Mike The Bike

We would like "Mike The Bike" to circum navigate the World in an effort to keep the Legend of such a Great British Sporting Icon alive, you never know, the great man may even be watching the Bug himself !

The name of this Travel Bug is "Mike the Bike". The Bike is a model of the 1978 Ducati 900 "Mike Hailwood Replica". This Travel Bug is a model of the bike that the Legendary World Champion "Mike Hailwood" won the Formula 1 Isle of Man TT in 1978. Mike Hailwood, MBE, GM (April 2, 1940 – March 23, 1981) was a British Grand Prix motorcycle road racer regarded by many as one of the greatest racers of all time. He was known as "Mike The Bike" because of his natural riding ability. Later in his career he went on to compete in Formula One auto racing, becoming one of the few men to compete at the Grand Prix level on motorcycles and in auto racing. In 1978, after an 11 year hiatus from motorcycling, Hailwood performed a now legendary comeback at the Isle of Man TT. Few observers believed the 38 year old would be competitive after such a long absence. Riding on a Ducati 900SS, he was not only competitive, but managed a hugely popular win. He raced the following year at the Isle of Man TT before retiring for good at the age of 39. He retired with 76 Grand Prix victories, 14 Isle of Man TT wins and 9 World Championships. On Saturday, 21 March 1981, Mike Hailwood set off in his Rover car with his children Michelle and David to collect some fish and chips. He returned along the A435 Alcester Road through Portway Warwickshire near his home in Tanworth-in-Arden. A truck made an illegal turn though the barriers into the central reservation. The Rover hit it. Michelle, aged nine, was killed instantly; Mike and David were taken to hospital. Mike died two days later age 40. David survived. The lorry driver was fined £100. David has carried on his father’s interest in Motorcycling & now rides his Dad’s 1978 winning Race Bike at various shows including “The Goodwood Festival of Speed”. This Travel Bug is our dedication to the Worlds Greatest Motorcycle Racer & his daughter Michelle who were both tragically taken from this world at a time when they had so much to live for. Mike Wilson & Family. (The GuzziGuzzlers)