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All things seemed to align for perfect hillclimbing on Saturday at Le Val des Terres.

I don't know what hidden forces need to come into play to make a perfect hillclimb but something special was in the air for the GK&MC event.

The action left competitors with both PB’s and new Class records written into the Guernsey Kart & Motor Club archives.

I enjoyed capturing the racing and a new Gallery features my pics is now online...
CLICK TO VIEW THE GK&MC HILLCLIMB_06-08-2022

The 2022 edition of the SoPM Summer School Gig was as busy as always.

The stage was set at the Fermain Tavern and ten young bands were lined up to perform in front of family and friends. This is an ambitious challenge for the SoPM tutors but they are now 'old hands' at this!

Their reward comes from seeing the students happy faces and their sense of achievement after performing in a band... often for the first time. The seeds are sown and the future promises lots of live music. Good news!

Ten bands to photograph during the gig has its own challenge for a photographer. I'm very aware that the families and friends don't want me standing in front of their videos and cameras. So my viewpoints are restricted.

Also as there are so many changes of line-ups the stage often has 'unused' mike stands and instruments getting in the shots making it a challenge to get 'clean' images.

Topping off that problem was the bigger one of the lighting. As expected the stage was lit by LED units and (again as expected) they were set to cycle between full green - red - blue solid colour.

There was no additional white fill or back-lighting. Any of you who have worked in this environment will know how hard it is to capture the great results you would like. A lengthy edit correcting colours in Lightroom is inevitable.

But I have to say that all the difficulties are out-weighed by the pleasure of seeing the young performers enjoy their moment on stage. This is one of my favorite gigs.

My pics are now online if you want to take a look:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE 2022 SoPM SUMMER SCHOOL GIG

The Guernsey Motor Cycle & Car Club organised a special summer Sandracing event for its members. This offered them the chance to log up the laps during two days of intensive racing.

The format to combine two days of racing - back to back - clearly had a lot of support.

The number of entries showed that (many of) the racers were prepared to take a Friday off work for day one knowing that Saturday's racing was to follow.

It was great to see such a full line-up on the start line for the bike races. Also there was a larger number of spectators lining the beach wall than for a 'standard' event. This made for a fantastic atmosphere.

All this combined to make a great event and maybe one that will feature in the calendar in future years?

I've added a new Gallery featuring some of my pics:
CLICK TO VIEW THE 2-DAY SANDRACING EVENT

Maybe I simplify things too much sometimes.

To my simple mind you'd think that a gravity aided sport like the GVC MTB Gravity Series would be a bit of a 'stroll in the Park'... wouldn't you?

How hard can it be to roll down a hill on a bike?

Well it seems that 'I know nothing'!

Looking at the grimacing and sweating at Round 4 of the Gravity Series it was clearly a lot tougher than I thought!!

This time the mornings racing included two venues so there was even more demand on competitors as the had to pedal between each one too.

As always the smiles returned at the end of the racing and there was a sense of achievement in the air.

As for me... well I was worn out chasing the action. Maybe it is me who needs to work on my own fitness?

There's a new Gallery of pics online here:
CLICK TO VIEW ROUND 4 OF THE GVC GRAVITY SERIES

This long dry summer isn't all bad news... at least if you play certain sports.

Of course this all depends. Competing in some sports you have to expend extreme energy and effort. Energy sapping heat is NOT a good thing!

But some sports seem to be a little less high power. Whilst they are certainly competitive and demand concentration and effort they are still a bit more laid back.

I think Softball probably would fit that description and it's a sport that seems perfect to play in the summer sunshine.

I popped up again to Beau Sejour to enjoy and photograph another of the Guernsey Softball Associations games and my new Gallery features the action from Tomahawks v Habitat Hit Squad.

Click the link to view the pics:
CLICK TO VIEW TOMAHAWKS v HABITAT HIT SQUAD

The Avon Tyres Motorsport UK British National Hillclimb Championship returned to Le Val des Terres for the first time since 2019... and expectations were high.

The two local rounds were numbered 21 & 22 so there were plenty of reference points established in the earlier rounds and the bet was on that racing would be close and competitive and there was a feeling that the outright hill record would be lowered.

And it was a safe bet on all counts! Hundredths of a second split the competitors and sure enough Alex Summers was the one who left the Island with his name in the record book with a time of 26.56 sec.

Maybe the high temperatures were less that perfect for engine performance but the dry hot surface enabled records to drop in several other classes too.

