manchesterpaul 447 Posted August 29, 2013 Arthur Browning was a big lad and he did alright he was about 8 foot tall with legs that could extend an extra couple of foot when he went into the bends. He used to cover the inside with his extendable legs so nobody could go under him. So the answer to your question is yes. Thing is though how better would his results have been if he hadn't been 'handicapped' by his extra weight compared to the other horses ooops riders in a race. We've established a burly biker can race a speedway bike but at what weight does it strongly affect his ability to race on equal terms? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pandorum 1,259 Posted August 29, 2013 (edited) I saw plenty of fat guys in the 70s who could gate, pass, defend a line, team ride and do just about anything else a skinny guy could do half as better. Perhaps nowadays the technology favours the thin and superfit but those fat, smoking, boozers used to entertain the hell out of the crowd when I was young. Maybe if these guys had been thinner and fitter and had not drank as much or puffed on as many ciggies they would have been world champions but the chunky unfit speedway rider was an enetertainer as much as the fit skinny blokes. Edited August 29, 2013 by pandorum 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brooksy 120 Posted August 29, 2013 I regularly used to help 'Big Arthur' push his bike from the pits at Perry Barr in the early 70's - he once ran it over my foot - and I can confirm that he was a f**kin' giant! But I was only about 10. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oldace 1,678 Posted August 29, 2013 Within certain parameters it makes little difference. A riders will set his bike up with this in mind. Possibly somewhere between 8.5 - 9 stone as a minimum and 11 - 11.5 stone as an upper limit. Outside those parameters then a rider may well be hampered. We have of course seen successful riders from the other side of both those limits but not many. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cockney Rebel 97 Posted August 29, 2013 From memory, he was about average height, but must have weighed getting on for 20 stone. Yes. I too remember Tiny White and I think you're under estimating his size and weight, I would put another couple of inches and another couple of stone on that, I think he could have eaten Ronnie Russell for a snack. Don't remember him ever beating anybody though, last every time by at least a quarter of a lap. Give him credit for trying though, must have really loved the sport. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mickthemuppet 976 Posted August 29, 2013 How about "Slim" Jim Tebby who rode for Wimbledon in the 1970's Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The White Knight 9,039 Posted August 29, 2013 If you are looking for tall Riders - how about Pete Wigley? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
uk_martin 1,606 Posted August 31, 2013 Thing is though how better would his results have been if he hadn't been 'handicapped' by his extra weight compared to the other horses ooops riders in a race. We've established a burly biker can race a speedway bike but at what weight does it strongly affect his ability to race on equal terms? I'd add another angle to the debate, and that's that a rider with "decent" body mass and inherent strength that goes with it, may well be able to withstand the bumps and bangs of racing a lot better than the "will'o'the whisp" riders. Compare Arthur Browning's (lack of an) injury record with that of someone like Adam Roynon. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The White Knight 9,039 Posted August 31, 2013 I'd add another angle to the debate, and that's that a rider with "decent" body mass and inherent strength that goes with it, may well be able to withstand the bumps and bangs of racing a lot better than the "will'o'the whisp" riders. Compare Arthur Browning's (lack of an) injury record with that of someone like Adam Roynon. Arthur Browning picked up one or two injuries during his career. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
*JJ 512 Posted September 1, 2013 Arthur Browning picked up one or two injuries during his career. As when someone stabbed him at a party! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mad Potter 2 109 Posted September 1, 2013 Arthur Browning picked up one or two injuries during his career. That was due to fighting with other riders & delivering Cadbury's Milk Tray to the Lady. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The White Knight 9,039 Posted September 1, 2013 As when someone stabbed him at a party! I didn't know that. :shock: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EnglishRoundabout 1,752 Posted September 1, 2013 Bernard Julian was a bit on the portly side. Norman Strachan was both small in stature and a bit tubby. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
John Moffatt 0 Posted September 1, 2013 Carl Glover was a good bit over six feet tall, especially with his 'Bowie' hair style. Didn't carry a lot of weight mind. Great rider and always popular when he came up to Barrow. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stratton 1,491 Posted September 2, 2013 Bernard Julian was a bit on the portly side. Norman Strachan was both small in stature and a bit tubby. Was that Chris Julian? what about Jim Tebby he was short and stumpy.!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
