available

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Paradise & Gell has been located on Michael Street in Peel since 1974.
Here you will find a wide range of furnishings to enhance any living
space. Whether you are looking for something contemporary or a more
traditional piece, then look no further than Paradise & Gell.
Page 2
Contents
Page 2
Secretary's Notes
Page 3
Chairman’s Chat
Page 4
Flogger’s Corner
Page 5
IOM VMCC TEST DAY
Page 6
TT Rally 2014
Page 7
Yellow Belly Notes “Rick’s Return”
Page 11 New Members
Page 12 Forthcoming Events
Page 14 A Brief History - Honda Benley Super Sport 125cc CB92
Page 22 Book Review - ON AIR
Page 24 Trial Report 2013 and Results
Page 30 A Moment in Time…
Page 33 Rider Profile No. 22 - E. Lyons
Page 34 Monkeys!
Page 36 50s Revival
Editor: Harley Richards [email protected]
Cover Picture:- TT Rally 1977 - is it too much to hope for the same
weather and turnout this year? Photo: - Fottofinders
Page 1
Secretary’s Notes
The Section has, in my view, had the most successful year in its history. Membership has grown to over 250 full members and we have offered a full calendar of
Club Nights, Road Runs, special events and Trials. On top of this we ran a
successful T.T. Rally, VMCC Festival of Jurby and the MGP Rally (which included
the new event at Tynwald).
The Section’s finances are in exceptional condition and 2014 will see further
growth. One of the legacies that the present regime would like to make possible,
before we hand on to the next entrepreneurial Committee, is the purchase of a parcel
of land that could be used by the VMCC Trials Section but also could be hired out
to other Trials Clubs thereby generating income to support maintenance etc.
During 2013 the Section won an award, organised by the Tourism Department, for
the “Best Event in 2013”. The award was presented to Richard Birch and myself by
Laurence Skelly MHK for the work that the VMCC IOM Section has done in
building up the VMCC Festival of Jurby.
Chris Procter and I continue to attend the Manx Historic Vehicle Clubs Association
committee meetings and have made useful contacts with other car, tractor and
motorcycle clubs with which hitherto there was no involvement.
Our Section has made contact with various Ministers during 2013, making them
aware of our work and lobbying on behalf of our members. We also represented the
Government and VMCC at the Stafford Bike Show in April 2013, to assist the Dept
of Economic Development in the publicity for the first Classic TT Races. This
resulted in a significant increase in numbers attending the Festival of Motorcycling
showing what can happen when the VMCC, DED, MMCC and the two Trials Clubs
work in partnership.
Finally, we are so lucky to be allowed to use the facility at Knock Froy. Without
Kevin and his team putting up with us, we would struggle to find any alternative,
suitable, surroundings. Where else could you get sausage, chips and bread and
butter for £1.50 as well as a big screen and all the computer equipment one could
ever need? We owe a great big thank you to Kevin, and the Peveril Motor Cycle
Club.
Tony
Page 2
Chairman’s chat
Let’s start off on a positive note.
We have had a number of winter events and activities over the past three months,
all of which were well attended and enjoyed. Having just had the section’s AGM
I am pleased to tell you that the meeting went off well and that last year’s full
committee was returned with the welcome addition of Jim Crooke on the Events
Committee.
Tony East gave a full account of our activities throughout 2013 and overall
performance. This was followed up by a detailed summary of our accounts and
financial position from Treasurer Rupert Murden, from which there were no
comments and the report was accepted unanimously. The formalities out of the
way, the evening was rounded off by a talk from Geoff Brazendale on the joys
of Vintage and Veteran motorcycles - which we all enjoyed. All this, of course,
is not news to those who attended the evening and, to the other local members
not present, why not come along and enjoy an evening with us at Knock Froy or
even a road run or two throughout the summer? The runs are nothing too
strenuous for rider or machine, and there are guaranteed finishing refreshments.
We are planning a visit to the main VMCC annual general meeting in early April
in order to air our views. I do not think this will be a pleasant meeting, with a lot
of criticism anticipated with regard to the club’s activities and current financial
position. My concern is that this will lead to a great deal of bad feeling and
carping from a vociferous few.
From my point of view, I am well aware that it is very easy to criticise other
people’s efforts and denigrate their position. As in all walks of life, the VMCC
will have its problems but I am sure everyone who runs our organisation, many
of whom are volunteers, have tried their collective best on our behalf. Running
a large business, and the VMCC is a large business, is difficult.
If you have any views or other comments on any subject, please let us have your
thoughts in the magazine, I am sure Harley will be glad of your contribution.
Safe Riding
Richard
Page 3
Flogger’s Corner
Dick Hodge (Tel 611411 or email [email protected])
is having a clear out....
1978 Honda CB550F2
Super Sport CB 550/4 with original Candy Blue paint. 54,700 miles, crash
bars otherwise completely standard. New front tyre, battery, oil, chain, inlet
rubbers, cables, front pads and complete exhaust etc.
Ready for
2014….£2,400.
Concours BSA RGS Replica 650 Twin – probably the best one anywhere.
The Frame & Engine were built by John Gleed who worked with Eddie Dow
at Banbury (where the RGS was invented) for all those RGS years…and still
lives in the area. The engine has a Spitfire camshaft and strengthened valve
seats for unleaded petrol. Fitted with a high output Oil Pump. Bob Newby
toothed belt for the Primary clutch drive – no chaincase drips!!! A 5 speed
close ratio gearbox from Steve Tonkin. A Lucas Wader Competition Magneto with Auto Timing Device for Advance/Retard. High output 12v dynamo
charging twin 6v Cyclone batteries in series. The front stopper is a 4 leading
shoe Grimeca front hub / brake which works very well…!! Double damped
front forks, re-conditioned Rev Counter & Speedo. ‘Straight or flat’ Norton
bars with Amal alloy levers, Alloy wheel rims, stainless spokes, rear set
footrests. The frame was first registered in 1955 and used in the Isle of
Man with the IoM registration BMN 650. The bike was ridden as the lead
Marshal’s bike in the 2011 Festival of Jurby in August 2011. It goes like
stink…..and stops extremely well. In fact, the entire specification is simply
the best. It is an enjoyable hooligan machine!! That also starts well…..
