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Three ‘likely lads’ pose for a picture on Sachs-engined Norman Nippy mopeds. The story of Norman of Ashford, Kent is told on pages 42-43. Photo: Mortons Archive
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2 NEWS
April 2015
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The damage caused by the ethanol-based stuff that we put into our petrol tanks these days has been the subject of heated debate for years – but it was only when my lawnmower’s faltering four-stroke Honda engine started to backfire and lose power that the problem was really brought home to me. When I took it to a large garden machinery dealership for a muchneeded service, and described the symptoms to the mechanic, the first thing he did was reach for a special fuel additive and tell me how absolutely vital it was to use it. I was about to dismiss this
as just another sales pitch until I started thinking about all the problems that have afflicted my little-used collection of old bikes over recent years, including leaking tanks, blocked carburettors and other issues. Then, by pure coincidence, I was reading through our latest intake of club magazines when I came across an excellent article in the Girder Fork & Classic Motorcycle Club’s Newsletter about the very subject. When you research the damage caused by ethanol fuels on the web, it grows into such a horror story that you wonder why they
New date is set for Norton Festival
were ever allowed onto the market in the first place. Ethanol (ethyl alcohol) attracts not just water and moisture like a magnet, but also solvents, cleansers, degreasers and other such substances. In motorcycles that are used every day this isn’t such a problem because the fuel never has the chance to go ‘stale’, but when such machines are used purely and only occasionally for pleasure, it’s a different matter entirely. Even in ideal conditions, ethanol fuel has a shelf life of only two to three months before having to be replaced, so before putting
Delightful scenery for Five Valleys Run
■ The date of this year’s Norton Festival at the Coventry Motor Museum, organised by the Norton Owners’ Club, has been announced. It will now take place on Sunday, August 9, a week earlier than was originally planned.
Foggy is star guest at Llangollen festival ■ Multiple World Superbike title winner Carl Fogarty will be guest of honour at the family-friendly Llangollen Motorcycle Festival on August 1. Organised by a new team of local motorcycle enthusiasts led by Harry Edwards, LlanBikeFest 15 will take place at the town’s pavilion, set amid some of Britain’s best biking roads, at the foot of the Horseshoe Pass and on the edge of the Snowdonia National Park.
your bike away, run the motor with the fuel tap closed and then drain the tank. OBM warmly invites readers to tell their own stories about this controversial fuel.
A BSA Rocket Gold Star and other classics bask in the sunshine at a previous Five Valleys event.
Covering around 90 miles of delightful country lanes in Wiltshire and Dorset, the Salisbury Motorcycle and Light Car Club’s Five Valleys Run will start from the Livestock Market, Salisbury (on the A3094) on Sunday, April 12, and will benefit the club’s 2015 charity, the John McNeil Opportunity Centre. Signing-on is from 9.30am (for an 11am start) and refreshments will be available at the livestock market site. Participants will enjoy a pub lunch stop and a tea stop later in the afternoon. Entry fees are £5 for Salisbury Club members and £6 for non-members. Entry forms can be downloaded from www.salisburymotorcycleand lightcarclub.co.uk . Riders can also sign up at the start. Information is also available from run organiser Mike on 01725 511131.
NEWS 3
April 2015
The last Tri-Van goes on display
Lakeland Motor Museum director Bill Bewley tries the Tri-Van for size.
T
he world’s only surviving example of the 1949 Tri-Van has been restored to full working order and is now on show at the Lakeland Motor Museum at Backbarrow, Ulverston, Cumbria LA12 8TA. Powered by a 168cc two-stroke engine with a three-speed gearbox, the three-wheeler, built by Turner Manufacturing Ltd of Wolverhampton but sold under the brand name of Light Delivery Vehicles, was designed to combine the storage capacity of a small van with the low running costs of
a motorcycle for the collection and delivery of small parcels. Rebuilt in Greenodd and repainted in Ambleside, the Tri-Van was one of a trio of models that also included a ‘ByVan’ and a ‘Rixi’ model with room for two passengers, and together they completed a run from Land’s End to John O’Groats in 1950. The museum’s operations manager Chris Lowe said: “As far as we know, very few were ever sold, but we’d love to hear from anyone who remembers the vehicles or was originally involved in working on them.”
