Ramblings

My diary's like a ticking bomb. Its been glowering at me for the past few weeks but now its abut to explode into life.

I was down at Hackney Community College all day on Monday for my Olympics 'role specific training'. The more I learn about my 2012 Games adventure, the more I like the sound of it. It'll be the most fantastic ten days imaginable. Some of the technical stuff thrown at us was mind boggling and the quality of the people training us is staggering.

Had my media pass for this weekend's Race Retro event at Stoneleigh showground arrive this morning. I've not been to RR before but as the good folk of Poppyseed Media emailed me asking if I'd like a media pass, it would have been just plain rude to turn it down. The Live Rally Stage alone looks worth going for. They've got 50 great rally cars cavorting around as well as tons of other stuff too. early start Sunday but worth the effort, I reckon.

Off to an open mic night at the Lunar Bar in Worcester tonight where I'll be taking photographs and also performing some of my old material. When I get in, I'll bang tonight's shots up onto Facebook.

One day soon, I'll pause to draw breath. But not just yet because if I stop, I'll fall off the merry-go-round.

Last weekend saw the first proper car action of the year for me with the MAC Clee Hills Trial up at Craven Arms.

The first stage in the woods was extremely muddy. Keeping your feet was an achievement. Driving a car all the way up was close to a miracle.

Headed across to the Long Mynd afterwards and munched on a sandwich before the merry sound of engines tore through the peace and quiet of the Shropshire countryside. This event really had the most diverse collection of motors. I'm full of admiration for anyone who has a vintage MG then proceeds to belt it up a filthy hillside before driving it home.

I've been looking at my diary and it looks insanely booked up. I've barely got a free weekend until the end of the year if I attend everything in there. Excellent.

This Sunday sees the first meeting of the Prescott Bike Festival committee so that event's already starting to loom. April 22nd seems a long way off but time's flying by as if we're all onboard a malfunctioning Tardis.

I can't believe how quickly the Autosport International show comes round.
It feels as if the carpet's barely been rolled up from last year's show when we were crawling up the choc-a-block M42 to do it all over again.

One of the highlights of the show included the wonderful Senna exhibition. This was a stunning collection of cars driven by the great man. Fortunately, we got into the show before the public so we had this area and the rest of the halls virtually to ourselves for the first hour. Very nice.

Mr Danby fancied the look of a 1966 Mercedes-Benz 300 SE Cabriolet. It's going for auction and has less than 70,000 on the clock with a price prediction of somewhere between 55 and 75K. Go on, Rich. You know you want it.

The promo girls were, as ever, excellent fun. Lucy on the Faro stand was a great laugh and scarily photogenic. The statuesque Danielle working for Pro R was astoundingly tall (6ft even without her sky-scaper heels) The MIS Motorsport ladies lined up wonderfully in a rock-video kinda way. The Ginetta girls showed how to perch daintily on a bonnet without doing damage. Yes, there's no limit to the talents these ladies have.

Great show. Many thanks to Autosport for tolerating us once again and to my editor for the accreditation letter that got us in. The photos of the day are here

Marshals. What can I say? Constantly entertaining when in their natural habitat? Full of backchat? Never stop eating? Abusive to defenceless photographers? All of the above really.

I spend a fair chunk of my weekends with the men and women in those ill fitting orange romper suits. There's a cheery optimism about them that makes me glad to hang out with them. Highlight of 2011 might well have been Chris and Jan having their own Bottom Ess photo call. They were like the Posh and Becks of the hill climb scene but their co-marshals soon brought them back down to earth with a few well chosen comments. Oh, yes, most of the photos of Jodie I ever take feature her sticking her tongue out at the camera. (Her wedding pictures should prove quite a challenge for whoever gets that task next year.)

Anyway, a belated Merry Christmas and a riotous New Year to all my marshalling friends. I might taunt you all summer long but I'm always glad to have such a great bunch standing alongside me in all weathers and all situations. In motor sport, when the grit hits the fan, orange is the first colour I want to see near me.

PS. Here are a few shots of you lot.

All's quiet now on the motor sport front. No more hill climbs. Club events have pretty much dropped off the radar. Even rallies are a touch scarce this side of Christmas.

