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
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 
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. 