Thruxton Bonnie book launch for Stafford A trio of Triumph legends will join Claudio Sintich for the launch of his new book, Triumph Thruxton Bonneville 1959-1969, at the Panther Publishing stand in the Main Hall at the Carole Nash International Classic MotorCycle Show at the Staffordshire County Showground on Saturday, April 25. Triumph works rider Steve Jolly, along with race team manager Les Williams and former Triumph Tester and Thruxton Bonneville works rider Percy Tait, will join Claudio for a book-signing session to mark the launch at 2pm. Bernard Kuropka’s Thruxton Bonnie MAC 234E will also be on display at the stand. Illustrated by more than 300 photos, the book contains the Thruxton Bonneville’s full racing history and results, factory specifications, identification of all Thruxtons built by the factory, modifications for racing and much more. With forewords by Les Williams and George Hopwood, the 244-page book (ISBN 9781 9092 1313 5), normally £24.95, will be available at Stafford at a special show price of £20.
Classics on parade in South Hants With more than 300 cars, commercial vehicles, motorcycles and military vehicles of all shapes and sizes on show, the South Hants Vehicle Preservation Society’s annual Classic Vehicle Show & Autojumble will take place on Sunday, June 7, at Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Gravel Hill, Horndean, Waterlooville PO8 0QE. The site for this popular family day out, starting at 10am and finishing at 4pm, lies three miles south of Petersfield, on the A3. Admission charge is £5 for adults, with under-16s admitted free.
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4 NEWS
April 2015
‘Yellow peril’ Cyclone board-tracker makes $775,000 in USA auction
O
ne of just 13 Cyclone motorcycles known to exist, an ex-Steve McQueen 1915 Cyclone board track racer was sold for $775,000 at an auction of the E J Cole Collection conducted by Mecum Auctions in Las Vegas on March 21. With a production run of only three years, beginning in 1913, the Cyclone was built by the Joerns Motor Manufacturing Company of St Paul, Minnesota. The remarkable 61cu in, overheadcamshaft V-twin engine featured shaft-and-bevel drive single overhead camshafts, and had a near-hemispherical combustion chamber, proper caged ball and roller bearings throughout and recessed mating faces on the crankcase halves, barrels and cylinder heads for a secure fit. Even with its modest compression ratio of 5.5:1, the estimated engine output of 45hp was astounding for a machine with no brakes!
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In its day, the superb 61cu in V-twin was the most advanced in America.
Dazzling in more ways than one – the ex-Steve McQueen Cyclone board track racer that was auctioned for $775,000 last month.
The engine’s single overhead camshafts had no positive lubrication, but ran in a cast reservoir of oil that could be refilled via a spring-loaded cap. The cam acted on rockers with a stirrup over the valve spring, supposedly to eliminate fore-and-aft loads to the valve stem. The connecting rods weighed a delicate six and eight ounces for the plain and forked rods respectively. Such a technical specification made the Cyclone’s engine the most advanced in America, and in 1913 factory development riders J A McNeil and Larry Fleckenstein were timed at 108mph at a Minneapolis motordrome. The following year McNeil was timed at 111.1mph at the Omaha, Nebraska, board track – almost 20mph faster than the internationally-recognised world record of 93.48mph held by an Indian, and a 100mph
The Cyclone’s shaft-and-bevel-drive single overhead camshafts were a radical feature.
mark timed by Lee Humiston on an (American) Excelsior. It appears that the Federation of American Motorcyclists officials simply couldn’t accept that 111mph figure.
April 2015
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6 OUT & ABOUT
April 2015
Spring comes soonest in the south of France Ian Kerr sets the scene for the European touring season as he attends a British bikes-only event in Provence.
