Contents Editorial 2 2013 Club Membership 3 Online Payments 3 NLM News 4 Pie Night 4 2013 Calendar 5 Tea and Cakes at Benzina 6 Book Review 7 1959 Corsaro 125 8 From the Chair 11 Supporting the Giro 12 Giro 2012 - a riders view 26 Morini Diaries 34 Odds & Ends 36 Club Information 36 Morini Mart 37 Diary Dates 38 Club Products 39 Club Officials 40 www.morini-riders-club.com Cover photo 175 by Chris Webber Printed by Digital Printing Services, Sleaford Lincs NG34 7TW
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A Tutto Gas 320
Editorial
2013 Club Membership
As issues go I’ve started trying to begin with a theme as it makes it easier for me to hang and arrange content, and this months theme is singles. There is no doubt that there is increasing interest in Morini singles in the UK, and from manning the club stands at shows over many years this is certainly my experience. Personally I think it is mainly down to the effect and influence of the Motogiro but of late it may be the ridiculous prices that people are asking for and expecting to pay for Ducati singles.
With the single renewal date upon us (October 31st!), we wanted to let you know the membership rates and options for 2012-2013. Subs have again been frozen at the following full-year rates:
The rest of the world may not know but Morini singles were not formally available in the UK and so we had very little information about them in the pre internet days, the MRC being originally started in response to the import of the 350 twins in 1974. We obviously knew the singles existed but few of us had seen one outside of books about GP bikes and racers and the odd item found in old MCNs about the 1971 IOM ISDT where Morini entered a 6 bike team of singles that were used to help develop the Heron head for use in the later twins. This makes us quite different to Europe where singles were always available, and also to the US where they were also sold, simetimes (I understand) through catalogues similar to Sears Roebuck. US bikes also came with a raft of name changes where they became Twisters and Thunder Chiefs and Jaguars and a whole raft of different winds. If I can find a good copy of the brochures I will try and include one in a future issue.
Please note that we have removed the option family membership, as it was little used and didn't really give any extra benefits to the family members.
This preference for the singles over the twins in Europe can also be seen by looking through the definitive Moto Morini book by Masimo Clarke where the 4 stroke singles, produced from about 1952 to circa 1974 (22 years) get 136 pages and the 72 deg twins sold between 1974 and 1993 (19 years) get a mere 36 pages. We appear to be behind the curve here but are catching up and we have a number of members with a good knowledge of singles in the club if needed. Quite clearly then we were going to have some Giro Content and I am indebted to Stuart Mayhew and the rest of his party of Barbara, Karl and Nichola for their story about their trip to Italy to compete in the 2012 Giro. Anyone else contemplating entering will no doubt get a raft of useful tips from the articles in this issue. David
UK:£24.00, Europe:£26.00, RoW:£28.00 For members who join in-year, the above rates will be adjusted pro-rata.
We have added the new option of 'Virtual Member.' This membership type is for Overseas members only, who can save on the cost of international postage by choosing to receive correspondence from the club (including ATG) electronically. Virtual members will be granted access to the Membersonly area of the club website, from where they can download the latest copy of ATG, in addition to the rest of the members-only content. Memberships can be bought or renewed in the usual way (cheque to the membership sec, payment at club events, standing order) or alternatively are now available online: Please visit www.morini-riders-club.com/products. html and click on the link to our secure ordering site.
Online Payments Morini Riders Club Membership and products now available online. As a further step out of the dark ages we are now able to accept payment for club products and memberships online. Payment can be made by credit or debit card from anywhere in the world and is processed through secure servers. Please visit www.morini-riders-club.com/products.html and click on the link to visit our secure ordering site MRC Webmaestro
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A Tutto Gas 320
NLM News
2013 Calendar
I had some conversations with Stuart while putting the Giro articles together, especially as we were trying to get the photos downloaded. The B&W one was one of a number supplied to him by the official event photographers, so credit to them for that, and one of his emails seemed worth mentioning here so I include part of it here for your information. David
The Calendar is at the printers so why not order one for Christmas for yourself or as a gift for a loved one, perhaps it could be the first time you use the new online ordering system. Heres a few snippets of the photos from this year so we don’t give anything away!
“The famous Warholian 15 minutes of fame seem to have come my way as a result of having actually entered and completed the Moto Giro, as I am often closely questioned by other madmen planning to enter. Few realise the level of bike preparation that is necessary to avoid having a “ride of shame” in the breakdown van. It was noticeable that many Italians thrashed small Morini mercilessly, Sbarrazino and Corsaro aplenty, from start to finish, where foreigners on small Dukes were filling the van from Day One. We learned old Morini have a great reputation in Italy of un-matched toughness, ours ran well without recourse to spanners save for one puncture., but we did put a LOT of work in first. Team NLM rode to collect passage control stamps along the route , rather than to attempt to win the event, as really it is largely won and lost by specialists in the “silly tests” in car parks. Even so, our bikes were rarely less than A Tutto Gas”. Best Regards Stuart G Stuart Mayhew
Pie Night A quick reminder that the annual MRC night out at Sweeny Todds Pie Shop in Reading is coming up on November 21st. An excellent night out starting at 7.45pm and very good value, with the probable chance to purchase a new 2013 MRC calendar thrown in. Due to numbers we need to book in advance to get a big table, so if you want a seat then please get in touch with either Gary Withers, Home counties west section captain, (details elsewhere) or the editor who will pass the message on.
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A Tutto Gas 320
Tea and Cakes at Benzina
A rare day of good weather this year saw a number of club members setting forth again for Salisbury plain at the beginning of September to attend the last Benzina magazine Tea and Cakes event of the year. Editor Greg has now joined the Morini gang with the purchase of a 50cc Corsarino Scrambler. from NLM, so expect me to chase him for a story on this sometime next year. A very pleasant afternoon with a selection of Morinis from 50 to 1200cc and a varied collection of other manufacturers also represented. How often will you see a Granpasso, an Aprilia Caponord and a Benelli TRE K Adventure bike all together. Just a Guzzi Stelvio missing from the Italian anti BMW GS society, except for the Ducati Multistrada and there were no Ducatis there at all as it was probably too late in the year for them. Prize of the day probably went to John with his tale of 350 Sport based puncture woes on his journey from Exeter. All in all a very pleasant and low key afternoon. put it in your diary and try and make next year. David
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Book Review The publisher of the Mick Walker book on Morini (Redline Books, available from the Club Products site) has recently sent through a copy of Micks’ autobiography, completed just before his death earlier in 2012. Unlike some other biographies, Micks last book covers a very full life, much of it associated with Italian motorcycles, including several brushes with Morini. He was also editor of Motorcycle Enthusiast and often featured Morini – that of the K2 long being one of his favourites. Mick will always be associated with Ducati, and we learn that this started back in his army days, with an insight into life in Aden before and after the state of emergency declared in the 1960s. Mick also raced with Ducatis and other makes in the later 60s whilst still with the RAF, and rubbed shoulders with many of the greats of the time, including Mike Hailwood, Derek Minter and Dave Croxford, as well as trying his hand at Speedway! Leaving the RAF in 1968, Mick was soon running his own company; building on his experience with Ducati this was inevitably supplying parts for other owners of the marque. Over the years, the business expanded and Mick met many “names” of the period, including Paul Smart and Barry Sheen. His experience spread to a range of other makes, including Derbi and Ural before recession in the 80s ended that chapter. Much of the book details Micks’ involvement with importing, racing and sponsoring Ducatis and Moto Guzzi (as with Ducati, Mick distributed spares in association with the importers, Coburn and Hughes from the mid-70s). Later still he became involved with Aermacchi and then Cagiva (who bought the former when Harley Davidson pulled out). Micks’ writing career began in the early 1980s, and the second bike he tested for Motorcycle Enthusiast that year was the 500 Morini; he preferred the Strada version! In this phase of his life, he was able to write much about his years in the industry, as well as delve deeper in to some of the background – which results in this book presenting some of the most interesting characters and machines of the past 50 years. It is a very personal story, of considerable breadth of subject, and a fascinating insight in to the Italian and British motorcycle industries. It is a well-illustrated, complex story that repays careful reading for any rider interested in Italian motorcycles Redline Books; The Ride of my Life, Mick Walker Reviewed by Chris Webber
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A Tutto Gas 320
