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With a variety of other magazines also in our group, the guys putting them together really struggle with letters and correspondence, in that they don’t receive much of it. We, thankfully, are the opposite, with our letters pages going to three this month, to try and clear some of the build-up, though I’ve still lots outstanding.

It’s brilliant, so please keep sending them in, but also, bear with us a little, as we will try and print them all, eventually, it just may take some time. Though as I say, it’s a great (and rare, from what I can tell) position to be in.

Otherw rwise, w I’ve managed to get out for my first club run of the year, 100-plus miles on a vintage motorcycle, starting off in just above freezing temperatures, and then largely in pouring rain all aftternoon. Which made the fact I had a (relatively tiny drum) front brake that’s never been particularly good and a dummy belt rim back stopper, (that in the dry works reasonably well, but in the wet not so much), somewhat interesting. Still, no harm done or encountered, and in the way of our sometimes masochistic pastime, it was all rather enjoyable.

Especially the warming cuppas at the end.

What was interesting was once again the diversity of machine that had turned out. From approximately 30 motorcycles in attendance, there were five of us on prewar machinery, then from there on every decade of eligible machine was represented, plus some more modern ‘tag alongs.’ So it can’t really be levelled as a non-inclusive event; in fact, all were welcome and there’s no evidence of prejudice among all those taking part. Great stuff.

Otherw rwise, w I have been playing in the shed with various things, including my swinging arm Velocette ‘project’ – which is taking shape, slowly – plus getting a few more plans into order. The Morini I acquired last year (it’s 1978, my birth year; I was born September 9, it was registered September 11) is pretty much ready for a summer’s riding, including our annual trip to Cadwell Park for Morini Day (it’s July 11, at Cadwell Park) and so I’m looking forw rward w to putting some miles on that too.

The side-valve Sunbeam is still sick, owing to its broken oil pump, but hopefully it may be remedied for later in the year, as that’s become a staunch favourite. It has totally changed my perceptions of side-valves (there’s no way it’s a steady slogger) and has a perf rformance f which belies its appearance, which makes it even more satisfy fying y to ride.

And although the reading, writing, restoring and so on is enjoyable too, it’s the riding that makes this interest what it is. Even in the freezing cold, pouring rain, with no brakes…

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JAMES ROBINSON Editor

Regular contributors

Tim Britton, Rachael Clegg, Jonathan Hill, Roy Poynting, Richard Rosenthal, Martin Squires, Jerry Thurston, Alan Turner, Phil Turner, Steve Wilson.

Contributors this issue

James Adam Bolton, Chelsea Borchert.

THE CLASSIC MOTOR CYCLE (USPS:710-470) is published monthly by Mortons Media Group Ltd., PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6LZ UK . USA subscriptions are $63 per year from Motorsport Publications LLC, 7164 Cty Rd N #441, Bancroft WI 54921. Periodical Postage is paid at Bancroft, WI and additional entries. Postmaster: Send address changes to THE CLASSIC MOTOR CYCLE, c/o Motorsport Publications LLC, 7164 Cty Rd N #441, Bancroft WI 54921. 715-572-4595 chris@classicbikebooks.com

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CONTENTS ISSUE | JUNE 2019 Archive photograph .......................................... 6 News ................................................................... 8 Pioneer Run .................................................... 12 Letters ............................................................. 16 Subscribe and save ........................................ 22 BSA Gold Star ................................................. 24 DJ Rally............................................................ 32 Gilera B300...................................................... 34 Triumph special ............................................. 40 Velocette KSS .................................................. 46 Tom Arter story – part two............................. 52 Speedway show .............................................. 58 ISDT Triumphs............................................... 60 Closer look – military lightweights............... 66 Mick Ofield interview .................................... 72 Men who mattered – Rob Fitton ................... 74 Triumph unit rebuild..................................... 76 Roy Poynting column .................................... 80 Jerry Thurston column................................... 82 Sketchbook travels ......................................... 84 You were asking.............................................. 86

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Restoration guide – Triumph 3TA/Tiger 90. 90 Technical feature – MoT testing.................... 92 Classic components AMC Teledraulics........ 98 Diary..............................................................110 Next month ................................................... 113

POST: The Classic MotorCycle, PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6LZ EMAIL: jrobinson@mortons.co.uk

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» Every issue willwill be be sent hothot offoff thethe press andand delivered straight to your house » Every issue sent press delivered straight to your house » You’ll never miss an an action-packed issue or supplement again » You’ll never miss action-packed issue or supplement again THE CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE | JUNE 2019

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Appearances can be deceptive Three big V-twins, featuring plated petrol tanks and even at a glance a fine specification, with speedometers and lighting sets apparent. Brough Superiors, right? Wrong…

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t a glance – and to be fair, even a reasonably sustained look – for all intents and purposes, this is a trio of Brough Superiors, posed together at the start of a long-distance event. One expects that a face among the trio belongs to George Brough, with perhaps another that of ‘Gentleman’ Dickson, ‘Oily’ Karslake, Charles Needham, George Patchett, or another of the prominent BrufSup exponents. A good, close look reveals that none of the ‘usual suspects’ are depicted.

