APRIL Update

Warbike Project

Research is a funny old game. You can spend months, sometimes years searching for information on a particular subject, then up it pops right in front of you. This has happened on a few occasions, but just recently I was looking at some references to the early testing of military motorcycles by the Army. The trail led to HCL Holden, who was the designer of the Brooklands Circuit and a member of the Army's Mechanical Transport Committee. A random Holden reference led me indirectly to the 1914 Red Cross Field Day at Brooklands.

About two years ago I had been looking at the event and had concluded this was likely to be a closed exercise open only to members of the Red Cross, Military and other interested parties. There was one intriguing report that hinted at advertising posters, but this was not directly concerned with my Sidecar Ambulance research so I left it.

This latest gem pointed me to the Welcome Collection and here I found a treasure trove of information including two Red Cross Field Day programmes and a flyer advertising the event to members of the public. Still nothing further on Ambulance Sidecars, but some fascinating insight into the scenarios played out on the day.

It transpires that the Event was in fact a full scale Red Cross exercise run with the military which included a two pronged invasion from the South and East including locating and retrieving casualties from miles beyond the Brooklands track, as was previously thought. So lots more to write up and place in the Brooklands Library.

Historians, unlike archaeologists have the luxury of being able to focus on a single subject without being bogged down by other things they discover. However I often feel obligated to explore the side shoots which is just a long way of explaining that the final stage of editing the Book is a slow process.

I recently spent some time at the Royal Logistics Corps Museum in Surrey. Here I found some excellent documents that tell the early story of military motorcycling. I am now able to tell the real story of how Triumph and Douglas became the most successful of the WW1 manufacturers and how Douglas's bid nearly foundered at the bottom of the Brooklands Test Hill. And, as they say on the TV news; more on that later!

Vintage Revival

The biannual Vintage Revival takes place on 9/10 May 2015. The event is an eclectic mix of old vehicles which can be seen on the oval banked xx circuit. The track is still in very good condition and the Brooklands Museum Railton 4D Experience production team used the French circuit to recreate the feel of the Surrey track in period.

The Brooklands Motorcycle Volunteers are currently preparing bikes for their third outing to the event. This year they plan to take some of the oldest machines which has its challenges. The Zenith is not run very often as its mousetrap carb makes this bike a bit of a handful. However this has been temporarily replaced; new grips and footrest rubbers have been fitted and the pillion carrier removed. The loose bits have been wired up and it ran like it was just out of the factory.

The Zenith gets a test

Less successful was the 1921 ABC 500cc twin. This bike was built in Hersham after the company was forced to move from Brooklands when the Royal Flying Corps took over. The bike has a few issues, but these were rectified over the last few months and the bike was test run on the banked circuit. Unfortunately the engine still had a nasty knocking which was traced to the main shaft bearing. Fine for running round the temporary track at Brooklands, but this Bradshaw designed machine is too precious to be risked on the big French oval. Work has already begun and the engine will be removed during the next few weeks.

Meanwhile the hunt is on for a replacement. The Museum's 1920's Sunbeam was test run a couple of time and is looking good for a place on the trip.

More news on the preparation next month.

The Bike Shed Events 2015

The Bike Shed Motorcycle Club is a group passionate about the street custom scene. This year they have spread their wings across the channel to Paris where they will be holding their first French event at Carreau de Temple on 11/12 April 15 which promises to be an awesome weekend showcasing all that is current in the Cafe racer/custom world. Don't worry if you can’t make it to Paris, because they will be doing it all again at Tobacco Dock in London on 23/24 May 15. Click Here for Tickets and more information on both Events.

Shed Finds: Triumph Model H and Tyler JAP

Triumph Mod H

A few months ago we were privileged to be present when a collection of bikes were discovered in a shed in West London. Among the mountain of spares and various post War bikes was a Model H Triumph and a JAP powered Tyler. Both bikes were in very original condition. Whilst the Tyler was a bit on the poorly side the Model H looked as if it had been placed in a shed the day after it was purchased. Both are due to be auctioned at Stafford later this month and we will have more about these machines in the next update.

Website

We are currently working on a new website, which will include articles, films and information as well as a virtual Museum and Shop. Watch out for more announcements on Twitter @Fenlandclassics over the next few months.

Fenland ClassicsTV

This month we have unearthed some more great shorts:

• The Build By EXIF
• Harley Iron Head from the slightly strange but Brilliant Cafe Racer TV
• Cafe Racer Themes: Music collection by Kevin Sparrow
• And the latest Bike World Episode 9 Episode 2

Old Timer

MARCH Update

The sun is shining and the birds are singing, but all the bikes are still in bits. Need to get a move on if I am going to get out before the roads get to busy. Only time for a short update this month as we are developing a new website and online shop more news on that during April.

