No, the second capital is not a typo (though I seem to be making plenty of them lately – thanks to my readers for pointing them out). If you were to type in my heading in Google, you’d get a whole lots of hits for purchasing spas or jacuzzis, as our American brethren call them. No, I’m not talking about that either.
I am, of course, talking about that legendary Belgian circuit, nestled deep in the Ardenne mountains, Spa Francorchamps. The ribbon of public road that has been host to some of the most epic, titanic and sometimes wet races on both two wheels and four that Europe has ever seen. And, though the circuit is no longer home to a top-level motorcycle race (safety considerations) it IS home to one of the most evocative and entertaining motorcycle races, the Classic Spa 4 Hour Endurance race.
Open to teams of 2 riders riding one bike that must have been constructed before the 31st December 1981, this event is always over-subscribed and many potential entrants get turned away such is its popularity. This picture should show you why.
Now, I don’t know about you, but this must be one of the most intriguing and riveting motorcycle racing photos in a long, long, time. The mixture of the bikes, the crowd, the two stroke smoke hanging in the air, the famous Eau Rouge corner in the distance, why wouldn’t you want to be a part of that? One man who is a regular part of the event is former WSBK regular, Stephane Mertens who still competes regularly and successfully in classic events in his home country of Belgium.
The 29th and 30th of June and the 1st of July are the dates for this year’s event. If you’re planning on going and have a large suitcase, can you message me and I’ll squeeze into the case. I promise I won’t make any noise and I don’t eat much on long flights.
On the home front, my wife completed her 25th day of radiotherapy today and now only has five more days of a small “spot” treatment (less extensive and quicker) before her course is complete. I’m so proud of her, she’s shown the mental toughness for which she is renowned and we can now see the light at the end of the tunnel.
And best of luck to Aussie rider, Damian Cudlin who, this week, announced that he will be contesting TWO world championships this year; Moto2 on the Qatar-sponsored Moto2 bike and the World Endurance Championship again on the BMW. Tough little rider is Mr Cudlin.