So, what's a guy to do? Well, its not a problem really as there still loads of things to muck about with. I'm still tidying up the BOC archive. I've just written a Prescott guide for new photographers who might join us on the hill in the future. Last Saturday was our end of season meal for the Bike Fest mob. That involved chowing down huge amounts of Chinese food at The Great Wall in Tewkesbury whilst planning next April's event.

I shot an open mic night last week in a room festooned in convex mirrors so that was a challenge in itself.

Yesterday I scoped out a room where I'm going to do a bunch of corporate shots after Christmas. I'm also rummaging through my season's photos for shots for certain drivers.

Considering I've not even started with the brutal editing of the season's shots, I'm amazed how hectic it is really. I'll be glad when the season arrives so I can take it easy.

I used to be able to trawl the halls of the NEC without breaking sweat. Not any more. After a full day covering this year's Classic Motor Show, I felt like I'd walked across the Brecon beacons on a military exercise.

Fantastic show. Every owners club worth their salt was there. Great to see the MAC and the BOC stands. Caught Richard Gilbert photographing a Morgan (again) Saw Millards senior and junior.

The girlies on the Citroën stand were immense as they posed for the whole Robert Palmer Addicted To Love rock video thing.

Angelina on the e-Lites stand was fantastic. I almost wanted to start smoking just so she could help me to quit.

Huge thanks to Andrea and the team for inviting us along again. Now I really want to do Race Retro next March.

Photo gallery is here here

After eighteen months of online form-filling and an interview back in the summer at Warwick University, I finally got the nod last week confirming that I've been selected for the Press Operations team at next year's London Olympics.

When it was announced on July 6th 2005 that London was to be the host for the 2012 Games, I never even thought about being part of the team. I came across a Games Makers email early last year and applied just to see how far I could get before I was ejected. I now have it in writing that I'll be part of the Photo Team based at Horse Guards Parade. I'd have loved to have been in the main Olympic stadium but I said at the interview that I'd be happy to be based at any of the venues. Let's face it, someone has to cover the beach volleyball event.

I'm still slightly stunned by all this. Although I thought the interview went well (yes, it does pay to wear a suit and tie) I wasn't totally sure I was going to get a place. Aside from the small issue of not having anywhere to stay just yet, all is good. The only draw-back is that is clashes with the third Loton Driving School day. I wonder if I speak nicely to Seb Coe, he'll move the date of the games?

I headed up to Weston Park on Sunday to shoot the Mac Vintage & Classic Tour.

Despite the bizarre refusal to serve me with a cup of coffee because I wasn't eating lunch, Weston Park was still a good venue for this event. The tree lined driveway was crying out for some nice motors to rumble along it and the Mac duly obliged. We had a fine mixture of machines and the sunshine ensured everyone had a smile.

Great day. The photos are right here

The VSCC upheld the tradition of making rallies highly elusive. Arming yourself to the teeth with maps and GPS devices simply isn't enough to ensure that you'll be successful in following the action but at least this one wasn't buried in some obscure forest stage in the back of beyond.

I loved the idea of holding the rally finish up where their trial event was being staged as this meant that plenty of photo opportunities arouse to point the camera at them as they rolled in.

The trial was going swingingly until the rain started. Foolishly, when the first few spots fell, I thought it was only going to be a tiny shower. Wrong, Geoff. This is Wales where it's either dry (not often, admittedly) or slaying it down continuously. This was the latter and it instantly reduced the trial hills to pure grease. This did provide some entertainment as those wonderful old cars struggled to tackle the steep slopes. The evidence is here for all to see.

All-in-all, terrific event. Many thanks for the VSCC for holding it and allowing me to capture it.

My stuff's dry now.

I never expected to be heading for the shade at an October meeting but that was the case last weekend at the Autumn Classic as Prescott.

I spent a pleasant couple of hours under the shade of the trees in the morning but shooting start-line and the paddock from midday on was searing stuff. I must confess to spending large chunks of time eating pizza and ice cream in the shade to avoid the heat but my reasoning was that I've shot thousands of trackside images this season so it was time to award myself a break.