1959 Corsaro 125 I have owned a 1978 Moto Morini 350 from new, bought at Allins in Cambridge (now long gone). Like most British owners I was completely unaware of their smaller capacity machines. Until I was daydreaming in France and saw an immaculate 50cc Corsarino (Little Pirate) thrum past me a little jewel of a 4-stroke engine! My interest was aroused. But then I saw an immaculate 1959 Moto Morini Corsaro (Pirate) 125cc for sale on Ebay. It had been restored by Graham Austen, who works on mainly Velocettes in his obscure Leicestershire village. Oh fickle heart, it was love at first sight. However, I have a personal maxim based on bitter experience - never buy a restored bike that has not been run for at least a few thousand miles. This is based on events which happened after my father died and I received a small legacy. He had introduced me to trail riding, which I took up with enthusiasm on a range of suitable mounts (1980s Kawasaki KMX200, 1978 Honda 250 Motorsport, 1980s Suzuki TS250, 1990s Yamaha 225 Serow). Having learned to pass my test on my sixteenth birthday on a 1962 Triumph Tiger Cub, I decided it would be fitting to honour my father’s memory by buying a Trials Cub that a local enthusiast had built from a variety of Cub and Bantam parts. I exchanged the legacy for bike, which had
Corsaro before restoration
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been restored, engine rebuilt but not really run for very long. Yes, it blew up about 250 miles into its life and despondent at my foolishness, I sold it on as an ‘interesting project’ complete with blown engine. Never again, I told myself, would I buy an untried machine. This maxim seemed reinforced with my experience of an old Omer Giramonde moped I bought to use on the Wesh National Rally in 2010. Legions of uncaring teenaged owners, minimal maintenance, tatty and rusty, unloved and neglected - but it ran and ran probably because no one had ever taken it apart. Of course, all maxims are to be discarded when love strikes and I bought the Corsaro unseen. I hired a van and drove up to Graham’s village to collect it. The Moto Morini looked even more beautiful in the flesh than it had in the online photos. It started and ticked over rhythmically on the second kick. I then drove to North Leicester Motorcycles to pick up some parts for a 1978 Moto Morini TreMezzo Sport I also own. When Stuart Mayhew saw the Corsaro in the back of the van, he exchanged a few interesting facts with me, one of which was that this very engine had been copied by Soichiro Honda for the first CD125 single. Things were looking good! The machine is very compact and the motor very modern in design - wet sump, ohv, unit construction. Graham had turned a rusty wreck into a wonderfully authentic machine by sourcing replacement parts direct from Italy, including a new seat, wiring details, horn - even petrol pipe. Trying the Corsaro out on my home lanes, I was impressed by the easy ride, and the punchy motor...but not by the slipping clutch. Was the Tiger Cub lesson about to return? Graham had filled the motor with Castrol GTX 20/50 because that was the oil specified in the downloaded owners’ handbook. I was wondering whether 20/50 multigrade was available in the 1950s and guessed that the GTX sold at the time may have been a single grade oil. So I drained the oil out and replaced it with a Morris Oils 30 single grade. It was better, but still slipped. Stripping out the clutch, the plates and springs seemed ok. Scouring the internet I could not find details on clutch spring lengths or clutch plate thicknesses to compare to what I had. In the end, I tracked down Surflex in the US who manufacture clutch plates and springs for the Corsaro. After a lump of wodge had disappeared from my Paypal account they arrived. On inspection my clutch plates were actually ok but the springs were much shorter than the new ones. I installed the new clutch and ran the bike round the lanes - all good, no slip, punchy motor, a fourth gear I hadn’t known was in the gearbox - and then the clutch cable broke! I guess the new springs were too much for it. One new cable later, I thought that the only way to test that everything was alright was to run the bike in the 2012 Clive MCC Welsh National Rally. What a great day - blue skies, sunshine and warmth - the first time since I first competed in the Rally in 1993. And the
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A Tutto Gas 320 Moto Morini Corsaro ran and ran and earned itself a Bronze Award by belting around mid Wales accompanied by my brother on a 1984 Moto Morini Kanguro 350 which had only run for about four minutes in the last ten years, and filmed by my friend John from his 1996 T595 Triumph Daytona. The Corsaro probably ran flat out at 50 -55 mph, but John charitably said that he had trouble keeping up with it in the twisties! The only mechanical problem I had was that the exhaust header nut unwound itself, probably due to my lack of preparation. This was fixed with a prod from a bit of wood I found at the roadside. Meanwhile my brother’s Kanguro managed to unscrew its’ rocker box covers and put a fine oil mist over the back tyre.... Congratulations to Graham Austen for a first class, reliable restoration. These Moto Morini four-stroke singles are greatly overlooked but are wonderful machines. When I took the Corsaro for its MoT at my local Honda dealership the mechanic asked what it was worth. I told him, “Whatever anyone is willing to pay for it - if you can find anyone who wants it. If it had a Ducati or MV Agusta decal on the tank instead of Moto Morini it would probably be worth twice as much. But it would be half the machine....” The 1959 Moto Morini Corsaro can be seen competing in the 2012 Welsh National Rally at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpZ_ownzLv4 Andy Wallace
From the Chair It is pleasing to see that Morinis are currently the flavour of the season: the latest edition of Ride magazine has an article on owning the 1200cc cortacorsa models and Real Classic has run a two part piece on restoring a 125cc Corsaro. Is it a co-incidence that prices for all Morinis seem to be rising sharply? I'm not sure this a good thing even if does mean the contents of my garage are worth more. At classic bike shows and other meetings we are always pointing out that one of the attractions of Morinis is that they are not expensive compared to other motorcycles from the Seventies & Eighties. If they become desirable simply because of their financial value then I fear we shall have to change our slogan from “Keeping Morinis on the road” to “Keeping Morinis in the garage”! That slogan has an ironic edge for me as I've struggled this year keeping my Sport going. Just before the Cadwell Park weekend I took it for its MOT and, all being well, set off for Louth looking forward to the first track day with the 400cc kit fitted. The ride over from Bath was fine, including a petrol stop, until I parked in Horncastle for essential supplies. Would it start again? No way. In the end I needed a push from a couple of bikers out for the evening to get me to the Waggon & Horses. The next day another push-start got me to the circuit but my Sport wasn't playing any more. Over lunch Alex Mayhew took a look and spotted that the pick-up was cracked – no track day rides for me. Luckily, when it came to getting back to the campsite, Pete Fisher lent me the ignition from his bike. Then came the journey home. The ignition was fixed but a problem developed with the balance pipe between the carburettors and the vacuum feed to the Scott oiler – the engine would not idle. Blipping the throttle, like any boy racer, I made it as far as Bath – 200 miles – before the engine died the death. An ignominious ride with the AA finally got me home. Still my Sport remains a development machine: NLM trick ignition has now arrived and I'm wondering about changing the camshaft and perhaps fitting bigger bore carburettors. The sport remains a work in progress – I just hope that one day it gets back on the track. I trust your Morini is giving you the reliable service we have come to expect. Ride steady, Jem
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A Tutto Gas 320
Supporting the Giro This is an account of the Team North Leicester Motorcycles (NLM) Motogiro D'Italia 2012 written primarily by a non-rider. For ease of writing and hopefully reading it is written as the key highlights of the trip and the event itself. To aid understanding, two "terms" are used throughout. Firstly for ease (and our amusement) during the trip we referred to the Sat Navs via the name of the voice chosen. Secondly we refer to the individual ability tests undertaken by the riders as "silly tricks" - these are in fact (certainly from an Italian point of view) a serious part of the event. Day 1: Journey to Terni - North Leicester Motorcycles to Luxembourg Given the highs and lows (mainly lows) of Giro bike preparation a last minute decision was made to purchase a "spare" bike. There were no real plans as to how it could be used as a spare given that it would be left in Terni - but surely it would "ward off evil spirits". The Tresette arrived the night before (thanks to Ellis) and essentially only checked to see if it had the basic components of a motorbike and clean oil. Alex was astounded when it started first kick should we have had this bike two weeks ago. Packing the van was a challenge but everything went in - will we be able to pack it to come back with added shopping? Perhaps we should have left Alex in the back to pack for the return. Next it’s off to the Eurotunnel where we arrive sufficiently early that we chose to have a quick "pit stop" and get an earlier train. We then incurr a short delay to read an emergency text from NLM reporting shortage of tea and sugar - one to you guys. Thanks to this interuption the last call for our train is made just as we are buying lunch so make a quick exit, wherupon we are stopped for a drugs check and miss the train. The officials are friendly enough and think the Moto-GP fans are coming to see Karl and Stuart race! however they are clearly not motorbike savvy as they identify the bikes as BSA. The trip is so smooth that the guy in front falls asleep and Stuart has to wake him so that we can get off the train. We then report the drugs check to Alex. Response = did you have to empty the van? We imagine the look on his face when he receives the text, all square I think. Once in France our next challenge is that "Jane" is terminally ill, she knows the way but will not show us the map. Karl tries re-booting and beating but to no avail which makes the onward journey more exciting than need be. We eventually arrive in Namour where we aim to stay but no rooms are available in the IBIS so head to rooms pre-booked (by the Namur IBIS Receptionist) at the IBIS in Luxembourg, where we have dinner at the hotel despite problems with the language (what do they speak here?) - pretty sure it was beef. This encourages us to ensure that we make to make it to Italy tomorrow as the language is easier!