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n the small town of Sénas, in Provence, the thriving motorcycle group MotoClub Sénas Durance organises some brilliant classic bike tours throughout the year which are well worth trying out. Its season opener, a threeday British bikes only event at the beginning of March, continues to attract a diverse array of machines ranging
from Rudges and handchange BSAs to modern Hinckley Triumphs. Seen as something of a precursor to the French club’s five-day June event catering for all pre-1975 bikes, it features typical daily mileages of 150 to 200km, which might not sound a lot, but is sufficient on these twisty, challenging roads.
What a backdrop for this gorgeous Rudge that was one of the machines in this year’s event.
The days include leisurely stops at coffee shops and restaurants, the latter for threeor four-course meals, and overnight accommodation is also part of the deal, allowing a greater and more varied area to be covered. This year, as usual, the Classic Bike Esprit team joined the diverse group that headed out in warm sunshine under crystal-blue skies for the route through Luberon, with the snow-capped Mont Ventoux always within view. As well as being one of the most famous climbs in cycling’s Tour de France, the mountain also has an impressive motorsport history. With similar weather prevailing for the three days, the riders, both male and female, swept through deserted villages, climbed through magnificent gorges and stopped at various places of historic interest. With a truly convivial atmosphere throughout, it’s certainly an event not to be missed, and such is the popularity of the runs that the summer ones are normally fully booked. For intending participants who don’t fancy riding or trailering their bikes all the way to Provence, Classic Bike Esprit has more than 15 diverse classics all set up and
Everything from vintage and classic BSA singles to Hinckley Bonnies are welcome at Moto-Club Sénas Durance’s season-opening French tour for British bikes only.
ready to go that can be hired by the day. They are based at St Remy de Provence, close to several airports used by the budget airlines, and collection and local accommodation can also be arranged. Apart from the wonderful camaraderie, an added advantage of joining the CBE team is that you get a riding mechanic and translator to go with, and they’ll handle your entry as well. Have a look at www.cbesprit.com
A classic BSA twin looks well at home among the snow-clad mountain passes.
April 2015
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8 OUT & ABOUT
April 2015
Diary Dates Easter guided tours at the National Motorcycle Museum APRIL 4
O
ver the Easter period, the National Motorcycle Museum will be offering free guided tours of the museum to visitors who have paid the applicable entry fee, and children taking part in a free-to-enter quiz will each receive an Easter egg goodie bag. Starting at 10am, noon and 3pm, the guided tours will take place on Sundays March 29, April 5 and April 12, and on Easter Monday (April 6). The children’s quiz will take place from Good Friday (April 3) right through to Easter Monday.
Just the place for a good day out as visitors’ motorcycles are parked outside the National Motorcycle Museum entrance.
Galloway Flat Tank and Girder Fork Weekend is back After a break last year, the Galloway Flat Tank and Girder Fork Weekend event for prewar machines will take place again from May 8-10 this year. It’s based at Castle Douglas in south-west Scotland and promoted jointly by members of the Vintage Motor Cycle Club and Marston Sunbeam Club. The first event in 2013 attracted a sizeable entry of flat-tankers, including several veterans as well
as a good selection of later 1920s and 1930s models, and once again the emphasis will be on earlier machines. Only 50 miles north-west of Carlisle and the M6, and convenient for Irish Sea ferries, Castle Douglas offers all types of accommodation for visitors, and the weekend will start on the Friday evening in the town’s award-winning Sulkwath real ale brewery.
The surrounding countryside offers quiet motorcycling roads and picturesque scenery, and routes of the three organised runs are suitable for all eligible classes, with a recovery vehicle as back-up. Entry forms are available from Geoff Brazendale (01228 549445) or by email from David Moffat on dhmoff@btinternet.com. Day membership of the VMCC is available for non-members of the VMCC or Marston Sunbeam Club.
