Tuesday March 31st 2020
Tuesday, March 31st, 20202020 ISDE is to be CANCELLED due to global pandemic.
FMI President Giovanni Copioli said. “Due to the Covid-19 outbreak health emergency, we must take this difficult decision. Postponing the 2020 FIM ISDE to next year shows that we care about the riders’ health. We were always very pleased to have the opportunity to host 2020 FIM ISDE - the most prestigious Enduro event - in Italy, but at the moment this is the right decision. I am thankful to the FIM and its President, Mr. Jorge Viegas, for the support and to the organizing committee for the hard work. We are already looking to the 2021 FIM ISDE in Italy: the event will be even more exciting!â€
========================================>
Here is pic from the 1949 ISDT in Wales -  the rider is J R Lloyd and he belonged to my old club in Oswestry, although I can’t remember him -  Our local James /Triumph/BSA/Ariel dealer had two of their bikes in the showroom after the event all plastered in mud - very exciting for a young lad just getting interested in Motorcycles. I watched some of this event from up on the Welsh Moors - I recall the 50cc Kreidlers - which had 12 speeds - they were always “tapped out” and always shifting gears with the engines screaming - Memories!!.
This photograph was taken by Geoff Charles, who worked for Woodall’s Newspapers - the place that I started as an apprentice Photo Engraver in 1953 - Geoff was a great photographer at a time when the cameras were all large format - later of course the 35mm took over and that was when I got interested in this side of the business. - Ironically now anybody can take a good pic on their phone !!
=======================================>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V09zf7kfKKA&fbclid=IwAR2qLIAgf9Okv__zZ4OhD4dRzXus2eQdbRac_5k2faAYYtGEpz1mde_9C58
========================================>
Today I would like to reach out to all the kind folk, who have contacted us either by phone, email or facetime etc, to ask about our well being - Obviously as old people, we are in that most vulnerable  class when a virus hits.
(Many will have read my Sunday blog with regards to my own health issues)
Anyway, glad to say both Babsy and myself are so far so good - being careful and staying home as much as possible. - Hopefully this will all be over soon, but I fear that our social activities might be changed forever. ( no more hugs)
=============================================>
Here is a nice shot of Steve Saunders when he was on the Rothman Honda - I remember seeing this section in a video I’ve got somewhere. Back in the day when Ellgren were making Trials gear. ( think I still have some packed away somewhere)
========================================>
I’m sure that most people have now heard of the E start TRS models - I even posted a video of my Xtrack model, which is fantastic by the way. - You can see a short video here of Phillipe Berlatier the French Importer and former World Class rider showing off the all new Trials only model, with the lithium battery located behind the headlight.
=========================================>