The said-same more detailed inspection of the motorcycles starts to throw up some anomalies. What are those front forks?

Well, not all Brough Superiors used the Castle fork, with Webb, Brampton and even Montgomery variously employed at different times. But the ones on the featured machines don’t look like any of those either.

As the photograph was filed in a box with only a date on the reverse, it was time for some more investigation, luckily with a ready lead in the form of the published date – July 30, 1925. A walk into Mortons’ archive (still a traditional library-type arrangement, with boxes and bound magazines on the shelves) and fetching out the necessary volume was required – and soon all became clear.

The three are actually Matchless V-twins, the biggest tell-tale being those front forks, a common design to the Plumstead firm for several years, the ballooned shape of the rear strut of the girders the giveaway. But there is plenty to show how easily these could be incorrectly identified.

Matchless had made V-twins long before Brough Superior even existed and was to later supply the engines to the Nottinghambased maker, but the south east London made machines have nothing like the

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THE CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE | JUNE 2019

prestige today that a Brough Superior possesses. But when (ever?) was the last time anyone saw a Matchless V-twin like these pictured?

Indeed, the comparative reality of vintage Matchless machines is curious – there just never seem to be many of them about.

Go to a big pre-1931 gathering – Banbury being the prime example – and the place is practically overrun with Nortons, Triumphs, BSAs, Ajays, even Scotts and Velos; the last two surely made in much smaller numbers than Matchless, while in 1931 Matchless was to buy the AJS concern.

So how come that at Banbury in 2018, of 471 machines listed in the programme, there were 37 AJS as opposed to four with Matchless on the tank?

It’s rare to see an example of a vintage (pre-1931) Matchless, rarer still to see a vintage Matchless V-twin, and virtually unheard of to see one of these Broughaping machines. If anyone has one, or a picture, we’d love to see it; there was a photograph circulating of one in Australia some years ago.

But now we’ve established what the motorcycles are (Matchless Model M/3S

Classic archive

Sports, to give them their full names) who are the men and what’s the event? From left, the chaps are Fred Neill, J W Bartleet and R J Braid, the event the 1925 Scottish Six Day Trials, with this trio the Matchless team. All three managed the finish and earned some words in The Motor Cycle’s event write-up.

Of Braid: "Silver cup. Apparently not yet quite used to a big machine in Scottish trials country, but nevertheless a successful rider.”

Neil: “Silver Cup. Surer of himself than Braid, owing to longer acquaintance with his machine. One of the best riders of solo big twins competing.”

Bartleet: “Silver medal. Failed Kenmore and lost 10 marks on time.”

There were two more Matchless riders, Hardman on a 350cc ohv (a silver cup) and Snell (980cc sidecar) who took a bronze medal, plus a special award for most plucky performance. He ‘...failed Amulree, Blachraggan, Caddonlee, and Blackford Hills, lost 40 marks for one trouble and another, and one for a broken carrier stay.’

Interestingly, the aforementioned Dickson was there on an ohv Brough Superior and gained a bronze medal, although it was noted: “Apt to be shaky

on bad corners, possibly owing to a leg injury received just before the trials,” which doesn’t sound much fun at all. The second Brough Superior in the trial, a sidecar driven by Stockton, retired early on.

There were 77 entrants in the trial and 75 starters, of which 67 finished the course. With no overall, individual winner (that didn’t come until 1932) there were 32 silver cups, 21 gold medals, 11 silver medals and three bronze medals awarded. The Matchless trio performed well indeed, certainly besting the End Brough Superiors…

THE CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE | JUNE 2019

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Neews Events

New ws&Events

Dominating proceedings Left: Classic trials machinery comes under critical scrutiny in the jumble, but respectable sums of money are required.

Right: The Essex Branch of the British Owners’ Club had orchestrated this glittering line-up.

The first of ELK Promotions’ shows for 2019 took place on March 31, at the familiar South of England Showground venue in Ardingly, Sussex. The theme for this event was ‘70 years of the Norton Dominator.’

