Wednesday 1 October 2014

OCTOBER Update


October is here and still we have been blessed with some remarkable biking weather. We were planning on covering some of those indoor jobs, but we will be leaving that for later.

Warbike Project

 

The finishing line is in sight, but we are still working on making the book an interesting read as well as a reference source. This is a challenge, but only time will tell. The book will cover military motorcycling during the period 1899 to 1919. We recognise that this is an important period for motorcycling as a whole and therefore we have also covered some of the social historical aspects of this period, trying not to go off on too much of a tangent. For example in 1914, volunteers were asked to turn up with their own motorcycles. This was part of a predetermined plan, but means that many makes of bike were at the front, before the relatively small number of manufacturers supplied the war office. British civilian manufactures continued to try and win military contracts and some such as Sunbeam and Ariel supplied bike to Allies, but not to British forces. There lies a further problem; as records are hard to come by we are not yet in a position to say x manufacturer never supplied military bikes, so we will be looking for continuing support to ensure that the records are as accurate as possible over the coming years.




The October 2014 (published September) edition of The Classic Motorcycle carries our summary of the period up to 1915. We have also rediscovered an unknown event that took place at Brooklands in the autumn of 1915. Pictured on page 64 of TCM, The Royal Aircraft Factory meeting was open to factory workers. This together with the two services meetings were the only meetings held during World War One and we are working together with Brooklands Museum to find a fitting way to commemorate these events next year. If you are the owner of a period machine and would like to get involved please write to warbike@fenlandclassics.co.uk

Brooklands Motorcycle Volunteers

A Group From Brazil pop in to see the volunteers
 
As ever a plug for the Volunteer’s excellent Facebook page. Kept up to date on a regular basis by volunteer Tony Baxter this site documents what is the continuing story of the iconic Surrey race circuit. The volunteers work every Thursday and at present are focussed on preparing some of the more challenging projects for events in 2015.

The Custom Scene and the Brooklands Ton-up Day Back Story


Henry Cole & Gary Pinchin Chat to Simon Arrowsmith about his Yamaha SR500


Whilst strictly outside of our period, you can’t help being swept up by the growing trend for “anything goes” street custom bikes. At the hub is the Bike Shed, showcasing what’s hot on the scene. Viewers of itv4’s The Motorcycle Show will know that Henry Cole, whilst passionate about motorcycles in all forms has caught the bug and is now producing “The Gladstone” a street chop. Motorcycle Journalist Gary Pinchin is also at the forefront of promoting the expanding this enthusiasm for individual expression on two wheels. I was privileged to catch up with Cole and Pinchin when their two worlds collided at the Brooklands Ton-up Day. 



An essential break to share some riding experiences
This event in its second year is still finding its feet, but is growing into a celebration of Cafe racers and street customs of all eras. This year there was a Village Green vibe with bikers getting together swapping stories and generally having a chilled time whilst period bands played in the background. Those who wanted also got the chance to parade their bikes up the Brooklands Test hill and there was also a prize for the best bike in each category see September Update   Henry Cole was filming for his show whilst Gary was giving him tips on being a journo for the day. On a break from filming I caught up with Henry and Gary for a chat. Henry plays the fool, but behind the thin veil is a very knowledgeable man who is absolutely passionate about all things motorcycling. Just another bloke on the street, Henry always makes time to share rides and experiences with fellow bikers. After yet another break to discuss the roads in Australia with a group of leather clad cafe racers he explained how important it was to him to mix in with the crowd for a chat. “Love the show, when can we have some new Greatest Motorcycle Rides” shouts another group of fans. “Thanks mate, got unfinished business with the Matisse” Henry talked more with us about the frustration of the Rickman Matisse on the South Africa trip and how he is planning another trip on the classic Rickman desert racer. Henry and Gary both agreed that the street custom scene is continuing to grow with the Bike Shed Event leading the way. Henry also reminds a modest editor Gary that he has done more than most to bring the scene to the attention of the masses.  Time for more work and Gary points Henry in the direction of the Paddock where they spend time with Simon Arrowsmith and his Yamaha SR500 Tracker which was to become the title spread for the article which appeared in September’s CBG. They say a picture says a thousand words and Gary’s silent partner on this trip out was photographer Mykel Nicolaou. A biker himself, Mykel’s work regularly adorns the pages of Classic Bike Guide and on this particular day he was in among the crowds getting shots to accompany Henry’s article.
Henry Cole explains to Gary why he is late!
There is no doubt that the street custom scene has now arrived and whilst it is fair to say that the custom scene has been around and evolving for many years I believe that it is now more accessible than ever before. At its heart it is still about blokes in sheds building great bikes and the donor bikes are now 70’s Jap bikes that can be picked up cheaply (for now!).

Evidence of the fact that this is more than a backstreet fad can be seen by the likes of Triumph getting on board with the Belstaff Special and other limited editions. The Beckhams are also climbing on the two wheeled band wagon with a range of clothing and Now even Clarks shoes have joined the Party. And now Ducati are making me late posting the blog as they launch what appear to be Flat Tracker look-alikes. There is a concern that big business will swoop in and steal the limelight.  However, the custom scene will continue to evolve and the reality is that big business cannot keep up with the man in the shed and the cottage industry that is Street Customs.

Next Time we will look at men in sheds and the Record Breaking obsession.

 

Fenland Classics TV

Our Picks for October.. Enjoy


Stop Press Tax Discs


From today (1 Oct) UK motor vehicles will no longer need to display a tax disc. You will however need to continue to pay the tax unless the vehicle is exempt because of age or category. I am waiting for a reminder this month for an exempt bike, so I am keen to know how this will work on line. I guess it will just be a tick box for use on the road and another for SORN.

 

Old Timer