Issue 3 : March 2013
SSDT Preview Win a Knox Back Protector Join the Robert Burns Centenary Run Photo by G2F Media.com
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Editor’s Notes WE should really call this “the retro issue,” since alongside our pages packed with the latest bikes, products and club news we've covered the sand racing scene going back to the 1930s, while the centre pages recall the racing circuits of yesteryear. But sometimes you've got to look back to see the future! Those old racing circuits are on track for more visits than they've had in the past 50 years, as we launch the 2013 Robert Burns Motorcycle Race Circuits Centenary Run. It's going to be a real blast with approximately 800 miles of biking to look forward too. It's a fact that Scotland has some of the best biking roads in the world. Ask the thousands of foreign bikers who come over here every year. And as for the sand racing, it's also back again, with Kirkcaldy & District MC taking the initiative. You've got to admire them - reviving a 50-year-old event, getting the community on board and providing motorcycle sport for the masses yet again. It's sheer genius. And this year's Scottish Six Days just gets bigger and better every year, oversubscribed again for 2013. Sales of small capacity bikes are growing. More youngsters are getting involved in motorcycling. Can you see where this is going? Sticking my neck out, I predict there is a big future for bikes. And what's more, there's a growing appetite for all aspects of motorcycling, including our sport. And here we are at the Scottish Bike Show, the traditional start to a new season in the saddle. If you look closely you'll see new faces - and not just on the SACU stand. So maybe we shouldn't regard this as our “retro issue,” and instead call it what it really is - a celebration of the past 100years and a sure sign that the road ahead is looking good.
Stay safe this season and we’ll see you on the centenary run.
YOURS IN SPORT Derek Stewart-Brown (Editor) derekstewartbrown@btinternet.com Stuart Sommerville (Deputy Editor) For all your advertising needs contact Robbie on 07743 455217
Queen’s honour for Agnes CONGRATULATIONS to one of motorcycle sport's true stalwarts, Mrs Agnes Cadger, a worthy recipient of the British Empire Medal in the New Year Honours' List. Anyone who knows “our Agnes” will appreciate that, without her tireless devotion to the sport and the classic world here in Scotland, events such as the Bob McIntyre Memorial Races simply wouldn't happen. Back in 1984, when hubby Bill became chairman of the SCRMC, it was a somewhat reluctant Agnes, who agreed to take on the task of secretary, with the proviso that it was just a temporary thing. “The rest of that story is history now,” explained Agnes, “I just got on with it and to be honest, we already knew and met so many good people that it has been a joy. When I got the letter telling me that I had been awarded this, I took the view that it was really for the club and the sport in general. “I've no idea who put me up for this. I thought it was a joke and someone was having me on, but I have to thank the club and all those involved in the sport for this.” Despite being steeped in the history of Scottish motorcycle racing and a formidable fountain of knowledge on classic bikes and racing, Agnes has never had the inclination to strap on a helmet. “I leave all that to the heroes who ride the bikes. I've never had the inclination to be a passenger or ride myself,” she says although she drove a full-blown Mini Cooper as her main transport fairly vigorously until recently. And she's now swapped it for a classic Land Rover. There's been no decision as yet as to who will present the BEM, or where. She may well be in line for a visit to Holyrood Palace and this Summer's Royal Garden Party. But what if it clashes with a race meeting? “I've already written my letter of apology,” joked Agnes. And if you are wondering how to address Mrs Cadger at the next classic competition, she'll be happy with just Agnes. “I'm sure some of the competitors have called me a few other names over the years but there's no changing that,” she said. The Cadgers have been swamped with cards and messages of congratulations from racers, friends and folk from far afield in the classic world. The SACU would like to add their own special thanks to Agnes - and Bill - for the work they've done to promote the sport and support its continued growth and popularity. Well done, Mrs Cadger BEM. We salute you.
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NEWS
Get set for the Scottish IT remains a true test of man and machine against the most rugged terrain of the Scottish Highlands – it's time once again for the Scottish Six Days Trial. Running for more than a century, this year's event was massively oversubscribed with the final 275 riders representing just a portion of those desperate to do the Scottish. Among the entrants once again last years victor, the legendary seven-times World Trials Champion, Dougie Lampkin, will be back to defend and add to his six wins' in his lengthy career. That makes Dougie, pictured, the most successful rider in the event's 102-year-old history.
Dabill had already secured victory in 2007 and in the 2011 Centenary event. A formidable event in every sense of the word, the Scottish covers some 600 miles over the six-day period and requires no fewer than 60 event officials and has 30 observed sections per day.
be more than bike-fit for the toughest of tough trials and the Scottish is recognised as an energy-sapping, gruelling, competitive ride which demands skill, determination and confidence in equal measures over difficult moorland between 180 sections.
The action is only matched by the scenery around Lochaber and the welcome reserved for those who travel to Fort William for the event. Recognised as the largest and most famous of all trials events in Britain - and arguably a large part of the globe - it brings in around ÂŁ1.5 million in revenue to the Highland community over the week.
The parc ferme is the place to be of a morning throughout the week, where the bikes have been stored overnight, and from where the riders' set off. You can get a taste of the action from Nevis Radio who broadcast live every morning with rider interviews, updates and provide suggested spectator points along the routes.
The Clerk of the Course is Jeff Horne from Perth, a previous competitor, who has served on the organising committee for the past 20-years.
Essentially this is the equivalent of the road racer's Isle of Man TT.
