IF your new year’s resolution was to get out and make the most of life this year, then read on.

Bean Touring, Jersey’s organiser of motorcycle track days in France and elsewhere, are looking for more thrill-seeking bikers to come and have a go. They are holding a video and social night at the Town House tomorrow, Saturday 7 February, from 7.30 pm. Entry is free and a bit of grub will also be laid on for nothing.

Each year Bean Touring take around 100 bikers from all walks of life aged between 14 and 65 to places like Val de Vienne and Magny Cours. The invitation to get involved and go to the social comes from one of the group’s newest converts to the speed and excitement of the track, Anne Ruewell. She was left ‘weak at the knees’ after her first circuit, but was helped back on the saddle and has not looked back.

‘I was new to tracks last year and went to Val de Vienne with a couple of friends,’ she said. ‘After my first session I was hyperventilating and terrified and I pretty much decided I would spend the next two days wandering around the pit lane, because wild horses couldn’t have dragged me back out into the mêlée of bikes on track. Tried it, didn’t like it – and that was that!’

Fortunately, the BT instructors spotted Anne looking a bit shaky and encouraged her to get back on the bike.
‘A day and a half later, with a borrowed bike (my VFR was proving to be a bit too tractoresque) and a huge amount of encouragement, I got my knee down. Call me sad, but that was easily the highlight of my life so far! What made it even better was that 99 people were all right behind me with encouragement.’

Anne added: ‘Anyway, a bit like that fellow who liked it so much he bought the company, I had such a great time that I volunteered to help with the organisation this year, so I am now affectionately known as the Bean Touring slave.’

And to prove that she means business, Anne has become the proud owner of a rather brisk Triumph Daytona.
She explained that the video evening was a chance to look back over the BT’s many trips away and for old and prospective members to get together for a good old chinwag.

For those who prefer to do their track days on four wheels, Delta Racing have just announced their programme for 2009. Confirmed dates are: Friday 13 March Loheac; Friday 24 April Nantes; Friday 7 August Le Mans, Maison Blanche; Saturday 8 August Le Mans, Bugatti.

• Further details are available form Stewart Barrow on 07797789075.

• Picture above: Anne Ruewell was urged on by fellow bikers at the track day at Val de Vienne. Picture below by Jon Guegan (00615769)