Bad news for the Bicycle Supercross scene, as Graham Foote of the British Dirt Riders Association announces the end of a very popular series on the
website. He’s been fighting against “Not in my back yard”
protestors for three years and now he’s reached the end of his tether.

Here’s the gist of what he’s saying, but for the full goodbye, pay your
respects on the site itself.

“Well what can we say bar sorry. 

As you can probably tell,  the news is cr*p. After 3 years of battling
against constant bollocks, I have run out of steam. 

When we opened Cranham in 99 it was a bit of an idea and never thought it
would be so popular and who would of thought that BSX would go the way it
has. 

So here’s just a few words to sum up how its been…

I am not a planning expert or at least I wasn’t back in ’99 and approached
the whole “lets set up a place for people to ride” in a man off the street
type way with the knowledge that as far as I was told by the Stroud
planners we did not need planning permission, then… I bumped into an
asshole called John Gossard, a well known professional moaner. He complained
about the fact he had to drive his car past a group of kids playing in a
field. He did this every week for 2 years. As a result of his complaint we
had to apply for planning permission. We did this despite some misguided and
small minded opposition from some well to do NIMBY’s who lived the other
side of a very busy main road. We succeeded in gaining 12 months temporary
planning permission despite total opposition from Jane Breakspear, Chief
planning Officer for the Stroud Planning department. here’s an example of
one of the reasons for objection “The sun will reflect off the windscreens
of the cars and be seen across the valley”. 

Over the next 2 years this small field in Gloucestershire put the new sport
of BSX on the map and showed what could be done with a bit of hard work and
some very loyal helpers. We took kids off the street and turned them into
real sports men, we helped loads of people achieved things they would not of
dreamed of and it was the best feeling in the world to see the look on a
young lads face when he cleared the car jump for the first time. Amazing!
and worth more than any amount of money.”

However it’s been nothing but trouble since the had to move from that site,
and Graham ends thus;

“This takes us into 2002 with no decision and with restrictions that make
using the site hopeless.

I am about at my wits end and have just about had enough of boll*cks and
ridiculous out of touch old councillors who know nothing of what you people
want. This may sound pretty scrappy but I’m all out and just want to get
this crap off my chest and call it a day. I know there still may be a chance
of getting planning but all the restrictions will just be a pain and we’ll
be constantly walking on eggshells. Plus I’m knackered.

I am personally very sorry for letting you all down and feel gutted that
we’ve been beaten but I have got to get my life back and at nearly 47 start
thinking about earning a living.

So KIS is closing down now much to my disappointment and yours no doubt. i
must say a massive thankyou to all the people who have supported us, that’s
all the KIS Krew, especially Steve and Nia Kirby, entries and chief marshal
99/2000/2001, Phil Hughes, again starter and marshal plus good friend,  Keri
Nunn, race coordinator for 99/2000,  Johnny H, chief starter for 2000/2001
and started for 2000 bikerX. Mike Drake of Freams Farm Cranham. All the
members of the KIS Youth Teams, Luke Limbo Limbrick, Kyle Harris, Andy
Pritchard, Jon Evans, Paul Griffin, Jamie Insley, Ashley Hughes, Jake
Stevens, Rob Stanley, and last but not least Paul PK Kirby.

Clive Watkins, Mr Electrics and general saver-of-my-bacon since day one. Rob
Loxley, starter and Mr designer who helped me for two years running with the
Bike Shows.

Andy Park, loyal friend and supporter of all our events since day one, web
master for 99/2000 and damn fine bloke.

Conrad Stanley for sorting out diggers and generally getting me out of the
shite a few times

Darren Groom of Hornton Hill track. bloody good mate and wish there were
more like him.

Damion and Matt at DMR who have supported all we have done, plus Darren at
Silverfish, Pete Nisbitt at Windwave/Marzocchi, Nick Bayliss at Royal, Tony
Wilkinson at SoCal, Nick Larsen and the guys at Pashley, Paul Bliss for
putting up with me, Sorry Paul. maybe one day we can make up. Gerry Dyer,
for his inspiration, (Yes believe it or not) Duncan Briggs at FOX, who got
the whole thing going by supporting our first series, Fraser at 24seven,
alright mate? Mark Noble at Dirt, The crew at MBUK especially Ian Osborne
and Johnny Gawler. Jason Carpenter, for being Jason and offering support and
ideas plus he does deserve a bloody medal for running the Dragon Series.
Shame no one realises how much goes into supplying your sport. “Mr Cultured
Clothing” Steve Cooke for sorting my design work and helping out loads in
the early days. 

A now for a few special mentions, first up Lloyd Townsend at Ison
Distribution or IDENTITI. This guy has supplied prizes for every race series
we have ever done, plus, sorted kit for the KIS/ID Race team for 2 years, he
has also supported the right to ride campaign and even distributed
literature to all his dealers on our behalf, he has been a real friend and a
pleaser to work with, Thanks Lloyd.

Dave Evans, of Halfords. this guy is a real diamond and been really helpful
to me. he has proved to be a real friend and has offered support out side of
Halfords and i for one really appreciate all his help. just a real shame
things never worked out, sorry Dave.

Lastly my family, My son-in-law Pete Millman who has always been around with
help with track building and design, My Daughter Emma who jumped into Keri’s
shoes at the end of 2000 with the running of the mottos and and entries on
the day, and of course last but by no means least my Wife Sheila, who above
all has had to pt up with me and my crazy ideas, plus worked her socks off
doing entries, sorting the food at events plus keeping my feet just about on
the ground.

Oh one more and the most important… You guys! without you we would have
been sat in a lonely field gazing at the piles of earth. Big thanks to all
those who attended KIS 1 at Cranham not just the racers, you made all the
crap worth while and showd just what can be achieved with a bit of work and
a load of support.

So that’s It I’m afraid, its KIS good bye. 

I’m off to try and find a job and hopefully get back to doing what i love,
riding my bike. all the best to all and maybe see you on a trail somewhere.

Adios.”

We’d just like to add, thanks to Graham for all the effort and work he’s put
in. We’re very, very sorry it’s ended like this.