£9,000
1983 Honda CB1100RD
Registered 1100 MAN – completely original, pearlescent paint and very
desirable these days. 17k miles. Very complete with original manual,
documents wallet, two keys, toolkit, stand, cover and so on…..plus a new
spare battery. One of the very best – I started the 1100R Club over 30 years
ago!! £10,000 for an IoM sale.
Page 4
The Isle of Man VMCC Test Day
The Section is pleased to invite all VMCC members to a Test
Day at the Jurby circuit on Saturday the 19th of April. So, if
you’re nearing the end of a Winter rebuild or restoration, this
would be an ideal opportunity for some gentle running in and
fettling time, without having to contend with other road users.
· The circuit will be open from 10am to 4pm.
· You must produce a full driving licence and current VMCC
membership card to take part.
· Sessions will be 10-15 minutes long and every attempt will
be made to ensure bikes of equivalent performance are on
track together.
· Bikes must be at least 25 years old but need not be road
registered.
· Food and drink will be available throughout the day.
· Helmets must be ACU Gold stamped (or equivalent).
· Leathers are not compulsory but clothing should be
“sturdy” – anyone wearing jeans (armoured or otherwise)
will not be allowed on track.
· There is no cost for taking part, it is FREE!
· Insurance is not provided. If in doubt, please check your
own policy before taking part.
· Hopefully, there will be vintage machines available for
testing.
· This is a Test Day – not a Track Day!
If you have any questions, please ring Harley on 626752
(after 7pm) or email at [email protected]
Page 5
2014 - TT RALLY
-
Regulations and entry forms for the Rally are now available.
-
Volunteer marshals/ stewards are needed for events happening during the Rally, in particular the Castletown Square event which will
be taking place on Thursday the 5th of June (as anyone attending this
event in previous years will know, clearing the square and keeping it
clear from unauthorised parking is a major exercise in itself). All help
is much appreciated, even if it is for just one event.
-
This year, non-rally entrants are being offered the opportunity to
display their bikes at the Castletown event. There are a limited
number of “guest rider” spaces available so pre-registration is essential.
-
Bikes not displaying a number (either a rally entrant or “guest rider”)
will not be allowed into the square.
-
If you would like to enter the rally, register as a “guest rider” for the
Castletown event or offer your services as a marshal / steward, please
contact Brian Ward on [email protected] or 419353 between
9:30am and 7:30pm, no later than 1 week before the date of the event.
Transport Available
I am travelling down to Brooklands on the weekend of 19th July 2014 for
the Cotton 100th anniversary event (I understand it is open to Cotton and
Levis machines).
I have space in the van for one bike and rider, if anyone else was planning
on making the trip.
Peter Hindley: 472739
Page 6
Rick’s Return
Yellow Belly Notes
That most useful reference book “The History of the Manx Grand Prix
1923-1998” by Bill Snelling and the late Peter Kneale, records that, in the
1984 Newcomers’ race, Richard Saville finished in 19th place, riding a
Yamaha. In 2013 the records will show that, after a twenty nine year break,
the same rider returned and finished in 30th position in the Super Twin race
(on a Suzuki) and in 52nd place in the Junior race (on a Honda). His average
speeds were 94.825 and 101.57 respectively. The 1984 programme described Rick as a 25 year-old engineering fitter from Grimsby, riding as a
member of the Louth & District M.C.C.. If a similar profile had been
included in the 2013 programme it might have read: Rick, a 54 year-old
engineering fitter from Grimsby, an active member of the Louth 2 O’Clock
Club.
1984, with assistance from the the Glen Mona Hotel
(and still bearing the 1984 photo’s purchase number!))
Page 7
In Issue 32 of Vintage Mann I mentioned the workshop used as a gathering
place for Yellow Belly Racers, known as the 2 O’Clock Club. Rick used to
turn up on an immaculate Suzuki GSXR750 and, when switched off, it
would make tell-tale pinging noises as though the engine had been having a
hard time, and there was certainly “heat in the tyres”! Then, one day in 2011
Rick said that he was going to resume racing and was willing to go through
the procedures required to acquire a new ACU license.
He had bought an old, steel- framed, CBR 600 Honda and would be racing
with Auto 66, Derby Phoenix and any other clubs which had classes for older
machines. He progressed through the stages to national status in rapid
fashion, winning a Club Championship along the way.
His progress was not entirely without incident however. I recall standing
outside the Cadwell Park Café/Clubhouse with Rick’s wife, Jackie, watching
him make his way through the field from a back row start. While flat out at
the end of the start/finish straight, instead of making the left hand uphill turn
at Coppice, he ploughed straight into the grass! Jackie and I just looked at
each other saying “What did he do that for?” He had, in fact, missed a gear
and, were it not for his extensive experience as an enduro rider, would have
been in all sorts of trouble at that speed. Instead, he received a standing
ovation from the marshalls when he re-joined the race at Park corner.
When Rick said that he was going to return to the MGP, the host of the 2
O’Clock Club, Owen George, instantly proposed building a companion bike
to the Honda in the form of
a super twin racer using a
Suzuki engine and a one-off
home-made frame. Several
blow-ups followed, but
Rick set off for the Island
with a stock engine bought
on E-bay! In 1984, Rick
kept a record of his expenses and it shows that the entry fee was £70 and that the
ferry tickets cost a heady
£75.
Page 8
Rick’s 1984 Racing Expenses Records – racing has never been cheap!
Allowing for inflation, the 2013 campaign was equally expensive but, no
matter, the lure of the MGP had once more worked its magic and a Kawasaki
has been purchased for the 2014 MGP.
