Ali C

Just got Backtrack in the post yesterday. Great read as ever. However being an Edinburgh fan I particularly enjoyed the interview with Bobby Beaton who was one of my favourite Monarchs. Also enjoyed reading about Mike Hunter's dream team. Just one little error on the Monarchs team photo though. Toni Franchetti was the promoter but it is in fact Martin Buck who is pictured. Martin was team manager for a spell along with Eric Boocock that season.

Iris - I'm sure Lex was also meant to be making a film of his career, including his years as a speedway rider and they were going to do some of the filming at Berwick.

Lex is a stunt performer and co-ordinator in the film and tv industry.

We're in D2, row 1 also.

Hi Sandie I think you probably will be able to use to Essen. We are staying in a hotel in Dusseldorf and get free travel passes for VRR and have been told by them that VRR covers the whole Rhine Ruhr region ie. Dusseldorf/Essen/Gelsenkirchen etc. Therefore I would think that the event tickets will be the same.

Two of us going. Flying to Cologne and staying in Dusseldorf. Good to see that there are a few other Monarchs fans making the trip.

Your correct. Defo Shaun Bickley.

We're staying in Cologne but only on the Wednesday night. Flying in early to have a little holiday first. Then in Dusseldorf until the Sunday. One night in Bonn before we fly home on the Monday. Surprised you got a hotel in Cologne as the comedy festival takes place around then. We tried to get a room for the Sunday before flying home but nothing available hence why we're staying in Bonn.

Yes that's where my husband and I are staying. As long as they have croissants and coffee I'll be happy!

Edinburgh to Cologne return for £140 for two. Staying in Dusseldorf. Are there many others staying in Dusseldorf? Presume everyone is getting the train there and back?? We get free travel passes from our hotel.

This is such sad news.

Yes we've got Setanta and Rangers TV! Well I should really say my husband - he pays for the package.

For some reason we seem to get hit hard with taxes for flying out of Scottish airports. It's the same with a 2 week package holiday with one of major travel agents. We sometimes end up having to pay up to £50 each in flight supplements. We're staying at the Mitte in Dusseldorf also. And the hotel has confirmed that their travel card gives us free travel to Gelsenkirchen.

does that include taxes?? we got £13 seats from Edinburgh to Cologne with Germanwings. Had to add taxes etc on though. But still got 2 return flights all in for £140.

Is anyone staying in Dusseldorf? If so, what hotel? Never been to the place so don't know the best place to stay. Don't want to pay a fortune though!

Hi Darrell Yes we've now moved tracks to somewhere called Armadale which is half way between Edinburgh and Glasgow! Unfortunately I don't make it every week but I'll never stop supporting the Monarchs - I started going when I was three when Powderhall first opened! The likes of Mike Hunter are still working away at the club! Good to hear that your son is progressing well. It's frightening when I hear of all the sons of riders now coming through in the sport. Just makes me feel my age a tad! Regards Alison

Darrell did you race for Edinburgh sometime in the late 80's or early 90's? Greetings from a Monarchs fan!

Someone in Sheffield used to do handpainted wooden boards back in the 90's. I've still got my Mark Loram one. However it is A3 sized so it's not the easiest thing to carry around with you!

I've just had an email back from BSI to say that the German GP is still not confirmed. And they didn't give any indication of date change. Guess I'll have to be more patient!

Has this GP definitely been confirmed then? The Speedway World website still says provisional on the 6th. I'm trying to book a holiday around the speedway weekend and want to start getting flights etc booked.

Looking forward to the Kenny McKinna article Tony.

I agree. I don't mind the ticket prices either. But it's the hassle of first trying to get a hotel room, then if you're lucky paying silly prices. Then there's the cost of flights to Cardiff or fuel for the car. We're hoping that the German GP comes off next year because it costs less to fly from Edinburgh to Germany than it is to Wales! It's a fab weekend in Cardiff and nowhere else would match the atmosphere but I'd now rather pay the same or even a little extra and go somewhere were I can get a holiday out of as well.

Completely agree with that. As my Dad says "it's a good job they're not racing against Briggs or Mauger. Then they'd know all about it!" Speedway is meant to involve passing, having a go, racing to the end. If riders are not prepared to battle, take the knocks etc. then don't bother racing.

Completely agree. I thought commentators were meant to be neutral, no matter what country they are in.