Bike collector's surprise offer

4:42pm Tuesday 24th July 2007

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I received a telephone call from Chris Wilson a race bike collector, the reason for his call was totally unrelated so the invitation to join him at one of the most prestigious motorsport social events of the year came totally out of the blue. Then when he said he wanted me to ride along side him on one of his bikes I was almost speechless - this was an opportunity not to be missed, our plans for the weekend were rapidly changed and an early morning start on Saturday morning was now on our schedule.

We got there with moments to spare before the first of the bike runs up the hill, I hurriedly got in to my leathers then Chris's son Jamie took me to sign on while Dave (my other half) went to the holding area to see both bikes - both ex Mick Grant TT winners, a works Honda RS 1000 and his 750 Kawasaki.

Dave was as much in his element as me - thanks for all your help D!

The holding area was a total who's who of bike racing from all eras.

TT Legends such as Sammy Miller, Jim Redman, Carl Fogarty, Luigi Taveri and 130mph TT lap record holder and 14 times TT winner John McGuinness.

Superbike stars included former Champions Troy Bayliss, Neil Hodgson and Troy Corser.

Jeremy McWilliams was on board his Ilmor GP bike - it was a close rival in the noise stakes to the F1 cars.

Trevor Nation was on another of McWilliams' former race bikes a Buell XB RR.

I don't mean to name drop but the list goes on - Scott Russell, Yukio Kagayama, Tommy Rob, Charlie Williams.

I didn't have time to get nervous of riding a bike with a right hand gear shift and race pattern, Chris filled me in on the format and I followed him on the 750 Kawasaki to the start line, he was adamant that I must enjoyed myself and to take in as much of atmosphere as possible.

The air was filled with smoke and noise from all the bikes and F1 cars it was surreal lining up with the likes of Jenson Button and Ralph Schumacher.

I asked the guy next to me for a few tips - I had no idea of which way it went, his advice really helped and despite not getting near the lap record (I rode like a girl).

I loved every second of my climb up the hill.

The bike's power delivery was really smooth and I didn't have any problem with the gear changes, the brakes and handling however left a little to be desired, I take my hat off to Mick Grant, riding one of these round the TT course is some mean feat!

After propping the bike against a post (all the bikes are left against either a post or the fence while a cold drink is taken from the silver service hospitality area at the top) we got to watch the others arrive, European stunt champion Chris Pfeiffer wowed the crowd and the other riders alike.

I think we all wished we could do what he did on his BMW!

The ride down was just as great, this time I did more waving to the crowd - I even got a few waves back!

The heavens opened and the track was more like a river, at first we didn't know if we'd get another chance to ride the hill again but the weather cleared and I was persuaded by Chris to take yet another run up the hill on the RS1000. Starting the bike on one of those starters that's put on the back wheel was a breeze; keeping her going however was a little more challenging and I stalled her just as I got to the start line for my second run.

I pushed it back to get her started again only to pass McWilliams who'd done the same to his Ilmor bike.

By this time it was raining again but I didn't care the weather couldn't spoil this.

I got a few smiles from the officials as I arrived back at the start again and thankfully no stalling this time, with a bit of clutch slipping she pulled away lovely and I did even more waving this time.

Steam was rising from the drying track at the top of the hill and the spectacle of burn outs and donuts from the F1 cars was great, although it was the two wheeled stunt Champion who took the greatest applause.

On the way down I took in as much of the atmosphere that I could, I only hope that next year I get invited again - especially as I know which way the hill climb goes now.

Just going to spectate would have been fabulous but to ride along side total legends in the famous Hill Climb was extra special and something I will treasure for ever.

I would like to extend my total gratitude to Chris and his family for the great hospitality and the unforgettable opportunity.