AUGUST Update

Ton-up Day

It was back down to Brooklands on 7 July for the annual Ton-up day organised by Brooklands Museum in association with the London Ace Cafe. Once again hundreds of riders mingled and sharing stories of bike builds and days gone by. There were also two Test Hill sessions which included a diverse range of bikes from Bantams to Tritons. We were privileged to get cameras onto the hill and will soon be putting together a short film of the event for the Brooklands Motorcycle Volunteers facebook page and Fenland Classics TV.

A Diverse Range of Bikes for Ton-up Day at Brooklands

Shere Hill Climb

On 6 September petrolheads will be heading down to Staples Lane in Surrey for the Shere Hill Climb. This is a non-competitive event in aid of local charities that has attracted some interesting vehicles over the last few years. For the first time this year, the organisers have invited motorcycles to take part. We will be there with our 1935 Sunbeam. Following our research into ethanol, we will also be using the event to test the bike on ethanol free fuel from Aspen. Watch out for more new on twitter @fenlandclassics


September also happens to be the centenary of a motorcycle hill climb at nearby Newlands Corner (A25) run by by the Streatham & District Motorcycle Club in 1915. In those days the road was not much more than a dusty track. Nevertheless motorcyclist gathered on 25 September 



to compete on the road that remained open to traffic! It is thought that the marshals held back any passing traffic as the riders launched themselves leaving a trail of dust and burning oil behind them. Contemporary reports of the event explained that the location on the north side of Newlands Corner was not particularly challenging with the steepest portion being 1 in 8.


Contemporary reports of the event explained that the location on the north side of Newlands Corner was not particularly challenging with the steepest portion being 1 in 8. After the field of 80 entries had ascended the hill they adjourned to the nearby Onslow arms for prize giving.  


This event was a welcome interlude from events across the channel. It was not long before all competitive events came to an end as petrol was becoming scarce and conscription began in 1916. 

Brooklands Great War 100

Serpentine Race "The Motor Cycle" 1915

We are currently working on a project to recreate some of the "Services" motorcycle events put together by Lt Frank Houghton at Brooklands in 1915. These demonstration runs will be part of the Brooklands Great War 100 commemorations to be held at the Museum on 27 September 2015.

So far we have a few period motorcycles, and we are working out the size of the course required for the Serpentine Race.

This event is essentially a motorised version of the slow bicycle race and involves the rider completing a zig-zag course without putting a foot down. Quite easy on a modern trials bike, not so easy on a 100 year old bike. We have yet to test if any of the bike would be capable of getting up Test Hill.  Although do know from reports of the original meetings that only one bike failed to make it first time!


Our picture show Brooklands Motorcycle Volunteer Tony Baxter contemplating the tuning sheds that were used as part of the Serpentine course in 1915.

Fenland ClassicsTV

This month: Jay Leno's Brough; to episodes of Bike world a run up Brooklands Test Hill and more....