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Day Two: Luxembourg to Bressanone/Brixen The first job today is to find fuel, because as instructed by Chris we are in Luxembourg with an almost empty tank, and the diesel is approx €1 per litre. This is not the challenge of the day though, that is going to be navigation because whilst it is probably premature to say "Jane" had died, she certainly is seriously ill. Initial efforts to buy a new "Jane" fail so we decide to press on with Karl driving and Stuart acting a ‘Chief’ navigator. The plan is that Stewart will be kind to "Jane" rather than beating her which Karl had reverted to yesterday although I should report that the beating was at times successful! All goes well at first but we then realise that Jane and Stuart are taking us too far into Germany and those Germans certainly know how to slow us up with road works. After difficult navigation we decide to buy a map and go for dual navigation (Stuart and Jane) and careful reference to the route prepared by Chris. We planned and did make it to Italy without passing through Switzerland or paying any tolls except when going over the Brenner Pass. The route did however seem to pass through most other countries in Europe and we know it's true because Vodafone kindly kept texting us to tell us where we were. During the day we let the bikes take on some larger bikes (with the help of the van) and successfully pass them when we needed to make a quick exit onto the slip road. Let's hope this performance bodes well for the challenge ahead. We also meet a fellow Giro participant with a modern Bimota at a stop for a quick coffee, and we definitely need good coffee - let's hope Italy will provide it. We decide to stay overnight in Bressanone or is it Brixen - this dual naming is really confusing. After a few "false starts" we find a nice family run hotel. It is easy to find, you just keep going upwards on a small road with a large van. Unfortunately the hotel restaurant is closed so we walk down into the town and have pizza in a restaurant which seems far more German than Italian. We then listen to music in the square before heading back to the hotel for a good night’s sleep after the long walk up the hill. Day 3: - Bressanone/Brixen to Terni Navigation is challenging again although less so in reality as we take the toll roads through Italy - more challenge is provided by the Chief Navigator sleeping, but the back seat trainees do well and keep us on course. We decide to rest “Jane” in the hope that she will be able to live long enough to find the way to the hotel when we reach Terni. We also pass the guy with the Bimota and wonder if we should have followed him but decide to pull into the services and let “Jane” take us there which she eventually does despite some confusing new roads. We arrive at the hotel to find car park is full sign, not a good start, but it's not actually full as the hotel is trying to deter non-Giro vehicles from parking and
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A Tutto Gas 320 we are directed over the road to secure parking suitable for vans. We then book into our rooms after negotiating the first of an interesting selection of names by which Stuart and Barbara will be known over the period of the Giro. Stuart was travelling using the alias Graham ( the name on his passport) - Grahman Mayhen was probably the best combination. The rooms are spacious (complete with sofa and dining table - for map reading) but the showers are awful. You know the sort we mean, they are the ones which involve laying down in the bath to get underneath the shower head thus not flooding the place out too much. Our next urgent task is to get a drink so we find a good coffee shop and enjoy the cappuccini in pleasant weather, and then we have a quick shopping trip and buy a new "Jane", and then back to the hotel where we are joined by Alex Luzzi and his wife for predinner drinks. Unfortunately they can't stay for dinner but we agree to try to meet up with them on our way home. Alex helped us with bits and bobs for the bikes. Dinner in the hotel is pleasant and we meet up with some of the British competitors or “Brits as they were to become (Reg, Rog, Pip, Bill, Clive, Joe and Dave). Hugh Schink gives Karl tuition on the Giro over dinner. Many thanks Hugh, your advice was much appreciated. We then head off to an ice cream shop recommended by Pip to introduce him to Affogato - ice cream with hot espresso poured over. Sunday in Terni After breakfast we head off to have a look around Terni before an early
L to R: Alex, Barbara, Stuart, Nichola and Karl
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lunch in a local cafe, and then manage to complete the key task of buying Sellotape to prepare road books. Booking in then follows and limited information is provided about what's happening especially in terms of the programme for supporters. This may well be a sign of things to come but hopefully all will become clear at the rider briefing later. We join other participants in the car park preparing bikes for scrutineering. Minimal preparation for Team NLM (hopefully enough time has already been spent in the UK) simply attaching numbers - 33 for Stuart and 36 for Karl. Whilst this is not too challenging it's made more difficult because the numbers are too big for the standard roundels, nurse – hand me a scalpel! Scrutineering itself seemed to consist of checking that participants had a motorbike and attaching a lead seal. Next we start to prepare the road-books in the hotel lobby - challenging as we only have nail scissors until Karl borrows a better pair of scissors from reception. Decide to prepare Day 1 only until the riders are sure that they work. This takes us up to the rider Briefing where it becomes clear that there is no programme for me and Barbara - we are offered a ride in minibus which will collect riders whose bikes have to be withdrawn or a lift straight to hotel in Roccaraso. As a protest Barbara and I opt for Prosecco rather sitting through the briefing and plan to accept an offer to travel with Reg. We have dinner in the hotel with what is to become the "Brits" and Daniella from the Gilera Owners Club. Stewart ensures that he will never be forgotten in "Gilera circles" by asking Daniella if she can arrange for him to eat swan - he's now known as "Cigno". Obviously from now on when Grahman is spotted, the call of ‘Cigno’ soon echoes about the place Giro Day 1: Terni to Roccaraso The weather is awful as we head off to the van to collect the bikes and load the road books - great relief when the van opens as we have been having problems with the lock. Stuart and Karl head off to meet the other riders and Barbara and I begin our life as "pit-crew", taking the suitcases to the collection point prior to meeting up with Reg (carrying essential kit including a 5 litre can of engine oil). Stuart then has to bump start his bike but both bikes make it safely to the starting point (a few miles from Terni), the only Team NLM casualty is Stuarts Race Bib which didn't make to the first roundabout (20 metres from the hotel), and we set off with Reg to follow the route. The very first hold up is at a level crossing in Terni for forklift truck to pass - this really must be Italy, and then at the first check point we are unable to get into the square and are given directions in Italian as to how to avoid the streets that the bikes will follow as they are too small for a car - luckily my Italian was good enough and we managed to re-join the route. We miss the next checkpoint - more practice is required following the "Pink
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A Tutto Gas 320 Arrows" (the route markers). Karl later reported that the Polenta was very good and worth risking life and limb walking on wet cobbled sloping streets in Gold Top boots fitted with metal heels pieces. After following bikes 33 and 36 for part of the journey we meet up at next checkpoint and have rolls and bread with olive oil. Reg, Barbara and I see the riders off and stay to have coffee - the first of many during the event and at the next checkpoint we have lunch comprising coffee and great Pizza - all the “Brits” are doing well. On the way to the next checkpoint we see Rog with the Service Van so stop to see what is wrong. Apparently his bike is not charging so he is given a new battery before he heads off. Reg informs us that we will only be stopping for “Brits" who have broken down. We decide to head to the hotel after the next checkpoint. Our journey across the very twisty mountain roads was generally uneventful except for meeting a large Cow in the middle of a very dark tunnel – it would have been particularly dangerous for the bikes with their lights (or lack of lights). when we get there the hotel is efficient and has delivered our cases to our rooms when we arrive - rooms are smaller but the shower is better and so we meet Karl and Stuart at the finish - Day 1 successfully completed. There are no clues as to where dinner is tonight and as Clive finds out not much help from the Hotel staff as they don't speak English. Evening class Italian saves the day as I find out that we at eating in the hotel over the road. We then have well earned pre-dinner drinks before starting what is to become a tradition - asking the waiters to move the tables and set extra places to accommodate the "Brits" on ‘one’ table. There is concern that Rog is out of the Giro because his wheel bearing has collapsed but spare parts are identified (Clive's "spares suitcase" saves the day) and it's agreed that a working party will meet at 7am tomorrow to fix the bike. Giro Day 2: Roccaraso - Roccaraso After breakfast we head off to garage to load road books and send the bikes
