Archive for March, 2022

Thursday March 31st 2022

Thursday, March 31st, 2022

In 1969 the Calgary Motorcycle Club put on a Moto Cross race at Blackfoot Park. - This was televised  on “Wide World of Sports” - promoted by Roy Healy - It was a Big deal. - I was there to check out this Canadian version of “Scrambling” which I was familiar with in the UK. - I must say I was impressed by the local  lads who rode that day - I remember Eldon Eady and “Hoot” Gibson - the latter in particular, as he was wearing one of the American Football style face guards as shown in the pic below. - It is interesting looking back at both the old bikes, but also the riding gear of the time. - Did you know that the first face mask used in a Moto Cross was a homemade job by John Banks of England - he fashioned it out of a kitchen vegetable strainer!!!
Of course after the war most of the Brits wore old army gear ( myself included) these were readily available and cheap. - Later leather pants were replaced by modern fabrics, and a whole new world of bright colors emerged.

No description available.

===========================================>

I don’t know who this rider is in Scotland, but I did notice that he only has a glove on his throttle hand - check out all the spectators in full rain gear - a typical day at the Scottish Six Day Trial.
No description available.

I watched an interesting video tape on U Tube  about the history of Yamaha - showing the original small 2 cycle bike they made - then later the DT1 that gave them a huge market share, however, the film failed to show or mention any of the other Off Road success they had - first with the 74 TY 250, followed by the World Championship winning YZ 250 monoshock - a design they bought from a Euro guy named Tilkins ( He first offered it to Suzuki but they turned him down!!) - next of course was the hugely successful IT series. - The film was mainly about the Yamaha sports bikes with comments by Wayne Rainy and others - this reminded me of attending a meeting in Japan, when they introduced ( via color slides) the new sports Prototype - they then went around the table asking what we thought - while most of the others gave them the positive answers they were looking for - I replied that putting race bikes on the street in the hands of young riders, might get Yamaha a lot of front page advertising - but all the wrong sort. - Naturally they didn’t listen to me, and sold a ton of them    ( Although I did enjoy riding the RZ two stroke 4 cylinder 500 rocket ship)

==========================================>

Results of the VMC Trial can now be seen on the VMC Club page. ( You might find this a tad small!!) Thanks to Roger Boothroyd for these.

No description available.

No description available.

No description available.

============================================>

Ex army bikes being auctioned off in England 1946. - They were sold in “Bundles”
No description available.

=================================================>

Answer to the Wednesday quiz   - Famous Photographer Eric Kitchen -  first correct guess was  by Bob Clark.

=================================================>

Wednesday March 30th 2022

Wednesday, March 30th, 2022

Nothing better on a sunny Okanagan day, than to see the smiles of a happy customer with a new TRS 250 - Thanks Leigh for making the long drive from Princeton.
May be an image of 1 person, dirt bike, motorcycle and outdoors

Now we just find a bike for junior!!

No description available.

We still have a couple of Beta Evos for sale - one 2021 Evo 300 ss and a  brand new 2022 Evo 200.
May be an image of dirt bike, motorcycle and outdoors

=======================================================>

Answer to the Tuesday quiz - Harold (Turk) Perapalkin from Victoria riding a Jawa that reports say he hated - later bought by Roger Boothroyd.  - First correct answer came from Brett ( he was up early - Turk was next - posting that the pic must have been taken early in the day, as he was still clean ( not covered in mud) - there were quite a few other responses but all wrong

Quiz today - Who is this guy?

Open photo

=======================================================>

Always some interesting reading in this mag - check it out.
May be an image of 1 person, motorcycle and text

===================================================>

Tuesday March 29th 2022

Tuesday, March 29th, 2022

We saw this posted of what the caption said is the new 2022 Beta Evo Factory bike.
No description available.

A rare pic of the great Jeff Smith with his first BSA Goldstar
No description available.

