Yup! it’s the last blog for 2024, so thanks to all you enthusiasts who enjoyed clicking on, many of you doing this on a daily basis. – Obviously 2024 will be remembered for a lot of things, related to the Motorcycle Industry, we can only hope that the New Year, will bring some hope and sanity to the market. – We wish each and everyone of you a safe and Happy New Year.
Sadly we have lost more good friends in 2024, Bucky Johnson, Barb Sadownick, and Murray Nutt were part of our close knitted group While we lived in Alberta
We are now at an age, when we expect this, but most that have passed on, were much younger than us. Of course both Babsy and myself are extremely lucky to still be in reasonably good health.
I will continue to ride my Trials bikes and cater to the Trials Community, as long as possible.
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The answer to the last quiz, – the bike pictured was a 197cc James Commando – and the circular disc below the tank is a tax holder. – Back in the 50’s many riders rode their competition bikes to the scrambles and needed them to be street legal. – we did in fact use our James both as transport to work as well as to Trials and Scrambles – changing tires and gearing . – The bike pictured had a rigid rear frame, which some people thought was best for traction in Trials events. However Royal Enfield brought out the Swing Arm rear suspension in 1954 and everything changed.
Only John Kitchener got all the quiz correct, although a few knew what the disc was. – We did hear a funny story about Mick Andrews being stopped in Scotland, and the Police found the disc on his bike had an old beer matt fitted, instead of the regulation license. -I forgot to ask Mick about that rumor.
Quiz today and the last for 2024. – who, on what, where, and what year ???????
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We came across this old pic – I was riding a Beta up on Vernon Mountain – Mike should recognize that spot.
Below is a pic of North Wales – In the 1950’s we were able to ride in many of those rugged areas, but these later all got closed off.
Here is a typical English Trials section from back in the day – look at the crowd of spectators. – Not sure who took this great shot, but nice to see from a time when you had to know what you were doing taking Photographs with film cameras. ( might be another Deryk Wylde pic)
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Tomorrow being January 1st, we expect to see lots more rumors from the trials world – yes it should be interesting.
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