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off to the start in the square. The early morning crew have already fixed Rog's bike, a fresh battery is fitted, new wheel bearing installed, handmade spacers positioned on the axle and a ball bearing inserted in the clutch mechanism, the bike is operational again to Rog’s relief and he is ready to go. Another quick job for the “pit crew” job at the start - I have to run back to the hotel to get a spare pair of goggles for Pip. He made a valiant attempt at repairing his broken goggles, but to no avail as they just fell apart. What are friends for anyway? Unfortunately Stuart is given a time penalty for being late at the starting check point although he arrived in the square on time. Today Reg, Barbara and I decide to drive to a checkpoint around mid-day to catch up with the riders. This is preceeded by more Sat Nav hysterics as Reg thinks the Sat Nav is sounding an alarm as we leave the hotel - but it's just that he hasn't fastened his seatbelt. Once on the way, as we drive along we find ourselves meeting the team putting up the direction arrows providing race directions - they look concerned that the bikes may be approaching as we have the Giro logo on our car. After what becomes a traditional coffee stop we meet up with the “Brits” at the checkpoint - all doing well, and when we have waved them off we have lunch and a Prosecco then head back to the hotel. We notice the Carabinieri need stronger sustenance as they are having Grappa in the bar before they head off. Team NLM complete the day successfully with bikes intact and running well but Hugh has with withdrawn with a broken transmission and Rog now has leaking fuel tank so we hatch plans to deal with this. Soon it is time for
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A Tutto Gas 320 Dinner and there is more table moving as we have a larger "British" contingent for dinner tonight - others have decided to eat with us rather than in their hotel. Whilst the food and wine is good a pattern is developing with pork and pasta and very few vegetables every day - we begin to doubt what we are told about the Mediterranean diet. Giro Day 3: Roccaraso - Roccaraso We say goodbye at the hotel today and Barbara and I head off for the bus to Sulmona because as “pit-crew” our task today is to find epoxy to fix Roger’s tank, and we successfully complete the task having learnt the word for glue. At the bus stop fellow passengers initially tell us that the bus does not stop at Sulmona but we keep our nerve, catch the bus, buy tickets and find out where to get the bus back. Strangely the bus stops for a toilet break after about half a mile and we see Karl and Stuart pass on their route to Sulmona, and they pass us again as we are walking into Sulmona - Karl flies past without noticing us but Stuart sees us and waves, perhaps this is because Karl always seems to be leading the way (look for the shadowy figure of Number 33 in photographs behind Number 36). We try to find the checkpoint but nobody (including the local police) knows where it is so we head to the centre of Sulmona and continue our search for epoxy. Later we learn the participants also found it difficult to find the checkpoint. We spend the rest of the morning browsing in the market where we note for Reg’s benefit that vegetables are freely available - it seems hotels just don't know how to use them. After a successful morning we head off for lunch. The first bar we find seems to be full of Americans so we move on and have a Prosecco overlooking the square - didn't order lunch as we had learnt that Prosecco comes with substantial snacks. We then spend the early afternoon browsing the (closed) shops - it's a shame about the shoes that we would like to have bought. We buy some confetti (sugared almonds) and head back to the bus stop. On the way we are asked for directions to the hospital - able to oblige as it’s the only place we know as the bus stop is at the hospital. We decide to go straight to the finish and find out that the riders are not due back for about an hour so opt for a coffee. This quickly becomes a Prosecco when we join Chris & Hugh who are also waiting for the bikes to return. Karl and Stuart successfully complete the day but Stewart has a slow puncture so the "Brits" led by Reg rally round to change the tube whilst the "pit crew" prepare the road books for tomorrow.
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Tonight dinner is in a marquee - and it’s the first true fiasco of the Giro. The evening started pleasantly with mulled wine (appreciated as Roccaraso is high in the mountains and cold) but rapidly went downhill until the true British spirit kicked in and we made the best of a bad situation. Not only do we (as usual) have to move tables tonight we have to borrow a chair from a cafe over the road as there are not enough spaces for everyone. The starter is a small plate of cheese to be shared amongst us so we are glad when the first two plates of pork arrive. Unfortunately we soon realise (after empty plates are delivered to the table) that these were supposed to feed us all. The next course is pizza which is being made and cooked in batches of four pizzas (for about 200 people) - so I had to display my talent for foraging and spend a lot of time in queues, however the wine was particularly good and plentiful thanks to one of the Carabinieri securing us an extra litre bottle Stuart certainly got a taste for Montepulciano. Giro Day 4: Roccaraso - Montesilvano Time to act as "pit crew" again as we move the suitcases before we head off to see Karl and Stuart off. We head back to the hotel to check out and meet Reg and Hugh (who is travelling with us today). We plan to meet up with the riders at the One O'clock stop despite Hugh trying to persuade Reg to go directly to Montesilvano. As we approach the village where the lunch stop is due to take place we see
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A Tutto Gas 320
that there has been an accident - Phil & Chris are lying in the road. It appears that they have hit each other when one of them saw a direction arrow at the last minute. Hugh calls the emergency services and they send an Air Ambulance. Fortunately the injuries are not too serious although Chris is in severe pain with suspected broken ribs. Reg decides to direct the traffic as the Carabinieri are not interested in the ensuing traffic confusion and we all fear another accident as the Giro signs (which almost certainly caused the accident) were so poor. The Carabinieri were in fact more interested in process and even asked for Phil and Chris's passports while lying on the road before they were allowed into the ambulances. On arrival at the lunch stop we find out that Karl and Stuart have not checked in (a bit worrying as we have just witnessed an accident) - what's happened to them is somewhat unexplained as there is no news of any accident and we’re sure they would have called if they had severe bike
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trouble so we decide to go over to the lunch venue to get a coffee and wait for news. Shortly afterwards they arrive having been on a long detour due to signs from the previous day still being in place - perhaps pink arrows everyday when the routes cross is not a good idea. They have a quick drink and press on. Relieved that all is well we have lunch (canachone, bread with olive oil and a glass of wine). We reach the hotel and check in, afterwhich we realise we must have rated as an odd couple - me with luggage comprising a "normal" hand bag and a can of engine oil and Barbara not really knowing what name she has booked with. The rooms are very large - we could have parked the bikes in them. Again have to act as "pit crew" with the luggage. We go to see the finish and are surprised to see Number 36 arrive without his
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A Tutto Gas 320 We decide to get a taxi to Pescara and ask the driver to recommend a (fish) restaurant for lunch which proves to be excellent with a great location overlooking the beach - fish and vegetables. We spend the afternoon shopping and drinking coffee. Key purchases are a designer crash helmet for me (primarily to upset the traditionalists in the Vincent Club back home) and a chicken egg timer to assist with the Silly Tricks as the Brits are not as good as the Italians in them - it's probably because they don't practice them or take them too seriously. We then start with pre-dinner drinks and arrange a larger NLM table for the growing number of “Brits”, where the "chicken" causes much amusement but unfortunately cannot be used as it is a "count down device" and not an ‘FIM Approved’ device which has been through scrutineering. Following dinner there is entertainment laid on but it is awful so we have a quick coffee and retire to pack and get ready for the last Giro day.
shadow - slight misjudgment as Stuart misses the turn. Karl and Stuart don't realise we are there so go straight back to the hotel leaving us in the car park! As the weather is hot the "Brits" decide to go out for drinks in a local bar and a walk on the beach before dinner but we feel we may be under dressed as all of Moto Club Terni has all changed into white jeans! In fact some are in “head to toe” white. We have a new set of waiters to educate about our need to move the tables so that we can all sit together but they rise to the challenge and even label our table: "Reserved for NLM". Having eaten pork and pasta most of the week we are treated to fish - fish starter, fish pasta, more fish but I don't think the dessert included fish – well only a little! Reg noted that again there were no vegetables, but a somewhat difficult day was rounded off with good company, sambuca and limoncello - no need to make it to a ‘start’ point tomorrow morning. This is enhanced when Karl and Stuart are surprised to discover that they have moved up the leader board despite missing two checkpoints.
