Feet Up, Please” - rockymountaintrials.org

“Feet Up, Please”
By Ron Pocher
Photos by Brenda Savage
The Scottish Six-Day Trial, when not interrupted by world war, has been running right
along since the year 1909, making it the oldest motorcycle trials event in the world. Past
winners include the most recognizable names in the sport. Names like Sammy Miller and
Mick Andrews and Graham Jarvis and no less than three Lampkins.
Miller was the first winner astride a two-stroke, when he claimed the ’65 crown, with
the aide of his prototype 250cc Bultaco. 2007’s top finisher, James Dabill, rode a fourstroke into victory lane for the first time since 1966, when Alan Lampkin came out on top
while aboard his 250cc BSA. Britain’s 12-time world champion, Dougie Lampkin, placed
his Beta on the highest step of the podium in 2009, to claim his fifth crown. Miller,
Andrews and Lampkin complete the five-time winners list of this legendary contest.
Dave Dewoina’s 1958 500cc BSA Gold Star
The Edinburgh & District Motor Club, LTD, the ancient hosting group of the Scottish
Six-Day, enjoyed another important milestone just this past year. 2009 marked their
Silver Jubilee for the almost-as-popular Pre ’65 Scottish Two-Day Trial. This wellattended event, like its Six-Day brethren, turns away many hopeful entrants annually, by
limiting the participant’s roster to just 180 riders. The 25 th running boasted 339
applicants, so no less than 159 weary souls were left dealing with heartbreak.
On the first weekend of each May, trials fanatics are treated to possibly the world’s
grandest collection of extremely rare “feet up” bikes, while witnessing this yearly
spectacle. The big British four-stroke singles: AJS, Ariel, BSA, Matchless, Royal
Enfield, Triumph, and Vellocette are almost always in attendance; while the two-stroke
contingent will include once worthy marques like Cotton, DMW, DOT, Greeves, James,
Wasp, and even the occasional Francis Barnett.
Tony Down’s 1964 199cc Triumph Tiger Cub
The British possess a love for all things old, like golf and their country for instance,
but they aren’t necessarily the only blokes guilty of this weakness. Vintage motorcycles
and their related gatherings are considered rather fine fare in the good ole US of A these
days as well. Don’t just take my word for it though, motor on out to the next AHRMA
event that visits your area, and witness the hoopla firsthand.
AHRMA (American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association) may be the country’s
largest vintage sanctioning organization, but it’s certainly not the “only” game in town.
Regional groups host competitions throughout the nation and all of the clubs seem to be
more than capable. A vintage enthusiast might compete in a wide array of motorcycling
disciplines within the span of a single weekend. Some meets feature roadracing,
motocross, cross-country and trials all at the same venue. One should be able to find
“something” to catch his fancy with a menu like that.
Marty Paulson’s 1949 500cc Rigid BSA Gold Star
American motorcycling icon Dick Mann would probably be considered the country’s
premier restoration expert, especially when mentioning the big British singles, but
accomplished vintage artists are speckled around the states. Rocky Mountain region trials
gurus Bill Brokaw, Mike Buchholz, Hugh Campbell and Tony Down; motocross
collectors Terry Good and Greg Primm; and of course California’s Rick Doughty, of
Vintage Iron fame, are just a handful of gents who come to mind.
Hugh Campbell’s 1967 199cc Triumph Tiger Cub
The still photos accompanying this article were all snapped at an AHRMA two-day
national trials outing held this past summer at the legendary Tucker Ranch in Colorado,
but similar steeds can be ogled at vintage events around the country. Almost all of the
roadrace bikes are exquisite, and the British singles housed in Rickman-Métisse frames
are quite simply breath-taking motocross machines, that sound every bit as good as they
look, so by all means treat yourself to a look-see.
To borrow a marketing phrase from another grand old game, golf, if you just love old
motorbikes, you’ve just got to go!
Mike Buchholz’ Yamaha TY 250cc motor in 1970 DMW frame.