Loton Park last weekend really was a proper hill climb: the sort of meeting you won't forget in a long time.

The weather in the morning was pretty dismal but the action on the track was full-on. As soon as we reached Top-12 runoff time, I just knew Roger Moran was the man to beat. This guy is the Michael Schumacher of the hill climb world. If there's a wet track, Roger is the man.

Given the morning's conditions, you wouldn't have put your shirt on a new hill record but Scott, ever the one for a drama, pulled it off with the final run of the Loton season.

Freakishly, we concluded proceedings by 4.00 PM - another record, I'd think. Great to see a huge number of people hanging on for the prize-giving afterwards.

I'd just like to say a big thanks to the officials of Loton for allowing me access to their smashing hill and for making me feel so at home. See you all again next year.

Loton Park last weekend really was a proper hill climb: the sort of meeting you won't forget in a long time.

Then weather in the morning was pretty dismal but the action on the track was full-on. As soon as we reached Top-12 runoff time, I just knew roger Moran was the man to beat. This guy is the Michael Schumaker of the hill climb world. If there's a wet track, Roger is the man.

After a fortnight of glorious Greek sunshine, I was looking forward to a nice steady weekend at Shelsley's Season Finalé.

Intermittent showers put paid to it being a quiet, casual end to the MAC's 2011 season. I've probably seen the track as greasy as that but not for quite some time. Between the Esses the surface had an evil, slightly green tinge to it like someone had smeared it with Swarfega. On Sunday, the exit of Top Ess caught out one driver after the next as they attempted to put the power down for the finishing straight.

The Ford Anglia set the tone for Sunday when its engine blew apart. It was fifth car up and not only did it dump huge amounts of oil on the track but it managed to leave behind numerous engine parts too. Most impressive.

Mrs Hawkes survived her encounter with the left bank (The one between top and bottom Ess not the one in Paris) She and Nick even managed to cobble the front of the OMS back together in time for her second run. Nick was so impressive with a hammer that he might give Chris Hemsworth a run for his money when they make the sequel to Thor.

I did lounge about during the morning, eat sausage and bacon, drank hot chocolate and nattered to Alex Summers about cars, drivers and all things good.

As ever, a big thanks to officials, marshals etc for looking after me throughout the year. The fact that I remain in one piece is mostly down to luck and the good folks who stand by me and growl whenever I'm stepping too close to the action.

Two more meetings and it'll be lie-in time. Except, there's always rallies, sporting trials and ... stuff.

When you name a meeting 'The Big One' you have to deliver the goods and Shelsley did just that at the weekend. The combination of being featured on Countryfile, great weather and a knockout line-up of motors, resulted in packed crowds. I've never seen people lining up for the gates to open before and it's been a while since the hill's been that rammed.

We had our moments with a couple of hold-ups to retrieve cars that had scooted off into the undergrowth. The Morgan finally reemerged like a long forgotten Japanese WWII sniper from the rhubarb. It was certainly a busy day for Richard Weaver on the wrecker truck. Luckily, nothing was as dramatic as our TVR moment at Loton the previous week.

Been to Megan Baker House doing some photos for their publicity leaflets this week. The kids there are quite amazing and the place itself and the people who work there left me slightly in awe. Good to get your feet planted on the ground.

To say yesterday was 'eventful' would be understating things a little.

Having spent most of the day watching wheels locking up and smoke pouring off tyres, we foolishly thought we were reaching the end. The TVR class was the last up the hill and a few of them stamped on their brakes going into Fallow - then it happened. I was idly ribbing Spencer about his late start to the day when we looked up and saw clouds of dust and a purple TVR descending upon post six. Out of instinct, I just swore (that was the easy bit) and raised the camera. I got five shots off. The meta data tells me I hit the shutter first at 18.09:33. The last of the five shots sequence went off at 18.09:34 - and this was shooting single shot, not bursts. I knew I should have been a gunslinger.