Giro Day 6: Montesilvano to Terni It's time to move the suitcases again so we do this and then go to see Karl and Stuart off for the last time. There was extra excitement during the first “silly tricks” of the day when a dog decided to run onto the course and “assist” Barry Porter with his test. I’m not sure which was worse in relation to the re-test: Barry’s performance not being as good without the dog or Karl having to breathe even more fumes from Barry’s bike. Later there was talk that the dog was supposed to have “assisted” one of the Italian competitors but that its command of
Giro Day 5: Rest Day - Montesilvan We have a later breakfast then head off to walk along the coast road. We all agree the resort would be a "living nightmare" in the high season but the sun is great after somewhat mixed weather so far. After coffee we decide to head back to the hotel and go to Pescara as there isn't much to see or do in Montesilvano.
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A Tutto Gas 320 English was not good enough to understand when he was due to participate. We head back, check out and meet Reg to return to Terni via the lunch stop in Amatrice, and we decide to take the Toll Road to the lunch stop as it's quite a distance - the route follows the coast for a while which just seems to consist of holiday resorts. Karl and Stuart have already arrived when we get to the lunch stop but lunch isn't ready. We queue for lunch whilst Karl and Stuart go off to find petrol as it looks like lunch will be ready just as they have to leave – we hope they appreciate their “pit crew” as some riders missed lunch (sorry Clive). The pasta is very good but I suppose we should expect that as we are in Amatrice eating Spaghetti Amatriciana (pork, tomato and chilli sauce topped with pecorino cheese) and Karl and Stewart manage to eat quickly before heading off. After lunch we head back to Terni and check back into our original rooms - same awful shower again. Reg, Barbara and I head off towards the finish and stop for a coffee at an excellent cafe in the main square. After coffee we head to the finish line to find out the expected arrival time. As they are not due to arrive for an hour Barbara and I head off to do some shopping. Heading back for the finish we see Reg outside a bar having an Aperitivo. We think about joining him but decide we don't have time if we want to see the finish – actually there would have been plenty of time as after a long wait both Karl and Stuart cross the finish line and we call Alex to let everyone know. Barbara and I then fit in a little more shopping before heading back to move suitcases in time for the The Gala Dinner which proves to be the biggest fiasco of the trip. We start with a quick aperitif with Pip and Bill before heading off to the coach which doesn't leave until almost 8pm (it should have left at 7.15pm) and we are taken out of town to a restaurant, where there is a pre-dinner wine tasting - with rather little wine. Dinner is very slow due to lots of speeches by Moto Club Terni officials and various guests local taking precedence over the waiters serving food, and so half way through the second pasta course we and several other “Brits” order two taxis and head back to the hotel. In the taxi we hear lots more calls for taxis - at least the taxi drivers had a good night. We then spend a pleasant hour having drinks at the hotel and filling up on snacks - we should have made our own arrangements rather than going to the dinner. We later find out that the coaches left at 2am - before dessert was served. Return Journey: Day 1 – Terni to Bozen/Brixen Packing the van proves easier than we feared, and hoping to meet Alex
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Luzzi for coffee we head to Arezzo with “Bruce” (Australian Sat Nav voice) leading the way. A phone call on route confirms that Alex will be in church when we reach Arezzo so we re-set the Sat Nav to head to the Brenner Pass however we have more trouble with the Sat Nav and fear "Bruce" may also be terminally ill - looks like maps to take us home. Stopping at a supermarket for olive oil, balsamic vinegar, cheese, meats, alcohol etc, Karl takes the nonworking SatNav into the electrical section and manages to get it fixed. The ‘new’ software on the sat nav was faulty and a new version was quickly download – not sure if this level of Customer Service is available in the UK. With Sat Nav fully functional we choose the Toll Road route to make progress through Italy where we decide to stay in Bozen/Bolzano where we eventually find a nice family run place. The hotel recommend a restaurant close by for dinner and whilst we didn't ask them to move the tables we do surprise the waiter by asking if there are any mosquitoes before we decide to eat outside. The meal was excellent with particular "house specialties" of tiramisu "bombe" and limoncello. Being introduced to your own fish prior to eating it was a nice touch. After breakfast next day we plan to have one last supermarket shop in Italy but our plans are scuppered as unfortunately all the shops are closed for a festival day, we therefore aim to get to Luxembourg today to allow us to have an easier last day tomorrow. Lots of driving (without coffee as everywhere is closed because of the festival) - but much amusement in a petrol station as Karl has to "feed" the pump 20 Euro notes to get enough fuel to make it to Luxembourg. On route we picked up a speeding ticket and despite Stuarts best efforts he couldn’t persuade the policewoman to let him off the fine - but she did tell him where the next camera was. Stuart was particularly impressed with the Policewomen's cap - very Vivienne Westwood he felt. We stop for lunch in the mountains then decide to head off to the same Luxemburg IBIS and again we manage to enter Luxembourg with 30 miles worth of fuel in the tank - couldn't have planned it better. Return Journey Day 3: Luxemburg to NLM The last leg now, we set off aiming to stop in Arras to have a look around and find a supermarket to make a few last food purchases. When we get to Arras we have an excellent lunch in the square and rely on Stuart (who has now become multilingual) to get directions to Carrefour from his new friend “Shirley”. This only takes two attempts and we make a few last purchases before heading back to the Tunnel where we make a quick food stop before boarding for a slightly earlier train then planned. Once back in the UK we have a relatively easy journey home arriving at about 10.30pm when we unpack the perishables and leave the main unpacking for tomorrow. Nichola Seare
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A Tutto Gas 320
Giro 2012 - a riders view A Typical Day on the Giro Having got up and showered, it’s time to get some breakfast and chat with the other riders. Breakfast is ‘functional’ as you need to put on your riding gear, pack up your travel bag and take it to a designated area for shipment to the next destination. You see why a Pit Crew is a handy addition! Once in the garage area, it is time to do some basic checks of the bike – tyres and lights mainly at this time as you should have made sure it has fuel the night before. Load up the road book into the holder and then start the engine. Warm it up to make sure all is well and the oil is flowing. Go to the starting area, park and then pick up your day card. You need to arrive at the start at least 30 minutes early so you can see the previous day’s results, check out the special test and find out if any change to the route have been made overnight. The first rider away is normally off at 9.00am with others following at set intervals. Your day card tells you the time you start and the times you need to be at the other check points. In addition, it tells you type of check point to expect. These generally fall into one of five categories: 1. Timed departure - morning 2. Simple time check 3. Timed departure from a CP (you cannot leave until a set time) 4. CP on the roadside along the expected route (you need to look for these as they could be anywhere on that section) 5. Timed arrival – on some evenings You need to stick to the times and get your card stamped as failure to do this will result in penalty points being awarded. This card also lets you know if there are any special tests to be undertaken at points along the route. The day begins with some form of individual test. You cannot start the test until your allocated time – to the second. The tests involve some skill in riding around a course with obstacles in a given time. The challenge is to complete the section in an exact time as any deviation gains penalty points. Timing is to 100th second, so points are easy to obtain! Watch how the ‘Professionals’ tackle the test, make some mental notes and do your best making sure you do not fall off! Once through the finish of the test you are out on the open road. The route is marked with small arrows which have been stuck to various sign posts. At first this is challenging, but you get into the groove with a bit of practice. Follow somebody who you think knows what they are doing at first to get the idea. Signs can be difficult to spot at times and get ready for making very
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late turns! There are a few points to remember when following the arrows: 1. If there is no arrow go straight on (if you see no arrows for a while you may have made a mistake in your navigation, go back and check) 2. Arrows pointing straight up mean go straight on. 3. Horizontal arrows can mean left or right turn. The problem is that from a distance you cannot see which way the arrow points – be warned. 4. Some arrows are off the vertical if you meet a ‘Y’ type junction. This sounds simple, but things can be difficult. Normally once you take the correct turn you will find another arrow which confirms you are on the correct route. Islands can be a problem. Think about coming up to an island and not knowing which way you want to go – an interesting prospect. You need to enter the island and scan each exit to find the one you want, so consider going round a second time is necessary. The arrows are in effect after you have taken the exit, so some quick directional changes are required. Arriving at a check point brings some respite for a few minutes. Normally refreshments are provided and the toilet facilities can be variable! Leaving at your allotted time, move off for your next control point. The Giro is not a race as the average speed is only 50kmh. Not very fast you think, but on small bikes going up mountains time really flies, so will your bike going down the other side! The idea of stopping for a leisurely coffee at the local bars on route is soon dispelled. Assuming you ride at a reasonable pace, there is time to eat and chat with the other competitors. Many local people come and enjoy the spectacle with both the bikes and you being the centre of attention. You will ride through some fantastic places, see magnificent views and break every known traffic regulation along the way. The Police
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A Tutto Gas 320 will stop the traffic to let you through, ride along with you to clear the road ahead, help you if you get lost and do everything possible to give you the best riding experience possible. During the day you will have to perform more individual tests, normally following your departure from the lunch stop. Some tests are carried out on route with these involving riding a set distance without stopping in a set time. You now see why a timer is important – remember the penalties. Fuel – you can pick this up during the day, but remember two things. Most petrol stations are unmanned but will have a machine that accepts bank notes. Make sure you know how these work. Secondly, try and fill up before you park up for the night. On your arrival at the finishing point it is normal to do another individual test. Make sure you see how it is done so you get a feel for the test and the best way to approach the obstacles. A board tells you the time required. Again you cannot do the test until your allocated time. So ends your day and you ride to the hotel and park up your trusty bike. Before you do anything else, check over your bike, oil, lights, tighten up nuts and bolts as required and then go for a shower.
