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.

AUGUST 2014 Update

Summer is always a busy time, with many competing events. Here are our highlights for July.  

Warbike Project

The project is in full swing as we get to the centenary of the beginning of WW1. The Day by day diary is up and running as a blog which can be viewed here.

This will continue as a daily update until 17 August when it will be updated weekly. The aim is for this to become a resource for those wishing to dip into motorcycling history with an emphasis on military motorcycling during 1914 to 18. This will be followed up later with a more in depth story available as a book supported by an interactive net-based resource.

Ace Cafe Ton-Up day At Brooklands Museum

 

The weather looked doubtful as the day dawned, but the rain stayed away and the visitors were treated to a chilled out, village green atmosphere. The band played contemporary music as groups gathered to discuss the bikes on show. This event attracted many machines from the burgeoning street custom scene as well as the conventional 50s/60s style Cafe Racers. TVs very own Henry Cole turned up to try his hand at being a journalist for the day and if you want to know the result you will have to buy Classic Bike Guide or watch The Motorbike Show; on Monday 18 August 2014. Repeated Saturday 23 August. 

After two sessions on the Test Hill, a sun tan and a good chin wag it was time for the prize giving. This year prizes were awarded for four categories of “Ton-Up” bikes.

AJS “Spirit of Brooklands” Ton-up

BSA Best Ton-up Single

AJS Best Period Cafe Racer

Seeley Honda: Best Ton-Up Multi Cylinder

 Cotton Day at Brooklands Museum

The story of Cotton Motorcycles was told in 118 bikes on Sunday 20 July when members of the Cotton owners club celebrated the Marque’s centenary at Brooklands. On 23 July 1914 Frank Willoughby “Bill” Cotton applied for a patent for his “improved” frame design. The frame’s triangular shape is a concept which still exists on street and competition bikes of today.

Organisers Daniel Weisby and Bob Smith were blessed with fine weather as members poured onto the site. Pre-war bikes were well represented outside the clubhouse. Whilst post war competition machines were displayed in the Paddock Area. The Museums own partly restored Cotton also put in a guest appearance despite not being on the guest list!

The static displays came to life as many owners took the opportunity to take their bikes up Test Hill. A challenge for some of the older machines, but a bit tame for the later competition bikes.

 It is difficult to pick out any particular bikes for further comment as each were interesting in their own right, so here are a few examples which perhaps tell the diverse story of Cotton.

1922 250cc Model 15

 

This Blackburne powered machine was the oldest bike at the Rally and was restored by the Sammy Miller Musuem 15 years ago.

1959 250cc Herald

A 1950’s road bike with a 250cc Villiers 2 stroke engine and Armstrong leading link forks which were a trademark feature during this period.

1962 250cc Cotton/Cross Cougar

1962 Cotton Cross

This is a prototype bike used to prove the concept of the liner-less cylinder, piston and spiral piston rings developed by Cross. This bike was ridden successfully by Bryan Goss during 1961 and put into production by Cotton in 1962.

1974 220cc Trials Expert

Typical of the Cotton 70’s competition bikes, this Trials machine is powered by the larger 220cc Minarelli engine

1980 EM 34 Road Racer

The Cotton Rotax turned a few heads at the end of the 1979 season and Terry Wilson commissioned this production model for 1980 with a new compact 2 cylinder Rotax engine capable of producing 70 bhp. Only 12 were sold before the Cotton Company went into receivership. 

1984 125cc Centaur

1984 Cotton Centaur

This is claimed to be the last ever production machine produced by Cotton. In 1984 the firm was in receivership, but with rights to the name “Cotton International” previous owner Terry Wilson commissioned this monocoque chassis bike powered by a 125 Rotax engine. The much publicised prototype machine was demonstrated to the press, but never went into production.

Fenland Classics TV

Our selection for July features The Bike Shed Event 3 on Bike World Watch it Here


Old Timer

JULY 2014 Update

 

WarBike Project: Motorcycles of WW1

Just started to source some pictures and there is a trip needed to the British Library to source some information which was missing from a document in the National Archives. The aim of this project is to provide a lasting resource for those interested in motorcycles and their riders. It follows that the project will never really be finished. This is not just an excuse for getting behind, but recognition that the research will be added to over time. The main work will initially be the published material, but the Facebook page will act as a repository for anyone wishing to add or even correct any material. This month we will also be finalising the Cover design and the title. Believe it or not we have gone with Warbike as a working title, but now realise that the final title needs to be a bit more contextual!

20 June saw the Centenary of the Red Cross Field day held at Brooklands Racetrack in 1914. This was an event organised by Ethel Locke-King local Red Cross Vice President, and Wife of Hugh Locke-King, the owner of Brooklands. The Field Day brought together Members of the Red Cross Voluntary Aid Detachment together with members of the local Regiments and Aircraft spotters to test the Red Cross’s readiness in the case of conflict.

