PEOPLE
Kork Ballington, along with his girlfriend Bronwyn, and brother Dozy felt like lambs going to the slaughter as they set off for Europe. The bikes and tools had been dispatched by sea – the team of greenhorns flew out of South Africa to meet the kit.
Kork figured they would see Europe, see real Grand Prix bike racing, and return at the end of 1973 financially poorer, but richer for the experience. He says: “Dozy had given up a good job as a technician at a cash register company to come on the trip to Europe.” If only he knew…
As the Boeing 747 flew into Heathrow, Kork looked out of the window and all he saw was grey. No trees: just grey, gloomy housing. It did little to relieve his apprehension. “Row upon row of drab semi-detached houses huddled together as if to draw comfort from each other. That’s the best way I can describe flying into London for the first time.”
The crew had purchased Mick Grant’s V6 Transit van and Mick’s brother Arthur was to meet them at the airport. They would also stay with him for a few days. By chance, Bob Aldridge was there to meet world champion Mike Fogg and gave them a lift to Arthur’s address. As it turns out, the Aldridge family would be instrumental in Kork’s success…
The address took them to a one-bedroom bedsit. They soon moved into a bed and breakfast and the adventures began. Between partying at Earl’s Court, the team prepared for the races.
“Let me tell you, Earl’s Court was a lot of fun,” recalls Kork. “Back then it was a Mecca for young Aussies, Kiwis and South Africans, looking to block off some steam. We spent a lot of time at a pub called ‘The Tournament!’” They had been accepted into four Euro races: Belgium, French, German and Italy all in a six-week period. Furthermore, Kork would be paid the equivalent to a month’s wages back home for each of the six events. And there was prize money on top!
With bikes and spares there safely, all they needed was shelter for the races. The price difference between a used small caravan and a new three-compartment tent was only £50, yet for some reason they chose the tent: a season of misery would follow!