=============================================>

How do you summarize a motorcycling career spanning 8 decades, more than 1400 competition wins in multiple disciplines and numerous immeasurable engineering contributions to motorcycle development? Whilst doing it justice?
Well, the short answer is, you probably can’t!
That said, due to popular demand, here we are with a video that tries to do just that.
This documentary-style feature focuses on Sam’s lifelong journey in motorcycle trials. Starting with the bike he built at 17, to his famously fruitful associations with Ariel and Bultaco, right up to his time as a development engineer with Honda and Hiro engines, where he impacted the worldwide trials market forever.
We hope you enjoy!
The book, Sammy Miller: Motorcycle Legend can be purchased here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1859837638…
=======================================================>
There is perhaps only one person who can identify the second rider in this pic - it was taken at the 1975 ISDT in the Isle of Man.  - the caption even misspelled his name.
No description available.
============================================>
We have heard that Sorrento Trials guy Chris Briggs is moving to New Brunswick - we wish them good luck and safe travels.
============================================>
Spring riding is here, but don’t forget to take along a few spare tools just in case!! - All of these plus a drink bottle can be safely carried in one of our hand-made Outlaw Tool belts - known word wide for  quality. - Note! Bottle holder not shown in this pic.
Outlaw Tool Belts
==========================================>

Monday March 28th 2022

Monday, March 28th, 2022

Although the forecast was for rain in the Valley yesterday, we were pleasantly surprised to enjoy a great day out on the bikes, without getting wet.

We are also pleased to report that  our old buddy Banjo Bobby, has returned to the Trials fold, and joined us for a Sunday ride. I took a few pics of Bob, who still hasn’t forgotten how to ride a Trials bike. The used Gasser he has seems to be in good shape.
No description available.

No description available.

====================================================>

It’s hard to believe that the TRS brand, has now been on the market for six years, and become a dominant force in the  Trials World. - This is a pic of the first one Bob from Mountain Motorcycle brought to Summerland for us to test ride,  in  early 2017.
No description available.

=================================================>

We heard that the Victoria Club Trial went well, although things were very wet and slippery -  we expect more news  and results of this from Roger shortly.

=================================================>

Trystan Hart continues his winning ways - and posted a big win Stateside recently.

Open photo

==============================================>

Steve Holcombe is now back in the UK after a visit to the States, and took the win in Wales at the weekend, on his Factory Beta.

Open photo

======================================>

Sunday March 27th 2022

Sunday, March 27th, 2022

Ukraine remembered in Wales.
No description available.

===================================================>

The big surprise in Spain - Toby Martyn TRS

No description available.

Matteo Grattarola  (Beta) trying very hard  for his 4th place finish on the night.

No description available.

Sondre Haga  ( Beta) - A great result for the lad from Norway with 5th on the night.

No description available.

Results from the Xtrial  on Saturday. - pretty tight at the top.

.
No description available.

===================================================>

So looks like a rainy day - but we will be out for a ride - and will post some pics later that may surprise a few people.

======================================================>

Answer to the Saturday quiz - a young Adam Raga on a Mecatecno  - Brett & Bob were first in followed by Pete Vary & Harlow. - These guys have a good knowledge of past events in Trials.

=======================================================>

Saturday March 26th 2022

Saturday, March 26th, 2022

It’s the rainy season, and we take this lightweight gear in our back-pack on uncertain days - Wulf have it in all colors or clear to show your fancy  jersey. - Only $75.00 a set. ( We have black in stock)
No description available.

This lovely Guzzi reminded me of the 1957 TT in the Island, when Dickie Dale and Bill Lomas raced the incredible  V8 bikes - what a sight with all the “Dustbin” fairings ( later banned) and the sound unbelievable.
No description available.

==============================================>

For our Enduro readers.
No description available.

A very young Jeff Smith working on his own BSA at the Factory , I doubt this happens anymore with the modern riders.
No description available.

The answer to the Friday quiz - was Ralf Venables - correct responses from Brett and John Kitchener. and later good old Harlow.
But can anybody guess who this young rider is and the name of the bike?

No description available.

=============================================>

And just in case you were not aware!!

NOTE: If you are not aware already, please note that there is a Global supply issue with Off Road tyres.
In particular Trials Tyres.
For any riders that have an entry for the SSDT, make sure you bring your own tyres as there may or may not be any available during the week for sale.
Statement issued by: Mickey Oates Motorcycles 25/03/2022
( Outlaw stock Dunlop 803 the best tires for the price)
============================================>
Anybody got a caption for this pic of the Xtrial riders meeting in Spain?

No description available.

Great result for TRS last night - and first Xtrial podium for Toby Martyn.

Update : Just noticed that Beta riders finished 4th & 5th - !!!! Busto & Marcelli down the bottom of results.
==================================================>

The Joss Fire Lookout on a winter day - thanks Chris for the pic

No description available.