Vintage Memories

I was thinking the other day that I seem to have always been into vintage stuff. Some of it was driven by a passion for days when things were a lot more uncomplicated, but some like hand down bicycles with sit up and beg handle bars and rod brakes was thrust upon me. This was the sixties for goodness sake. Luckily by the time I got my first moped I was more in vogue with my little Garelli Concorde with pillion for the ladies (not that I had passed my test!). I felt like the leader of the gang, but only just; I was surrounded by a mixture of rather dated mobylettes, a couple of Dandy’s and a Raleigh Wisp.

Garelli owners I thought were something special. How important I felt as I sat at home for weeks on end waiting for the factory in Italy to be making yet another piece especially for me. Returning to the shop on another occasion I was told that the new electrics were stuck on a train in Turin. I was so impressed; surely this was tracking, far advanced for its time!

Bored with sitting at the side of the road and unable to afford a New British Bike I was drawn like a Hamelin child to the Land of the Rising Sun and there I remained for several years. So this confessional is now over and I feel a lot better. The benefit of a diverse history of ownership means that I have not become locked in any particular era. I can now enjoy a Triumph Model H as much as an ex-80’s Street Tracker fresh out of the Shed.

If you have an old Moped rotting away at the back of your shed that you want to get going there are still a lot of parts out there. See more at Classic Moped Spares, and their blog Here.

Warbike Project

The history of British Military Motorcycles is continuing to develop. Still a few gaps to fill and so it was off to more Museums and Libraries during February. I would like to extend my personal thanks to James Hewing and the team at the National Motorcycle Museum for letting me get up and personal with the Vickers Clyno Machine Gun Carrier.

We have just published the second part of Brooklands during WW1 which tells the story of military motorcycle testing and Service events. This is currently only available to readers of the Brooklands Trust Magazine, but a full version will be available more widely later in the year.

AJS Model 22

We managed to start our second model 22 in February. There is however a bit of a question mark over the lubrication so we will be giving that a bit more attention over the next few weeks.

Electric Motorcycles

Caterham ebike launched 2014. Where is it now?

As I spend a lot of time with my head buried in Papers and Magazines of the last century I discover that many things we consider ground breaking have often been done before. Only the other day I discovered an electrically driven motorcycle had been unveiled in Norway during 1918. Norway has remained one of the leading countries in the development and promotion of electric vehicles. Even during the 70s I found myself dodging tram lines and the battery powered mini buggies whilst riding through Oslo.

There is now a renewed interest in electric vehicles and it is interesting to consider the similarities with the development of the petrol engine 100 years ago. Batteries remain one of the stumbling blocks, but innovators are quickly finding ways around the problems. More Cars and Motorcycles are being developed, but we see fewer motorcycles in this country as the UK Government is unwilling to match the subsidies seen in other countries. Zero Motorcycles one of the world leaders in ebike production recently shut up shop in the UK and there don’t seem to be many others out there. Is this just another example of the stranglehold being placed on motorcyclists? We will be investigating ebikes further later in the year.   

Fenland Classics TV

More short films from the web, plus News and action from Suzy and the Bike World Team.

JANUARY Update

A very cold start to the New Year, but there are still some brave classic bikers braving the salt for some good riding in the crisp winter sunshine. In December we caught up with two more classic motorcycle record breakers that have been braving the salt.

WarBike Project

The book is beginning to look like a finished work, but there are still some editing and images to work on. During the research we discovered more about the part played by Brooklands Race Track during WW1. This included testing motorcycles for the War Office, and a previously un-discovered scratch meeting held in September 1914 by a group of workers from the Royal Aircraft Factory. This has resulted in a spin off publication for Brooklands Museum, part one of which has just been published in the Museum Trust’s Magazine with a further piece planned for later in the year.

A summary of the early history of military motorcycling has already been published in the October edition of the Classic Motorcycle and we hope to be commemorating the three 1915 Brooklands motorcycle events later in the year in conjunction with the Brooklands Museum. At this stage I would also like to thank the Manx Aviation & Military Museum for providing some stunning images of Dispatch Riders which are to be included in the book.

