It’s three years now, since we lost Al Perrett – perhaps one of the best riders, and nicest person, it has been my good fortune to call a friend. – I first met Al racing Cross Country in Alberta – then later in my Yamaha days. – I called on him at his Kamloops store and sometimes stayed over at his place to share a brew and a dip in the hot tub. – We miss you big Al. – Pics below were taken at the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2018.
The photo below was taken by my daughter Helen – left to right – Al Perrett – Steve Crevier- Dave Rhodes- Steve Baker – Bob Work.(rip)
The photo above was the last time I saw Al – I visited him at his home up at Sun peaks, along with Walter Cukavac and Guy Laycraft.
Al was always trying get me to take a ride on a Harley – and I remember a few years ago, we were doing a Trials demo up at 100 Mile House – Bob Work was involved with this car event and asked us to show off the Trials stuff – We had Stan & Steve Day, plus Banjo Bobby and maybe others that I can’t remember. – Anyway, our location was not the best as we were situated at the far end of the air strip, so the spectator numbers were not great – However as we paused between shows, I heard this loud bike coming down the field – and yes it was Al – dressed in kaki shorts & flip flops – As he looked over at the obstacles – I pointed out a Sherco 320 4T I had on display and suggested he might want to take it for a ride !! ( Al was never into Trials) – After thinking about it, he said OK, but if I do that – you have to take this (the Harley) for a ride. – Well as most people know the Sherco 4t was a difficult bike to start , although this one being a 2008 was much improved. – So I fired it up and Al got on the pegs ( yes with his flip flops) – and off he went around the field – no problems at all – after all he could ride anything. – When he stopped – I asked him what he thought – “Well it sure is different he said” – then with one of those big grins said “Now it’s your turn” – Thinking quickly – I looked at my watch and told Al – I’m sorry but we have a show to put on right now – so maybe later !!! ( Naturally the last thing I wanted to do was make a fool of myself on his Harley) – He just wagged his finger at me as he took off with a loud noise and a cloud of dust.
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Answer to the last quiz – Takumi Narita (Beta) only correct answer by Brett Clark. – a few others thought it was Kuroyama. also a very good Japanese rider, whose career riding at World level, ended when he broke both his wrists in a big tumble at the first ever Sheffield Indoor.
QUIZ today. – Who is this rider on the “Pipeline section” – Hint he was the first ever American to ride the Scottish. ( I took the pic in 1972)
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Bad news from the UK – Steve Saunders reporting that the large truck delivering his TRS bikes and parts, from the Factory -has been broken into and everything stolen
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