VAD Nurses (c) Red Cross Archives

A mock battle was fought with members of the local Territorial Regiment defending part of the Banked track from attack by “Enemy” Forces. These solders were firing wax bullets at each other which although not lethal did not reach today’s health and safety standards and could have rendered some very real injuries. A biplane armed with a Vickers machine gun then fired on the enemy positions. Later the same plane acted as a spotter for wounded members of the armed forces in the shape of straw dummies in uniform that had been placed around the battlefield. After landing the crew informed the Red Cross field Ambulance crews who recovered the wounded to a safe area. We know from contemporary reports that at least one motorcycle was involved reported as a Triumph with Gloria Sidecar converted to an ambulance for carrying wounded. From our research we know that the Red Cross used these combinations for transport and the picture kindly supplied by the Red Cross Archive shows a similar bike in action. However this one complete with stretcher conceived by Lady Rowley was reported to be the first of its kind

Red Cross Field day at Brooklands June 1914

The successful event was watched over by Red Cross President HM Queen Alexandria and Sister Maria Feodorovna the Dowger Empress of Russia.

Goodwood Festival of Speed

As ever a wonderful event. It gets better by the year and is alas getting just a little busy. The organisers have done their best to increase numbers on the site by spreading the attractions over a larger area, but when the stars are on the Hill you just know you have to be there. Lots for bike fans including in no particular order John McGuinness, Steve Parrish,Ivan Rhodes,Sammy Miller, Alan Cathcart, George Cohen,Scott Redding, Freddie Spencer, Wayne Gardiner, Michael Dunlop, Donald Cameron, Charley Boorman and many more.

BSA Empie Star

Brooklands Museum had two entries including The Napier Railton and the Recreation of the BSA Empire Star ridden by its owner and creator George Wander. It remains about the only event where members of the public can mingle with the riders and drivers in the padock. Well Done Goodwood and can’t wait until next year.

Brooklands VMCC

 

We were also at Brooklands filming a short promo film for the Brooklands Section of the VMCC. Lots of fun was had by all. It was great to see bikes on the banking and we were also able to get some good shots of bikes on Test Hill.

Ace Ton-up Day @Brooklands

Whilst of the subject of the Hill; it will be in action again on 6 July 2014 for The Ace Cafe Ton-Up Day. Entries are closed for the hill, but you can still ride in on the day. It promises to be a great day with a few surprises thrown in.

All Our Yesterdays

 

On 28^th June we launched our Diary of the first World War viewed from the perspective of the pioneer motorcyclists of the day. We will be reporting on some of the main events in the August Blog.

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 

APRIL 2014 Update

March has been very busy working on the Warbike project with not much time for anything else. However we did find a couple of days for a trip out to Eric Patterson’s Kempton Bike Jumble and the Veleocette Owners Club day at Brooklands Museum at the end of March.

Warbike Project

A lot of time has been spent in the National Archives. It is a chilling thought to realise that many of these young lads signed up as volunteers in 1914 believing that they were off on their bikes for a six month adventure to give the Bosh a bloody nose and would be back for a warm beer and a Sunday Ride out with friends. The tragic truth as we know was very different. Although relatively speaking the Dispatch Riders did have slightly better conditions. Often Billeted away from the front, the protection of rank gave them freedom to move through villages able, to eat and drink whilst their Tommy brothers and even motorcycle machine gunners were stuck in the trenches. 

We are also now setting up a Facebook page for contributions. This will be followed by a website that will act as research resource later in the year. If you have any information or documentation about any aspect of Motorcycles and WW1 please contact us at: Warbike@Fenlandclassics.co.uk or via twitter @fenlandclassics.

 

Kempton Jumble

The weather was good for the 2nd Kempton Jumble of 2014. There were a few French bikes and engines for sale and for a moment we thought we might source some parts for our rescued 1930’2 RhonyX. We did however discover that the tank shape was also used on similar Peugeot’s. We also got to see a 1935 Sunbeam for sale with remanufactured silencer. Sadly the work was done before the current owner acquired the bike, so we will have to keep digging for a replacement for our Sunbeam project.

Velocette Day at Brooklands



Will he make it ?

The following day it was the Velocette Owners Club event at Brooklands Museum in Weybridge. Our friends at the museum were running a museum Velo. There were hundreds of Velocettes of all ages shapes and sizes on site and many took a trip up the famous Test Hill in the afternoon led by racing Legend Ivan Rhodes.