That may have been the main focus, but the familiar Norton tank script seemed to be everywhere, with numerous examples of Bracebridge Street production and more than a few from later Plumstead and Andover continuations.

Guest of honour was Rex Butcher, who was one of those who rode the famous Dunstall Domiracers. By continuing a Norton race development programme, in the 1960s the Dunstall twins soon became a challenge to the previous single-cylinder monopoly of the bigger road-racing classes.

Mike Braid had brought along a 500cc Domiracer, which, with a few other competition classics, was fired up in a

couple of ‘paddock’ sessions during the day.

Other famous faces included Dave Degens, Paul Smart and Colin Seeley, on hand to reminisce and/or advise.

In the restoration side of the show at Ardingly there were more familiar bikes and faces. Among the well known associations was John Elliott and his immaculate 1959 500cc Clubman’s Gold Star, which always attracts attention and on this occasion picked up an award.

Dave Harding collected an award for a fine Triumph T160.

Just a few months previously, he had received one for a twostroke Yamaha. The Triumph was one of the last produced by the factory. After racking up a number of miles, it was soon abandoned in a garage, where it remained for 35 years. While the engine required a full strip, the cycle parts were remarkably well preserved.

The British Owners’ Club from Essex had Nortons of various ages and models on its stand. Among the selection, John Vale’s superb Model 50, which had been exported when new. After many years, it returned to the UK but by then was in need of considerable restoration. John got an award for his work, but the club was unlucky in just being pipped by the Norton Owners’ Club for the ‘Best Stand’ award.

Among the older bikes, Steve Elston collected a first in class award for a Model 19 Norton of 588cc capacity. In 1926, this had been supplied to Brooklands legend Dan ‘Wizard’ O’Donovan. Such provenance put the bike a place ahead of the rare 500cc Clubman’s New Imperial exhibited by Chris Harris.

The original Model 7 Dominator had been on the market for four years before the launch of the Model 88

when the 500cc engine was installed in a Featherbed frame, creating a pairing that continued to evolve but remained, for years, a mainstay of the manufacturer’s catalogue.

Among the Dominators to be found at Ardingly, was one belonging to Norton enthusiast Derek Isaacs. He has owned his 1954 88 for more than four decades. Ridden everywhere, or, as Derek puts it: “Never trailered, except by the AA.” The location of the showground and its approach roads make this show a popular riding destination, evidenced by the large areas filled with visitors’ bikes.

As well as the main show hall there is always a good number of trade stands, and every jumble offers something different. Like the Norton Dominator, the event is a successful formula.

Alan Turner.

ASI Motoshow’s 18th year The ASI MotoShow takes place on May 24-26 at the Ricardo Paletti circuit in Varano, Parma.

The event is open to motorcycles built before 1997 and attracts a fabulous, diverse entry, from single-geared pioneer era machines to screaming early 1990s two-stroke racers.

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Now in its 18th year, around 750 participating motorcycles are anticipated. Public admission is free, which, coupled with a ‘parade of champions’ on Sunday, all leads to a large spectator attendance.

Details from info@asifed.it or www.asifed.it

THE CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE | JUNE 2019

Head to Italy for the ASI show and see gems like this pair.

Enfield details sought

NEWS IN BRIEF

This early Royal Enfield was Amazing 1904 Royal Enfield. Does anyone know any more about it? acquired by Vintage and Veterran (www.vinandvet.eu) in late 2017, in a complete, unrestored, butt original condition. The bike was missing a carburettor and d basically needed control leverss, cables and oil pipes.

It was sold as a 1903 bike, mainly because it was similar to the only other known pioneer Royal Enfield, which was also incorrectly thought to be 1903.

Royal Enfield only assembleed Unfortunately, the Kent needed replacing in the timing a handful of motorcycles in archive does not show a frame chest and the ignition cam 1903/4, and then no more number, and despite many remaking correctly. until 1910. appeals, the DVLA will not The refurbishment has been The Enfield had no paperwork, issue the original number very satisfying and a great no history, and no visible frame without a document linking the pleasure for the owners, who or engine numbers, though registration number to the frame. rode their Royal Enfield around these numbers were soon Vintage and Veteran do have revealed under the dirt and paint, the yard for the first time in a dating certificate, a Pioneer February 2019 – maybe the and both are correct for 1904.

Certificate and a V5C on an age first time it had been ridden for It had been in a barn in related number. They would nearly 100 years.

Honiton, near Exeter, at the desperately like to be able to On purchase they managed home of a vintage and veteran reclaim the original number and to read the registration D1661 car and bike collector, who had fill in the history gaps so any on one side of the front bought it, in this condition, at information, photographs etc numberplate. An enquiry to Beaulieu Autojumble years ago. is sought.