The 2 O’Clock Club members have already booked ferry tickets/ accommodation and Rick has nothing but praise for the Manx Motor Cycle Club for
making his return, after twenty nine years, so enjoyable.
Page 9
Rick’s return - Laurel Bank 2013
Pat Sproston, Louth, Lincolnshire
Page 10
A hearty welcome to these fourteen new members:John Edward Bate - 17 Cooil Roi, Laxey, IM4 7NU
Brian Kinrade - 23 Seaview Road, Onchan, IM3 4AQ
John Dickenson - The Laurels, Croit E Quill Road, Laxey, IM4 7JD
Rich Hawkins – Sunrise, Main Road, Foxdale, IM4 3EP
John Holt - Three Gables, Nassau Road, Regaby, IM7 4AL
Keith Thompson – Jalloo, Maughold, IM7 1AT
Geoff Griffiths – Antrim, South Cape, Laxey, IM4 7HY
Gillian & Martin Courage - 17 Derby Square, Douglas, IM1 3LS
Andrew Murdoch - 3 Rheast Mooar Close, Ramsey, IM8 3LT
Kevin Moore - 17 Albany Road, Peel, IM5 1JS
Christopher Bridson - 29 Glenvine Park, Glenvine, Marown, IM4 4EY
John Welsh - 4 Upper Dukes Road, Douglas, IM2 4BA
Michael Smith – Wychwood, Glen Road, Laxey, IM4 7AJ
Page 11
April 10th Club Night. Bring and Buy. Knock Froy. 8.00pm
April 13th Road Run. Old Laxey Harbour followed by Tea Party
(Organiser Jim Crook). 1.45 for 2.00pm
th
April 19
Test Day. Jurby Circuit. 10.00am to 4.00pm
th
April 20
Trial. Scarlett. Start: 2.00pm
th
May 4
Road Run. Bob Thomas Memorial Run from TT Grandstand
(Organiser Paul Bolster). 1.45 for 2.00pm
May 14th Road Run. Start location TBA. 7.15 for 7.30pm.
Ends with fish and chip supper!
May 17th Trial. Geoff Cannell Memorial Trial, Bimson Field
(please note: this is a SATURDAY). Start: 2.00pm
th
May 29 – June 5th TT Rally. (Organisers Brian Ward and Jim Crook)
June 8th
Road Run. Harold Rowell Memorial Road Run from
TT Grandstand (Organiser Ken Blackburn). 1.45 for 2.00pm
June 18th Road Run. Start location TBA. 7.15 for 7.30pm
Page 12
Page 13
In 1954, Mr Honda had visited the Isle of Man to see the TT for himself,
and photographed a lot of motorcycles while he was here. His goal: to
have a Japanese motorcycle and rider win a TT. To help achieve that
goal, a company racing club for training riders was formed by Honda
in 1958. It was called HSC (Honda Speed Club).
A pre-production racing motorcycle was to be made by the members of
HSC. They wanted to make the frame from tube but this was rejected by Mr
Kawashima (later to be president of Honda), so a pressed steel frame was
chosen, very similar in design to the NSU Sports (Pic 1).
Pic 1
Bizarrely (to Western eyes at least), the fuel tank was to take the shape of a
Shinto temple. This pre-production bike, code number CB90, also boasted a
square head light, straight through megas and leading link forks. With a
single overhead camshaft, twin cylinders, single carb and no starter motor,
this engine would rev to 10,000 rpm with 15bhp. None of these pre-production Honda Benlys are known to exist.
In early 1959, the Honda Benly Super Sport went into limited production
with a 150cc engine, code number CB95 (the word “Benly” meaning
“Handy, useful or convenient” in Japanese). Very few CB95s were made,
and the engine was subsequently scaled down to 125cc for later bikes, which
Page 14
would be known as CB92s. The pre-production CB92s (made between
February to April 1959) sported alloy rims, adjustable shocks, a starter
motor, 8” tls front brake, 8” single rear, magnesium alloy hubs, large ball end
levers, and single knee grips as per the CB90 (Pic 2).
Pic 2
All CB95s and CB92s were manufactured at the Honda Hamamatsu plant
with CB92 production running until 1964.
March 1960 saw the CB92 going into mass production. The bike was
initially to be exported to the Far East, Australia, North America and Europe.
This was the first time the Honda Benly Super Sports had been seen outside
Japan. The Honda team racers used CB92s to learn the course for the 125cc
TT in 1959, run on the Clypse Course in
Onchan. One can only imagine what
other racers and spectators made of these
technically advanced machines being
used for such humdrum activities.
The 1959 bikes had an alloy tank (with a
screw top and large wraparound tank
rubber), mud flaps front and rear, ace
bars and a three point bolt fixing for the
handlebar clamp (a full race kit was
available if you wanted to go racing (Pic
3) but first you had to find one!).
Page 15
After practice for the 1959 TT, it was deemed that the 3 point fixing was not
strong enough to hold the bars firmly in place. Honda put a recall on these
early bikes to fit a more traditional 4 bolt fixing to them. It was thought that
all the three bolt fixings were lost, but
one belonging to a
motorcycle collector
in Japan, Mr Obitus
san, was found in
1991. The bike had
not been sent in for
recall, making it very
probably a unique
survivor. (Pic 4 -Photo by Yeasu PublishPic 4
ing).
In America, Honda Motor Co. Inc LA California was the first dealership to
be opened in the USA (Pic 5). It was run by Bill Hunt, who had ridden an
RC141 in the 1959 TT, falling on Lap 2. Responding to local demands for
off-road machinery, Honda America made a Benly
Pic 5
Super Sport CB92
in scrambles trim
with a 150cc top
end.
CB92s were again
entered in the
1961 TT. RE
Rowe rode one to
finish 22nd while
Mike Hailwood
won on a works
125 – not a Japanese rider but
Honda’s first TT
win.