Below are a few pictures from the day:

Just a few of the many that turned out

A nice looking Straight Line Racer

Ivan Rhodes Checks directions with members of the Volunteer Team 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More Brooklands

 The April edition of Classic Bike Guide available now, carries an excellent 10 page Brooklands Special providing more information about the history of the site and the bikes. There is also a piece on Volunteer Ian McCaw’s rebuild of a 1927 Douglas which was donated to the museum.

Cotton Jap sporting referbished forks

Ian’s latest project is the rebuild of the Doug Earle Cotton Jap which now has a new tank and repaired forks. Why not get down to Brooklands to see this amazing collection.

The museum is open every day and the Premier Bike Event of the Year is Ton-up Day on 6 July 2014 (Twitter #TonUpDay14) with other bike events on:

• 8 June 2014 – Norton Day

• 20 July 2014 – Cotton Day

Photographer Mykel Nicolaou Grabs a shot of the Douglas for the Brooklands Special

 

Mondo Sahara

Motorcycle Adventurer Austen Vince has taken a group of like-minded mates on a trip into the desert on Honda XR400 cross over bikes. Sounds simple, and yes it is; the point of the exercise was to prove that you can still have the pure adventure experience and don’t need back up trucks and film crews as has been seen in other films in recent years. In fact they had no back up, relying on food and petrol that had been buried across the desert. Their only luxury item was “The IT Guy” whose job it was to navigate mostly off road from the UK across Spain, Morocco and into the Sahara. Well worth a watch and needless to say everything does not go exactly to plan, but they do achieve their goal. Bit of a sudden ending and some great extras (including your very own Mondo Pin Badge in ours).

We give it 9½ out of 10.

Old Timer

MARCH 2014 Update

Don’t want to keep on about the weather, but this really is beyond a joke. However this does mean there have been no excuses to get on with the Warbike Project which is well on track for publication later in the year. Also managed to catch up with Brooklands Motorcycle Volunteers projects and we will be previewing some Brooklands events in May.

Warbike Project

The research has been focusing in a bit more depth on some of the individuals who signed up to become WW1 dispatch riders. Many will already know Corporal Watson, author of Adventures of a dispatch rider, which we have mentioned here before. He paints an interesting picture of the early months of the war from the relatively privileged position of a dispatch rider. Spending time in taverns he never seemed far from another omelette and coffee, something far removed from the bully beef, and long marches the ordinary Tommy had to endure. This period August 1914 to February 1915 was, a very mobile period, and it was May 1915 before the stalemate of trench warfare set in. We have looked at the Army records of a well known racer of the period and some other riders, who seem to confirm the relative privilege of the Dispatch Rider Corporal. We now need to look into a bit more detail at those motorcyclists serving with the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and the Motor Machine Gun Service (MMGS) set up late in 1914.  If you have any information on these or any other aspects of Military Motorcycles please contact us at Warbike@fenlandclassics.co.uk or on Twitter @fenlandclassics using the #WarBike.

Brooklands Motorcycle Volunteers

We caught up with the Brooklands Team recently and the Earle Cotton Jap restoration is coming on nicely. Gary Pinchin from Classic Bike Guide dropped in to take a look and some other projects, so they should be appearing in the mag soon. Whilst on the subject of Magazines, we would urge you to continue to support your favourite magazine by buying it rather that checking it out on the shelves at W.H Smiths. We may have a digital presence ourselves, but we do subscribe to our favourites, and would hate to see any of them to only be available as eMags.

If you are into Velocettes, then you need to get yourself down to the Musuem on 23 March 2014 for the Centenenary Celebrations. To celebrate the Centenary of Velocette Motorcycles there will be a display of over 100 Velocette bikes in and around the Paddock. There will be action on Test Hill (subject to weather).
Entry for Velocette Motorcycles is through the Campbell Gate, and tickets are £8 per person arriving on a motorbike or arriving with a Velocette.
Contact: Brooklands Museum events@brooklandsmuseum.com

June is the Centenary of the Red Cross Field Day held at Brooklands in 1914 to test the organisation’s readiness for war. Brooklands have nothing organised, but it may be used to promote the Great War Commemorations that are to be held at the Museum on 3 August 2014. This will be well worth a visit as besides WW1 era race starts, and a vehicle cavalcade there will be a flying display of Great War Aircraft.  

As ever please check out all the latest news from the Motorcycle Volunteer Team at their facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Brooklands-Museum-Motorcycle-Volunteer-Team/330068980426392

All Our Yesterdays

From July onwards, we will be extending the ‘All Our Yesterdays’ page to provide more information prior to and following the outbreak of WW1. We hope this will be an educational resource that will  help provide an insight into the period from a motorcyclists prospective.  

Bring on the Sunshine

Old Timer