Mud, sweat and cheers
Family History
Ben proudly stands in front of his family’s company sign, ‘In Chains’.
The benefits of motorcycling have been recognised and appreciated for many years. The ACU, of which Ben is a member, is the body that sets the sport’s rules and standards, and was founded over 100 years ago in 1903. The organisation offers an insight into the growth of the sport, from the motorcycle’s use in both the World Wars – during which the ACU trained and provided despatch riders – to the group’s growth in the inter-war and post-war years when motorcycling became known as more of a competitive sport. In fact, it is the post-war period that the ACU attributes with British competitor success and the country’s standing in the sport today.
As well as this long history that is associated with motorcycling and the many benefits to health and wellbeing that it offers, the sport also has a strong focus on the family, who often act as a support mechanism for the rider. It’s not unknown to have many different generations of the same family at each race meeting or event – as Grandad cheers on his grandson, while Dad and sister help maintain the bike before and after the race, with mum taking care of all the details!
This focus on family has been a very prominent part of Ben’s career. ‘In Chains’ motorcycling specialists was set up in 1995 and is now run by Ben’s family, with his parents Nigel and Eileen Milward as the shop’s current owners. It is very much a family business and Ben also works in the store and workshop, offering his expert knowledge and advice to anyone who asks for help. The Milward’s dedication to the sport is evident during the racing season, when the store sometimes has to close a little earlier than usual in order for the family to travel to the various races that Ben is competing in!
| Meet Ben |
| Name : Ben Milward Age : 23 Lives : Salisbury Racing involvement : Motocross Length of career : 16 years Recent achievements :
Bikes: In 2008, Ben will be riding a 450 4t stroke for the British Championships and a 250 2t for the DEP Series. |
Ben continued: “Once people become involved in racing, they very rarely leave because as soon as they start, it simply becomes a lifestyle for them.
“There’s no better feeling than being with 40 other riders on the line-up at the start of a course, feeling the adrenaline and the anticipation of the race. My most memorable racing moment has to be back in 2004 when I beat six times World Champion Dave Thorpe and won the race by at least half a lap. Moments like that – or jumping a jump that you didn’t think you could, or beating your arch opponent – make racing brilliant.”
For further information about the various classes that Ben offers both to adults and children, or to find out more about the ‘In Chains’ business and to shop online, take a look at the store’s website at www.inchains.co.uk.
Remember – it’s never too early or too late to learn, anyone from the age of six to 60 can have a go! It takes around one day for beginners to become confident with the bike, and around two to three days to be racing competent.