South Midlands Autojumble, Ross-on-Wye Livestock Centre HR9 7QQ. John Harding 01989 750731. Email: johnharding197@live.co.uk 4 Rufforth Autojumble, Rufforth Park, York YO23 3QH. www.rufforthautojumble.com 4 Beerhounds Pet Food Run & Party, Fluffy Paws Pet Supplies, 58 Bucknall Road, Bicester, Oxfordshire OX26 2DW. Tel 01869 253639. www.beerhounds.co.uk 4 Dundee Bikers Forum 10th Annual Easter Egg Run, Scotriders Motorcycle Training School, East Dock Street, Dundee. www.dundeebikers.com 4-6 British Superbikes – Donington Park GP. www.britishsuperbike.com 5 Craven Collection Motorcycle Museum. Open Day. Brockfield Villa. Stockton on the Forest, York YO32 9UE. Tel. 01904 400493 5 Classic Motorcycle Show, Tile Shop, Buntingford. Tel 07963 609143. 5 North Devon British Motorcycle Owners Club Easter Egg Run, Easter Sunday 5 Rocket III OC Meet, Ace Cafe London NW10 7UD. www.ace-cafe-london.com 5 Maxxis ACU British Motocross Championship – Round 2, Lyng, Norfolk NR9 5QZ. www.mxgb.co.uk 5 April Fools Run, Battlesbridge Motorcycle Museum, 5 Maltings Road, Battlebridge, Essex SS11 7RF. Starts 10am, contact John Spalding 07901 339154 5 Charity Coast to Coast Motorcycle Ride Lytham to Whitby, Lytham Windmill, Lancashire, FY8 5LB. simonpetercarter@yahoo.co.uk 5 Reading MAG Easter Bike Show, Reading Abbey Rugby Club, Peppard Road, Emmer Green, near Reading, Berkshire RG4 8XB. www.readingmag.org.uk 5 Moorlanders MCC Egg Run, Davidstow Airfield, Camelford, Cornwall PL32 9YF. www.moorlandersmcc.co.uk 5 Kilham Bikers Easter Egg Run, Bay Horse, Kilham. From 9am. Tel 01262 420399. www.kilhambikers.co.uk 5 Yorkhill Easter Egg Run, SECC car park, Stobcross Road, Glasgow G3 8HQ. Tel 0141 201 6917 5-6 28th Weston Park Transport Show, Weston Park, Weston under Lizard, Shropshire TF11 8PX. www.transtarpromotions.co.uk 5-6 Red Marley Hill Climb, Great Witley, Worcestershire, WR6 6JJ. Tel 01886 888803. www.redmarleyhillclimb.com 6 Craven Collection Motorcycle Museum. Open Day. Brockfield Villa. Stockton on the Forest, York YO32 9UE. Tel. 01904 400493 6 Ashford Classic Motorcycle Show & Bikejumble. Ashford Market, Orbital Park, Ashford, Kent TN24 0HB. Tel 01797 344277 www.elk-promotions.co.uk 6 Southend Shakedown, Ace Cafe London NW10 7UD. www.ace-cafe-london.com 7 APRIL ISSUE OF REALCLASSIC 8 Sports Bike Night, Fox Inn, Ulceby. www.lincolnshirebikenights.com 8 Cruiser Bike Night, Winterton Rover FC. www.lincolnshirebikenights.com 10 Classic Bike & Car Meet, The Victoria, Coalville, Leics LE67 3FA. Tel 01530 814718. www.vicbikerspub.co.uk 11 Wetherby Autojumble, Wetherby Racecourse LS22 5EJ. www.wetherbyautojumble.co.uk 11 Gloucester Autojumble, Hempstead Meadows, David Hook Way, Gloucester GL2 5LE. Paul Powell 07831 421455. 11 Charity Night in aid of the NABD, Botanical Gardens, 232 Tydesley Road, Atherton, Manchester, M46 9AE. Tel 07764 275989 11 The Burton Music Festival 2015, The Rock Bar, Shobnall Sports & Social Club, Shobnall Road, Burton, Derbyshire, DE14 2BB. www.rockagainstms.org.uk 11-12 Spring Cup National Road Races, Oliver’s Mount, Scarborough YO11 2YW. Tel 01723 373000. www.oliversmountracing.com 11-12 Thundersport GB Motorcycle Races, Donington Park, Castle Donington, Derby DE74 2RP. www.donington-park.co.uk 12 LE Velo (Lancs & S Lakes) Worden Park, Leyland, meet near visitors’ centre, 11 for 12. Tel 01772 782516 12 VMCC (Essex) Late Easter Run, Norton Heath cafe, 10 for 10.30am. Peter Sigourny 01245 267088. 12 ’Normous Newark, Newark Showground, Nottinghamshire NG24 2NY. www.newarkautojumble.co.uk
