After nine seasons, and over 400 individual race starts in seven different countries, I felt I deserved a fresh set of boots. Unusually for me, because I normally like a change, I looked no further than the ones I was already wearing. These Italian-made TCX Speedways were a new model when I got hold of my first pair and they haven't changed much. All I really noticed was the different inner boot, that you need to put on before you slip your foot in. Being proper speedway boot

Our mates at Hebtroco are going from strength-to-strength. I've known Ed, one of the founders - the beardy one, for a few years. He bought a Triumph Speed Triple off me a couple of a years ago and plans to race his rare Danish Nimbus at this year's DirtQuake. With his friend, Brant, they decided to try revive the dying trouser-making industry that used to dominate the Yorkshire town of Hebden Bridge. They started with one style and material of moleskin trousers, and found a f