Southern Classic Off Road Show

WW1 BSA Bicycle

Period WW1 Combination

Kempton Park Race Course was the location of EGP Enterprises second show of the year and crowds flocked to the ever-popular event which was bolted on to the December motorcycle jumble. Organiser Eric Patterson took time out from his busy schedule of Record Breaking and events management to explain that the Jumble is one of the few that is organised by bikers for bikers. He recalled the first events in a Village Hall which had to be closed down because of overcrowding. He then moved to Ascot Racecourse before arriving at the current venue. If you have never been, you need to get down there as it is a unique experience. There are some who say that a Jumble is a Jumble, but somehow Eric manages to retain that Village Hall vibe on a large scale. In the relaxed atmosphere it seems that you will always run into old mates for a chat; and twice a year there is the bonus of a bike show for an extra quid on the ticket price.

On a 15 minute look round the December Jumble we found a very original (Knackered!) WW1 vintage combination, a restored BSA WW1 military Bicycle, a twin engined French Barn find and custom Cafe Racer seats.

This neat Norton won Best in Show & Sounded great too!

It was back to the Grandstand for a bit of an impromptu Engine run by some of the Bikes. We had transported the Brooklands Museum Exhibits and rather ironicly spent what seemed like hours the night before draining the tank of The Tommy Meeten Francis Barnett, there was no way we were going to go through that again, so it stayed on the stand. A beast of a grass track combination finally roared into life together with a selection of other track and field machines.

Back in the hall the Brooklands Tommy Meeten Francis Barnett had a visit from Sam Lovegrove, builder of the 2013 Alan Cathcart/Henry Cole record Breaking Brough Superior featured on The Travel Channel’s Greatest Motorcycle Journeys . 

Sam Lovegrove Chats about the Francis Barnett

Sam took time out to chat with the volunteers about the rebuild of the Francis Barnett which itself holds an endurance record. In 1927 this plucky little 172 cc 2-stroke was able to fend off the big boys by staying out on the track with its three petrol tanks averaging  50 MPH over a six hour period. 

Tommy Meeten on the 172cc Fanny B

The Rebuilt 1927 EW Douglas

Meanwhile, other visitors to the stand were learning about how a Cement Mixer engine, an old frame and collection of bits were born again as the 1927 EW Douglas featured in April 2014’s Classic Bike Guide. Incidentally the Brooklands Volunteers are currently working on a re-creation of an outer circuit racer which should be ready later in 2015.

It was soon time for prize giving and Peter Allan won the prize for the best Record-Breaker with his bike “Epsom Salt” built by Baron’s Speed Shop. 

Prize-winner Peter Allan with "Epsom Salt"

The prize was a small consolation for a challenging year. Peter explained that he was all set to do some more runs at Bonneville in August but was thwarted by appalling weather after which the lake bed returned to being a Lake! The event was called off and he returned empty handed.

The next Kempton Jumble is on 24 January 2015 and the next show at Kempton is the Southern Classic (Road) bike Show on 23 May 2015.  See the EGP Enterprises website for more about the Motorcycle Jumbles and Eric Patterson’s Record breaking machines.

Tax Discs

The excitement regarding tax discs has died down a bit, but don’t forget that you still need to SORN or “Tax” your classic even if there is no fee to pay. It seems a bit daft but the DVLA still need to record “Tax” or SORN against the vehicle for it to remain legal.  It seems to us that it is better to “Tax” than SORN as this provides the greatest flexibility for bikes that are nil rate tax.

For those who miss the experience of a soaked ink run disc on the bike Greg Powell can provide you with a reproduction disc for your empty holder from 1921 to 1986. You can even get the date stamp of your choice. See more at poplargreg.com. 

Old Timer

DECEMBER Update

Richard "Dick" Standing

Dick's Silver TT Replica from 1967 complete with entry pack

Late October brought sad news of the death of Brooklands Motorcycle Volunteer Richard Standing. “Dick” was a wonderful character who always had a tale to tell about his career as an engineer at Hawker Sidley and British Airways, flying model Aircraft, sailing and bike racing. He was very modest about his own achievements on the track and it was not until his funeral on 17 November that many of us knew of the two Bronze and one Silver TT replicas that he had won on the island. The Silver was won in the Diamond Jubilee year of 1967, in a race that featured the period greats of Agostini and Hailwood. Over 87mph not bad for a part-timer! Many members of the VMCC Brooklands Section, where he served as a Committee Member, accompanied him on his last ride out, and 150 family and friends squeezed into the chapel to hear tributes from his close family and friends. You can read a full tribute to Dick on the Old Bike Mart website.