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Bovingdon BBC Jumble, Bovingdon Airfield, Bourne End, Herts HP1 2RR. Tel 020 8252 6831 / Mob 07968 080990. www.woodclass.com BSA GS OC 40th Anniversary & Brit Bike Day, Ace Cafe London NW10 7UD. www.ace-cafe-london.com A5 Autojumble, Oswestry Showground (Park Hall), Whittington Road, Oswestry SY11 4AB. Cindy Sharpe 01978 820828 / 07794 035967. MotoGP – Americas. www.motogp.com World Superbikes – Round 3, Aragon. www.worldsbk.com 8th Suffolk Classic Bike Show, British Legion Hall, Long Melford, Suffolk, off the A134. John Walker 01787 881803. Surrey Harley Boot Sale, Pippbrook Car Park, opp Dorking Hall, Reigate Road, Dorking, Surrey RH4 1SJ. Tel 01306 712297. Classic Motorcycle Show, Yorkshire Waterways Museum, Dutch River Side, Goole DN14 5TB. Tel 01405 768730. www.waterwaysmuseum.org.uk Autojumble, Manchester Road, Rixton, near Warrington WA3 6EA. T Taylor 07860 648103. Kenley Autojumble, The Portcullis Club, Kenley Airfield, Victor Beamish Avenue, Caterham CR3 5FX (just off Jct 6, M25). www.facebook.com/KenleyAutojumble Salisbury Motorcycle & Light Car Club Five Valleys Run. Starts at Salisbury Livestock Market. Mike 01725 511131. www.salisburymotorcycleandlightcarclub. co.uk Prescott Bike Festival, Gotherington, near Cheltenham, Gloucs GL52 9RD www.prescottbikefestival.co.uk Big Breakfast & Biker Blessing @ Lynn’s Raven Café, Lynn’s Raven Café, A41/A49 Junction, Prees Heath, Whitchurch, Shropshire SY13 2AF. Tel 01948 665691. www.lynnsravencafe.co.uk Pawel, St George’s RC Church, Peel Street, York YO1 9PZ. Tel 07934 125290. http://on.fb.me/1EjxVEL MAY ISSUE OF CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE MECHANICS Charterhouse Classic Cars, Motorcycles and Automobilia Auction, Royal Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 6QN. 01935 812277. Sports Bike Night, Three Horseshoes, Scotton. www.lincolnshirebikenights.com Cruiser Bike Night, Rose and Crown, Upton. www.lincolnshirebikenights.com MAY/JUNE ISSUE OF CLASSIC RACER Classic Bike & Car Meet, The Victoria, Coalville, Leics LE67 3FA. Tel 01530 814718. www.vicbikerspub.co.uk British Superbikes – Brands Hatch Indy. www.britishsuperbike.com Rally & Ride-In Weekend, The Rockbar, Shobnall Sports & Social Club, Shobnall Road, Burton on Trent, Staffordshire, DE14 2BB. Tel 07988 521400 or 07761 931226 www.unwantedmcc.co.uk Fat Skeleton Blues & Bikes supporting National Youthbike, Cabourne Parva, off A46 near Caistor, Lincs. Tel 01522 869407 www.bluesandbikesweekend.co.uk Scorton Giant Auto/Bike Jumble, North Yorkshire Events Centre DL10 6EH. Bert 07909 904705. Lincs BTSC Mill Run from Coningsby Moorside. Bob or Maureen 01526 345270. Caldarium MCC 15th Yolks on You Egg Run & Evening Party, Millennium Hall, Horton-Cum-Studley, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX33 1BF. Tel 01865 433429 (eve only) British Engineerium Run, Sbmoc.vpweb.co.uk. 01903 247245. Huddersfield Autojumble. Jeff 07795 505388. http://phoenixfairs.jimdo.com VMCC (Northampton) Hugh’s Run. Home Base, Wellingborough, Northampton, 10.30am. Hugh Gallagher 01933 419800. SBMOC Engineerium Run, Hove, East Sussex. Tel 01903 247245. Garstang Autojumble, Hamilton House Farm, Garstang, Preston PR3 0TB. Ian Sherrard 07836 331324 (day) or 01772 323654 (6-8pm). www.garstangautojumbles.co.uk Classic Motorcycle Show, The Fox, Aspenden, Buntingford SG9 9PD. Tel 07963 609143. 34th Malvern Classic Motorcycle Show & Jumble, Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcs WR13 6NW. Tel 01484 667776. www.classicshows.org Custom & Cruiser Bike Day, Ace Cafe London NW10 7UD. www.ace-cafelondon.com
