Life has a way of doing this to you. Firstly, my apologies for not updating sooner. Jet lag and settling back in have both been difficult, but I should have got my head down sooner.
Last weekend was, as noted, one of THOSE weekends. Firstly, on Saturday morning I went to my computer to find my Facebook news feed filled with the dreadful news that I have been anticipating but hoping against hope would not come. One of Australian’s favourite motorcycling sons had lost his long battle with bone cancer. Warren Willing had run his last race and crossed the finish line in the early hours of Saturday morning, at the much too young age of 63.
Rather than retell the story, I hope you don’t mind if I refer you to my personal obituary published yesterday in mcnews.com.au
Suffice it to say that, as one of my first motorcycling heroes, Warren held a special place in my heart and my memory and I offer my condolences to the Willing and the Sayle family and the myriad of Warren’s friends and fans.
Then it was time for another hit. News came through on the internet that British rider, David Taylor, had succumbed to injuries suffered while competing in the Senior race at the Manx TT. David was a wonderful guy, a member of the Team GB teams at the Island Classic in 2012 and 2013. I had spoken at length with him and also interviewed him for MotoPod about racing in general, Phillip Island and specifically about his role as an ambassador for the Manx TT. He was charming, friendly, intelligent and perceptive and I came away from the interview being enormously impressed. To say that I was gutted is to put it mildly.
If you would like to hear the interview with David, please navigate to the MotoPod web site and scroll through the audio file till you find it; it will be worth it.
MotoPod broadcast including David Taylor interview.
My apologies for the sombre tone of today’s post, sometimes life is just like that. Tomorrow I promise something that is guaranteed to lift your spirits, hang in with me, it will be worth it.
Till then, ride safely.
jeffb says
Understandable that your blog has taken a backseat,Phil. Warren Willing was certainly one rider that got my interest flowing for bikes.Way too young to die,that’s for sure. Thanks for sharing your update-hope to catch you out on the bike soon. Jeff
Phil Hall says
Yes, let’s do that. Just about to pen a new entry now.