Memories and Moments of Giro Pilota Carabinieri – Escort you through towns and clear the path. You go along behind them at speed through the streets, over crossings, through red lights, drive on the wrong side of the road and overtake everything insight!! This is something to savour and the racing roundel gives you a lot of license on the road as the locals support the event. Arrows – Generally OK once you get the knack of spotting them quickly, but they can be challenging to follow. As they are stuck to a post, when they are horizontal you cannot tell whether to go left or right. This adds to the fun and the small bikes are nimble enough to cope with the quick changes of direction. Follow the Arrows – you do go the wrong way along ‘one way streets’, but you get used to it! Mobile Phone – a handy device to keep with you just in case there is a problem. Leaving it in the van back at the start can be problematic as you will not be back there for a week! L’Aquila – a very beautiful place which was devastated by earth quakes a couple of years ago. The streets are narrow and made of cobbles and the noise of the bikes reverberates magically. You look at the buildings and see
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they are shrouded in scaffolding and wonder if they will ever be repaired. This was our lunch stop one day with the bikes all stopping in the main square. Where is lunch? On asking one of the Giro personnel we were told it is 26km further on up the road!!! You could get a drink from a local bar, but as it was a timed departure you could not leave for over 1 hour. Naturally when you left there was not time to stop for ‘Lunch’. Crowds & Children – going through the smallest village to larger towns, people wave and cheer you on as you speed past. The old men look on with knowing eyes recalling their youth and perhaps the ‘Real Moto Giro’, while the youngsters shout and wave. Wave back to them as a sign of recognition and appreciation. Sheep – You leave the start after doing your ability test and head out onto the open road. You settle down into your rhythm then promptly stop. Why? Just at the vital time when the early starters are away a Shepherd lets his sheep – 100’s of them onto the road. As you can imagine bikes are arriving a steady rate and you are travelling a ‘sheep speed’ which is very slow or stopped. Help is soon at hand in the form of a Carabinieri outrider. The Shepherd is ‘politely’ asked to get them off the road by the Officer. The Shepherd shrugs his shoulders as nothing can be done and he does not speak ‘sheep’ so to speak. We wait, have a laugh and once the road is clearish move off at an increased pace due to the lost time. Check points do not accept excuses!
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A Tutto Gas 320 Food & Drink – at most check points refreshments are available. The food is amazing! The local people get involved and produce some wonderful local dishes which ranges from Pizza to Polenta and everything in between. Soft drinks and water quench your thirst, but lots of local wine in also readily available for the brave. You just need more time at each point to sample all of the delights, but alas the clock always moves on and so must you. Individual Ability Tests – normally at least two per day, sometimes three. These vary in complexity but are always against the clock. A typical example would involve riding around a circuit twice and doing them in the same time, easy you think but give it a try. Remember the timing is to 100th of second. Another typical test would be to ride a course of say three short sections. They could be of varying lengths with a different time for each section. Of course, they add a few obstacles for you to manoeuvre around just to add to the fun. It pays to watch others first if you can so you get an idea of what it to be done and the speed. Horses – you know the pictures, wild horses in the pasture gently walking around and eating, it is idyllic. The next second some decide to walk across the road to see the other side and test how good the brakes are on your bike! The Lonely Local Policeman – normally they stop the traffic for you at junctions and point out the route ahead, waving you through with a smile – nice guys. On approaching a village you had to go around a left hand bend at which a Policeman was stationed. You are approaching at speed; turn in to the corner looking for your route. He did stop any traffic, but also waved his arms in an attempt to slow you down, a futile gesture! Little Bikes Handle – the roads are twisty with hairpin after hairpin. The big bikes are great in straight lines, but the little ones are so easy to flick from side to side. The key to riding a small bike well is smoothness. Once you get into the groove your boots will scrape the ground, what a feeling! Corners – do not think that because a corner is not marked with chevrons it is not sharp. The road signs vary and you will get caught out. If you are lucky the armco will stop you, if not then the trees will – at some point! Cavalier Carabinieri – can these boys ride a bike or what! On one occasion when going through a town the traffic was heavy, so the Carabinieri rider decided to clear a path for the racers/riders. With the ‘Two & Blue’ going full blast he indicated to oncoming drivers to pull into the side. Normally this was a simple pointing type gesture which turned into a fist if their
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response was not quick enough. To get a better view he rode along standing on his footpegs sometimes with one hand on the bars sometimes none! He certainly made everything move including buses and lorries, while still holding a cigar in his lips. What a star. One to Behold – after having a quick coffee at a check point the riders are milling around waiting for the off. An engine roars, one of the Carabinieri bikes has just taken off down the street. Just one thing, his BMW was pulling a fantastic wheelie. The riders and locals showed their full appreciation as the cheers were really loud. Watch the Road – you will travel along many beautiful roads that twist and turn in both gentle and tight curves. There are straight bits as well but they get boring. Take your time to look around as you ride because the views are magnificent. Along your way you pass through tunnels in the rock thus transition from bright light to pitch blackness, now you find out if your lights work. Surprisingly they do and you still cannot see anything, just aim for the white dot. Islands & Arrows – islands can be tricky as the route is indicated on the exit you need to take, hence some quick turns. If you are not sure then the rule is to go around again for another look. This works OK if the island is approached once from a single direction. Due to some indifferent signage, it was possible to miss the intended direction, but as you went round more arrows came into view. In a nut shell, it was possible to go in any direction. Luckily some outriders had seen the error and quickly tried to round up the strays. There must be a moral in this somewhere! Finding the right route did lead to a pot of gold as the refreshments were excellent, but we could not take advantage of the swimming pool. The Joy of Getting Lost – easily done if routes use parts of a route more than once and the arrows are always red. Realisation sets in that all is not well, with classic symptoms being no more signs or other riders. The rule is to wait a few minutes and see if anybody else appears, if they do not then back track if possible. A real map of the area is now a very handy tool to have in your procession. If you are still unsure of what to do, stop at a bar and ask the locals, obviously some knowledge of the language is now helpful. Pointing to your proposed destination will get them thinking. Be prepared to get multiple suggestions as to which way is the best, most people have at least three offerings! Going ‘off piste’ for us had the same results, but two really helpful Carabinieri came to our aid. Explaining our predicament to them was easy. They pondered the map, listened to the many suggestions and made a
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A Tutto Gas 320 memorable decision. It was simply this ‘get on your bikes and follow us’, this we did going as fast as possible and they responded by giving their patrol car a good workout on the bends. Upon reaching a suitable parking place, they indicated on the map our route from this point and pointed down the mountains. Asking about our knowledge of the Italian language an explanation was given, something like my Mother was Italian. Obviously they wanted to know where the family was based and many other details. After shaking hands and offering greatest thanks we sped of down the mountain roads and eventually re-joined the route. Yes penalties were obtained, but this act of pure kindness and sportsmanship will be treasured forever. Team GB – you soon meet up with fellow riders and the bond of motorcycling soon weaves it welcomed web. With Reg Everett of Goldstar, Greeves and Yamaha fame as the Manager, the riders soon fell into place. In the ‘pits’ help was always at hand and problems soon disappeared. The unofficial Team became: Clive Chapman, Roger Timms, Joe Sorbi,David Boarer, Pip Higham, Bill Higham, Stuart Mayhew and Karl Seare. We were very lucky to have a very able pit crew in the form of Barbara Mayhew and Nichola Seare. Team GB enjoyed many meals together and the conversations wide ranging. Thank you all. Preparation The Moto Giro D'Italia is an endurance race and as such will test both Rider and Machine. Dealing with the Rider first. You will need some good riding gear that is comfortable as you will be in this for many hours each day, typically 9 hours. The choice is yours, with people using leathers to wax cotton. The key is to try and accommodate potentially diverse weather conditions. In Italy you can expect sunshine, rain and it can get cold in the mountains, so any combination is possible in one day. This year involved riding through some very heavy rain for hours on Day 1 and with the route going through the mountains it became cold. Gloves and boots took the brunt of the weather. Remember, you need to carry your equipment with you, so choose wisely.