Following the retirement of Mairi Jenkins, after a decade of sterling service to the organisers, the new Secretary is Catherine Halley from Crieff, who is the wife of another former competitor, Gordon. Last year however, he faced stiff opposition in a nail-biting final day, winning by the narrowest of margins in a tie-break decision. He finally beat current British Champion, James Dabill, relegating him to the runner-up slot. Although runner-up,
Essentially the Scottish remains very muc a clubman's event at heart and despite the prestige and esteem in which it's held worldwide, the bulk of the entry remains very much amateur riders.' They require to
And you can also get a distinct feel for the event a bit earlier, when the previous weekend to the event hosts the Pre-65 Scottish 2 Day Trial at Kinlochleven. It's also a magical weekend, with 180 riders competing on machines made before 1965. It's true to say that you can't really complete your biking education until you've taken in the Scottish. Take the plunge this year and jump in. Theres much more info and detail to be found at www.ssdt.org
By John Moffat
NEWS
Take a leap to win top spec back protection THE wedge-shaped Austin Princess tells you that our photograph was taken during the 1970s. What might not be so obvious is the fact that this was the first man-made jump, created for grand prix riders at this championship Scottish venue. The rider is Dennis McGarrie, but where is he? If you can name the venue and send the answer and your details to us here at derekstewartbrown@btinternet.com by April 2, we'll pick a winner out of the hat. And you never know, you could be the recipient of a rather smart and effective Knox Aegis back protector, valued at a whopping ÂŁ99.99. Knox is the frontrunner when it comes to personal protection and the Aegis comes in sizes to accommodate men, women and the junior rider. Check out their website for details of our prize and discover what size you need. You'll find them at www.knox-armour.co.uk
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NEWS
Blind, paralysed and aiming for 190mph STUART GUNN is not your average biker. For a start he's 100% blind and partially paralysed on his right-hand side.Yet he's determined to break the blind solo world land speed record, aiming for 190mph! The “Flying Fifer” was heading home 10-years ago when he was involved in an accident with a van and ended up with his back broken in three-places. He survived and was looking forward to rebuilding his life when a series of seizures sent him into a coma. When he woke, he was completely blind. “I don't see anything at all,” he told Motorcycle Sport Scotland. “No shadows, shades or anything. The trouble is that my eyes just don't connect with my brain at all. It was always hoped that one day they might just recover, but as time went on, that idea seems to have gone for good.” Stuart, 39, almost immediately after leaving hospital decided, one way or the other, he was going to ride again. As his life was being rebuilt around him to cater for his disability and blindness with a carer, home aids, talking computer, he point blank refused to sell his beloved bikes - GSXR 1000, CBR 600 and Fireblade. “They kept me going. Just knowing they were still around and in fact, I used the CBR after the accident. I was still paralysed, but I got lifted on to it to ride it. Of course that stopped when I went blind.” He says: “The hardest part was being blind and a passenger in a car after I came out of hospital. I felt useless and scared. I kept myself going by remembering the routes in my head. I'd ridden them and I could just about exactly tell where we were from the engine noise, the sound of the tyres and things like that.” And that got him thinking that maybe there was a way he could ride again.
In the five-years since becoming blind, Stuart has been planning to climb aboard a bike. His mates and family have been helping him to fulfil his dream and collectively they've overcome a mountain of hurdles to prepare for an assault on the world record later this year. “I've now got another bike,” he says proudly, courtesy Saltire Suzuki, in Edinburgh. It's a Hayabusa and it's pretty stock. We've got an intercom system whereby I'll be guided by my bike buddies all the way to 190mph. “To be honest I think having eyesight makes you a bit lazy,” he says with a smile. “My hearing is now pin sharp. In the car, once I know the road, I can feel where I am by the tyre noise, the vibration that I feel, and if you ride a bike, you already know how all that feels. I know I can do this.” “We've tried it out with the help of a few pals. I know what I can do and if by doing this I can make just one blind person believe that they can do something they want to do, then it'll be worth it.” He's already got the bike and one or two sponsors helping him out with bike leathers and the intercom system but he needs other equipment. “Sponsors that can help me raise money for a few charities like the Royal Institute For The Blind. Also Riders For Health, who provide the transport in countries where bikes can get medics and aid to the people quickly.” “I also want to raise funds for the Joey Dunlop Foundation and Diabetes UK.” If you can help Stuart - in any way, you can contact him on his webpage at www.raspberryrippleracing.com
NEWS
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Here comes the Roadrunner! LEWIS ROLLO is a young man on a mission! Quite simply, he plans to be the best....and before you doubt his natural ability, let's take a look at his career so far. Known as the Roadrunner he is 2012 British Superteens 125 Champion with a staggering 24 wins out of 28 races - and he only missed a podium place once and that was because he opted for a British Superbikes round instead. The record wins last year toppled the previous recordholder with 16 wins who just happened to be Mr Casey Stoner and incidentally, young Mr Rollo's hero. He also lifted the 125 Racer Of The Year, and coming third in the Scottish Championship last year was no disgrace since he also missed a few of the rounds. And for the third year in a row, he also collected all three Scottish Minimoto Championships. For 2013, he's been awarded his racing licence a little early in life, courtesy a special dispensation from the SACU. We say early, because Lewis Rollo is only just 13! Dad, Barry, is justifiably proud of his boy. At the family home near Haddington, he told MSS: “Lewis has undoubtedly got talent. A lot more than I even thought he might have when he started Minimotos.” Recently, he was a guest of the Melville MC who gave him an achievement award. The following week, he was off down South to collect his brand-new 450 Aprilia.
“When he raced a 125 for the first time ever, he came first,” revealed his proud Dad. “The Aprilia is a heavier machine, but he's got the determination and guts to do the same thing all over again.” The Roadrunner only weighs a tad more than 7stone and has been sharpening up his fitness to handle the weight of his new machine. He's also still spending his spare time at the minimoto circuit where organiser,Alan McIntosh, has been mentoring him for the past few years. Last week Lewis decided to spend a few hours on track and by the end of the evening, he'd smashed the lap record – again. His Dad reckons last year's success would never have come about if it hadn't been for Alan's input. “He puts his heart and soul into helping the Minimoto kids.”