Page 16
In the 1962 TT, the late David Weightman rode a race-kitted CB92 in the
125 class and finished 18th. Further proof, if it was needed, of the CB92’s
racing pedigree.
Given its role as Super Sports model, it is unsurprising that a lot of racing
specials have been made over the years using the CB92 as raw material. Bill
Ivy raced a CB92, with telescopic forks and a right hand gear change, for
Chisholm Bros (owned by John Pitt, the bike completed a parade lap in the
2007 TT – Pic 6). As well as racing a stock CB92, the late Tony Milk also
campaigned a Cotton-framed CB92 (Pic 7).
Pic7
Pic 6
Page 17
While a CB92 will make a perfectly acceptable road bike today (and something any learner would be proud to own), a full restoration is likely to be
anything but straightforward. The overall look of the bike may not have
changed greatly but changes throughout the production run mean a period
correct finish will require close attention to detail.
For example, 1962 saw the introduction of steel fuel tanks, rear brake torque
arm and mudguards (in place of alloy units), the filler cap came in stainless
steel, the engine acquired a breather from the rear of the crank case to the
head top plate, spark plugs were changed from 10mm to 12mm, seamless
silencers became seamed and the speedo was manufactured by Nippon rather
than Yazaki.
More changes came in
1964 when the engine
gained alloy barrels fitted
with cast iron inserts, the
seat acquired a strap, the
brake and clutch levers
were now the same as fitted
to the CB72 (the 250cc
twin), the oil filter cover
had a Honda logo, the rear
number plate bracket was
extended to an upright position and featured a bigger
lens “Made by Stanley”.
The 1964 frame also had a
different pressing just under the fuel tank.
Needless to say, there will
always be arguments regarding detail and finish on
the CB92, as it was constantly updated throughout
its production run (Pics 8 –
10).
Page 18
What can be said with a degree of certainty however is that CB92s came in
light blue for 1959/ 61, dark blue between 1961 and 1964, and red between
1963 and 1964. Black bikes were listed in sales brochures, but probably only
early machines exported to the Far East and America were actually delivered
in that colour.
Judging from the engine numbers about 18,800 CB92s were made in total
but they are a rare sight on the roads these days. There is one on the IoM (of
course!) and they are still sought after in Japan. Kozo Kadamoto runs the
CB92 Benly Super Club and there are currently 17 members with bikes on
the road (Pic 11: Kozo’s own CB92 is fourth from the right, Kozo is wearing
the striped shirt!).
Pic 11
Finally, Pic 12 shows the
author with his CB92 and
Mr Honda – proof, if it was
needed, that these are cool
bikes!
John Dalton
Pic 12
Page 19
WE PRINT
6x4 / 7x5 / 8x6
Peel Copy Centre
YOUR PHOTOS
Page 20
1 Atholl Place
Peel, IM5 1HE
Tel: 843889
[email protected]
Page 21
BOOK REVIEW
By Jonathan Hill
In the 1960s motocross became a TV phenomenon! At its peak, the
BBC TV Grandstand Trophy programme was watched by millions of
viewers every Saturday afternoon throughout the winter months, and
it became a sensation for spectators and riders alike.
Page 22
ABC, the independent broadcasters, were televising winter scrambles (as
they were then known), from as early as 1957, from northern and Midlands
venues. Although they had flirted with coverage of both scrambles and trials
in the 50s, it was not until they started to lose viewing figures to ITV that
young producer Brian Johnson suggested the BBC could make a better job
of it.
Changing the name of the sport to the continental one of “motocross”, the
first BBC Grandstand Trophy series was broadcast nationwide in 1963. A
new sport was suddenly brought to millions of armchair viewers, making
household names of former radio broadcaster Murray Walker and riders such
as Dave Bickers, Jeff Smith, Arthur Lampkin, John Burton, Chris Horsfield,
Brian Goss, Vic Eastwood, Dave Nicoll, John Banks, Alan Clough - and
many more. This book tells the story of the races and the riders and how
motocross came to be such a huge success on TV. Motocross on Air covers
the complete series of races from their inception in1963 to the end of the
series in 1970.
Each and every race is described in a way which fully details the challenge,
excitement and fun of the racing itself. It includes all the results, inside
stories about the leading riders, and some of the best motocross photos ever
taken – over 350, mostly published here for the first time. The book also
weaves into the story some of the era’s more memorable popular culture
moments; from the new and different TV programmes hitting the nation’s
screens to the Beatles and the moon landing - a real walk down memory lane.
It’s hard to imagine now but, in terms of prestige, lifting the Grandstand
Trophy was second only to winning the National Championship for a rider,
it gave both riders and the motorcycle manufacturers alike the invaluable
oxygen of publicity. An excellent read, highly recommended.
The BBC Grandstand Trophy 1963 to 1970
Author: Ian Berry - Forwards by Dave Bickers and Murray Walker
Published by Panther Publishing Ltd, 10 Limes Avenue, High Wycombe,
Bucks HP11 1DP Tel.: 01494 534778
E-mail: [email protected]
www.panther-publishing.com
Gatefold cover, 210mm x 235mm, 308 pages, over 350 photographs
ISBN 978-1-909213-13-5
£24.95 (inc. UK p&p) when ordered from Panther Publishing
Page 23
2013 TRIAL REPORT
The 2013 season started in January at Scarlett on the seaside rocks in
the South of the Island. A freezing cold inshore wind saw some observers substituted during the event, but the competition was hot with Steve
Lace (Cub) just winning from last year’s champ, Jim Davidson (Cub).
On the easier B route Mike Ellis (Kawasaki) got his campaign off to the
best start.
South Barrule in February, and Shaun Huxley cleaned the trial on his James,
to start making up for a broken clutch cable which had sidelined him at the
January trial. Mike Ellis (Kawasaki) again dominated the B route.
The Annual Handicap trial was in
March at Ballagarraghyn and, with the
handicap advantage,
old friends Peter
Blackburn
(Cub)
and Andy Sykes
(Rigid BSA) came
to the top of the list.
