The trials world were stunned with the news that Otley motor engineer and trials rider Steve Bradley collapsed and died while spectating at the Pre-65 Two Day Trial at Kinlochleven. Steve was taken ill at the Cameron Hill group of sections after just after seven competitors had ridden through. Paramedics fought to save his life but to no avail. He was sixty two years of age. In respect the section was immediately closed. His son Joe was also spectating. Both competed on a regular basis in local Yorkshire trials.

Steve had just taken delivery of a new Montesa machine which he rode for the first time at the Ripon trial at Hutton Conyers on April 22. He worked in an Otley garage as a motor engineer and had specialist knowledge of tyres and fitting them on wheels. The Bradley family is steeped in motorcycle sport. His father Harry compiled the book, with Deryk Wylde,  on the Scott Trial. As a transport driver for William Wilson Prams he also transported Malcolm Rathmell's factory prepared Triumph Cub machine to Meriden for service work, in with the prams, and returned it to the family home at Timble.

Melmerby garage director Stuart Blythe socialised with Steve in a Kinlochleven club the previous evening and said Steve was his usual cheerful self.

Our deepest condolences to Steve's family - he was one of the characters our sport depends upon...............

PHOTO: BARRY ROBINSON

Edited May 8, 20179 yr by laird387a
typo

Godspeed!