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NEWS
Happy as a sand boy! READER Bill Brown from Milngavie who tells us “I am a member of the SCRMC however I do not race but rather occasionally sprint my old Norton- so I have a link with the sport,� sent us his reminiscences of his father's racing. On this, the Centenary year of the SACU my mind goes to the rather quiet seaside town of Saltcoats. It has long been a place where the population of Glasgow headed with bucket and spade for an ice cream, searching for fresh sea air and a paddle along the water's edge. However it was the roar of exhausts and the whiff of racing oils that marked a June evening in 1937. My Uncle Jimmy Clark was then secretary of the long gone Greenock Motor Cycling Club who organised a sand race onthe beach and I inherited some old photos from my late father who competed in the event on his 350cc Norton. Still got his event medal! Seen here in white overalls and skilfully exiting a bend on his Douglas is, I believe, Andy Marr whom I think owned a garage in nearby Ayr. The low centre of gravity seems to be put to good use, aided I think by the huge rear sprocket. However I must add I worry about the chap bringing up the rear in his shirtsleeves! I also think that our idea of safety standards today would rightly forbid such close viewing by the impressed holiday makers! I suspect that it was the more well known sand races over in the east at St Andrews which inspired the organisation of a west coast alternative. Could the spur even have been the start of the Daytona Beach races the previous year? One cannot help but dream of what might have been if Hitler had not changed everyone's plans. It seems maybe odd now that they got
permission from the Town Council but they probably thought imaginatively that anything which helped tourism must be good for the town. It was certainly a popular event and attracted crowds and the club returned to the coastal beaches the following year. The riders seemed to have been a mixture of the serious competitor and some club members out for a thrill. The 1930's was of course one of our motorcycling golden times. It was also a great time for clubs and I see the SACU is rising to the occasion of being 100! These two in the lower photo are clearly in the' serious 'category and I think the chap in front is probably Jimmy Valente who owned a motorcycle shop (with his brother)on Glasgow's Great Western Road. The shop was still there in the late 1960's along with several other popular motorcycle dealers in that part of the city. They look like they are both on overhead camshaft Norton's; the leading one with a sprint tank.
NEWS
Beach beckons for East Coast racing revival LAST year's sand race revival on Kirkcaldy Beach proved to be both successful and popular - so much so, now it's back for good! The Kirkcaldy and District MC attracted thousands of spectators back to the beach with a mini race event on the foreshore last August. Both visitors and locals contributed to provide a welcome boost that sent the tills ringing for the town's traders. The club's Hugh Ward explained: “We had some shops saying they noticed takings were up by as much as 50%, which is pretty good. The obvious next move was to make the event bigger and better.� Hence on Saturday, May 18, you are invited to the 2013 Kirkcaldy Sand Races, with a full card of racing, featuring both modern machinery and classics, along with loads of trade stands, stalls, demonstration events and all the fun of the fair on the promenade. It's another success story for KDMC who seem to have a knack for promoting bike sport, be it on the track or it seems, in the sand.
It's been almost eight decades since sand racing started, with Kirkcaldy's speed event an absolute must during the 1930s. Both amateurs and semi-pro riders' took part and the promenade walls and beach were absolutely packed with spectators. It was for many a great day out and the highlight of the summer season for town traders and the commercial community. After the war, the sand racing never really took off again. And the club were busy organising a Kirkcaldy Grand Prix in 1948. As one of Scotland's busiest and biggest clubs KDMC are at the forefront of innovation again. Let's hope other seaside towns take note of what's been achieved here and hopefully we might see even more sand racing events making a comeback.
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NEWS
The best fights back HAVE you ever debated who the best road racer of all time was. Or the best trials competitor? It's one of those questions that can keep a bar open all night. But what about the greatest all-round competitor on two wheels? It's a debate that was aired recently at a lunch attended by motorcycle racing celebrities past and present and duly reported on the webpages of Bikesportnews.com. It seems the esteemed gathering threw up names such as Sammy Millar, Ron Langston, even Jean-Michel Bayle and Jean-Pierre Beltoise - but the name they finally settled on was Robbie Allan, a successful SSDT rider and a TT rider, who despite being over-60 also tackled the Paris-Dakar and was within two-days of the finish when he was forced to retire. Many will know that SACU stalwart, Robbie, is currently fighting serious illness and won't be surprised to hear that he's as determined as ever to win this latest battle. While undergoing treatment, he remains as busy as ever, promoting Scottish motorcycle sport and the SACU. We all wish him the best for a successful recovery and hope he continues to collect accolades for a long time to come.
BSB champ goes for HD exposure TRIPLE BSB champ, Shakey Byrne, has crossed the great divide - he's bought a Harley Davidson! And not just any HD. The committed bike fan has spent ÂŁ10k on a customised 48 complete with 1970s style hard candy custom paint and mini ape hanger bars. And he's not the only racer to commit to the cruiser US style. Knockhill's own British Touring Car Champion, Gordon Shedden's garage houses a cruiser - alongside his old Fireblade.
Wildcard a winner for McPhee OBAN rider John McPhee is busy practicing for the Moto3 season with his new team, Racing Team Germany. The rider clinched a place on the Moto3 team after a set of stunning 'wildcard' appearances last season. And, after stepping into the seat vacated by the injured Alexis Masbou, for the last five rounds of the season with Caretta. He'll be riding an FTR-Honda and is confident the experience of last season will stand him in good stead. McPhee's career has been boosted by the Racing Steps Foundation who have supported and nurtured the young rider.
NEWS
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Book reveals beginnings of Scottish road racing KIRKCALDY and District Motor Club is building a picture archive to preserve the racing history that was made in the town's Beveridge Park. Jake Drummond, who is working on a book for the club told MSS: “I'm looking for photographs from 1948 on to the late 1950s of Beveridge Park. Come to that, any photographs at all connected with the Kirkcaldy Club events. Sand racing, trials, scrambles, grasstrack and road racing would be good.
The first road race in Scotland was held at Beveridge Park in August 1948. If you can help Jake, please contact him on unionmills@virginmedia.com
Bob McIntyre heading into the ‘Railway Dip’ on Cooper Bros. G45 Matchless, treading carefully but winning! A Hugh Rutherford photo from Harry Grant
“All I need is a loan of any pictures, negatives or slides or a good scanned 400dpi copy forwarded to my address. I'll make mention of the photographer/supplier in any we use.” KDMC is currently rebuilding its webpage but already has up an impressive collection of pictures covering forty years of road racing action at Beveridge Park, including this shot of Bob McIntyre riding a Matchless. Until the late 1980s Kirkcaldy was home to one of the top racing circuits in Scotland– hair-raising for both racers and spectators alike. The club had approached the town council before the Second World War to use the local park for racing and were refused. Postwar they asked again and were given the opportunity to put on an event. In 1947 put on a show in Ravenscraig park including army stunt riders.