Andy took top honours by one mark.
Andy Sykes on his Rigid BSA Bantam at the South Barrule
trial in February
Page 24
A bright sunny day
in April, and round
three in Arrasey
Plantation provided
the A class with another winner: Jim
Davidson
(Cub).
Jim lost just one
mark with Shaun
Huxley on two, and a rarely appearing Kevin Whiteway (Fantic) on four.
The B route also saw a different winner, with Andy Sykes (Rigid BSA) only
losing one mark.
Shaun Huxley on his James in the October trial
In May we had the Geoff Cannell Memorial Trial on the banks at Bims Field.
Shaun Huxley won the A route by one mark from Phil Ward (Bultaco). The
B route honours going to Dave Haynes on his sweet sounding Triumph twin.
After the traditional summer break, we were at the Southern Club Carnagrie
venue in August. It was close on marks in both classes, but Steve Lace and
Mike Ellis won the A and B routes respectively, placing both well ahead in
their championships at the half way point.
After a late cancellation of the scheduled September event at Balure Plantation, the month’s trial took place two weeks later at Old Stoney Mountain
Page 25
with a lot of regulars missing due to prior commitments. However, Steve
Lace further added to his advantage, winning the A route. Dave Haynes
(Triumph) comfortably getting the points for B route.
Round six in October at Pooilvaaish looked like a comeback for Jim Davidson who was given the win on the score cards but, very honourably, Jim
asked for an unseen five to be added to his score. This handed the win to
Shaun Huxley. B route win was a return to form for Andy Sykes.
Jim Davidson at the October trial when he asked for five marks to be added to his score
Page 26
Pic 1
Pic 2
Pic 3
Page 27
The Dhoon trial was uncomfortable for riders and observers
alike with rain, rain and more
rain. Least bothered seemingly,
were Shaun Huxley, comfortably winning his class, and Andy
Sykes, who cleaned the B route.
A good ride here by Steve Taylor who dropped only three on
his Honda.
54 riders turned up in December
for the decider AKA "The Mince
Pie Trial" in the mud at Knock
Froy, with excellent slippery
climbs, cambers and tree roots.
A good morning’s rain had made
all the sections “just right”. On
the day, Shaun Huxley was the
deserved winner of the A route,
also securing the class championship in the process. Second on
the day gave Jim Davidson third
place overall, and third on the
day gave Steve Lace the runnerup title. The B class could have
gone to either Mike Ellis, who
had led from the start, or Andy
Sykes who was playing catch
up. Though their performances
were similar, it was a mistake by
Mike that gave Andy the chance
to take the day, and the championship. Dave Haynes was also
in contention on the day and
took third in the final table. Pic1
In the Invitation, Sam Ansermoz (Gas Gas) (Pic 2) beat best buddy Nick
Warburton (Montesa) not all, but most of, the time, to take the A class. B
route Invitation had a different winner for every trial, so it was the consistency of Phil Pemberton (Gas Gas) that won him the class. Youth A was well
sewn up by Ashley Gardner (Gas Gas), while Fraser Heginson (Gas Gas)
equally dominated the Youth B (Pic 3).
The season saw over 130 different riders taking part, drawn by the sensible,
safe but challenging sections laid out by Shaun Seal. On behalf of all the
130+, a BIG thank you to Shaun and his team (Geoff, Mike, Brent, Kevin
and Andy) and all the observers who braved the weather to bring us another
10 super trials, here's to 2014!
Andy Sykes – Photos by Juan Brain
FINAL RESULTS
VINTAGE CLUB TRIALS 2013
Vintage A
1. Shaun Huxley
2. Steve Lace
3. Jim Davidson
Vintage B
1. Andy Sykes
2. Mike Ellis
3. David Haynes
Best Four Stroke
Steve Lace
Best Two Stroke
Shaun Huxley
Handicap Trial
Andy Sykes
Geoff Cannell Trial
Shaun Huxley
Invite A
1. Sam Ansermoz
2. Nick Warburton
3. Daniel Smith
Invite B
1. Phil Pemberton
2. Gary Brain
3. Jade Corrin
Youth A
Ashley Gardner
Youth B
Frazer Heginson
Page 28
2014 TRIALS RESULTS
South Barrule Quarry - 19/1/14
VMCC Members A route
1. Phil Ward (Bultaco) 2 marks lost
2. Shaun Huxley (James) 6
3. Steve Lace (Triumph) 8
4. Jim Davidson (Triumph) 8
5. Brent Seal (Yamaha) 12
6. David Haynes (Triumph) 43
7. Mike Ellis (Kawasaki) 56
VMCC Members B route
1. Brian Kinrade (Fantic) 1
2. Ian Sleight (Honda) 15
3. Stuart Robertson (Suzuki) 48
4. Jon Duncan (Yamaha) 52
Invitation A route
1. Russell Millward (Honda) 0
2. Sam Ansermoz (Gas Gas) 1
3. Nick Warburton (Montesa 4RT) 1
4. Mattie Lund 1
5. Daniel Smith (Montesa 4RT) 2
6. Gwilym Hooson-Own (Fantic) 3
7. Mike Turner (Gas Gas) 3
8. Sammy Ball (Fantic) 6