Well done to all who participated and a BIG thank you to the Guernsey Motor Cycle and Car Club for organising the event. Roll on next year!

This gallery features my pics of all the racing:
CLICK TO VIEW THE 2022 GUERNSEY NATIONAL HILLCLIMB

Jersey welcomed the 'top guns' back to Bouley Bay hill for rounds 19 and 20 of the 2022 Avon Tyres Motorsport UK British National Hillclimb Championship.

As happened to most sporting events Covid had disrupted this exciting motorsport spectacle. So there was a great sense of anticipation ahead of its return to the Channel Islands.

The first rounds of the 2022 championship had already suggested this years local competition was going to be close.

Many of the earlier rounds had already produced new records. Could Jersey join the list?

But, perhaps surprisingly, the record book wasn't re-written this time so we will have to wait twelve months for another try.... or maybe Guernsey's Le Val des Terres will get the new fastest time?

The Bouley Bay gallery is now online and the Guernsey pics will follow after Saturday's racing.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE JERSEY NATIONAL HILLCLIMB PICS

The 2022 Tour of Guernsey was completed with a sixth day of racing on Saturday. The large field of riders covered all ages, all abilities and all levels of fitness!

You might of expected that this could lead to a lack of competition and interest but that couldn't be further from the truth. Each competitor was able to focus on someone near their own ability and once again the atmosphere 'track side' was brilliant!

The hot sun had brought out a crowd of supporters and riders who weren't racing also joined in the encouragement of others.

What a brilliant week and well done to all. There were some really committed, gritty and brave performances... yes it was gritty and brave to get straight back in the saddle after taking a fall!

This is a big gallery featuring Day 6 of the ToG:
CLICK TO VIEW DAY 6 OF THE TOUR OF GUERNSEY

In a strange twist it seems that what goes down must come up!

As the 2022 Tour of Guernsey hit the Islands deepest hole for day 5 I made my way down to the very bottom as there is always an interesting pic available using the Ronez digger as a background.

Day five's course introduced the new 'surface track' to competitors before they headed deep down into Ronez Quarry.

I think it is one of the most popular days of the ToG because it offers the chance to race against a unique backdrop and challenge.

The problem for this photographer is that at the end of the event I'm left with that long hot climb back to the surface. But it is worth the effort? Note the question mark!

This gallery shows all the action from down under....
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE ToG FROM WAY DOWN DEEP

Boxfit gave their members a chance to tick a box once again at KGV.

Now I must admit that this particular 'box' is not one that I have any yearning to put a tick in but it seems there is an enthusiastic line of people who see it different from me!

The experience that attracts them is to go toe to toe in a boxing ring against an equally keen fighter. Part of the whole experience must be the build up, the training and having a 'goal' at the end of tunnel. But on the day there must be a few nervous people slipping on the gloves!

But the look of elation after the final bell showed how happy every one of the fighters were to have completed the journey.

The 2022 King of the Ring event was held at KGV starting in the late afternoon running on into the early evening and the weather could not have been better. A big crowd of supporters enjoyed the atmosphere... and a few beers... and the whole show was great fun.

I was able to cover every Bout and my pics are now online here if you want to take a look:
CLICK TO VIEW THE 2022 KING OF THE RING

So that's the first four days of the GVC Tour of Guernsey photographed.

Day 4 of the GVC Tour of Guernsey headed into St Andrew for a change of scenery and riders were given the added challenge of riding through the pitch dark Underground Hospital... so dark in fact that I couldn't photograph them!

This week is proving to be quite hectic as I juggle my time between this event and other assignments.

But it's well worth the effort as there is always a fun and friendly atmosphere at the Tog as each rider challenges themself to push their limits. Well done everyone.

The first four galleries are online with the finals two days to follow:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE 2022 ToG PICS

The GVC is back for another week of close racing action at the 2022 Tour of Guernsey. Even after more than a quarter of a century the ToG is still as popular as ever with a large entry for this years event. Taking part demands fitness and commitment for the long haul....

The 2022 GVC Tour of Guernsey started with a challenging morning with riders having to complete three separate courses. But, underlying the wish to win is simply wanting to have fun. How do I know? Well I saw all the smiles on the riders faces!

The scene is now set for the week of racing where strength and stamina will play an important part and if riders can keep smiling I think that will count as 'Job done'.

The first Gallery of the week can now be viewed here:
CLICK TO VIEW DAY 1 OF THE 2022 TOUR OF GUERNSEY

The 2022 BWCI Mini Soccer Festival was held at Footes Lane in sunny weather.

