the first official lady roadracing sidecar passenger in Britain, or even further afield, unless proved otherwise. Mrs.Miriam Harris, with her husband Charlie 588 Norton crossing the start/finish line on their way to second place, in the sidecar race, behind Donald Winn and Rancher Stevens 500 Ariel in the 1932 Pendennis Castle Road Races, which was run under ACU Regulations. Their first race at Pendennis was in 1931. These races were the first races to run on public roads in Britain, and the very first roadraces to be staged in the West of England, whether it was road or track.

Over 8,000 people packed the one and a half mile cliff top circuit in Falmouth, Cornwall. Look how close the spectators are standing to the track. No health and safety in those days.
Lap Record holder G.E.Rowley, Sidcup. 348 ohc AJS 1min 44secs. 1936.

For any reproduction of this picture for publication or other, permission must be sought from the Pendennis Motorcycle and Light Car Club who hold the copyright. See ACU Handbook for contacts.

Wow! Of course, I will be looking for all the info!
As far as did they stand this close... well, yes, I think they did. Some of the pictures I've seen of people sauntering up and down the pavements on Bray give me the shivers!
Bill... you got any good ones?

Pretty close.



Can't think of a better way to spend a summer evening!

Can't wait.

alf

At Pendennis the crowds were packed on the inside pavement nearly all the way around like the picture shows.
Thankfully there were no fatalities, but plenty of spills and broken bones over its 7 years 1931 - 37. It is believed that the only spectator that was injured, was the course doctors son, when a bike crashed into him and broke his leg.

alf885 Wrote:Pretty close.


Can't think of a better way to spend a summer evening!
Can't wait.
alf

Close yes, but pretty safe, as the racing line is on the other side of the road, as they come into what i believe is Kirkmicheal.

ok they werent there a lap later but...

some nice "oldies" that were on display at the Murrays Mtotorcycle museum

Doesn't Kipper look young in that top pic!

And doesn't Smithy look slim!!!!

Heavens, yes, only half of him there!

Still wear his bloody awful rug though even that long ago, Biggest laugh I ever had was watching George Fogarty sprayin shaving foam all over his wig in the dining room on the boat back from Belfast, Smithy nearly choked on his dentures.

Going back, TT, oh I guess 10, mebbes 12 years.
Exit from the Gooseneck, grassy knoll bit, kids with feet *just* as close could be to the road. Toes nearly, but not quite a H&S issue.

Kinnell, memories.

I remember the people at Fore (spelled totally wrong I know), stood in the pub on the sharp right hander. They were that close you could take the pints out of their hands lol. No Cargo I didn't try.... but they were really close there. Also Carrowdore (also spelt wrong), they used to stand on the main street as the riders flashed past at full chat.

Does anyone else remember that?


fixed it for you dave

Castle Drive. Falmouth. 1932.


Same place, same view. But not so many spectators, and not so close 1990.

The man holding the flag "Fred Endean", sadly no longer with us, is one of the race starters from the 1930's.