9. Graham Christian 6
10. Paul Smith (Fantic) 8
11. Geoff Griffiths (Fantic) 8
12. Tom Cairns (Gas Gas) 8
13. Paul Ansermoz (Gas Gas) 14
14. Mike Stevens (Gas Gas) 16
15. Nigel Woods (Honda) 19
16. Ian Lees (Yamaha) 19
17. Andy Wilson (Fantic) 21
18. Aaron Peniata (Fantic) 21
19. Paul Wilcock (Gas Gas) 22
20. Jason Whittaker (Beta) 25
21. Neil Kerruish (Yamaha) 27
22. Sophie-May Hardie (Gas Gas) 27
23. Keith Thompson (Scorpa) 49
Invitation B route
1. Juan Brain (Honda) (oldest bike) 2
2. Conor Cummins (Fantic) 2
3. Andy Sykes (Rigid BSA) 5
4. Paul Doherty (Yamaha) 9
5. Jade Corrin (Gas Gas) 15
6. Chris Palmer (Sherco) 16
7. Billy Booth (Gas Gas) 22
8. Peter Peniata (Yamaha) 23
9. Mark Wilson (Scorpa) 32
10. Liz Childerley 57
Handicap Trial
Ballagarraghyn 16/2/14
VMCC Members:
1. Andy Sykes (Rigid BSA) 33
2. David Haynes (Triumph) 57
3. Phil Ward (Bultaco) 62
4. Shaun Huxley (James) 63
5. Steve Lace (Triumph) 63
6. Mike Ellis (Kawasaki) 78
7. Brian Kinrade (Fantic) 87
8. Geoff Griffiths (Honda) 91
9. Jon Duncan (Yamaha) 97
10. Steve Taylor (Honda) 109
11. Keith Thompson (Scorpa) 126
12. Chris Bridson (Scorpa) 130
13. Michael Ulyatt (Yamaha) 139
Invitation Class:
1. Stuey Clague (Fantic) 64
2. Gary Dudley (Yamaha) 73
3. Paul Doherty (Yamaha) 74
4. Nigel Woods (Honda) 80
5. David Craine (Honda) 83
6. Paul Ansermoz (Fantic) 89
7. Brian Bedford (BSA) 94
8. Paul Smith (Montesa) 110
9. Mark Wilson (Scorpa) 118
10. Phil Pemberton Gas Gas 119
11. Kieran Peters (Beta) 122
12. Nick Warburton (Montesa) 128
13. Ali Robertson (Montesa) 128
14. Sam Ansermoz (Gas Gas) 130
15. Billy Booth (Gas Gas) 132
16. Jade Corrin (Gas Gas) 135
17. Liz Childerley (Beta) 139
18. Marcus Simpson (Sherco) 164
VMCC Members B route
1. Jon Duncan (Yamaha) 44
2. Steve Taylor (Honda) 52
3. Michael Ulyatt (Yamaha) 60
4. Alastair Robertson (Montesa) 76
Invitation A route
1. Colin Scarffe (Triumph) 2
2. Daniel Smith (Triumph) 3
3. Sam Ansermoz (Gas Gas) 5 (31 cleans)
4. Nick Warburton (Montesa) 5 (30 cleans)
5. Sammy Ball (Fantic) 10
6. Nigel Woods (Honda) 12
7. Paul Smith (Fantic) 15 (25 cleans)
8. Mike Stevens (Gas Gas) 15 (23 cleans)
9. Mark Moyer (Honda) 24
10. Alan Lund (Fantic) 30
11. Jason Whittaker (Beta) 35
12. Keith Thompson (Scorpa) 37
13. Paul Ansermoz (Fantic) 39
14. Andy Wilson (Fantic) 40
15. Peter Clague (Gas Gas) 45
16. Jade Corrin (Gas Gas) 49 (15 cleans)
17. Robert Clague (Sherco) 49 (14 cleans)
Invitation B:
1. Paul Doherty (Yamaha) 5
2. Andy Sykes (Rigid BSA) 8
3. Juan Brain (Yamaha) 19 (26 cleans)
4. Billy Booth (Gas Gas) 19 (21 cleans)
5. Chris Palmer (Sherco) 24
6. Jonathan Watts (Scorpa) 30
7. Trevor Denning (Yamaha) 31
8. Martin Booth (Sherco) 37
9. Curtis Kelly (Beta) 52
10. Mike Vinton (Sherco) 55
Youth Invitation A route
1. Fraser Heginson (Gas Gas) 54
Arrasey Plantation - 16/03/14
VMCC Members A route
1. Steve Lace (Triumph) 1 mark lost
2. Phil Ward (Bultaco) 2
3. Graham Thomas (Honda) 7
4. Shaun Huxley (James) 12 (27
cleans)
5. Brent Seal (Yamaha) 12 (26 cleans)
6. Chas Watson (Honda) 22
7. Brian Kinrade (Fantic) 56
8. Mike Ellis (Kawasaki) 63
9. David Haynes (Triumph) 71
Youth Invitation B route
1. Josh Blackburn (Beta) 14
2. Dylan Groom (Beta) 15
3. Jason Turner (Gas Gas) 17
Page 29
Youth Invitation B route
1. Josh Blackburn (Beta) 16
2. Matthew Cairns (Beta) 48
A Moment in Time….
A great ride doesn't have to be an expensive, pan-continental production. Sometimes, it's about a state of mind, and timing. Les Austin
recollects a never-to-be-repeated outing around the TT circuit.
New Year's Eve 1999. At about a quarter to midnight, I sent my last email
and prepared to shut down, reasoning that this was the only way of avoiding
those nasty millennium bugs which, we were assured, were lurking out there.
At ten minutes before midnight, I put on my bike gear, started the V (or
should that be "L"?) twin Ducati engine, and trickled quietly (a relative term)
down to the seashore to warm it up a little. As I made my way to Kirk
Michael, I saw that the sky was crystal clear and filled with as many stars as
I had ever seen. The rain which had been falling before I left home had
stopped, but the roads were still wet.
I watched the fireworks being set off all over the village, changing the
darkness to sporadic pseudo-daylight. At midnight precisely, there were
more fireworks, and I rode off for what I intended to be the first lap of the
TT course in the third millennium. I was watching my speed because, quite
apart from possible careless revellers, I was aware that bobbies had been
placed at many strategic points around the Island, just in case the dreaded
millennium bug should strike!
