I went recently to Arlington Speedway to see what it was like, (yes I know speedway's like grass track but on gravel), I meant the stadium. I was quite surprised to find such a big facility in the middle of nowhere, well in the middle of Sussex which is the same thing, (sorry Ron no offense meant).

Entry costs £9 and there are two large free car parks, open stands, an enclosed stand with a bar and numerous types of catering stalls, the hot sugar and cinnamon mini-doughnuts are too good to resist and late in the event you get two bags for the price of one!! Mmmmmmm. But back to bikes!

The bikes were noisy and the smell of Castrol R hung in the air. When you get down close to the track you really see how fast they are going. There was plenty of room to move about and Sue and I tried out the club bar, the stands and the start line. We were pleased to see that a device is now fitted to the rear wheels to stop gravel flying up. Back in the 1970's when we were very young we went to see the Fen Tigers at Mildenhall and we made the mistake of standing on a corner right next to the track where there was lots of room. WELL WE DIDN'T KNOW!! Well not until we were covered in gravel we didn't! No wonder there was so much room to spare.

The Arlington meeting was fun to watch and it was easy to tell who was winning each heat as the home team got cheered while when the visitors won they were greeted with almost complete silence apart from a lone voice or two in the visitor's stand. After the meeting we had time to ride back and stop for a pint at the Wiremill pub near Felbridge.

Anyone wishing to accompany me on a rideout to a speedway event on Saturday 29th May 1999 should be at the Plough PH at Bletchingley by 4.30pm. My intended itinerary is below and you are all welcome to meet us at any point by car or bike. You will notice the break at 6.00pm for pizzas or huge burgers with piles of chips, cream cakes and.....MMMmmmmm, (or just coffee, beer or diet coke if you prefer).

Saturday 29th May 1999

4.00pm Congregate at the Plough PH at Bletchingley, (our new club night venue). 4.30pm Leave the Plough for Arlington travelling mostly on the A22.

6.00pm At the A22 American Diner (East of the A22 between Hailsham and Polegate).

7.15pm Leave for the Arlington Stadium (West of the A22 between Hailsham and Polegate). 7.30pm Meet up on the perimeter track near the start.

10.00pm Leave for ride back.

11.30pm Cosy toes tucked up in bed.

I would appreciate you letting me know if you hope to come along so I can inform you if the plan changes. Telephone 01737 210665 or e-mail me at "stephen_whit-more@hotmail.com".