5 replies to this topic

[Rennmax]

Ernie Lyons is celebrating his 97th birthday today , surely one of the very few who competed in pre-war events and who are still with us

http://www.suite101....maestro-a227674

Edited by Rennmax, 05 March 2011 - 15:49.

[Paul Collins]

I had the pleasure of meeting Ernie in 1996 when I was spannering for Russ Henley at the Manx Grand Prix, Russ won the lightweight race and Ernie was guest of honour that year having won 50 years earlier.

Great to hear he's still going strong and as you say a real time capsule from that era.

[billbomann]

Ernie in his Manx Grand Prix winning ride.

[Paul Collins]

Nice shot Bill, I remember Peter Kneale interviewing him in 96 and describing how it rained during the race and that he actually got faster and faster as the rain got heavier.

[billbomann]

Nice shot Bill, I remember Peter Kneale interviewing him in 96 and describing how it rained during the race and that he actually got faster and faster as the rain got heavier.

The story from around the course was that he went completely 'fey' I think is the word, bouncing the Triumph off the hedges and sliding it everywhere. None of the others were prepared to stick there neck out that far. When he finished, they found the frame was also broken!

[larryd]

When he finished, they found the frame was also broken!

That was after he hit the dog, Bill !!