Wild and Woolly? Try messy and muddy . . .
Mud and motorbikes helped to attract up to 4,000 spectators to an historic motocross scramble held in a Northamptonshire field on Boxing Day.
The Wild and Woolly, recognised as the oldest race still running in the world, saw 50 stunt riders and bikers battling against the natural elements at Arm Farm, near Blisworth.
The event, held for the 83rd time this year, sees riders trying to complete as many laps as possible on a muddy course in an hour.
It is organised by the Northampton Motorcycle Club and also raises funds for local charities.
Club chairman, Fraser Law, said: "We had a huge crowd coming to watch the Wild and Woolly and it seems to be getting more popular every year.
It always brings in several thousand people and this year we think it could possibly have been 4,000.
"The race is quite messy and the course is pretty muddy with deep water crossings making it unpredictable but exciting for the spectators.
As a result, it's not always the rider who leads, that wins.
Half the crowd ended up leaving the site covered in mud but the children love watching the riders taking part."
Biker Ryan Griffiths regained his crown for his ninth victory, after completing 15 laps on his Honda 450 bike. Mr Griffiths, 36, who was runner-up last year, said: "I feel over the moon about winning.
It wasn't quite as easy as previous races because the water holes were deeper so it meant as soon as your bike went into them, you'd start sinking.
"Not everyone completes the race and there were a lot of young riders taking part. I think experience just prevailed in the end."
The 2008 event was dedicated to Woolly regular Jonathan 'Joff' Wheeler, who passed away this year.
Editor's note: A slideshow from this event will be available on Monday.
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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