I love photographing junior football as there is always an abundance of enthusiasm on the pitch. There were also some talented and confident young players.

With twenty-one teams taking part including visitors from the UK and Jersey the action was nearly non-stop spread over several mini pitches.

I was able to spend some time on Saturday morning following the games and I've added a new gallery of my pics.
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE BWCI MINI FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT

Today was a sad occasion. My good mate Andy Coleman was laid to rest after passing away much too young.

Andy was an incredibly talented musician - but far more than that.

He adored his family above all else but he had room in his heart for a huge group of friends too.

Andy affected and charmed all those who got to know him. He was generous and caring by nature and such great fun.

It can be said that some people never fulfill their potential in life. That certainly can't be said of Andy. He faced up to the challenges before him and always maintained his sense of humour.

Now his family have amazing (and happy) memories to help them through these hard times.

I will always remember how much fun Andy was be be with. He always had a story to tell but was also there for anyone who needed a friend.

Rest in peace Andy with Tracey. I hope you can handle arranging the music score for the harps!!

Another gap in the diary on Saturday equaled another opportunity to return to the Softball league at Beau Sejour.

This time I think I had got my timing back as each different sport demands slightly different techniques. And as the saying goes practice makes perfect... but I've got a way to go before I achieve that!

But Softball is a great game to take pics of. The access is a bit of a challenge but the atmosphere around the pitch is really friendly. There is also a family feel to the game as the teams include all ages - students to seniors!

Saturday's game was between Manor Farm Misfits A and C.A.R. Vipers. Click the link to view the pics:
CLICK TO VIEW MANOR FARM MISFITS a v C.A.R. VIPERS

The atmosphere down at Footes Lane for the Imperium Night of 5,000's was great.

Track running is so different from say cross country. Being in the 'stadium' keeps everyone involved in the track action. Competitors hang around to support other races and the commentary and music adds to the event.

Friday nights Guernsey Athletics meeting had been billed as the Imperium Night of 5,000's but it had been decided to include a couple of 800m races too.

The very warm evening didn't help the first runners to the line but they still performed well.

As the night cooled the later races benefited from the drop in temperature.

I'd had a late call to cover the event for the Guernsey Press and I ended up really pleased to have the opportunity.

My pics are now online here:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE NIGHT OF 5,000's

The final box was ticked on the extended 2021/2022 Guernsey football league and cup fixtures last night at the Corbet Field.

It was two under 13's sides who completed the last game of the season when Vale Rec faced Sylvans for the Wally Chick Trophy.

The game was entertaining and competitive with a final score that didn't really do justice to the losers, Sylvans, who played well and kept their spirits high right to the whistle.

But the glory and the trophy went to Vale Rec who showed their class right across the pitch.

I enjoyed having the nice summer evening sunshine to photograph in and my pics are now online here:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE 2022 WALLY CHICK TROPHY GAME

The GVC riders were out on Sunday morning making good use of gravity for Round 3 of the Downhill series.

The track had been set out through the La Pomare site and benefited from an additional section across the lane and through a field, which was actually part of someones garden!

Great appreciation must go to the owners for allowing the Club this access.

This extension came with a spectacular setting and was a picturesque backdrop to some of my photos.... equals a happy photog!!

I've uploaded my pics to a new Gallery. Click the link to view....
CLICK TO VIEW ROUND 3 OF THE MTB GRAVITY SERIES

As I found my diary had a blank page on Saturday (a rarity for a weekend) I set out to find something to photograph.

A quick search found that the Guernsey Softball Association had several games taking place at Beau Sejour. As it was twelve months since the last time I covered this sport the decision was made.

I compromised/shared my time between the new garden I'm designing and the photography by completing a bit more planting in the morning - leaving the afternoon for the photography.

The friendly atmosphere at the game meant it was very enjoyable covering the action. A bright sunny day was also a help!

I photographed two games... Manor Farm Donkeys v Tomahawks and Manor Farm Misfits v Liberate Lions.

My pics can be viewed here:
CLICK TO VIEW THE LATEST SOFTBALL PICS

After leaving the fun on the beach at the Autocross end of season meeting I headed on to The Track.

Cars were swapped for bikes, sand for tarmac.

The GMC&CC Twisty Sprint is always non-stop action as the organising is really good... this provides track action without any holdups. Riders benefit from having multiple runs. But they must need a rest... or at least a beer or two by the end of the day.

I made good use of the vantage points and took a load of pics. Follow this link to view the Gallery:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE GMC&CC TWISTY SPRINT