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PRODUCTS
New on the forecourts this month… Back to the future with Honda IN 1976 the Wurzels were happy to have a brand new combine harvester. Barry Sheene was happy to be the world champion - and all I wanted was a bright yellow Honda 400/4 to make me happy. As Meat Loaf famously sang sometime later, “two out of three ain't bad,” and almost 40-years on, the modern take on Honda's classic has arrived in the showroom. It's the CB1100. It is very retro and not just in appearance. As well as that distinctive four-into-one exhaust and unmistakeable tank, there's the old 18 inch Comstar mag wheels, complete with narrow tyres as opposed to today's fashion for never mind the quality, feel the width. The engine is all-new however, Honda's first air-cooled 4 for several decades, yet it has apparently been designed to echo the characteristics of a 1970’s bike, right down to the exhaust note. With that comfy seating position, higher bars' and mid-controls, the ride is pretty much a 1970’s experience too. There are those who bemoan the hi-tech, accessory-laden bikes of today - moan no more gents, the CB1100 is lacking in both these areas. The £9k asking price gets you quite simply a very superior bike from the 1970s and very little else, apart from maybe some lovely memories.
And see the 1970s show in HD HARLEY DAVIDSON is celebrating 110-years in production and nostalgia is all around. Hence the 72 which is a shameless recreation of the decade that spawned the chopper and metalflake paint. The 1200cc Sportster model comes with this “Hard Candy” paintjob and relatively small apehanger handlebars. It all adds up to an extreme custom look with a £9k price tag. For those who don't know, the Harley Sportster is perhaps the nippiest of the range and well capable in the handling and performance department, provided you are not expecting sports bike thrills.
Small Ninja carries much power THE big sportsbike market is in serious decline. The appetite for smaller capacity sports bikes is on the up. Kawasaki's Ninja 300 fits neatly atop the current rush from most manufacturers to bring a 250cc to the showroom. Its 38BHP output puts it well within the new A2 licence, yet the absence of so many horses isn't all that apparent when all you want to do is scratch around country roads or command a brisk everyday commute. It's sporty looks and Ninja colour scheme look the biz, although it has to be said that it struggles slightly to make real motorway progress. At £4,799 however, the Ninja is incredibly good value for all the fun it offers. And there's some satisfaction in the fact that size-wise, it doesn't differ all that much from its bigger stablemates in the ZX range.
But bigger is better for Triumph TRIUMPH's 2013 Rocket 3 Roadster is big, in fact it's very big. However, even those challenged in both height and muscle will find that despite increased power for 2013, actually it's a bit of a pussycat to ride. With a 2.3 litre engine, delivering 147 BHP, the Rocket is aptlynamed providing you can hang on to those wide bars for long enough to enjoy the ride. Essentially this is a cruiser, with new mean street looks for 2013. The 29 inch seat height and snarling black exhausts add to the matte black paintjob to give a complete bad boy look, wellworthy of the bad-ass Harley. However, being the world's biggest production bike in cubic capacity does have the drawback that the Rocket has a 29mpg fuel figure which is on a par with the latest Bentley Continental GT. The price is almost £13k.
PRODUCTS
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New look for the big Beemer BMW has taken five-years to bring the new R1200GS to completion. The old GS was the biggest-selling adventure bike in the world...ever ! In a lifespan of 30-years, more than 180,000 were sold worldwide. The all-new bike is a complete transition - with a slightly controversial new Boxer engine that's water-cooled, new chassis and looks that have turned it from ugly duckling to brutally awesome. Change does not come cheap. At £11,395 for the basic Enduro spec and a whopping £13,815 for Touring Equipment spec which also adds a semi active suspension set-up, the big Beemer is still the biggest investment you could make in two-wheeled transport. Initial feedback is that it's easier than ever, less weighty and very intuitive, especially on the rough stuff. As comfy as ever, it is very well equipped with rider aids. Full details at www.bmw-motorrad.co.uk
Alfa for bikers FOR a biker, this Alfa Romeo MiTo is a great buy at £21k. The Limited Edition SBK Verde celebrates the World Superbike Championship, hence the SBK decals and racy bodykit. It's pretty nippy as well with its 1.4 turbo MultiAir engine. To announce its launch, Alfa teamed up with Chris “The Stalker” Walker on a Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja to perform this little trick, known as “the undertaker” for obvious reasons. While we don't advise you to try this at home, we can recommend the car. You can also watch the entire performance at http://youtu.be/7TmOLMKyLNc. The little MiTo comes with a wealth of extras including race bodykit, special alloys and a stunning interior.
Kisbee deal sweeter than wine PEUGEOT provide the perfect little 50cc pit bike in the Kisbee RS and Sportline. Good for 100mpg, the Kisbee is currently up for grabs with a once-only price of £1,229 for a limited period. The little 4-stroke has 12 inch black alloys, a neat underseat storage area and front disc brake. It's lightweight at just 85kg and is a delight to handle. Anyone who has ridden the Peugeot range will understand the quality and strength of the Peugeot product. Great for beating the city traffic or just popping down to the shops. And at this price, cheap too!
Uniform choice from Venhill VENHILL is a name known to all bikers. The company has just announced an upgrade to its range. All brake, clutch and throttle cables will now be made to the featherlight spec, which means the teflon-lined, top-end cables will be of a uniform spec. Available in a new range of colours, choice of fittings in aluminium or zinc-plated steel, they are the choice of champions across a wide range of bike sports. You can download their latest catalogue at www.venhill.co.uk
Snap up this Shark SHARK make some rather stunning traditional race helmets. Here's something slightly different in the “Streetfighter,” which is actually an open face lid, with its own integrated pair of goggles and face guard. You only need one hand to push guard and goggles over the top, where it's held secure when you want to ride open face. Reverse the operation for the security of a full-face lid. It's just out this month, so supplies may be still in the pipeline, but check out http://www.shark-helmets.com/ for local dealers. The helmet costs £189.99
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CLUB NEWS
Track Day... and Free Bacon Roll! KNOCKHILL have organised a 2013 Bike Trackday Club which offers both financial and edible benefits. Just £49 for club membership would save you a massive £200 against the regular cost of a year-long trackday attendance. And membership allows you to Fast Track through the sign-on procedures. It also provides for a free visor and exclusive helmet sticker. But above all, you get EIGHT free bacon roll vouchers and five free coffee/tea/drink vouchers! Still hungry? There's a free barbeque on the final trackday event.
