DID YOU KNOW THAT WE WELSH NOT ONLY ‘DISCOVERED’ AMERICA, BUT LEFT BLUE-EYED, WELSH-SPEAKING NATIVE AMERICANS (INDIANS) ?
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Answer to the last quiz – The bike is a DMW – a small but successful Manufacturer based in the UK midlands – like most of the lightweight bikes of that era – they used the Villiers engine – This model was fitted with forks made popular by the competing DOT Factory. – Nobody got this.
Quiz today – Who is this rider? hint – he was a World Champion in 1992
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We have often said that we feel the word “Legend” is overused , but in this case it would appear to be appropriate. – They are Angelo Nito, Barry Sheene, Kenny Roberts, Geoff Duke ,and Phil Read. – only Kenny is still alive. Nito was killed riding a scooter, and Barry died of cancer likely because he was a chain smoker – Geoff died as an old man on the Isle of Man where he owned a Hotel – Phil just died. – we were lucky enough to be introduced to and shake the hand of both Kenny and Geoff. ( wish I had pics of that) – Note ! I was a flag marshal at Oulton Park when Phil Read won the Clubman’s TT – It was moved from the Island due to accidents. – Kenny I met at a Yamaha show in LA – Bob Work introduced me to him – I recall he was very polite and answered my questions regarding power valves.
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Here is another great shot by Deryk Wylde – I don’t know who this DOT rider is, but did notice he had the rubber ball ends fitted to his levers. This became mandatory back in the 1950’s after a few riders got stabbed by the sharp levers. -a company produced the rubber units that could be glued onto the stock levers.
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Looking ahead to early spring riding – I think some Cannucks might be making the trip down South to ride the Lewisport Trial – I think this will be a great event and good to see Adrian hosting “Old Style” events. – In case you didn’t know, he had a business in Scotland before moving to the States.
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Just clicking back on the yesterday blog and my story on the Ariel Arrow, I don’t think these were ever Imported into Canada so it’s not likely that anybody except an ex Brit would really appreciate how good these were for the time. – I guess it could be said ” Too little – too late” – for the British Motorcycle Industry. – BTW Did you know that Jeff Smith rode one of those up to the highest point in the Scottish Highlands?
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Late posting today, as I was on the phone to Beta Canada – Steve Howland has a good grasp on what is happening in the Industry right now and always great to chat. Glad to hear that things are still on a positive note for Beta, in spite of the recent upheaval due to the KTM fiasco. – Steve brought us up to date on new bikes coming in, so no shortage expected. – these are not all special order .
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