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YOUR EVENT shOUld bE iN hERE!
OBM is anxious to learn all about your motorcycle related events. Contact us at OBM, Mortons Media Ltd, Diary Listings, PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6LZ or go to obmwallplanner@mortons.co.uk Events organisers – please make sure that your entry has contact details and let us have your entries by the advertising deadline (see page 2 for details). It is advisable to telephone the event organiser before setting out on your journey as we cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies or changes in event details.
April 2015
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10 OUT & ABOUT
April 2015
Tony and Nick Jefferies, and a new Restoration Theatre, keep Stafford Show swinging
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f you’ve ever wondered how bike mechanics make such light work of replacing the cylinders on a twin, tracing electrical faults or taking apart and reassembling gears, you’re in for an extra free treat at the Carole Nash International Classic MotorCycle Show at the Stafford Showground on April 25-26. A brand new Restoration Theatre hosted by Pete Thorne, a regular on ITV’s The Motorbike Show, will deliver no fewer than 10 presentations across the weekend, including
the do’s and don’ts of restoration – and everyone is invited because the cost of the sessions has been incorporated into the overall ticket prices. Pete said: “The prospect of the Restoration Theatre appealed to me, and I’m delighted to have
been asked to take part. I’ve been fortunate enough to work in the world of motorcycle repair and restoration for the past 41 years, and I’m looking forward to sharing my experiences with Stafford showgoers.” Guests of honour Tony and Nick Jefferies will present show awards, sign autographs and chat on stage with Steve Plater, and for those with a sporting inclination both the Classic Racer GP Paddock and Classic Dirt Bike Experience will cater for every need.
You can almost hear the ear-splitting deep howl of the three-cylinder Triumph as Tony Jefferies, joint guest of honour with brother Nick, burns up the Isle of Man TT course in his heyday.
April 2015
OUT & ABOUT 11
All the enthusiasm of trials riding in the ‘black and white’ days is seen as the late head of the family, Allan Jefferies, tackles a long and tricky section. Back by popular demand will be the main ring Cavalcade in which classic British and European machinery will be paraded, and this year there will even be live music in the venue’s bandstand. Stunning display machines will fill the halls alongside a wide range of trade and jumble plots selling everything from whole machines to rare spares and parts. Whether you agree with the current stratospheric prices for vintage and classic motorcycles or not, the Spring Sale being undertaken by Bonhams auctioneers is bound to bring more gasps of astonishment, and one particular entry – a 1939 Vincent HRD Series-A Rapide that was rescued from scrap – is estimated to reach around £250,000! Tickets bought in advance offer considerable savings – for example a one-day adult ticket costing £10 offers a saving of £3 over the gate price. They can be bought online from classicbikeshows.com or by calling 01507 529529.
