For all things bikes

If you compare it with other forms of motorcycle racing, hillclimbing is simpler, older and less glamorous than the rest of modalities. However, it is a practise that still enjoys good health in the UK.

As a proof of its ongoing popularity is the existence of entities like the National Hill Climb Association (NHCA) - with which a hardcore fan base  of "tarmac hill climb racing on motorbikes" can  participate in organised races across the country - or the British Hillclimb Championship.

The venues where NHCA events are hold are mainly in the south of Britain. But there is also a good number of territorial clubs in the north of the country which hold well attended and exciting events.  Hillclimbing competitions are also held in other areas such as Scotland, the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands.

The aim of hillclimbing is simple: to get to the top in the fastest possible time. The earliest form of motorcycle competition, with very few exceptions, takes place on strips of Tarmac not designed for racing varying from 400 to 2500 yards in length, usually rising steeply uphill with loads of bends.

For this kind of racing the bikes used are many and varied and they are divided in 0-250cc, 250-350cc, 350-500cc, 500-750cc and 750-1300cc classes, besides a class for sidecars and three-wheelers. Needless to say that in events like these classic machines are highly praised, existing a Classic class for pre-1965 bikes.

As you can imagine, the accessibility of tracks also means a challenging spectator experience. Forget about watching the race behind gravel traps and high fencing. A typical hillclimb is separated from aficionados just by an austere rope.

Facilities are also quite rudimentary and the offer is usually limited to a couple of caterers, an ice cream van and a some portable toilets.

But why racing the same way that 50 years ago? There is the obvious element of nostalgia in hillclimbing, as well as a stubborn pride in the purity of a sport that wants to remain out of the polished and professional world of nowadays motorcycle racing.

Be the first to comment on this.