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Warbike Project

The book is (still) nearing completion and it seems that the last bit is never ending. The pictures are looking great and it should not be long until we can get the first full draft off the press. Meanwhile this is an ongoing project; so if you have any WW1 military motorcycle information to contribute please write to warbike@fenlandclassics.co.uk or check out the warbike project facebook page.  We are still looking for a 1914-20 Phelon and Moore bike to photograph at the Brooklands circuit to commemorate the many bikes tested at the Weybridge track before and during WW1. If you have or know of a P&M bike please contact us at warbike@fenlandclassics.co.uk  

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The Southern Off Road and Racing Show

Brooklands Stand at Last years Kempton Show

The Southern Off Road and Racing Show will be held at Kempton park Race course on 6 December 2014. The ever popular Bike jumble will be supplemented by the show all for the price of just £6 with reductions for pensioners. The Brooklands Volunteers will be promoting the Museum with two bikes from the collection. 

Sammy Miller Prepares for a ride at his museum in 2013

The first is a 1927 Tommy Meeten Francis Barnett. This is the Record Breaking minnow that went up against the big boys in 1927 winning the 6 hour endurance race at an average speed of 50 mph. The high average speed was maintained with the addition of two auxiliary tanks mounted to the rear on each side. The pocket rocket was fully restored a few years ago by the volunteers and still runs regularly.



At present the bike is at present being prepared for a trip to the Montlhéry vintage meeting in May 2015. 

Ian Prepares for a run during the 2014 photo shoot

The second bike on the stand will be a 600cc EW Douglas which was built from a collection of bits that were donated to the museum. Volunteers Ian and Carl spent many hours converting the diverse collection into this this stunning bike. The Douglas that was featured in The April 2014 edition of The Classic Bike Guide Magazine is also regularly run on the test track at Brooklands.   

The dangerously low ground clearance is a challenge

The motorcycle makes its second appearance at the Kempton Venue having previously featured at the Southern Classic Bike Show. A full review of the December show will appear in the January Blog.

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Brooklands Military Vehicle Day

Whilst on the subject of Brooklands there was the usual big turn out for the Brooklands Museum Military Vehicles Day on 16 November. Bikes were represented by a WW2 RAF BSA and a GI Indian. 

These solos were heavily outnumbered by several Zundapp and BMW combinations. They relished the challenges of the Mercedes World 4x4 test track in the morning and most were out again for a rumble up Test Hill. 

Barnes Wallis was turning in his grave, but Churchill and Monty were also on hand to save the editorial balance of this piece.

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Road Improvement Programme

The PM visits a single carriageway section of the A1. Without any Traffic!

Transport Secretary Patrick Mcloughlin announced today (1/12) what he called “the biggest, boldest and most far reaching roads programme for decades” We don’t want to get into politics in this space other than to say that governments come and governments go. Every few years they propose a tunnel under Stonehenge and other major projects before retreating again. For bikers the priority must be repairing what is already there, particularly on the twisty B roads and country lanes we love so much. To be fair there has been improvement in some areas since a recent injection of cash, but the poor weather over the winter is bound to compound many roads already in dire need of a make-over.  

For those interested the key improvements announced are A1 to become a dual carriageway from end to end, A303 & A358 to be improved including a Stonehenge Tunnel! Meaning dual carriageway from London to within 15 mile of Lands End. (I hope the car-park is being increased) Improvements in the midlands include the M62 becoming a “smart” motorway and further work on the M42 so that in years to come we can get to the NEC Motorcycle Live more easily.  

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Fenland Classics TV

Another collection of our favorite motorcycle films from the web including Series 8 Episode 2 of Bike World. Select Playlist to skip a film.

by
Old Timer

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

SEPTEMBER Update

Warbike Project

The last month has been dominated by the WW1 motorcycle project. The 1914 motorcycling blog has been live since July and tells the story of the events leading up to and during the war. We have uncovered fasinating stories of those who were thrust into battle on motorcycles, having previously been battling against one another on the track. The Blog is available at www.fenlandclassics.com

Vernon Busby and A.J Sproston are at the top of the list for a follow up and the plan is to place their biographies in the Brooklands Museum library.

The Classic Motorcyle Magazine

We are pleased to report that a summary of our Military Motorcycle research appears on page 62 of the current edition of the magazine.

Brooklands 100

On Sunday 3 August a large crowd gathered at Brooklands Museum to comemorate the start of World War One. Many period cars and four motorcycles were displayed at the event and the crowd were also treated to a fly past by the WW1 display team.

JUNE 2014 Update

 

Warbike Project

So much information and not enough time. We are just about on target for publication and thanks to our friends at Brooklands Museum we have seen a lot of fantastic images relating to the racing circuit before and during WW1. We now have to sort out the images from the National Archives and pay a visit to the Imperial War Museum and even try to get to the RAF Museum, The Royal Engineers Museum and the Vintage Motor Cycle Club Archives!!!! Maybe we are not on schedule after all.

