Our very own Norman Burgess called in at our Hanley plant today to collect the bike. This will probably be his last visit before the big off on June 14, so I talked him into allowing me to take a few photos of him.

Only too happy to oblige you can see the photos up on the blog now.

Now Norman is our bikes, through and through, man. for many years he was an accomplished racer and had many a trip around the Isle of Man TT circuit, although he doesnt like to talk about it, (much like grandad, in only fools and horses, doesnt like to talk about the war).

So having taken a couple of photos of him while he got ready and the obligatory picture next to the bike, I told him I would wait for him at the top of the drive to take one more as he roared past, wished him good luck and rushed to my position, so as not to miss as he thundered by.

After a couple of minutes, no Norman, and worrying that the battery in my camera would run out, I made my way back down the drive, only to be met by the sight of a bemused Norman. And my worries about the trip grew four fold.. he didnt know how to start it.

I went over to him and really was ready to laugh and take the mickie but decided that he would probably have jumped off the bike and thrown me into the lake.. so I gave some soothing mmmm's and aahhh's. Suddenly the bike roared into life, I dont know which button he had pressed or flicked and to be honest didnt care. So once again I wished him good luck (only this time I meant about him reaching the top of the drive) and rushed to my position.

And I got my picture.

So thanks Norman for your time and good luck matie.