BIKERS have been warned to expect a mixed reception in North Yorkshire this weekend - from the police and the weather.

Senior police officers said touring riders were welcome on the county's 6,000 miles of roads, but the "idiot minority" who treated the roads as "a circus ring for show-off clowns" face losing their licences.

They have also warned all bikers to watch out for unexpectedly treacherous roads, as forecasters predict a mixture of cloudy and showery weather.

Assistant Chief Constable David Collins said: "This force and this county are happy to see riders coming into North Yorkshire to enjoy our countryside, our fine riding roads, and our hospitality.

"But I want it quite clear that no one in North Yorkshire welcomes that tiny idiot minority who ride dangerously and whose antisocial behaviour ruins the quality of life of those who live here and those who come to enjoy our countryside."

Weather forecasters today said the weekend in North Yorkshire will see some sun with clouds and rain becoming heavier on Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday.

Mr Collins said: "There will be unexpected damp patches lurking round corners and probably standing water which can hurl a fast-moving machine right off course.

"Our strong advice is to ride smoothly and to read the road as far ahead as possible. Even safe riders can come to grief in conditions like this."

Extra traffic patrols and speed checks will take place across the county and speeders, whether riders or drivers, caught exceeding speed limits by more than 30mph will be fast-tracked through the courts.

Updated: 10:09 Friday, May 28, 2004