Kent archives brought forward The only other early Royal They would also like to fit the original registration records.

Enfield is now in the National some new beaded edge tyres, D1661 was registered as a Motorcycle Museum, and is but are unsure of the correct size.

‘Royal Enfield Minerva’ on now known to be manufactured Can anyone offer any help? The December 5, 1904, to Mr Albert in 1904. original RE rims measure 23¾in The wheel bearings, headstock Beach, Police Quarters, HM on the outside.

Dockyard, Sheerness, Kent. In bearings and bottom bracket Phil Haywood would love to 1920 it was transferred to a Mr cups on Vintage and Veteran’s hear from you at vinandvet@aol.

Baldwin, and then to Mr Jean, bike have been renewed or com or 01283 509562. also in Sheerness. reconditioned; one bronze bush

 PRESCOTT BIKE FESTIVAL 2019

The new-look Prescott Bike Festival returns to the Gloucestershire hill climb on June 15/16, 2019.

 OILY RAG SHOW

There’s a classic vehicle show in Eye, Suffolk, on June 1, 2019, at Fennings Farm.

 WARLINGHAM SHOW Warlingham Rugby Club are hosting a classic vehicle show on July 14. Details at www. warlinghamclassics.co.uk

 MOTORSPORT AT THE PALACE

The Sevenoaks and District Motor Club has already received 150 car and motorcycle entries for their Crystal Palace May Bank Holiday sprint weekend, being held on May 26/27. Advance tickets are now available with discounts available for ‘Early Bird’ purchases. Full details are on the official website at: www. motorsportatthepalace.com

 BTSC DATE CHANGE

Nigel Rollason Winner of the 1971 Senior Manx GP Nigel Rollason passed away on February 6, 2019.

Born in 1948, Nigel started his on-road motorcycling charging around Sutton Coldfield on a 750cc BSA V-twin sidecar outfit, going on to the Manx win and riding BSAs to much success in production races.

He then went on to race BSA engined sidecars, securing many places in IOM TTs, finishing with a win in 1986 aboard a Barton Phoenix engined outfit.

He was the only living person to have won a TT on two and three wheels and was only the second person to have

 LANSDOWNE DATES

The 2019 calendar goes thus: May 3/4 Pembrey, June 1/2 Cadwell Park, June 16 Mallory Park, August 3/4 Donington Park, September 28/29 Snetterton 200, November 1/3 Portimão Historic Festival (tbc).

The British Two-Stroke Club event to be held at Ranmore Common near Dorking on May 26, 2019, has had to be moved to May 19.

 SUNBEAM MCC’S ROSE OF THE SHIRES RUN

achieved this.

A talented engineer, Nigel was appointed chairman of the TT Riders’ Association in 2013, an organisation he was passionate about.

Nigel later moved to Devon where he took up racing

yachts again, sailed to the IOM, entered an around the island race, and won that. He also had a massive interest in flying remote control aeroplanes.

Nigel’s funeral was held on February 26.

David Edwards.

The popular run, this year on June 9, again starts at the Navigation pub, Bridge Road, Stoke Bruerne, Towcester NN12 7SY. The event caters for all makes of solos and threewheelers up to 1939. Details from Rob Bayman, 4 Bedford Cottages, Great Brington, Northampton NN74JF robertbayman@btinternet. com or www.sunbeam-mcc. co.uk

THE CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE | JUNE 2019

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&

Neews Events

A Kentish kaleidoscope

Book Review

“Alf Hagon – About more than speed”

The life and times of motorcycling’s alternative thinker

Author: Tim Britton Foreword: Barry Briggs MBE, former four time world speedway champion.

Published by: Mortons Media Group Ltd, Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6JR www.classicmagazines. co.uk/thebookshelf Tel: 01507 529529 Perfect bound “bookazine,” 210 x 300mm (portrait), 132 pages, fully illustrated.

ISBN: 9781911276814 £6.99 Health issues restrict Steve Clark’s riding, so he focuses his enthusiasm on superb restorations, including this 1956 Mobylette.

The Kent County Showground, located on the top of Detling Hill and not far from the county town of Maidstone, could never be described as a cramped site, but much of it was covered by classic transport in just about every form for the early season annual Heritage Show.

Although rain and hill fog soon descended, it arrived too late to dampen the enthusiasm of the clubs and individual riders that were already offering a variety of machinery for perusal. The warm, dry space in one of the modern pavilions was a welcome environment as visitors and owners were happy to stand and chat.