Circuit boost for Project Motocross PROJECT MOTOCROSS have got off to a great New Year start with a track established near Lochmaben. While work continues on the new track, the committee have put together a small event schedule which kicks off with the opening round of the new club competition on June 9.The subsequent rounds will be held on August 11 and October 20. Club chairman, Derek Faulds, is more than happy with the enthusiasm generated by the club's new members. At their next general club meeting, on March 10, at the Queens Hotel in Lockerbie, there will be an update on the track, a welcome for new members and more discussion on the proposed race schedule. The Dumfries-based club have rejected the opportunity to host Round 5 of the SACU MotoX Championship.
The hotly-debated issue ended with a general consensus that the club was not yet ready for the pressure of running a major event at such an early stage. A few members were of a mind that the club should “bite the bullet” and seek assistance from other clubs with the experience to carry them through the event. On September 7 and 8, the club will pay tribute to a local rider with the Willie Edwards Memorial. The new track is just a mile away from the seven-times Scottish champion's family home. Billy Edwards, son of the motocross legend and a former Scottish champion himself, has donated a Winners Cup for the three-race event which is aimed at the modern day expert rider. All the details of this event are available on the Project Motocross Facebook page.
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On any Sunday... FOR anyone who's not seen the movie, On Any Sunday, and there are probably few around, this 1971 semi-documentary absolutely sums up why we do it! We spend our hard-earned on a bike - any kind of bike, which we race, strip apart, put back together and race again. And when we're not riding, we're dreaming about riding or watching others riding. Essentially we're all amateurs who turn professional on any day of the week which provides enough hours to get out on the bike. And that's essentially what Steve McQueen's great homage to the biker is all about. From the 1930s to the 1960s tens of thousands of working men - and women thought nothing of packing a tool bag, stuffing a thermos and some sandwiches into their pockets to ride to their nearest bike track. And all things being equal, there was a good chance you could ride the same bike back to work on Monday. Things have got a bit more complicated since then. 'Elf and Safety, pressure on finances, and oh so much red tape have combined to strangle such a simple sport. But that doesn't mean we can't celebrate those days which is why, in our centenary year, the SACU have put together The Robert Burns Motorcycle Race Circuits Centenary Run.
Over the page, you'll find a map of Scotland, complete with a few of the many, many race circuits that existed in those bygone days. You'll discover an 800 mile circuit of Scotland, complete with some of the most beautiful biking routes in the world. And circuits steeped in history, where if you pause for a second, you just might catch a whiff of Castrol R or hear the faint burble of a Goldie on full throttle. Follow in the footsteps of Scotland's champions and join up for the ride. We've set aside September 6 - 9 for this historic trip. You can make it alone or with a group of friends. You don't even have to take the journey over that weekend or in a single trip. By the end of the road, you will have earned a certificate and a very exclusive T-shirt. You will also have helped fund the work of the MacMillan Nurses. And you'll have experienced bits of Scotland you might never otherwise have seen. But most of all, you'll enjoy a blast, capture the spirit and afterwards join in the craic with like-minded folks. If you do just one thing in 2013 to celebrate such a momentous year - this is the one thing you can and should do. Fill in an entry form, tell your friends, go by bike, car or minibus, but just do it. On September 6 - 9, you will be met and
By Derek Stewart-Brown congratulated on your efforts at every circuit en route. If you do it on any other day, you'll need to take a photograph at each stop to record your efforts. We'll even fund a prize for the winning overall photograph. However and whenever you do it - there are rules. This is not a race and these are no longer race tracks. Appreciate the journey and respect the sport. You'll only do this once in your life and you want the absolute best memories. Many of Scotland's sporting legends have already signed up for the journey. Our sponsor, Robert Burns, as a few will know, is more than your average enthusiast. He's sponsored British Superbikes with his own team, signed up Michael Lafferty, Dean Thomas and John McGuinness and still competes himself on a TZ 350 at European level racing. “I have been persuading a few friends to join me on the event. And I know my friend Ian Simpson is keen and maybe Brian Morrison, Niall Mackenzie and Jamie Whitham might even come, if he can get away from the commentary box, explained Robert. “But the main aim is to keep motorcycling alive. And it's a good run, in good company for a good cause.” So get started on the entry form and don't leave it too late.
2013 Robert Burns Centenary Run Full Name:................................................................................
Email Address: .........................................................................
Address: ...................................................................................
Contact Tel. No: .......................................................................
Town/City:................................................................................
If you are riding as a Group or a
Postcode: ..................................................................................
Club please provide the name: .................................................
Fill in all of the above details and send with a cheque for £25 (Made payable to the SACU) and we will send you a Centenary Run pack. This will include your allocated number , the route details and all the info you will need to complete the Robert Burns Run, along with the general rules and regs. You can also enter at www.sacu.co.uk No matter if you are travelling by bike or any other transport, please act responsibly both en route and at the various venues. The circuit owners' have generously given their permission for this event to be held on their land. Follow the Countryside Code and do not leave gates open, discard litter or camp illegally. The SACU website will be updated with news and info regarding the official event on Sept 6/9/2013. It's worth checking the site from time to time, before the official event. Remember you can still make the journey and complete the route on another date that's convenient, although access to some venues may be restricted - provided you have registered and provide photographic proof of completion. Full details will be included in the Centenary Run pack sent to you once you have completed a registration form and your payment has been accepted. SEND COMPLETED FORMS TO: The Robert Burns Centenary Run, The SACU, 28 West Main St., Uphall, West Lothian EH52 5DW
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CRIMOND LONGSIDE ALFORD
OVER the past century, Scotland has been home to many great c i rc u i t s. M a ny h ave g o n e forever, some remain in use. The circuits on this map cover an 800-mile route which has no starting grid and no chequered flag to mark the finish - but it includes some of the best biking roads in the world, set amidst Scotland's stunning scenery. INVERNESS
THURSO
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ABERDEEN
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Robert Burns Motorcycle Race Circuits Centenary Run Sept 6-9 2013
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EDZELL KINNELL ERROL GASK CRAIL BALADO KNOCKHILL BEVERIDGE PARK INGLISTON EAST FORTUNE CHARTERHALL TURNBERRY WINFIELD 12
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ST ANDREWS
EDINBURGH
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BERWICK ON TWEED
ARBROATH
If you are up for the challenge, complete an entry form which you can find online at www.sacu.co.uk. Or pick up a form from dealerships who stock Motorcycle Sport Scotland. Celebrate Scotland's motorcycle sport heritage and follow the tyre tracks of your heroes.