===============================================>

Friday March 25th 2022

Friday, March 25th, 2022

Answer to the Thursday quiz -Edramucky in Scotland - no longer used in the Scottish Six Days. - and no correct answers!!
Below a great pic of Sammy catching flies with his mouth wide open style ( remember to breathe!!) but who is the spectator with the umbrella??
No description available.

===========================================>

Yes it’s Friday - and with Spring officially here, the phones are ringing - As I have mentioned numerous times over the past few months - new 2022 bikes ( either enduro or Trials) are getting snapped up fast, and are in very  short supply - I’m afraid that some people who have not confirmed their order of either Beta or TRS models, will likely be out of luck. - This is not a time for  sitting on the fence. -

===========================================>

I was at the landfill yesterday dumping off a bunch of wooden crate bottoms - and as these are quite heavy - it reminded me of a conversation I had with Ben Watanabe  - President ( and best one ever) of Yamaha Motor Canada. - Ben traveled with me  numerous times, and one day, we were chatting about the huge cost of freight !! ( imagine what he would think now) - anyway, he said that “Everything” was considered when it came to cost saving at the factory -when I first visited the Factory in 1976 - I noticed all the workers  were wearing yellow Yamaha caps  with “C7″ printed on the front, in large letters - when I asked about this - I was told by our guide, that this was to remind ALL the workers that the goal for 1976, was to cut production costs, by 7%   -  Ben mentioned that - they saved a huge amount, just by cutting a 1/4 inch of wood from the base of the crate. - We might see the European factories  taking a closer look at this sort of thing in the future.

========================================>

Open photo

The Victoria Club will host their first Trial of the year this Sunday after the long Covid shut down - unfortunately the high cost of gas and everything else, will mean that many  riders will stay close to home. - Luckily we have numerous places to ride in the Okanagan Valley and the Shuswap, but please remember that when the sun come out, so do the CO’s and you need both registration and insurance for riding on Crown land - they will also be checking for spark arrestors - ( We can supply for Beta and TRS)

Over in Europe the second round of the so called Xtrial Championship will be happening in Spain, and I think that the new Honda hot shot kid Marcelli will be in this as a wild card.

====================================== >

Thursday March 24th 2022

Thursday, March 24th, 2022

Answer to the Wednesday quiz - Graeme Manning,   Paul Grundy,    Outlaw Dave,    Kevin Couves - Brian ( from Kamloops) Brett Clark, Bob Clark -  the place was East Kelowna and the year was 1993. - Brett thinks the pic was taken by Steve Fracy. as his helmet is on the handlebar of my Sherpa T.  - Only Brett & Bob got in with the correct info.
———————————————————->

The pic below of  the program from our 1971 Western Canadian Championship Trial, shows winner John Jones riding a Scottish section - But does anybody know the name of this??? ( no longer used)
No description available.

We always put out printed programs back then - I think this was the first  ever Western Canadian Championship held - and of course once again the Alberta weather turned against us, with about two feet of snow in the Campground on the morning of the Trial. - With riders from all over Canada and the Western USA - the show had to go on - so I led the way over the mountains around Bragg Creek as I was the only one who knew the way!! - all the tape and arrows were covered in snow. - Needless to say I was definitely not happy. - The day ended with me pushing my  dead Blackfoot Montesa through the last five sections when it decided it didn’t like the weather either. ( but at least we finished)  - Ah! yes - memories of the glorious 70’s.
===================================================>

2022 ISDE Team Canada
The Canadian Motorcycle Association is proud to announce the Canadian Teams for the 2022 FIM International Six Days of Enduro. The ISDE will take place from August 29th to September 3rd, in Le Puy en Velay, France. Congratulations and Best Wishes to our Teams!
World Trophy Team
· Philippe Chaine
· Tyler Medaglia
· Jared Stock
· Kade Tinkler-Walker
Women’s Trophy Team
· Marie-Claude Boudreau
· Kristen Broderick
· Shelby Turner
Team Manager
· Lee Fryberger
==============================================>
Yamaha have  had this E bike for a few years now - some news of this in the UK press. - As most people know, we have absolutely no interest in Electric - except as a starter motor. But as Walt used to say “Whatever turns you on” - or in this case “Plugs you in”
May be an image of motorcycle
=====================================================>
Today would have been Steve McQueen’s birthday - another star who died too young - often called King of Cool - McQueen endeared  himself to Motorcycle fans, when he appeared ( and sponsored) the movie “On Any Sunday” - Likely the best Motorcycle movie ever made, and one that “Hooked” a whole new generation into two wheeled sport.
Steve is seen here with the thinly disguised Triumph used in “The Great Escape”
====================================================>
And finally ! - All you Cannucks can ask me ( or Taff) how you pronounce this !!
May be an image of text that says 'Hiraeth n. (Welsh) A spiritual longing ging for a home which maybe never was. A nostalgia for a place to which we cannot return. An echo of lost places in our soul. It is in the wind, the rain. the rocks and the sea. It is everywhere; it is nowhere.'
==============================================>