Strange as it may seem, whilst I ride my bike most days, I had not done a
complete lap for at least ten years. I always seem to have other places to go
and I make a point of avoiding the traditional June jamboree, when not only
are the visitors crazy, but most of the locals appear to go mad as well, rather
like cattle when the farmer lets them out for the first time in Spring. Steadily
through Kirk Michael village, past Rhen Cullen, I opened the bike up a bit
beyond Bishop's Court and onwards towards Ballaugh. I saw my first
oncoming car, its headlights all but drowned out by a sky lit by fireworks.
Damn! I ran into what looked like thick fog but the smell gave it away as
smoke from the incendiaries. Easy does it over the bridge as there were
people about, but no sign of the bobby.
Page 30
I backed off slightly when I saw a
road sign that warned of a
"FLOOD", but there was only a
small puddle to be seen. I accelerated as far as Quarry Bends, then
eased off again for the incompletely resurfaced roadworks.
From the Sulby Glen Hotel came
continuous 30, 40, or 50mph limits which would restrict my speed
right through to Ramsey hairpin.
Revellers were out and about in
Sulby village, waving at anyone
passing by; I gave then an (illegal?) toot on the horn, and then on
round the bridge and past Ginger
Hall. Into Kerrowmoar, and the
fireworks here were so bright I
Les could probably have switched off
the lights and not noticed. I saw
my second car of the trip; this time a taxi, no doubt earning a healthy crust!
Arriving at Ramsey, I dutifully stopped at the "Stop" sign and then was away
up May Hill. I overtook my first vehicle on the trip before reaching the
Hairpin, a BMW, with four wheels not two.
Once past the Hairpin, and past the speed limits, I accelerated a bit again
towards the Waterworks and the Gooseneck, on and up. It was very windy,
but it eased off only to be replaced, somewhere around the Black Hut, by
really thick mist - time to slow right down. I spied a large hare wandering
from the centre of the road to the offside verge, quite unconcerned by my
appearance. The visibility improved as I climbed but then, at the Bungalow,
more light mist came down.
There were a few oncoming cars by this stage, obviously escaping from
Douglas, but otherwise it was eerily deserted. All was clear again at Windy
Corner, but I discovered the wind had actually moved a little further down
the track. On past Kate's, and down to the Creg.
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I rolled into Onchan, giving precedence to a car pulling out from the right. I
noticed his registration was **N888* and I pondered for a moment that it
was a pity I didn't have a bike to go with that number. Governor's, Grandstand, and stop for the traffic lights. Still no bobbies to be seen anywhere.
Away from the lights and off down Bray Hill towards Quarter Bridge.
Being familiar with this section of the track, even under dark and damp
conditions, I was able to hurry along a bit. Through Braddan, Union Mills
and Glen Vine, I started to see the remainders of trees by the roadside,
dozens had been blown down over Christmas. The lamps marking the debris
had all gone now, so I kept my eyes open for any wooden hazards. Arriving
in Crosby, I had the first definite sighting of a bobby and my speed was
adjusted accordingly. Speed was readjusted upwards past the Halfway
House and the Highlander, but eased back again with the appearance of more
tree stumps through Ballacraine and Ballig.
Approaching Glen Helen, I noticed the verges were white. I thought it was
just a heavy due but later realised I was riding through a frost hollow,
fortunately the threat of tree debris had kept me at a steady pace through that
section.
Up towards Sarah's, and the temperature was noticeably rising. Time to turn
on the taps, and I overtook a lone car on Cronk-y-Voddy. Caution was still
very much the order of the day however and I gave a wide berth to someone
pulling into a driveway; judging from the bright glow they looked to have a
big bonfire going there. Then it was fast to Handleys, off down Barregarrow
and back to Douglas road corner again. Fifty minutes at an average 45mph,
not in Joey's league, but it was not run under ideal conditions, and behind an
old Italian headlight. Nevertheless, I maintain this was the first lap of the TT
course in the third millennium!
However, very early in 2000 (one o'clock to be precise), I woke the computer
from its slumbers - reasoning that any millennium bugs should have made
themselves scarce for another 1,000 years. At five past one, the lights
flickered, and there was a power cut! I can't remember the last power cut, so
quite obviously not all millennium bugs work to the same calendar!
Les Austin - Photo by Maria Hill
Page 32
E. Lyons – Rider Profile No.22
Ernie Lyons, born 5th March 1914 (100 years ago),
made his Isle of Man debut in 1938, he was then a
24 year-old farmer from Co. Kildare. Entered on a
Triumph in the Senior M.G.P., he unfortunately
crashed at the Gooseneck. However, a more notable
achievement was second place in the 1938 North
West 200.
Returning to the M.G.P. in 1946 he
rode in both Junior and Senior races, finishing 8th in the Junior on a
Velocette and winning the Senior in
appalling conditions on a Triumph.
1.
Ernie Lyons – Triumph
2.
Ken Bills – Norton
3.
Harold Rowell – Norton
The following year he contested the 1947 Junior TT on a Norton – but
retired. In 1948, entering both Junior and Senior, he finished 16th in the
Junior on his A.J.S. and retired on his Guzzi in the Senior. 1949 was a more
successful year, he attained 2nd in the Junior and 3rd place in the Senior.
1949 Junior TT
1. F.L.Frith – Velocette
2. E.Lyons – Velocette
3. A.J.Bell – Norton
1.
2.
3.
1949 Senior TT
H.L.Daniell - Norton
R.St.J.Lockett - Norton
E.Lyons - Velocette
He retired from road racing in 1950, continuing in Trials and Grass Track
events till 1972.
Dorothy Greenwood
Page 33
MONKEYS!
If you’ve ever wondered why sidecar passengers are called
“monkeys”, these pictures (taken at Cadwell Park in April
1946) should give you a clue. (All photos by Fottofinders)
I’m having a great time, me!
I can’t get any further forward!
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One should have
both hands on the
handlebars at all
time, but ideally at
opposite ends of
the bars.
You promise I can be
inside for the next race?