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AYR
GLASGOW
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PERTH
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DUNDEE
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CLUB NEWS
Vesterinen headlines Highland Classic Three times World Trials Champion and former Bultaco factory rider, YrjoVesterinen, pictured, will be the guest of honour rider at this year's Highland Classic Two Day at Alvie Estate, Aviemore. The event grows year by year. The trial itself will be held on the weekend of 8/9th June and will be named "The Bultaco Edition" reflecting Vesty's links with the Spanish marque over many years. Vesty will be riding a Bultaco at the event and may just be able to bring along one or two of his most famous bikes for display at the venue. The trial has a hard and soft route to suit all riders and is open to ACU/SACU & MCUI licence holders, plus it is a UEM event so European riders with start release from their own FMN allows them to compete. There will be a special award to the best performance by a rider mounted on a Bultaco this year too. Most classes are catered for in Pre65 (up to 1970 British); Twinshock and specials. No monoshock bikes are allowed to compete. For downloads visit the Inverness & District website www.idmcc.co.uk
June Date for The Bob McIntyre SPRING must be on its way as it's time to announce the 2013 Bob McIntyre Two Day Classic Road Races. East Fortune is the venue, adjacent to the National Museum of Flight in East Lothian. And the date is June 22/23, which clashes with nothing major in the grand scheme of things, therefore a full card and a huge turnout is expected for this legendary event. New to this year's racing are a couple of races for Post Classic Bikes. There will be the usual 250, 350, 500, Unlimited and Sidecar, with a class for the big wheel outfits and as there are no fuel restrictions, British Historic Machines are eligible. That might suggest an appearance by Mervyn Stratford on his incredible pre-war 250 Rudge - and a hard time for the 1960s race bikes. And it's hoped the event will attract more British Historic regulars. The guest of honour this year is Irish Road Racing legend, Ray McCulloch, winner of the 1971 Ulster Grand Prix. The regs should be available early in March from Club Secretary, Agnes Cadger BEM, at Cronk-ny-Mona, Caddell Farm, Saltcoats, KA21 6NE and to download @ classicmcs.blogspot.co.uk
WANT to tell bike fans in Scotland what's going on in your sport? We want to hear. Send all your club results, news and gossip to the SACU at this address: office@sacu.co.uk.
CLUB NEWS
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Get a taste of some classic action by Creena Bell
COME and ride with us at Scottish Classic Racing Motorcycle Club. We are a group of friendly enthusiasts who pride ourselves on the standard of organisation of our events. We have classes for a large variety of machinery from Pre 1960 through to early 1980's Twinshocks, together with a large range of rider abilities from the super competitive to those who just want to enjoy their old machines. There is a club championship running throughout the season, using some of the best tracks you'll find anywhere, with our showpiece event being the Thornhill Classic Scramble, near Dumfries on the first weekend in July, which attracts riders from all over Britain. We run machine age related races followed by rider age related races together with a Twinshock class, with everyone assured of plenty of riding throughout the day.
So why not get that old bike out of the shed and have some fun. For further details please contact Scrambles secretary Creena who will provide you with all the information you need, or come along to one of the meetings and see first-hand how good it is. You can also get a chance to see these bikes in action at the Great Scottish Bike Show at Lanark on May 11 & 12. Dates for 2013: March 24 , Forfar. April 1, Dunoon. May 26, Galashiels. July 7, Thornhill. July 21, Gorebridge. August 4, Fife. September 1, Hume. October 6, Whitekirk. For further info call Creena on 01875 822195 or check the website www.classicscramble.com.
Pictures by Lisa Robertson
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CLUB NEWS
Elgin kicks off ACU Enduro season THE premier round of the ACU British Enduro Championship kicks off this Easter Weekend, courtesy the Elgin Endurance Club. The Elgin club will be hosting the opening round of the British Championship on March 30/31. For the opening round, the club have come up with 33 miles of stunning trail from the Lossiemouth Forest and a timed special test within the 16 miles of forest, via six miles of roadwork, and finally Birkenhill Wood with a second special test of four miles duration. Stunning scenery and a holiday weekend will combine to make the event one of the highlights of the Enduro season. However, the organisers have asked us to point out that contrary to what you might have read elsewhere - Dates and times are confirmed as follows: 29th - Scrutineering/Signing On from 10.00 to 18.00. For the 30th: Start 10.00 and Finish 17.00. And the same times for the 31st. The full regs and an entry form are available on the club's website at www.elginenduranceclub.com In the meantime, the New Year produced an excellent Hare and Hounds, with Fraser Norrie, pictured, the only rider in the expert class to finish on 14 laps, ahead of the game by almost a minute. See table below for full results.
Results Class
2013 SCRMC Trials
Riders Number
Riders Name
Laps
Hrs
Mm
Sec
Position
Expert Expert Expert
205 222 1
Frazer Norrie Jamie George Drew Harvey
14 13 12
3 3 3
11 8 5
13 24 10
1st 2nd 3rd
Over 40’s Over 40’s Over 40’s
20 41 25
Derek Little Gavin Johnston James Harvey
13 12 12
3 3 3
12 0 5
1 44 11
1st 2nd 3rd
Clubman Clubman Clubman
4 46 49
Duncan Norrie Ross Hamilton Sean Henderson
12 12 11
3 3 3
7 11 0
45 30 14
1st 2nd 3rd
Clubman B Clubman B Clubman B
152 8 110
Bill Bruce James Barrack Allan Milligan
11 11 11
3 3 3
13 13 13
3 38 54
1st 2nd 3rd
Sportsman Sportsman Sportsman
104 213 156
Gazza Stephen Duncan Wright Ewan Findlay
11 10 10
3 3 3
3 1 2
51 24 56
1st 2nd 3rd
For 2013 the SCRMC Trials Championship will be run over eight rounds with the best six scores to count towards the Club Championship. Provisional Trials Dates are as follows: March 24, Killearn. April 14, Balfron. April 28, Rigside. June 30, Abington. July 6, Thornhill. August 11, Bonhill. September 15, Trials Academy Dunlop. October 13, Kilbirnie. Contact Trials Secretary Alan Scott on 01506-412822 or Graham Miller on 07887-550792 for Trials Machine Eligibility
NEWS Celebrate glory days at Kilmartin
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By Graham Milne
IN the motocross world, Kilmartin is synonymous with two British Championships in 76 and 77 - along with many great senior and junior championship weekends.
and Motocross news that following week. The same day, Russian Gennady Moiseev took the overall win, with Belgium's Harry Everts runner-up. Third-placed was Neil Hudson.