provided to help with basic problems. They do carry some general spares, but you may need specific items for your bike. Time is of the essence as if you’re rolate for a check point you will incur lots of penalties. Self-help is the key. This is what we carried: Plugs, Points, HT lead, Plug cap, Coil, Capacitor, Spare battery, Regulator Bulbs, Inner tube, Wire & connectors, Spare cables & nipples, Tape, Cable ties, Nuts & bolts, Fuses, Spokes, Oil, Upper cylinder additive, Selection of spanners 6mm to 22 mm, ¼” Sockets, Adjustable spanner, Plug Spanner, Pliers, Multi-tool, Tyre levers, Screw drivers, Money - notes for fuel pump (10’s and 20’s), Mobile phone, Documents for Bike Riders & Bikes Number 33 Rider: Stuart Mayhew Bike: Morini Tresette Sprint – 175cc, 16BHP Year of Manufacture: 1958 Modifications from Standard: Electronic Regulator, New Ignition/Light Switch Number 36 Rider: Karl Seare Bike: Morini Tourismo – 175cc, 8.5BHP Year of Manufacture: 1954 Modifications from Standard: None
Dealing secondly with the bike. Basically check everything, replace anything that is worn, and go on some long test rides after you have done so to bed everything in in your time and not during the event. Your bike needs to start in all conditions, cold, hot and wet. Do not underestimate how long this will take to sort out your bike and be fully confident of its operation. A normal day on the Giro is 300km, so start with new tyres.A good tip is to make sure the ignition key cannot fall out when riding as the roads can be rough. During the day you’re on your own, but some mechanical assistance is
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A Tutto Gas 320
Morini Diaries A spot of bother in Croydon After the excitement of the trip to Dijon and Cadwell, all clustered together over a few short weeks, it’s back to the daily round with a vengeance. To alleviate the pain, I’ve used the Corsaro and Granpasso on a few commuting trips to South Croydon for a short-term contract. It’s a trip I last did regularly back in the late ‘90s on a GPZ500 and not that much has changed… Despite the reputation of the Veloce, it is easy to ride in town; both second and third are practical in although I prefer to use 2nd when filtering or in heavy, slow moving traffic. There is none of the surging evident in my original Corsaro (a 2006 model but with the upgrades), and the footrests are very slightly further rear set. Once out on the open road it is a real joy, but so is the Granpasso – which is just as easy to filter once on the move, although the bulk requires caution at very low speeds. Both give a comfortable ride, but the ‘Passo carries more, has better lights and very good wind and weather protection. I’ve also taken the Corsaro down to Hampshire, meeting up with Richard Webb (Twisty from the Forum) to pick up a spare oil filter. It was on one of the trips with the GP that I ran into trouble, with what seems to be a reasonably frequent problem. It had been a long hot day in Croydon, so much so that I was looking forward to a decent run home. Shortly after starting the ride, the temperature soared above 100o and the red light came on – the coolant hose had popped off the engine casing. After easing the pipe back on I called the breakdown (included in all good insurances) and settled down to wait… Worrying thoughts went through my mind; the oil level was too high - had a gasket blown and pressurised the coolant, or other such catastrophes. Once the engine cooled, I poured in a litre of bottled water, and a generous householder invited me in to have a cup of tea and watch the England match. The recovery mechanic started the engine, and we concluded that there was no oil contamination – but to be safe I took the lift home that evening and contacted 3X the next day. With barely a month left on the warranty there was no hesitation in arranging a pick-up to check the ‘bike over, flush the system and refill (they reported that there was a litre of water in the radiator). I cadged a lift down to them from a friend to collect it a week or so later, just in time for the last Tea and Cakes at Benzina HQ, out near Devizes. Last year I’d ridden the Strada, but this year the bike of choice had to be the GP, as Editor Marlow was pillion. We had fewer Morini present, although there was a good showing of 3½s, plus a lovely little Scrambler now owned by Greg Pullen himself. The weather was kind to us, the sun even shone during
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the afternoon (not enough to lure out any Ducati, although there was a good showing of Guzzis), and a good time was had by all. John from Exeter showed great fortitude in coping with a puncture on his 350, and was pleased that his persistence paid off by getting there in plenty of time for the cakes! After the bash to Benzina the Granpasso has over 500 miles under its belt after getting hot and bothered, and all seems fine, although it needed two slight top ups before settling down to a consistent level. I do find myself checking the level before and after every ride now, though, and I have the dash set to monitor engine temperature rather than mileage these days. The moral of the tale – check your levels! Whilst the ‘Passo was away, I also had several short blasts on the Sport, taking it to the local Velo clubs’ “Show of your Bike” day and taking best post ’71 non-Velocette award (the Venom being too oily and non-original to win anything, just as I like it). It’s also been around Oxfordshire, drawing a very appreciative comment or two at Pendon, the Museum we help at near Abingdon. Of far more importance was the ride home – bend swinging along the back roads before they filled with early evening traffic – just as I feel Lambertini would have envisaged! The Tressette has also been out, both over to the editorial den to go through photographs for the 2013 calendar (yes, it is in preparation) and in search of the “definitive Morini photograph” - even now I still do not have that. I’ve concluded that, amongst other things, it’s a great town bike, light nimble and quick enough for traffic. The heel and toe gear change takes a little getting used to, as I am sure that it was designed more to accommodate Italian loafers than the English motorcycle boot I’ll have to try the former someday… At last it seems like summer is here and we can get out there and ensure that the Morini are stretching their collective legs! Chris Webber
The Tressette alongside the Kennet in central Reading, where it collects an appreciative audience proving that they don’t only appeal to the over 50s.