The AMC, Bantam, BSA and Norton Owners’ Clubs were among those that had a presence. This time, Terry Smith (his Triumph Saints featured in May’s The Classic MotorCycle) had brought further police bike examples from his collection.

A broad range of mopeds and cyclemotors offered a virtual postwar history of powered two-wheeler (PTW) commuting.

Clive Fletcher was kept busy fielding questions, but found time to explain what is almost a classic counterculture.

While never achieving the status of bigger machines, the featherweights give owners

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opportunities to restore and ride classic machinery but at a fraction of most restoration budgets. Projects can change hands for a few pounds and it’s not uncommon for bikes to be there for the taking.

One of the most-admired at Detling was Steve Clark’s brilliant 1956 Mobylette.

Misleadingly advertised (‘needs minor work’) when purchased, it took months to get everything back to bare metal. Every part of the bike needed attention, the engine received a full overhaul and the wheels required rebuilding. Steve carried out most of the work himself.

Unfortunately, the showground did not permit the use of a moped to see everything at the show but a fleet of classic buses provided endless service to take visitors from area to area.

Alan Turner.

A Detling assortment. Closest to camera is Dave Blanchard’s Triumph Tiger 70 trials bike.

THE CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE | JUNE 2019

Hagon is a business name known to many classic motorcycle enthusiasts, but how many will know about the man behind the name, the proprietor, Alf Hagon?

It may come as a surprise to learn that this slightly-built, rather academic-looking man, with his thick hornrimmed spectacles, had, in fact, ridden for six speedway teams, been 11 times British Grass Track champion, held national sprint records and in 1968 became the first British rider to complete a flying mile at over 200mph – all on machines of his own design and construction.

Alfred Joseph Hagon, born in 1931 at Ilford, Essex, started, with friends, riding across bomb sites in the area at a young age, shortly after the Second World War. With strict petrol rationing in force, they ran their machines on methanol, a wood-alcohol fuel that was not rationed – much to the chagrin of the local police force.

Alf soon became a member of the local motor cycle club, helping and later riding in many events. Starting work for an engineering firm, he had a latent talent for making and improving parts for his

and friends’ machines.

He also rode a 350cc Rudge in the last grasstrack and later first road race meeting held at Brands Hatch. Sponsored by a local firm, he entered the Senior Clubmans’ TT on a Norton International, riding to and from the Isle of Man. Whilst modestly claiming to be ‘just a team member,’ friend and former multiworld speedway champion Barry Briggs claims that Alf was a very underrated speedway rider, who in 1960 went to Australia with the national England team.

Always an original thinker, Hagon’s radical ideas proved so successful that in 1961 he scored 282 wins across three grasstrack classes – and alongside this he was still racing speedway and had taken up sprinting.

Inevitably, he was asked to build replica machines and this led eventually to his very successful business.

Best regarded as an overview, this 132-page publication is nowhere near big enough to do full justice to the amazing life of Alf Hagon, but it is a very good and inspirational read.

Reviewed by Jonathan Hill.

THE WAY WE WERE IN

JUNE

1919

machine had a front wheel Stand or not to stand. With 5in drum brake, leaf spring many designers scheming front suspension and was new scooters, enthusiasts to cost about £28. When were divided regarding production started, Major the desirability or not of HOD Seagrave, 56 Conduit fitting a seat. Many ideas Street, London, was to remained on the drawing handle distribution. board but a few were being Designed by Capt Smithbuilt, including the Norlow Clarke as a bespoke one-off and Smith-Clarke. While scooter for his wife, the the Norlow resembles a Smith-Clarke looked similar scoot-along scooter with to a pre First World War an engine, the Smithlady’s model motorcycle – Clarke was a seatless such as the Handy Hobart miniature motorcycle.

– less its seat, but with foot The Norlow, designed by platforms either side of the Sir Henry Norman and Dr A M Low, appeared similar to lower frame section.

With 20in wheels and the American Autoped, but weighing 55lbs, the Smithwas smaller. Its 169cc twoClarke was powered by stroke engine was mounted a 142cc ohv engine with on the left side of the front wheel through which its righ- magneto ignition driving the rear wheel via primary thand extended mainshaft belt countershaft and thence passed to support the V-belt to the rear wheel. flywheel on the right side.

Capt Smith-Clarke Gear reduction to the front intended building just one 16in drive wheel was by machine for his wife but now twin chains and appropriate the couple, embarrassed sprockets, with a clutch by the favourable interest giving a free engine facility. it had garnered, were Dry batteries powered the reconsidering their situation. ignition and lights. The 60lbs

1944

Looking into the future, Mr Granville Bradshaw envisaged the day when televisions would be commonplace and IoM TT riders would have

1969

Having raced to an easy victory in the IoM Junior TT days earlier, Giacomo Agostini cruised to another victory by over eight minutes in the

handlebar-mounted transmitting cameras, relaying all the action from the riders’ viewpoint of the Mountain Circuit directly to enthusiasts’ sitting rooms.

