2026 is set to be a memorable year for the Norwich Viking Motorcycle Club as we celebrate two significant milestones. Formed in 1926 the club will celebrate it’s centenary this year, and will also mark the 90thanniversary of organising motorcycle events at the Cadders Hill venue at Lyng.
The original events in 1936 were known as hillclimbs, which developed into ‘mountain grasstracks’ when competition recommenced after the second world war. When the circuit became too rough the club switched to running scrambles from 1949 onwards, and have continued to do so right through to the present day, albeit that the sport is now known as motocross. The natural hillside venue, with it’s deep sandy terrain, and ‘bombhole’ feature at the far end of the venue also lends itself to use for motorcycle trials, and has been in continuous use for these events over the same number of years.
The venue was used by the Ministry of Defence during the second world war for various training purposes, one of which brought a halt to pre-season preparations for the 2011 race season – over sixty five years later!! During final track maintenance work a 360º excavator unearthed a suspicious object, which after closer investigation led to the police being called, who in turn called out the bomb disposal team from Colchester! After thorough inspection, which included an x ray of the offending item, it was declared to be a second world war practice mortar bomb filled with cement, probably used for training the Home Guard.
Cadders Hill has always been recognised as one of the best circuits in the UK, and still provides a challenge for the elite riders who compete in the British Championships, a round of which has been held at the track annually for over 50 years. It has a rich history which also includes featuring in the BBC Grandstand Television Trophy scrambles in the late 60s. And in 1993 a round of the world championship was held at Lyng when the Vikings organised and hosted a 125cc Grand Prix.
The 2026 motocross season gets underway with the third round of the Motul ACU British Motocross Championship on May 3rd, and there will be three further motocross events through the summer. Over the weekend July 24th – 26th the club will be holding a celebration with a get together at the venue on the Friday evening. Any former Viking club members who have memorabilia, and/or would like to attend can contact the chairman, Phil Armes, via email chairman@norwichvikings.co.uk for further information.