MANY people in their mid 60s would be happy to potter about in the garden.

Not Bill Swallow.

The 67-year-old former teacher has spent part of his summer holidays astride a powerful racing motorcycle.

And he was bitterly disappointed to miss out on a podium finish in a race over the famous TT course in the Isle of Man.

The competitive fires still burn bright for the former Holmfirth High School teacher after he had to settle for fourth in the Motorsport Merchandise 350/250 Classic GP Race at the Manx Grand Prix.

Swallow, who first raced in the Manx Grand Prix all the way back in 1974, had retired from the sport.

But in his second comeback, he navigated his AJS 7r 348cc round the iconic 37.73-mile Mountain Course on the island.

Swallow came within a whisker of claiming his 20th podium finish in the race.

But with nine race wins already under his belt in his long and decorated racing career, Swallow admitted that just being back out on the course had been enjoyment enough.

“I took it very steady really. I got going on the third lap when I was really flying but then it started to rain so that put an end to that,” said Swallow – a race record holder for the 350cc class.

“The wind was a real struggle but I can’t complain about the bike. It never missed a beat in practice or during the race.

“I think I was a bit rusty when I came back and it started to come together by the end but to tell the truth I was pretty tired by the fourth lap.

“It’s a bit of a shame because I didn’t have any signs round the course telling me where I was at and it would have been nice to get my 10th win.

“Yes it’s a bit frustrating but fourth is a pretty good result considering I wasn’t planning on coming to the Manx.

“Third would have been nice but I’ve been up there nine times before.”

Swallow first announced his retirement from the Manx Grand Prix back in 2003 after he claimed his ninth win in the Visit IoM Senior MGP Race.

But such is the lure of the Isle of Man course that the 67-year-old couldn’t resist dusting off his old leathers and having another go in the 350/250 Classic GP Race.

“The bike’s a bit older than what the other guys were riding as well so to get it round is a nice feeling and I’ve enjoyed being back,” he added.

“I’ve retired twice now because I said I was stopping after I won in 2003 but then I came back and here I am again.

“Who knows about next year? I’m still racing but only on short circuits but I could be back again, we’ll have to wait and see.”

The 2011 Manx Grand Prix Festival runs until tomorrow and features the Manx Classic and Two Day Trial, the Vintage Motor Cycle Club Rally, the Festival of Jurby and the Manx Grand Prix Races.