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A Tutto Gas 320
Odds & Ends
Morini Mart
A few odd shots from Cadwell this year
Rules of Morini Mart I will put in adverts for anything that I consider part of Morini ownership, but will only put them in for 3 issues otherwise stuff is over 6 months old. If you want longer, tell me again. David
Call for a quote:
0845 458 4351 www.footmanjames.co.uk
Club Information Section Meetings and Captains
Home Counties West - 3rd Wednesday of the month, The Bell Inn, Aldworth, Reading, Berkshire RG8 9SE Gary Withers 01635 578496 Home Counties North - 2nd Thursday of the month, meetings combined with local VMCC at Shefford, contact www.vmccbeds.co.uk or morini@compton.vista.com Home Counties South - last Thursday of the month, The Windmill On The Common, Windmill Drive, Clapham Common, London, SW4 9DE Andrew Lang 020 7281 2436
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North Midlands - 3rd Friday of the month, contact John Parbery 0116 270 6789 or Phil & Sal 01283 511293 South West - 1st Thursday of the month, The Annexe, Seymour Road, Bristol, BS7 9HR Jeremy Moore 01761 479220 North East - 3rd Sunday lunchtime, Willingham Woods cafe, A631, East of Market Rasen (OS TF137884) Paul Emmerson, jacemmrs@aol.com South Coast 1st Wednesday, The Cricketers Pub, Commonside, Westborne in the Havant, Near Chichester. Dave Roberts
Bikes 1985 K2 imported from dealer in Italy October 2002 and coverted to K2Classic. Age related ’B’ plate with V5 and all original import documents. 31,435 Km SORN since 2009/10. Recent new chain, sprockets, Conti Tyres New Hagon shocks, fork seals / lighter oil, brake pads. Handlebar mounted choke lever.Rewound stator / ignition coil; (NLM),Rebuilt starter motor, Replacement round headlight./ fly screen, Recent Armours stainless exhaust and silencers ,Gell battery. Comes with Engine stator holder,Cam belt sprocket puller,Exhaust spanner, NLM V Twins manual.K2 manual in Italian. Large quality of club mag’s mostly 80’s and 90’s , Collection of magazine articles on K2 & collection of other technical publications for starter motor overhaul etc. Also various Morini 31/2 parts, Headlamp support brackets in black metal and alloy,Spare handlebar levers, Brake calliper and reservoir in powder coat black,Spare 40 t rear sprocket.Original K2 Tomeselli ‘clip ons,Original rectangular K2 headlamp fairing and lamp, Italian (Guzzi) handlebar fairing – needs painting,Pair Morini K1 Sport leg fairings – need painting but c/w brackets. New unused chrome rear carrier. New unused ‘floating’ r/h brake disk conversion. (with latest upgrade bolt set) Spare good clean crankcases (ex Kanguro) - well you never know. Looking to part with the lot for around £2,000 but may consider splitting. Geoff Cheason. Penarth, South Wales.02920 700949.evenings / weekend. Mobile if it’s urgent, 07800 661820, Email g.cheason@btinternet.com[320] 1976 Morini 350 Sport red/black kick start and NLM fitted electric start wire spoked wheels and front disc rear sets recent MOT and tax new battery and cam belt good condition some extras including clip on’s£4250 Peter Horwood Tel 01252 615004 Hants[319] 1984 K2, 375 engine by NLM (1K miles since), T&T Oct 12, Forks rebuilt by Manxton, Powder coated frame, Rest of cosmetics a bit tired, Spares, Manuals and tools £1600. Stuart 01295 269805 (Banbury)[319]
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A Tutto Gas 320 Classic Red Morini Drum Strada with wire wheels bought from N.Leicester Motorcycles around the turn of century for £2000! These sell for over £5000 now and NL M/C have offered to sell for me but this seems to be putting profit in their hands rather than the true enthusiasts’. I want to sell this before emigrating so looking at offers ideally over £2500. The only problem with the bike is that it has been left unused in the garage for 10 years after a couple of years occasional use. Howard Tetlow 01452 532575 (Gloucester)[319]
Club Products Polo Shirt available in S to XL, black with the new logo stitched in gold over the breast. 65% in cotton 35% to polyester with wash temp 60. in gold Pololeft Shirt; available S through XL, black witha the new logoofstitched over the left breast. The collar has three buttons; 65% cotton, 35% polyester with a wash temperature of 60. £12:50 at Morini events, p&p £2:50.
1980 Morini 2C 250 “V” twin Immaculate condition for “Ridden on the road “ machine. Many stainless fixings and some new spares with riders handbook. Genuine 13080kms/8123miles with two owner riders, Italian/English. Shown at Bristol classic show for last 4 years. Octogenarian member of MRC & VMCC retiring from active riding. Don Graham 01395 519691 (Devon) [318] 1989 Dart 350 2 owners from new, current owner 11 years ,only 10000 kms, new cam belt and stainless silencer, MOT and taxed, owner giving up motorcycling, only £2400 Terry 01689 832945 Kent or terryandfreda@hotmail.com [319] Wanted Kickstart extender block or swan’s neck kickstart urgently wanted for Morini 350 with rear-sets. Morien Morgan 029 20 852513 [318] Good 350 sport top yoke for my project bike, if you can help please contact me (Dave) on 07986 084055 or david.geary@btinternet.com[318] X2 Kanguro seat - undamaged and original blue to replace my tatty one, if you can help please contact me (Dave) on 07986 084055 or david.geary@ btinternet.com [318]
Diary Dates October Saturday 20th Sunday 21st Classic Motorcycle Show, Stafford, MRC stand. November Sunday 18th MRC Commitee meeting planned, all are welcome to contribute, More details next month. Wednesday 21st MRC Pie night, Sweeney & Todds in Reading. A night of Pies Pints and previews of the 2013 MRC Calendar.
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Riding “T” in“T” white; 5 bike5 logo Sweatshirt available in S through to XL Riding in white, bike logo available in S through to XL, red 100%100% cotton and washable at 40, at 40Sweatshirt; red with the new logo stitched in gold cotton and washable with the new logo stitched in gold over the left £12:00 plus £2:50 p&p. over the lefy breast. 65/35% cotton and breast. 65 / 35% cotton and polyester, polyester, washable at 40. washable at 40 £15 at Morini events, p&pand ATG Data sticks Issues 270/299 packing is an additional £3. on a single USB stick ATG Data Sticks; if you’ve only recently joined the club and want to see the last few years issues this will suit you – issues 270/299 on a single USB stick for only £10:00 including and second class prices postage. For all products current see the Website and our new online orderLots more products coming soon, included. ing page, or contact the Productskeyrings Secretary at the address on the back page For all products please contact the product secretary - address over the page
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A Tutto Gas 320
Club Officials President: Gabriella Morini Vice President: Simon Pancheri Chairman Jem Moore, The Barn, South Road, Timsbury, Bath, BA2 0NA, Tel: 01761 479220 or email: chairman@morini-riders-club.com Secretary Mark Bailey, 57 Thirlmere, Stevenage, Herts. SG1 6AQ. Tel: 07788 991158 or 01438 222639 or email: secretary@morini-riders-club.com Treasurer Chris Laughton, 56 Longland Road, Eastbourne, E. Sussex, BN20 8HY. email: treasurer@morini-riders-club.com Editor David Marlow, 98 Burghfield Road, Reading, Berks, RG30 3LP. Tel: 0118 9500 850 or email: editor@morini riders club.com Product Secretary Chris & Diane Webber, 12 Winnersh Gate, Winnersh, Berkshire, RG41 5PL. Tel: 0118 9793362 or email: products@morini-riders-club.com Public Relations Officer Paul Emmerson . Email: PR@morini-riders-club.com Librarian David Marlow, as above or email: Librarian@morini-riders-club.com Technical Guru George Lane. Tel: 01252 338730 or email: guru@morini-riders-club.com Motorcycle Action Group Rep & BMF Liaison Andy Carrott, 48 Blackthorn Lane, Boston, Lincs PE21 6PP Tel: 01205 357417 or email: ajcarrotts@tiscali.co.uk Membership Secretary Keith Ansell, 53 High Street, Saltford, Bristol BS31 3EJ Tel: 07885 218458. Email: membership@morini-riders-club.com Web Maestro Tom Farrow, Email: webmaestro@morini-riders-club.com Subscriptions Year’s membership in the UK £24, Europe £26, elsewhere £28. Cheques in Sterling payable to The Morini Riders Club and sent to the Membership Secretary, or why not try our new online site. Please visit www.morini-riders-club.com/products.html and click on the link to our secure ordering site.
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Adverts
MotoLane Breaking Morinis: 250 Twin, various 350s, Kanguro and 500
New Stock Now Available: Venhill Featherlight Clutch cable £14.50 each ISO 9001:2000 Timing Belt £6 Phone: George on 01252 338730 or Email: georgelane7@tiscali.co.uk
Jim Mclean Neil O’Dowd
B
I K E
C A
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MOTs, service, repairs & rebuilds for classic Morinis. All makes of bikes are welcome but as Morini owners ourselves we particularly look forward to seeing club members. 55 Richmond Road, St George, Bristol BS5 8EL
0117 939 7750