This was the most spectacular incident I've witnessed at a hill climb. Jan and Andy were pretty damn cool. Jan was flattened, got up, put the flag out and then started attending to the driver. Our marshals really are very special. I've attended their training days and seen the rigorous procedures they go through. When you see how they deal with a mess like the one on Sunday you have to stop joshing them for a minute and give credit where it's due.

Great meeting, everyone. I'll be back at Loton on Wednesday for the final driving day of the year. Let's hope it's less eventful.

Not quite sure how the rain missed us on Sunday. A couple of times it skirted past but aside from a spot or two around lunchtime it had the decency to leave off until we were throwing our kit into the boot of the car five minutes after the final run. Anyway, I'm in no great hurry to test my replacement waterproofs so this suited me fine.

I've attended three VSCC events lately and they're always very entertaining affairs. Over three hundred vintage motors tackling the hill twice in a day takes some getting through but the meeting barreled along merrily and we were done and dusted for a sensible time. Here's the evidence.

My glorious 28-70mm f2.8 lens has arrived back from its holiday at the Nikon Repair Centre. This is a place where Nikon lenses go to rest and recover after a traumatic happening - like their clumsy owner pitching base over apex as he makes his way down the grit paths of Shelsley Walsh. Its great to have my sharpest piece of glass back in the bag. Promise to look after it from now on.

Last weekend saw a couple of belting meetings up in the Teme Valley as well as an impromptu fashion show.

Sundays Concours D'Elegance featured over eighty cars that were varied and beautifully turned out. There's something brilliantly English about seeing four people pull up in a vintage Rolls Royce and then set up a full-on picnic table complete with Champagne flutes, a linen table cloth and a candelabra. Bill and Stephanie Piggott's 1952 Bristol 401 was a worth winner of the Concours but I didn't envy Simon Taylor's job of choosing a winner as there were some smashing old cars entered this year.

Stephanie had quite a day of it as she also scooped the winning prize for the best lady's outfit with her wonderful '50s style dress. Some of the period costumes were just amazing and I can imagine this theme growing in popularity if the MAC run with it. Do we have a hill climb equivalent of the Goodwood Revival in the making? Click here

Grand to see a couple of former champions returning to Shelsley in the shape of Simon Fidoe and Peter Cox. The Empire's looking insanely swift and the Chevron remains immaculate.

Last Sunday we were treated to an extraordinary gathering of pre war motors as the VSCC descended on Loton Park in force.

VSCC events are unique. Seriously old cars, men with beards and people sporting double-barrel names. Then, just to add to the whole quirkiness of the proceedings, we had an enforced 10.30am lunch break due to a visit to the local church of the Bishop. Now, it has to be said, I'm a guy who likes his routines so when I got home that day and I was having my 'dinner', I was confused. The meal at 7.30 that night was... well, I don't really know what it was called.

Great day though and the rain (almost) kept off. Many thanks for Gillian and the rest of the VSCC for inviting me along. Pics are here.

The not-so-good-news this week is that my beloved 28-70mm f2.8 lens has had to go off to Nikon for a repair after I slipped down a steep part of the path at Shelsley a couple of weeks ago. What I thought would be something fairly minor has escalated into a highly expensive (500 quid) repair so I'm currently putting in insurance claims forms. I really want my lens back now as it's my favourite piece of glass by some distance and I use it loads. Crampons is the way to go at Shelsley in future.

Off to Loton Park tomorrow for the second of the three Midland's VSCC hill climbs. (The final one is at Prescott on August 6th/7th)

So, early start in the morning: on the road for 6.30. Proceedings kick off at 8.30 but breakfast is a total must. Saying that, is it? This is no ordinary meeting. Lunch is scheduled for 10.30 and lasts for 90 minutes. Yes, you read that right: lunch is at 10.30. If anything's going to confuse me, messing around with lunch break times will do it.

The weather forecast isn't brilliant but it'd have to go some to be as wet as the last time I was at Loton. I've a new pair of waterproofs to try out, having taken the last ones back to the shop due to their total abject failure to keep me dry. Call me picky but not letting rain through seems a bit of a must in waterproofs.

Looking forward to seeing those glorious pre-war machines pelting up our favourite Shropshire estate. See you on the hill, everyone. No rain dancing, please.