The Brooklands Virtual Motorcycle Show Highlights Showing Here

Brooklands Museum is now open to the public Thursday to Sunday each week with Vehicle Demonstrations every day weather permitting. We are proud to be supporting the #lovebrooklands campaign and were one of the channels streaming the Virtual Motorcycle Show in July.

You can still catch the Highlights below. The Virtual event features some past Brooklands events, Test Hill action and the Brooklands Motorcycle Team on Tour in France and at the Chateau Impney Hill Climb.

Book your timed tickets to visit the museum now at www.Brooklandsmuseum.com

The Brooklands Museum Virtual Motorcycle Day (s)

The Brooklands Museum remains closed untim August 2020. We are proud to be supporting the #lovebrooklands campaign and are one of the channels streaming the Virtual Motorcycle Day over the 4-5 July 2020. You can watch here or directly via the Brooklands Members TV Youtube Channel at the links below.

The Virtual Motorcycle Day (s) feature a look back at past events,Test Hill action, The Brooklands Motorcycle Team behind the Scenes, on the road at events in the UK and France. Also featured is Steve Parrish in conversation with Mick Grant, Peter Hickman, John McGuinness, Jamie Whitham and Charlie Cox. Over 10 hours of Motorcycling being played out from 10.15pm and 2pm on each day.

DAY One 10.15am: https://bit.ly/MCDAY1AM

DAY One 2.00 pm:  https://bit.ly/MCDAY1PM

DAY Two 10.15am:  https://bit.ly/VMD2AM

DAY Two 2.00pm:  https://bit.ly/MCDAY2PM

All times are Local UK Time

For those who can't wait here is a taste of whats comming up:

January 2018 UDATE

As I crawl out of hibernation once again it is time to review all the jobs that did not yet get finished over Christmas. As we all know the workshop just seems too cold in the winter, but we do need to crack on with the restoration of the AJS. However, first we need to decide how we want it to look. I favour an oily rag look so I think its looking as if it will be based on the WW2 period with perhaps a blackout light filter and white paint on the mudguard leading and rear edges. This particular bike lends itself to that look as it is very original and I don’t really want to replace any of the existing pieces unless I have to. One example is the original two-part mudguard. It is very dented and rusty, but I really don’t want to get a new mudguard. I think the steal will clean up fine and then I can finish it in satin black. Still enough thinking about it, I better get on and do it! 

There was a lot going on in 2017 so the updates were a bit hit and miss. Here is a catch up on a couple of events that missed the blog. 

The Goodwood Revival

Close Racing into the Chicane (c) FCM

Last September I was able to spend some time at the Goodwood Revival and although there was some rain we still got a good look at this amazing spectacle. In particular I was keen to check out the Classic Bike Racing. This event is run over two days with two riders competing on each bike. Day one starter is second rider on day two. There was a mix of regular classic racers and invited guests, but all had superbly prepared bikes. This was no parade, and all were there to win. Steve Parrish, commenting on one of my pictures said that it showed the paint from the chicane wall on his Helmet, just in case there was any doubting his commitment. 

Steve Parrish (c) FCM

New dad, TT Racer and now TV Celebrity Guy Martin went out first on Day one, but had a DNF on day two after his co-rider had an off. 

Guy Martin (c) FCM

The eventual Sheene Memorial Trophy winners were, 1st: Jeremy McWilliams and Duncan Fitchett, Manx Norton 2nd: Gary Johnson and Mick Grant, MV Agusta 3rd: Bill Swallow and Michael Russell, Manx Norton. 

Jeremy McWilliams & Duncan Fitchet Celibate victory (c) FCM

GP Retro du Puy Notre-Dame 

One Event I was not able to attend was the GP Retro du Puy Notre-Dame. Some of you may have seen the write up in the Classic Motorcycle Magazine. This is defiantly on our list for 2018. I have never heard of the event, but 2017 was the 21st time the streets of the little French town roads had been closed to make way for pack of 1920s and 30s machine to tear round this challenging track featuring chicanes and random Parvѐ.

Parc Ferme at du Puy Notre-Dame (c) E Wade

The event is expected to be held again in July 2018 so I will be looking out for an entry form. Check out the action from the 2017 event below.

I Fidanzati Della Morte

In 1957 Italian Film Director Romolo Marcellini released I Fidanzati Della Morte (Engaged to Death). The film went on general release in Italy and had a limited release in Europe and the UK. This film was particularly interesting as it included footage filmed at real race meetings and also included top riders of the day such as Geoff Duke Bill Lomas and Stanley Woods. Motorcycle Journalist Paolo Sormani said its like Valentino Rossi, Marquez, Lorenz, Dovizioso, Pedrosa, Zarco, Innone and Crutchlow just turning up as extras on a film today. 

The film disappeared until Motorcycle Film Makers at Rodaggio Film found a copy and decided to restore it for general consumption. The project which was beyond the financial means of the company was eventually financed via a crowd funding exercise. Fenland Classic Motorcycles got involved as we felt that the film represented an important snapshot into 1950’s racing culture. The film was also documented the last ever Milano-Taranto race as well as Motor- Cross racing which was just getting underway in Italy at this time. As soon as the likes of Giacomo Agostini and Paul d'Orleans got behind the project there seemed little doubt it would succeed and so in 2017 the film was completed and had its first screening in 60 years. I think it is important that we commend the people at Rodaggio film and all those out there who are saving our motorcycling heritage for future generations. There will be a review of the film itself in a couple of months, but The DVD which includes a 48 page booklet is available from our Bookshop.