Kempton Park Classic Motorcycle Show

 

We were at the show supporting the Brooklands Motorcycle Volunteers with transportation of the BSA Empire Star and Douglas that were featured in the April Edition of Classic Bike Guide. There was lots of interest in the bikes....even more when the Heavens opened on the Auto Jumble.  It looks like there is a lot of support for the forthcoming events at Brooklands especially Ton up Day on 6 July. Also promoting this event was the London Ace Cafe who will be leading a ride out from the north circular venue to Brooklands on the Day.

Brooklands was well represented at the show which also included a VMCC Brooklands Section Stand and Historics @Brooklands Auctions who were promoting their Auction at Brooklands on 7 June.

Despite the jest above the Auto Jumble was mainly dry and we got time for a swift look round. There seem to be more and more bikes for sale on the stands, some of which looked like worthwhile projects, or maybe they were abandoned winter projects!

Trondhjemsridtet Vintage Rally

Gunnar Hop's Harley almost ready for the big Day

On 7 June riders will start the trondhjemsridtet Vintage Rally from Oslo to Trondhiem in Norway. This event commemorates the inaugural run of the Norsk Motorcycle Klub (Norwegian Motorcycle Club run in 1916. Check out our Twitter feed for Updates from 7 June @Fenlandclassics. The rally will begin at 1200 noon local time.

See video of the last Rally run in 2012

 http://youtu.be/yEskOHlwoTc

Goodwood Festival of Speed

 

 

The Goodwood Festival of Speed will take place later this month. Motorcycles will as usual feature in both static displays and runs up the Hill. The Brooklands BSA Empire Star will feature and is expected to run up the Hill during each session.

MAY 2014 Update

A bit of a busy month, but not much to show for it. Lots of preparation for the second half of the year means that hands have been on keyboard instead of spanners.

Warbike Project

Things are progressing well and it looks like we should be on target to publish volume 1 WW1 motorcycles on time. More about the exact dates should follow in June.  

BBC's Crimson Field WW1 Field Hospital Drama

Fans of Crimson Field may be interested that we are hoping to do a small photo-shoot in June to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the Red Cross Field Day at Brooklands. This was a huge undertaking for the time and included many local Red Cross Volunteers as well as local Reservists practicing the treatment and recovery of casualties from the battlefield to treatment stations. This event also included Motorcycles as well as Aircraft spotters with dummies playing a supporting role as casualties. Not that much is known of the event as it was serious contingency planning rather than event open to the public. The shoot will act as publicity for the Brooklands WW1 Commemorations on the first Weekend of August. We are still looking for some WW1 period bikes so if you have one and fancy dressing up we would love to hear from you at Warbike@fenlandclassics.co.uk

We have been working on the Warbike Facebook page which will act as a number of channels for research and sharing military motorcycle information. Not much to see at present, but if you have anything to share then please visit the page by clicking here. If you have any other suggestions or information please write to Warbike@fenlandclassics.co.uk

Brooklands Motorcycle Volunteers

We will be supporting the Brooklands Team at the Kempton Park Motorcycle Show on 24 May. This will provide publicity for other Motorcycle Events at Brooklands including Norton Day on 8 June, Ton-up Day on 6 July and The Cotton Centenary Day on 20 July.

Brooklands Reunion Meeting 13 July 2014

For those into the whole Vintage scene there is also a new event on 13 July. The Brooklands Reunion commemorates the 75^th anniversary the closing of the Circuit and aims to capture the Sprit of the 1930s Guests are encouraged to dress in period costume and there will be Grids of Brooklands Cars and motorcycles, Track demonstrations and Aircraft engine running. Not forgetting period vehicles running up Test Hill. The organisers are interested in attracting more period motorcycles to fully represent the sights and sounds of the 1930s. So if you have a 1930s bike why not take a trip down memory lane. More information on all the Brooklands events at www.brooklandsmuseum.com

 

Other Developments

We are slowly bringing together the elements that will eventually be the ecommerce channel or (shop in old money). We will try and concentrate on some hard to obtain items but this is still at the conceptual stage.

The new website is almost ready and will include video content in a section called Fenland Classics TV. This will be a collection of our favourite items from across the web as well our own films.

The Bike Shed Event III

The Bike shed gang are putting on the third of their events at Tobacco Dock in London on 24/25 May 2014. This is a bit outside our normal period of interest, but this is an epic event which showcases some of the best bike building talent around. We have our tickets Do you?  

Click here to see the trail.

Click Here to find out more and buy tickets