Goodwood has always been a great event for motorcycle enthusiasts but this year the 20th anniversary event is the best ever.
Despite clashing with the Moto GP there are a record number of bikes present. With many returning favourites as well as bikes being seen for the first time and world debuts of road bikes, there are bikes almost everywhere you look. The amount of famous riders is just as impressive
There are five former 500cc Gp champions, Kevin Schwanz, Kenny Roberts, Freddie Spencer, Giacomo Agostini and John Surtees, legendary as the only man to be world champion on two and four wheels. On top of this there are six current riders from the world superbike championship including Leon Camier, Leon Haslam, Jonathon Rea, Eugene Laverty and Chaz Davies.
Plus there are many other famous riders from years gone by.
The line-up of the bikes themselves is just as impressive with Ducati celebrating their tenth anniversary of their return to GP racing they have many of their most famous machines.
Barry Sheene’s first ever GP winner the 1975 Suzuki XR14 RG500 is here as is the only Foggy Petronas FP1 currently running being ridden by James Haydon
Kenny Roberts has bought a selection of Grand prix machines from his collection which can be seen both on the hill and in the paddock.
There are also several sidecars and some amazing drag bikes who blast their way up the straights but have to trickle round the bends!
There is also plenty of bike interest elsewhere. As part of the Land Speed record display on the cricket pitch there are two motorcycles aiming to go for the LSR in the near future. They are ‘The 52 Express’ – a jet-engined, wheel-driven bike to be ridden James Toseland – plus ‘Jet Reaction’ – a jet-thrust-powered LSR – to be ridden by Richard Brown.
Also in the centre is a huge display from BMW of machines they have built right from their early days right up to modern times.
Harley Davidson has a large stand where you can even have a go on one of their bikes as it runs on a rolling road! There are also custom bikes on display.
The Gas area features stunts and displays by many different stunt riders of both powered and human powered BMX bikes. One of the most famous trials riders of all time Dougie Lampkin, is up to his usual exploits of riding all over the festival, he can pop up almost anywhere. The 12 times trials world champion has become a regular and popular attraction over the last few years.
Another spectacular rider is Mattie Griffin who is performing stunning tricks on the Hill in front of Goodwood house on his BMW.
And if all this bike action has got you wanting a go, there are more opportunities for riding bikes yourself over at the activities field part way up the hill. By Marc Waller
