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Devon TRF Group Open Forum -> General Discussion Board -> Weston Beach Race 2022 - Congratulations John Heal
Post Info TOPIC: Weston Beach Race 2022 - Congratulations John Heal
Tribey


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Weston Beach Race 2022 - Congratulations John Heal
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As John won't be at next week's monthly meeting where I'd intended under AOB, to ask him to tell us of his latest achievement, I'd thought I'd post some details up here, rather than miss the opportunity to say, 'Well done John'.

Not everyone follows racing results, and not everyone would know that John had entered the 39th running of the annual Weston Super Mare Beach Race, being Johns 33rd time competing at the event, this year, like the last few, in the quad class, although he had previously competed in the solo motorcycle class. This year John managed a gruelling 10 laps.

    Screenshot-2022-10-21-at-19.57.39.png

His race entry was made subject of a special website news article by the race organisers RHL Activities, a link to their article is here

 

                                                      jh link pic.JPG

but with RHLs permission, I have reproduced the article below, and on the day of the event, racing under number 475, 4 for quad, 75 for his age!, and in recognition of his achievement it was arranged that he should lead all the race competitors from park fermé to the race start.


RHL article

Ahead of the 39th running of the Weston Beach Race we interviewed 75-year-old John Heal. John is the oldest rider here at this year's Weston Beach Race. First competing in 1989, John had a few things to say before hanging up his boots and saying goodbye to the beach after a dedicated 32 years of racing.

 

1. How long have you been racing the Weston Beach Race?

''This will be my 32nd year of taking part, I've taken part in every beach race since 1989''.

2. What makes you come back every year?

''It's a unique event, a couple of things come to mind like where else can I ride with previous and current world champions in a race the comradery of the race is usually good, you've got the people who want to win regardless and people who will stop and help you if you're in trouble. It's just indescribable really, the aroma and the atmosphere around the event''.

3. From your first Weston Beach Race, what has changed up to this point?

''It's changed dramatically over the years, In the early days we used to park outside of Weston and all ride in escorted and go straight on to the beach. Then they changed it for health and safety because people were riding through peoples gardens and wheeling down the road''.

4. What made you switch to a quad?

''It's easier and it's got a reverse gear!''

5. When did you first get involved with motocross, was it your first Weston?

''I started riding enduros in 1986, a bit of a late starter really. So I rode enduros for 3 years and a friend of mine did the beach race and asked me to come. He was staying at a guest house and managed to get me booked into that, and I have stayed at the same guest house for 32 years''.

6. How many more Westons are you going to race?

''This will be my last one, I'm currently 75. I said last year would be my last, but this will be my last year. I think I've been the eldest competitor for a few years. I'm going to hang my boots up for Weston this year.''

Again, well done John.


-- Edited by Tribey on Thursday 3rd of November 2022 02:30:36 PM

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wackyracer


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FAN Bloody Tastic John 

Huge congratulations mate, well raced Sir! smile

 

Thanks for the story Ray and just as important the heads up 



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Trevor Foxon


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John is of course a legend.

Well done John, the recognition  and praise is fully deserved.

Trevor



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NeilM


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Well done John



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chriscole


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Well done John, from what I hear you have given that quad all kinds of hell over the years and it is more likely to fail to finish another race than you. The up side is you now have a bit more time for trail riding



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Dibble098


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Well done John. Thanks for sharing the story.

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DR Sean


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Well done John. Legend!

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Sean Comber
chrisoncbr


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Superstar!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Chris
ttr steve


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Respect worship.gif



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hoc


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Well done John!!!

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russell11031967


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Brilliant!!

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Chris Bittlestone


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What a fantastic achievement, John!

Helen, Bonny and I were cheering you on but I think you only saw us on the last lap!

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Chris B
Johnnyboxer


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Well done John, what an achievement................top man

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Tigerman


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Congratulations John!  Nice to see you on the Sunday



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