Senior race, despite waving to the crowds for much of his last lap. MV Agusta had now drawn level with Norton for number of solo TT wins.

1994 Len Geeson, joint founder of the Geeson Museum, South Witham, Lincs, with his older brother George, died suddenly on June 1, aged 82.

Retiring from their garage business almost 30 years

before, the brothers restored over 70 motorcycles for their museum and sponsored Mick Broom (winner of the Vintage Race of the Year, Mallory Park 1969-75) on pre Second World War Triumph twins.

THE CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE | JUNE 2019

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80 and sunny at Brighton Brighton was not suffering from the effects of global warming on this spring day, but welcoming those riding on the 80th anniversary of the Pioneer Run.

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Andy Brown tries to restart circulation. An early number on his 1902 Clermont-Garrard meant catching the 4am ferry from his Isle of Wight home. That Pioneering spirit once more!

Words and photographs: ALAN TURNER

n event for motorcycles between 15 and perhaps 35 years old does not immediately appear to offer promise for long-lasting success, but turn the clock back to 1930 and that was how the Association of Pioneer Motorcyclists persuaded the Sunbeam MCC to adopt such criteria to establish eligibility for the first Pioneer Run. Thus defined, the formula was obviously a success.

The programme for this year's event contained Baz Staple’s researched account of the first run. Perhaps the banning of speed events on public roads some five years previously was an influence, so a quirky time trial for obsolete and generally unloved machinery was, apparently, one not to be missed. The crowds blocking the road at the Croydon Airport start were enough to incur the ire of the Metropolitan Police.

The levels of spectator interest of that initial event are yet to be repeated as spectacularly, but for motorcyclists across the south-east, the Pioneer (this year on March 24) marks the start of the riding season.

Those taking part find it’s addictive. Every

year, it just has to be done. Individual riders and clubs are out in force to support the run.

Some, probably non-riders, who live by, or near the route, take a seat and refreshments to spectate at the side of the road, helping make the Pioneer such a unique occasion.

This year, they would have witnessed a cavalcade of perhaps 250 or more variations on a theme, from 123-year-old forecars to the most recent, which still made their debuts before the First World War. This year’s entry saw eight other countries represented, with 14 riders from Germany.

After last year's bestial weather, this year, after a chilly start, was closer to celestial, although that brought problems of a different nature. By mid-morning, when most of the entry was somewhere en route, the near summer conditions brought the additional hazard of traffic. However, much of Sussex is crossed on scenic and less busy roads. The coffee break at Leonardslee Gardens, near Horsham, provided a welcome distraction for some, a chance to warm numbed hands for others and an urgent pit-stop for an unfortunate few.

Pat Gill was riding his Matchless machine

Nigel Cornelius eases his 1904 Rover into the coffee stop at Leonardslee, against some strong opposition he got the Brian Verrall award for best three-wheeler.

Big man and a big veteran! Netherlands rider Gert Holmersma received an award for ‘Best American Machine’ for his 1914 7hp Indian V-twin.

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THE CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE | JUNE 2019

Pioneer Run | 2019

The 269cc 1914 Sun was owned by Richard Miller’s father and has had some cosmetic restoration over the last 15 years.

gun sidecar outfit. A daunting-looking machine at the best of times and, although the machine gun is deactivated, he was advised to keep the weapon covered as they rode past Gatwick Airport.

The Roud brothers are more usually associated with immaculately presented American machines. For a change, Nick Roud was maintaining a family presence with his grandfather's 1912 Triumph, unrestored and a different experience as Nick piloted it to Brighton to complete its first Pioneer.

Bernie White posed for photographs with his 1910 Premier. He inherited the machine from his father, although that oversimplifies things. All he got was a frame, most of the forks, the rear stand and a pedal crank.

However, fortune really did favour the brave in Bernie's case and with some lucky breaks and the right contacts he tracked down everything to build a bike.

Simon Hollingsworth was another 1912 Triumph rider, but was having troubles. He extracted the spark plug from his model and after a quick clean the engine was running happily again. Sammy Miller suffered more serious problems and was forced to retire at Leonardslee. Entered on his Alldays & Onions Matchless (Matchless is the name of the model) a broken link to the rear hub left the bike without a clutch. Last year, the aforementioned Baz Staple received an award for completing 50 Pioneers, but this time an injury and running problems brought his riding day to an early end – the first time he had failed to finish. There was feverish activity to assist one rider, with wayward steering after the handlebar stem broke. Elsewhere, other riders looked anxiously for tender vehicles as veteranfriendly fuel can also be an issue.

