Alex Baraona

An interview to understand how these superstars function

Lets Start with a few questions to see how Alex ticks

Question 1. How did you get into bikes and at what age?

A. 1973 i got the 'bug' I was 13. A friend had a moped and we made a ramp out of bricks and a plank and did jumpsNeedless to say I failed everthing at skool!!! I was 15 when I got MY first bike after hassling my mother to lend me £5

Question 2. How many times have you done RM and on what bikes?

A. I've done every Red Marley! The first was on the original hill and i did it on my BSA gold star, we were in pairs then. Then it moved to its present location and i used the goldie for about 5-6 years, then i used my Triumph Metisse for 3-4 years until one time I got through a few rounds and was beaten by half a tyre width, this really narked me so I then built an 850cc Wasp framed Triumph pre unit, massively powerful but too much and still heavy. It was ok in the dry but useless in the wet. So finally I built my Jawa Wasp which is a nice combination of power and lightness. It was on that I got into the final a year ago. Mostly by luck!!!!!!

Question 3. Who do you admire the most?

A. I suppose Arthur Browning has to be up there as he is an incredable rider and quite a character, but there are lots of riders who are very very good.

Question 4. Money No Object what bike would you build?

A. My 850cc Wasp cost quite a lot and in the right hands is definately a winner!

Question 5. What do you do as a job and does it involve bikes?

A. I have an engineering business as full time work but I also have parts for the Gold Star Scrambler which I sell, Both help me to build bikes of which I have a large private collection.

A massive thank you to Alex for taking the time to answer our questions and we look forward to seeing him on the 1st and please all, cheer him on!