However fondest memories among them all are reserved for the Motocross Grand Prix - a 250cc world championship round on June 18, 1978.
It was an impressive field - Hakan Carlqvist, Jaroslav Falta, Torio Suzuki, Patrick Boniface, Rob Hooper, Andy Robertson and Pete Mathia. Scotland was represented by Vic Allan and Gordon Phillip.
Back then it cost just ÂŁ13,500 to put on the event, which is a pittance against today's costs. Those who turn up on the day won't just get the chance to share the memories. They can also pick up an original race day programme to purchase, along with a commemorative T-shirt and pendant.
There was sadness at Willy Baur's horrific crash, which left him paralysed from the waist down. Willy is a regular visitor to the UK still and there's the hope that he too can attend the reunion.
Pictures by TMX show a copy of the original programme and Margaret and Robbie Allan, Margaret Munro from the BBC and riders, Gennady Moiseev, Harry Everts and Neil Hudson at the 1978 show.
That was 35-years-ago and it was an inspiring event, run by Mid Argyll MC, in conjunction with the SACU and driven by Robbie and Margaret Allan. Now there is to be a Kilmartin Grand Prix Remembered event at the track at Castle Park, on Sunday, June 23. With a plan to show the TV highlights from 78, followed by a walk in the company of Vic Allan, the many-times British champ, brother Robbie, and a few other riders around the re-created original course, marked out as it was back in the day. It's as close as you will ever get to actually taking those massive, flat-out jumps into the sky, before plunging over 100ft down a near vertical, grassy cliff face - an image made famous by Swede Torlief Hansen on the front page of Trials
It promises to be not just a star-studded event - but a busy one too. The Facebook page that was launched just a few weeks ago - Kilmartin Grand Prix Remembered 1978 - 2013 has had almost 3,000 hits and local sponsors, McLeod Homes, have organised a pair of giant marquees, power and toilets to cater for the event. What's not possible is any racing for real a historic castle, arable crops and a Historic Scotland site means a total recreation would be impossible. However,
farmer Mr Brechin, has been working with the organisers to re-create the track as was.
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Bruce Birnie celebrates the championship at the final race meeting of the year at East Fortune. Picture by Sylvia Beaumont
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NEWS
HD need your clothes, and they'll say please
Help Knockhill celebrate the Big 40
Harley Davidson in Edinburgh and Glasgow need your clothes!
SCOTLAND'S national motorsport centre needs your help to decorate the clubhouse.
As we all know, bikers, especially HD riders are slaves to fashion. Therefore it’s only right that last year's gear should go to a good cause. Edinburgh and Glasgow are part of a UK-wide network which is giving unwanted garments to the Salvation Army. So if you've got a pile of clothing that includes jeans, jumpers, worn leather jackets and even an old helmet, drop them into the specially marked clothing donation boxes in the showrooms.
Centenary dinner dates to remember THIS year's SACU Centenary Dinner will be held at the Motherwell Civic Centre. The star-studded event will take place on Saturday, November 23.The annual presentation of prizes will take place the following day, Sunday, November 24. The organising committee are in the process of securing special guests and celebrities from the world of motorcycling and motorsport, but won't be announcing any definite names until later in the Summer. Note the dates in your diary now, to avoid disappointment.
But don't worry, you don't need a paintbrush. The circuit clubhouse is being given a makeover to illustrate the last 40 years. And despite the mountains of memorabilia they have accumulated over the past four decades, you could still help. The idea is to dedicate each wall frame in the clubhouse to a particular decade - from the 1970s right through to the present day. If you have a photograph or image that you think illustrates a particular decade, or even a piece of memorabilia such as a Tshirt or a sticker, piece of bike or car, then the Knockhill Media Team would like to hear from you. Even if you don't have the photograph and can only recall where you spotted it, they would love to hear from you. One man who is currently having his memory banks drained is Knockhill's Ian Forrest. He's been at the circuit since Day One and has rarely missed a day at Knockhill, never mind a major event. If you can help, you can reach the team at media@knockhill.co.uk
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NEWS
Dream bike for a legend
More Beemer fun days
RACING legend, Niall Mackenzie, has finally managed to buy his dream bike.
BMW Motorrad's Demo Days at St Mary's Loch are to be extended. The success of previous events at the Glen Cafe on the A708 has prompted Motorrad Central to announce a series of dates, starting on April 20.
The Scots champ has invested in a mint Yamaha 350LC.He bought the blue and white original classic early in the New Year and reckons it's perfect. “I've finally managed to bag my dream bike,” he told his Twitter followers “and it didn't cost me a lot of Scottish £££s.”
Countdown to Kelso THIS year's Kelso Bikefest will be held on July 6/7. The extravaganza of music, bikes, and all-round entertainment will be held once again at the Borders Union Showground, with camping available for those that book early. Kelso is a festival where the emphasis is on the entertainment. Live music, bars and a bike show contribute to the British Motorcyclists Federation-run event being one of the highlights of the Summer in the Borders. A weekend ticket which includes camping is £30 (with prior booking you can save £10) and a day pass costing £10 or £7 for non-members booking in advance. Full details at www.thebmfshow.co.uk
All you have to do is take both parts of your licence down to the cafe on the day and enjoy a demo ride or two on the latest range of BMW bikes - including the amazing new R1200 GS, which features on the product pages of this edition of MSS. The popular bikers' meeting place at St Mary's Loch also provides some of the best biking roads in the Borders. And if you've never been, it's a great place to stop on a Sunday ride. Two further demo days are planned for Saturday, May 11 and Saturday, June 8.
Celebrate with Saltire SALTIRE Suzuki on Edinburgh's Gorgie Road is celebrating its seventh birthday later this month. The city dealership is hosting an open day on March 30, with a few added attractions to mark the event.