Fuel was also the reason for David Dickerson's spectacular departure from the Run at Cowfold, just a few miles on from the coffee break. Unbeknown to the rider, his three-wheeler had fractured a fuel pipe, he rode into the village trailing blazing fuel. Prompt action with fire extinguishers

Vincent Belgraver and the Kerry – the appearance of which belies its 116 years of existence.

Martin Bodenham pilots his 1896 Leon Bollee.

Pat Gill and his Matchless machine gun outfit. For some reason, the ensemble seemed to have less traffic problems than some other riders experienced!

grabbed from the village hall eventually extinguished the flames. Rather ironically, David’s steed was a ‘Phoenix’ and, like its winged predecessor, will rise again from the ashes. The heat melted all the soldered joints in the fuel tank, but repairs to the tank, and the rest of the machine, are already in hand.

Cowfold was a popular vantage point as the Pioneer route involves negotiating a double roundabout arrangement, intersecting the busy A272. Chris Habgood’s 1914 Douglas had to be pushed through here, but he soon traced a minor electrical fault and he was on his way once more.

For many years, after some miles of relatively easy country roads, the route has required riders to rejoin the A23 LondonBrighton Road just at the city boundary, where attempting to join a fast traffic flow has been described as ‘character-building’, especially for riders of bikes with more limited performance. In an attempt to avoid this potential hazard, the new route

The cause of navigational problems were soon diagnosed as a broken handlebar stem. There was feverish activity to try and mend it. The programme records the rider as Raymond Cave – but not on that bike!

THE CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE | JUNE 2019

13

continued on still relatively quiet roads as far as Shoreham, before turning east and following the A259 coast road for the last few miles.

Brighton was proving to be a popular destination for many a day tripper, inevitably intrigued by all the old bikes. Adding that to the numerous traffic lights along the final stretch of Brighton seafront provided an unwelcome challenge and several riders found progress easier by pushing their machines for the last stretch and gaining the relative haven of Madeira Drive, which was reserved for Run traffic only.

Reminiscent of past Pioneers, a bus marked the finish line once again. This was not a commentators’ lookout, but a London Routemaster on which the Gravesend Eagles MCC had organised another club jolly to support the run.

Even the most hardened of Pioneer entries will not resist a smile when crossing the finish line. Marshals are there to ease the task of parking, then it’s time to sign off and have success officially confirmed.

Although there is no longer an official timed element to the Pioneer, arrival after the results have been collated means not being classified as a finisher. Prize giving takes place early afternoon. Unfortunately, it was some time after that when TV regulars Henry Cole and Sam Lovegrove finally completed a much-troubled Brighton excursion.

Racking up yet another Pioneer finish, Frank Dolman's record will take a lot of beating. He received an award for completing 60 Pioneer Runs, an amazing achievement in itself, but all the more remarkable to note they have all been done on the same bike, a 1912 Ladies' Model Douglas. Known as ‘Galloping Gertie’ the bike is far from cosseted purely for Pioneer use, with outings to places at home and in Europe – always ridden. Later in the

Frank Dolman – been there, got the T-shirt! The mayors present him with the awards marking 60 Pioneer Runs as well as the Cup for Meritorious Performance.

Caroline Sibley is an enthusiastic participant in the resurgent interest in De Dion Bouton tricycles. She is riding an 1899 2.25hp version.

such a variety of manufacturers. Features that prize-giving, Frank was called back to be became commonplace on bikes from far later awarded the Bob Currie Cup for the ‘Most years are seen as first principles on veterans.

Meritorious Performance.’

Sometimes, technology or materials had to Dave Pittuck's Leon Bollee is another catch up to make ideas viable. machine that is often out and about. The One example was the winner of the ‘Best forecar’s age entitled it to riding number ‘1', and when the rider’s age was added the total, V-twin machine’. This went to a German ‘Wanderer’, dating from 1914, but the 8hp made him the recipient of the Lt Col ‘Tiny’ engine, rear cantilever suspension and a Ayers Award for oldest combination of rider type of leading link arrangement at the front and machine. must have given Hans-Deiter Springer a less The awards were presented jointly by arduous ride than some. Another was that Coun Neil Dallen, Mayor of Epsom & Ewell, of regular entry Vincent Belgraver, from the and Coun Dee Simson, who holds the Netherlands. At a cursory glance, his smart corresponding position at Brighton. While green 2.25hp Kerry might not have looked Coun Simson used to ride, Coun Dallen was too far out of place among 1950s mopeds, so impressed he said he would be back to but actually dates from 1903. spectate next year. That Pioneer addiction is The Pioneer Register, the Sunbeam a strong force.