Nick Jefferies demonstrates his Scottish Six Days Trial mastery as he manoeuvres a 250cc Yamaha on a slippery surface between two boulders at Callart Falls.
12 NEWS
April 2015
From Foggy to ‘SpringHeeled Jack’ – they’re all at the Prescott Bike Festival!
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f you’re looking for a day out with a difference, drinking in the sights, sounds and smells of historic, classic and racing motorcycles as they tackle the historic Prescott Hill Climb course at Gotherington, near Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, as well as meeting a galaxy of stars, casting your eyes over gleaming display machines, wandering around hundreds of trade stands and helping the vital work of blood bikes into the bargain, you won’t want to miss out on this
year’s Prescott Bike Festival on Sunday, April 12. The list of attractions at this growing event goes on and on, from a Paddock Specials Show ‘n’ Tell area to a stunt show; passenger ride experiences; club, dealer and bike manufacturers’ stands; and live music – all set in one of the most stunning, historic and relaxed motor sport venues in the country. Classic marquees are well represented with the likes of BSA, Rudge, AJS Royal Enfield,
The ‘Speed Demon’ gets his Shuttleworth Snap off the line.
Repeat performance for Peterborough event
Following the success of last year’s inaugural Classic and Vintage Vehicle Show in Peterborough, when around 500 entries, including motorcycles, attracted a crowd of more than 4000, the event will be repeated over the weekend of September 5-6. Once again the venue will be the city’s Embankment, and display vehicles can be registered by visiting www.surveymonkey.com/s/VehicleRegistration
Matchless, Ariel, Norton and Douglas, and among the machines likely to whet your appetite are the prototype 1927 350cc KSS Velocette, known as ‘Spring-Heeled Jack’, a 1963 Manx Norton reverse-head built by Ray Petty, and an RC163 fourcylinder 250cc Honda replica.
Mad machine
Other notable display bikes include a 1962 BSA Rocket Gold Star, one of only 1370 ever built, a 1967 Triumph TR6C Street Scrambler, built for the USA market, and a 1974 Yamaha FS1E ‘Fizzie’. Adding to the fun will be the Madmax Turbine Streetfighter, the world’s first jet turbine streetlegal motorcycle, that recently did an astonishing 224.5mph! Mike West Racing will show off a collection of famous race bikes in the paddock alongside Carlos Checa’s MotoGP Ducati Desmosedici GP5 and 2011 WSBwinning Ducati 1198 F1. Celebrities in attendance will include four times WSB champion Carl Fogarty, three times British Superbike champion and Blood Bike ambassador John Reynolds, David Hailwood, Steve Parrish,
Former World Superbike Star Carl Fogarty will be one of the special guests at the Prescott Bike Festival on April 12.
Charley Boorman and Nick Sanders, who’s ridden around the world seven times. If all that isn’t enough, visitors will be offered a chance of a free test ride on a KTM 1290 Super Adventure, 1190 or 1050 Adventure with the KTM Adventure Fleet Experience, and see the George Formby tribute act from the 1930s film No Limit, including the ‘Speed Demon’ taking to the hill on his ‘Shuttleworth Snap’. All proceeds from the event go to The Nationwide Association of Blood Bikes and Severn Freewheelers. Gates open at 8.30am, with track events starting at 10am. The festival will close at 5pm. Advance tickets cost £12 and are available online at www.prescottbikefestival.co.uk. Gate tickets on the day will cost £15. Children get in free.
BSB tickets to help spinal research In his quest to raise funds for spinal research, former motorcycle racer George Ridgeon has kindly been offered the chance to auction four VIP tickets for UK road-racing events. Honda team boss Neil Tuxworth has provided two Honda VIP tickets for
any British Superbike race, and BMW’s Stuart Hicken has done likewise, along with two signed T-shirts. To make a bid for the tickets, contact George at georgeridgeon@bt internet.com before 2pm on Saturday, April 25.