We had pushed Dougs Suzuki RG500 up from the van to the start area and I had the job of keeping the engine ticking over to warm it up. I was able to sit astride the top heavy bike and as time went by and start time approached it was time for me to vacate the seat and hop off but still keeping the engine running..

As I got off the engine stopped I was concerned and I fell over with the bike on its left side... Doug was standing near the paddock wall and he rushed to get the bike upright again.

I mumbled "Sorry" and people round us aware of what had happened all froze with intakes of breath............I was absolutely embarrassed and turned bright red..I just wanted Glencrutchery Road to swallow me up....Doug was OK about it and said "Don't worry, It can happen to anyone !"

No petrol had leaked so he went and did the race.....Thank God everything was OK, no damage to levers or fairing, it just fell over slowly !!