MCC-generated authentication certificate Much of the fascination of the Pioneer is and a pre-requisite for Pioneer entry, has in looking at the detail of the machines from been issued to more than 2000 machines Nick Canfor maintains tradition with spring and the number continues to grow. It’s all blooms decorating his 1912 Triumph – a far cry from that very first event, but the and another successful run completed. basic ingredients of fuel, lubricant and enthusiasm keep the Pioneer running.

End Long may it continue.

The Cowfold curse strikes again, with roadside repairs for this Rudge rider.

14

THE CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE | JUNE 2019

Readerss’ Letters

Readerss’ Letters YOUR VOICE & YOUR OPINIONS

Post Office Bantams I read the April 2019 edition of The Classic MotorCycle with interest, particularly the article about the Post Office Bantam.

I started as a Post Office Telegram boy in 1966 and after a brief spell delivering telegrams on a push bike, I passed my driving test and progressed on to riding Bantams.

In those days they were the plunger framed versions but they were phasing in the bigger engine, swinging arm versions when I moved on to adult duties. This was supposed to happen when you reached 18 but because of changes in the minimum age to ride motorcycles, the Post Office didn’t recruit any 16 year olds and those like myself who had

Whatever happened to the likely lads…

Stuart Nicholson’s fellow GPO Bantam jockeys.

reached 18 were kept on for a further year until the matter was resolved.

It is perfectly true what is said in the article that there is no such thing as an original spec Post Office bike.

In Brighton where I was based, the bikes were thrashed relentlessly and the single sprung saddles wore out and were replaced by unsprung dual seats designed for the swinging arm bikes.

On the bikes we rode, the bracket holding the legshield did not loop back to the front downtube as on the bike in the article, but carried on down and rearwards and bolted on to the end of the footrest.

Great delight was had by scraping this on the road when cornering, causing sparks to fly.

Incidentally, I had no interest in motorcycling when I started with the Post Office, but I became hooked and had a variety of bikes continuously until I was in my 50s.

My photo was taken in about 1969. The chap nearest the camera is Geoff Marshall, at the time he had an Ariel Huntmaster, before progressing on to a Triumph Bonneville. The one behind in the fawn

jacket is Geoff Comelio, at the time he had an Ambassador 250cc twin.

The one in the grey jacket is Bob Bean, and the one mounting the bike is Ray Sigrist, he had a 500cc Triumph. At the time I had a Velocette Venom.

As you can see, the bikes are well used and that resulted in having to suffer broken throttle cables, front brake cables etc. I rode the Bantams for three years and in

Correction: Jones brake With reference to the Jones racer, in the April 2019 issue of TCM, Dennis Jones did indeed make his own front wheel but it was not a disc. The front wheel he made is in fact still in the Supercharged four he also made. This was unusual, in the fact the brake was operated through the wheel spindle.

The wheel fitted to the twin in your feature, I picked up at Netley Marsh autojumble years ago. It came from some of Maurice Cann’s stuff. I believe it is an experimental Italian hub, though I may be wrong.

If you look at the book Mike Hailwood – A Motorcycle Racing Legend by Mick Woollett, on page 59 there is a photo of Mike in 1960 holding the experimental disc in his hand beside the wheel, discussing it with Paddy Driver.

Dennis used his original centre operated front hub from creation to creation, even renting it out on occasions. This meant with the six bikes

16

THE CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE | JUNE 2019

The front brake fitted to the Jones racer is quite possibly Italian-made.

he made, only one could have his original wheel fitted at any given time. When I had the Jones twin in your feature, it had a Norton road eight inch hub fitted. Having bought the disc at Netley, it seemed more appropriate to the rest of the bike, so I fitted it.

Paul Ingham, via email.

that time I can only recall one RTA where one of the lads was injured, and that was a lacerated shin.

Not bad considering we were out delivering in all weathers from 7am until 7pm.

Incidentally, you can see on Geoff Marshall’s hip he is wearing the extra large pouch designed for carrying the greetings telegrams.

Stuart Nicholson, Brighton.

In addition

Thanks for yet another super TCM with the April 2019 issue.

Just one point I thought you might be interested in: The Classic Camera article (p114) states 11 Triumphs escorted Nikita Krushchev, but if you view tinyurl.com/y2lanuha you can count 17 escorting the Russian party.

Keep up the good work.

Dave Payne, via email.

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