The Fenland Classic Motorcycles Book shop is now fully up and running and the February Update will feature reviews of some of the products available.

Old Timer

MAY 2016 Update

March has been spent working on the Online shop. Photos to be taken and items to be described. This is likely to take a while before it is ready. At least the weather is not good, so it is easier to stay in the warm and keep tapping away.

Steve Parrish Shoot

Steve Parrish and Brookland's Empire Star

I managed to get out for a publicity shoot with Steve Parrish. We got him on the Brooklands Empire Star in the middle of a gale and thanks to the talent of Perry Barwick supported by Rob Overy we got some great shots which will be used to promote the Brooklands Motorcycle Event on 3 July 2016. Thanks to Steve for taking time out to drop in and he is looking forward to riding one (or more!) of the bike in July.

 Classic Bike Shoot

Photographer Simon Clay lines up the title shot

As the Calendar clicks over into May we take an opportunity to look behind the scenes of the Classic Bike Photo shoot featured in the last issue. It was back in a very mild autumn of 2015 that Sarah Bradley and Photographer Simon Clay turned up to feature the Motorcycle Volunteers of Brooklands Museum.

Volunteer Perry Barwick lines up the bikes on the Banking

Whilst Sarah expertly tracked down each of the volunteers to their own particular working space to gather their stories, Simon gathered others with motorcycles to create the group shot. After several other location shots, Museum bikes were taken up to the banking for the iconic title shot. Here the BSA Empire star, Rudge “Brooklands” special and Ex Denis Jenkinson Norton International sat in front of the Members Bridge.  The title for the piece was “Banking on the Future”, little did they know this title proved to be prophetic, because as Bauer Media’s presses began to roll, the Chancellor of the Exchequer rose to his feet and announced that no less that £1m of Banking fines received by the Government would be gifted to Brooklands Museum to help complete the new Aircraft Factory Exhibit already under construction.

Volunteer and Facebook page editor Tony Baxter with his Triumph

This project, whilst aimed primarily and providing a safer environment for many of the exhibits, will also provide a bonus for the motorcycle team, as the existing WW2 Hanger will be moved, opening up the iconic start/finish straight for the first time since 1939. I for one look forward to being one of the first in nearly 80 years to ride over this hallowed ground.

Brooklands Sunbeam

We began to prepare the Brooklands Sunbeam for this year’s events, by looking at a dragging clutch and improving the front brakes. After the brakes are relined and the clutch plates have been cleaned up the bike will get an MOT test. This will enable the bike to get an independent check before it takes to the Road and Track during the Summer. Check future updates for more news.

Warbike Review

We were also proud to be mentioned in dispatches by Pete Kelly who wrote a nice Warbike review. In-fact he even rang me up to personally congratulate me on providing such a concise view of the early history of Military Motorcycling. We are now being asked about other periods, and yes there will be a volume two, but gathering the data does take a lot of time.  For now Warbike: British Military Motorcycling 1899-1919 is still available at www.fenlandclassics.com  If you get in quick you may get one of the last few copies available at the discounted launch price.

We now look forward to the Kempton Park Southern Bike Show and Jumble. We will be in our normal spot Stand No: 181 and making an appearance on the Brooklands Show Stand.

Old Timer

MARCH Update

Photo-shoot

Steve Parrish and the Brooklands BSA Empire Star

February has mostly been spent finalising the website but we did get out earlier in the month to do a publicity shoot with Steve Parrish. It was blowing a gale when Steve arrived, but thanks to an Ace team in the shape of Perry Barwick ad Rob Overy we were able to quickly able wrap up some shots which will be used as publicity for the premier Brooklands Museum Motorcycle Event of 2016.

Steve Parrish at Brooklands

The event titled The Brooklands Motorcycle Show “Then and Now” to be held on 4 July will feature iconic motorcycles of the last 80 years including many original Marques with their modern counterpart. Steve Parrish will be attending as guest of honour. Keep posted for more news.

Adventure Motorcycling Evening

One of Zoe's stunning shots of the open road

On 16 February, I was invited to host an Adventure Motorcycling evening with the VMCC. In typical Chat show style I was joined on the couch by Zoe Cano, who headlined the evening with an interactive discussion about long distance motorcycling and her trip across the USA. 

Zoe's Bike

We were also joined by Brooklands VMCC Chair Richard Huckle and Gavin Shaw who gave us an insight into their recent trips to Scandinavia. The Evening was billed as Riders of the Lost Art of Solo Adventure Motorcycling. Our conclusion was that the art is still alive and kicking. 

Norway land of the midnight sun

Zoe’s excellent chronicle of her trip “Bonneville Go or Go Bust” is available on Amazon.

Warbike Review

Thanks to Pete Kelly of Old Bike Mart for reviewing Warbike: British Military Motorcycling 1899-1919. 

The review will appear in the March edition of the paper, and the book is available via our new website. Fenlandclassics.com

Fenland Classic Motorcycles Website is Live

The Website is now up and running, but the shop will follow later after it is fully tested. This blog will also remain separate until April whilst pages are transferred.

Log on and enjoy.

Old Timer