Wednesday March 23rd 2022

Wednesday, March 23rd, 2022

Spring is Sprung

Quiz - This is a pic from the very first Outlaw Trial that we held - questions are (1) What year (2) Location (3) NAME THE RIDERS !!! ( all looking pretty young then ) - I still remember hauling all that stuff up the Mountain (hint) plus zipping up early in the morning- with some beers to stock “The Pub”
No description available.

=====================================================>

The latest info regarding the FIM World Trials Championship, is that for 2022 all the events will be held in Europe ( So not really a World Championship) - There is not even a round in the UK.

======================================================>

Yesterday I had a busy morning what with Opti Deliveries to Kelowna and other stuff, so in the late afternoon, I clicked onto the British Championship video from last weekend on UTube. - As I mentioned in the previous report showing pictures - there were some muddy sections, which got worse as the day went on. - Some great footage of Emma Bristow, who was lucky to have an early number - but the Top experts really had their work cut out. - rocks became slick and the mud holes deep. - I have to say that I thought this was a very well laid out Trial - at Hook Woods - obviously aimed for the spectators, but it wasn’t all about hop & bop.  - Check it out if you get a chance.

UPDATE - I just saw this and more comments on FB. I guess the bottom line is you can’t please everyone - that is why I say “Nobody” has ever set up a “Perfect Trial”

Alan Robert Stay

Sorry to hear about your misfortune, but it was bound to happen with those type of sections, infact I can’t believe no one has said anything before. I know a lot of work goes into putting on A trial like that, but I don’t see why they needed to have so many impossible sections that were going to damage both bikes and riders. Concrete at dangerous angles and bottomless mud is not good for new bikes. And if you had a run of bad rides there were no easier sections were riders could regain confidence. The ACU always promises one thing and does

=============================================>

Tuesday March 22nd 2022

Tuesday, March 22nd, 2022

It was good to see that the organizers put in some “Normal” sections at the British Championship round - Here is winner Toby Martyn in one of the Creeks. ( Pic by Heath)
No description available.

Great pic of three stars of the future - Danny Galloway (TRS) - George Hemmingway (Beta) and Alfie Lampkin (Vertigo) -      ( Alfie is growing like a weed)
No description available.

Brad Bullock had   a fantastic day to take the win in the Experts class.
No description available.

====================================================>

Meanwhile at Ioco BC - It was the TRS Trial , and it was Jordi’s bikes that  stole the show, with Alex Walton taking the new 2022 bike to a narrow victory over Sean Bird.( Scorpa) - Kirk McDowall (TRS) finished 3rd. - While his Dad Ted McDowall  - won the Senior class  also on a TRS. -Bob Clark led a TRS sweep of the Sportsman class - These are the only results we know of !! -
Isn’t it interesting that due to modern Electronics, we can post results from events in Europe before  anything in Canada - then again to quote somebody else in the media game “Old News is just that - Old News”
UPDATE Thanks to Don Doerksen we now have the complete results and can forward them to people interested via email.

=====================================================>

Did anybody click onto the video clips of the USA Plonkers Trial on U.Tube ?  - Looked like  various piles of rocks in the desert with really long sections marked out with card gates. -  Reminded me of why we had sections taped in the first place -  back in the day - if you didn’t use continuous tape  - riders would go out of bounds to make a  big turn and a better shot at an obstacle. - sort of defeated the whole idea. - Of course that is why we always liked the Gully type sections often used in English Trials.  The bottom line is “Long sections are difficult to check”  and checkers are hard to come by these days.
==========================================>

Looking through old files & came across this from back quite a few years - I was being interviewed  on CHBC  to talk about Trials and the upcoming Outlaw Trial at Summerland - Can’t remember the sports casters name Pat Saget? !! - he was a great guy who liked bikes - I took Barry’s Fantic into the studio for the the clip. - Pat later came out to the Trial with a photographer so we got a bit of TV exposure. Note! - Harlow will recognize that bike.
.No description available.

=====================================================>