Front wheel pointing
right, crew leaning
left. Opposite lock
approaching.
Page 35
50s REVIVAL
In the T.T. weeks of the late 50’s and early 60’s, doors of padlocked garages in
back lanes all over Douglas were wedged open, and furtive young men would
unload oil-covered, wooden, bike benches, boxes of bits, and perhaps a gleaming
A.J.S. or Manx Norton from Thames vans with hand painted liveries. They
would beaver about for the next two weeks before disappearing, ghostlike, back
onto the boat (sometimes having to sell the Thames to local builders and push
the bikes on board).
We have all seen the black and white pictures of these dedicated souls, hard at work
in their garages. One recurring feature in these photos will be at least 3 or 4 spotty
youths in long shorts, Brylcreamed and side parted hair, braces and NHS specs, just
gawping. You did not enter, that was hallowed ground (you are talking of a
generation that showed respect). The trick was to just drop your jaw and stare, arms
limp at your sides. When one of these gods finished whatever he was doing, he
would turn his head around slowly, still kneeling, and say “I suppose you want some
stickers?” at which you would nod vigorously and grab the booty. It was then on to
the next set of open doors, sharing out the badges and stickers etc as you went.
Most of these garages were grouped around Mylchreests Garage, where the weighing
and scrutineering took place. On race day, the bikes would leave Mylchreests and
Dave Cain leads Brian Kneale through Port Erin
Page 36
parade down onto the prom and up to the Grandstand on open pipes, this pageantry
being almost as important as the race itself. It was into this small boy’s world, in
1962, that the 50cc class was introduced. Here was a bike I could really relate to and
doing the jaw dropping bit at the Grandstand could result in: “Would you like to sit
on it?” Would I? Yahoo! You could almost touch the bars and the footrests were
no problem at all.
Andy Watts and Richard Done tackle a Port Erin rise.
So began my seven year love affair with these amazing machines. My heroes became
men like Degner, Minter, Robb, Mates, Pink, the Simmonds brothers, the one and
only W.D. Ivy on the Frank Sheene Special and a certain Mr P.J. Foster riding a
D.O.T. (and owner of the said company). Great speeds were reached, with Hugh
Anderson clocking 90 mph on the Sulby Straight in 1964, and Ralph Bryans holding
the outright lap record of 86.49 mph (1966). He was also clocked at the Highlander
doing 103mph, heading off to Greeba Castle with just a bicycle rim stirrup brake to
stop him, fantastic stuff.
In 1968 our world was shattered when, for whatever grown-up reason prevailed, the
50s were no more. We were unaware that they continued to race on the world G.P.
stage until their demise in 1983.
Page 37
Many years later, in 2012, a couple of these spotty youths decided to build a racing
50. Reading an article in The Classic Racer magazine, about the existence of a classic
50s club, led to contacts being made. We found there is a thriving racing scene going
on in both England and Europe, with many of the G.P. guys still racing. It was now
not just a case of building a 50, we were going to race them!
A link on the VMCC webpage, a bit in the paper, and we recruited our race team.
This included a gentleman knocking on the door one night, clutching the newspaper
piece, telling me “He used to do a bit”. He went on to say “The bike will need a bit
of fettling though, she’s been laid up a while, she’s a D.O.T.”. I took his name, it
was Mr P.J. Foster. If any one knows Mr Foster could you please get him to contact
me again. The classic 50s boys would love to be able to show the D.O.T. at our Mad
Sunday race and have him start the first race.
We next approached Tom Spiers at the Motosyko bike shop in Balthane. Tom is
from a long line of biking people and he was most enthusiastic about giving us a
slot in his pit bike racing calendar at Jurby kart track. We had 12 meetings last season
and a road race at Port Erin. We organized a Match Race with our English
counterparts but, due to a crash at Abadare Park, they were out of action, so we went
over to Three Sisters to take them on instead. Not a bad first season.
Tom and Nikki have bent over backwards for us and we cannot praise them highly
enough, with well organized meetings in a relaxed atmosphere. In fact, they like us
so much they have both joined the VMCC. Tom is great at sourcing all sorts of
classic bits through his contacts and has agreed to discount all oil products to VMCC
members on production of
membership card.
Racing at Jurby can be very scenic!
Page 38
If you’re interested in riding
the 50s, it’s £80 for a pit bike
license (no A.C.U. license is
required although Motosyko
is A.C.U. affiliated) and £45
per meet. Then there is the
bike itself, we sometimes
have a spare bike to play with
if you want to see if this is for
you, and we know where the
good stuff is when you
decide to take the plunge.
Dave Cain, on 626492 or
332835, is the person to
Sarah Watts on the donor bike (and 10-20 seconds a lap
faster than anyone else on this bike!)
speak to in the first instance. This year’s race dates are: 13th April, 11th May, 1st
June, 6th July, 10th and 31st August, 14th September, 5th and 12th October and 2nd
November. Motosyko will also be having an open day on the 5th of April between
1 and 5 pm where classic 50s will be displayed and you can find out more about the
racing.
The Government’s Motorsport Dept. have taken an interest and want to know if we
have any plans for T.T. (last year’s T.T. was our highlight to date, bringing 50cc
racing back to the island). We certainly do, we think there is a future in small capacity
street-racing, which is becoming increasingly popular in Europe. It is cheap and
cheerful, all straw bales and barriers (remember the mini-moto racing around Peel
and Douglas prom about 18 years ago?), we believe we could do the same with
unfaired Bantams and Cubs, and bring some real fun back to racing.
If you would like to become a part of this, either as a competitor or helper, then Dave
Cain is (again) the man to speak to.
Links http://motosyko.com/default.aspx
http://classic50ccracingclub.weebly.com/
http://www.classic50racingclub.co.uk/
Dave Cain
Page 39
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300+ VEHICLES ALWAYS ON
SHOW AT BETTRIDGE’S
Mines Road, Higher Foxdale
opposite Foxdale School
Page 42