Off
Road Bike Show 2017.
The
off road bike show has come around again on a cold winters’ morning
in early December. So cold this year that the heating had no effect
and nearly all of us stayed in out door gear all day except the
hardy. James has just returned from his around Britain excursion and
was used to the cold braving Scotland in gales and heavy rain. The
trusty Cub on the stand for all to see. A great achievement by any
standards.
The weather even put off some of the visitors to the show
and it felt like numbers were down a little this year. Still good fun
talking bikes all day. I spent some time going around the displays
and Motoball is back again this year. It’s origins lay in the First
World War when some of the dispatch riders decided it would be a good
idea to use motorcycles to chase the ball and not run after it! Smart
thinking for those who don’t want to run. Motorcycle Football had
its zenith in the twenties and thirties and almost disappeared in the
fifties. The main centre for this seemed to be in the West Country
and as leading light of off road activities was Harry Baughan in
Stroud who organised trials there. His works riders were also
involved in this at the time. Harry was not impressed by one of his
star riders breaking a leg and messing up the teams’ trials
championship efforts that year.
Another
interesting display was the MV Augusta stand and those light weights
were looking a treat. The guy on the stand had recently visited the
Museum and his support is much appreciated.
Wandering around I found
a Brooklands Westlake a 580cc 5 valve ohc single. Looked very much
like a Goldie but was in a Norton International frame using a Norton
gearbox. Outside was the usual stuff. I did see the remains of a
Levis at an incredible price and a purpose built moped from the
thirties.
Some unusual stuff always turns up. This year was no exception and on display was an experimental 175cc single over head camshaft Royal Enfield from 1962.
Lastly I have to
mention Zoe returning for another show to sell her books. I bought
the latest one and need to read it before April when she is due to do
a presentation at the Wey Valley Advanced Motorcycle Club night.
Another lady adventurer having just returned from her travels around
Wales on a 125cc scooter. I’ll report back on the book in the New
Year.
Star
of the show this year was a long track Goldie and, as always, some
well turned out bikes for us to see.
Back
at the Museum on Monday it was not quite so cold and I did sort
though a few magazines for interesting articles and found two on
Military machines. A report from Classic Bike June 1994 about a
Second World War Bike Club and even earlier in Classic Motorcycle
from February 1983 about tracked and single tracked bikes. Even an
early attempt at two wheel drive. All to be discussed later when
there is not much going on.
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