NEWS
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Lanark show promises bigger Top TT chat with stars of and better the road SCOTLAND'S other big bike show takes place on May 11/12 this year at the Lanark Agricultural Centre.
FORMER Top Gear presenter, Steve Berry, is hosting a night with TT champions, Ian Hutchinson and Nick Jefferies in Glenrothes.
It is, of course, The Carole Nash sponsored Great Scottish Bike Show, which promises to rival this year's event at Ingliston.
Between them, Hutchy and Nick have won the Isle of Man TT on eight occasions, with a total of 23 podium places to their credits.
As well as the best in modern machines available, the Lanark show will showcase some incredible classic bikes from all over the UK.
Currently on a UK tour, the pair has teamed up with commentator and TV presenter, Steve Berry to provide an evening of bike talk at the town's Rothes Halls on March 14.
This year's guests of honour are racing legends, Bill and Ian Simpson, along with a host of other celebrities from motorcycle sport's various disciplines. The attractions include Danny Butler's stunt bikes, the Extreme Wheelie Machine, and the legendary Wall of Death. With a classic scrambles competition on a specially prepared circuit and mini quad racing for kids along with demonstrations from Vertical Trix, the show really does offer up something for every genre of biker and the family. The list of exhibitors and trade stands has grown from last year, with a veritable village of stands both inside and outside. Tickets are now available at a very reasonable £7, or £8 on the days of the show. You can order your tickets via the Hotline on 01507 529529 or check out more details at www.classicbikeshows.com
With the help of some stunning video and photo montages, the pair provides a fascinating insight into the world's greatest festival of road racing. With their unique insight into the racing, they spice up the facts with some amazing tales of hair-raising experiences and dish the dirt on some of motorcycle road racing's greatest characters. Berry himself is a walking encyclopaedia on the TT and facts and figures about this historic annual extravaganza trip off the tongue. “Let's Talk Bike” is a great evening and probably the next best thing to joining the thousands of bikers who travel to Douglas on the Isle of Man every year. At £15 per head, it's an ideal night out for any biker - and even if you don't ride, you'll find plenty of entertainment provided by this trio. Tickets can be booked via the website at www.onfife.com
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BUSINESS DIRECTORY
THOUSANDS of bikers in Scotland see this magazine. If you'd like your business to be seen in this business directory call Robbie Allan on 07743 455217
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BUSINESS DIRECTORY
THOUSANDS of bikers in Scotland see this magazine. If you'd like your business to be seen in this business directory call Robbie Allan on 07743 455217
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Ducati extends Knockhill dates DUCATI Glasgow has extended its impressive list of tracknights for 2013. The season opens on Friday, April 19, with two-hours of tracktime at Knockhill, kicking off at 6pm. However, you have to arrive at 5.30pm for riders' briefing and sign-on. The monthly nights continue right through to September, with two dates in July. In July and August, riders will have the opportunity to try Knockhill's“reverse direction” taking the other way round the national circuit. The Ducati tracknights are an incredibly valuable experience for discerning owners of the Italian marque, with professional assistance provided by the Glasgow team on both the technical and practical aspects of riding on track. The full list of details and dates are available at and you'll find the staff always willing to answer your questions if you give them a call on 0141 333 4998.
Take a minute… Arty Fisher - Many speedway fans will remember Arty Fisher, who sadly passed away at the start of the year. He was a junior rider for the Edinburgh Monarchs during the late 1950s and into the 1960s. However he was better known to the majority as an accomplished speedway mechanic whose wisdom and knowledge was shared with many riders, among the Monarchs and other teams. Aged 83, he had also been machine examiner on race nights at Powderhall and at Old Meadowbank stadiums. He was laid to rest in Currie Cemetery. Dave Storry 1937 – 2013 - Dave died in Newcastle Hospital on 11 January after a short illness. During his motorcycle sport career he competed in trials and scrambles before turning to road racing in his 40's. He quickly established himself as a front runner in classic competitions becoming Scottish and North East Champion on a number of occasions. Dave loved competing in the Isle of Man and Manx GP and had many successes there as well as being a member of the Scottish Classic Racing Club team winning the Gwen Crellin Trophy with Brian Richards and Robbie Allan. Dave is survived by his wife Wendy, son Paul, daughter Nicola and grandchildren. Robin Daykin - On the 5 December Robin peacefully pulled into the paddock in the sky. He and his wife Annette were so popular everywhere they went both in racing their sidecar and in everyday life. He was a true gentleman racer, a loving husband and a family man.
What is and who are the SACU Management and Organisation? The Scottish Auto Cycle Union (SACU) is the recognised governing body for motorcycle sport in Scotland, made up of affiliated sporting motorcycle clubs. In effect it is a union of Scottish Motorcycle sporting clubs. If you are a member of an affiliated club, then you too are effectively part of the Scottish ACU. It adopts the Handbook and National Sporting Code of the Auto Cycle Union annually, which it has had links with for nearly 100 years. The ACU is the governing body for all types of motorcycle sport in the United Kingdom and is recognised and part of the FIM (Federation International Motocycleste). Some of the ACU rules are modified to suit the specific needs of the various motorcycle sports in the territory of Scotland. These modifications are issued each year after careful consideration by the various sporting committees. The individual sporting rules are available as a download from the SACU website. The individual motorcycle sports are controlled and monitored by what is called "Sporting Disciplines" in the case of the SACU, the sporting committees for
Motocross; Trials; Racing; Quad Racing and Enduro are elected from the membership of our affiliated clubs on an annual basis, normally up to a three year term at the Annual General Meeting (AGM), held in February each year. Also the SACU company accounts are distributed to member club delegates at the AGM. All the discipline committee members are volunteers, they receive no fees or salaries for their attendance at events other than modest travelling expenses, which they can choose to claim or indeed donate back to their discipline fund. Likewise, the chairperson of each discipline committee is also a member of the SACU Management Committee (Board of Directors); again this is a voluntary position. No SACU director is paid fees or a salary and all these people are involved for the enjoyment and promotion of their chosen motorcycle sport. Thus each sporting element of Motorcycle Sport in Scotland is represented on the main SACU Management Committee. The SACU employ three administration members of staff, these are salaried positions and they are accountable to the SACU Management Committee. For full details of who does what at the SACU please refer to the Organisation Chart, available as a download from the SACU website.