Jon and Myles had taken their bikes (Jon's B31 and Myles' B40) to the show so Rhys and I set off to pick them up, after I had finished work. When we arrived, we found that the stand was already almost fully assembled. As well as the expected impressive display of bikes, there was a cutaway B31 engine on display which kept Rhys entertained (ok, it made me quite happy too and I'd like one at home!). Most of the stands in the show were fully set up so it was a good opportunity for a wander around. The VJMC stand had a Captain Pugwash theme and lots and lots of excessively shiny motorcycles - I think Myles would have found it deeply disturbing. Such shininess does seem a touch unnatural! Jon had already managed to spend money on some books relevant to his BSA B2 and had his eye on a complete 1930s BSA tool kit. By this time most people were leaving so we set off for home, ready for an early-ish start the next day.
On Saturday, we managed to be back at the show by about 9.00 so missed most of the crowds. As well as all the club stands and trade stalls, there were trials demos and the Wall of Death to keep people entertained and the weather was favourable for walking around searching the autojumble. I had it in mind to find a suitable 21 inch front wheel for the B40 project but after an unsuccessful day hunting decided that perhaps I didn't want one after all. Near the trials demo, there was an interesting but bird-poo-encrusted trials James for sale - it would have been very tempting if the sheds hadn't been at bursting capacity already! I had promised myself not to purchase any more bikes or projects and I was going to be strong and stick to that promise. Back at the BSAOC stand, Cliff and Daphne reported a very successful day in selling tickets for the raffle bike. After a long and tiring day, we called in at the Railway Inn for a nice meal and to spend some time with the more hardy members of the club who were camping in the pub garden and car park. Much as we would have enjoyed their company, I was still glad to be going home to a nice warm bed.
On Sunday, the early morning was very chilly and I was again grateful that we had decided not to camp. We reached the showground before 9.00, had breakfast in the showground cafe and then headed for the stand. I decided to stand in for the cleverer people (who hadn't yet arrived) and try to look up bike details on the computer for people who wanted to find out more about their machines. I find the factory despatch records fascinating and it was very satisfying to trace one chap's recently acquired one-previous-owner B33 to the shop in Selby from which it was originally purchased. Somehow, during the course of the morning, I became swayed from my course of "no more bike purchases" by the lure of something I have always fancied - I couldn't miss the opportunity to become the proud owner of an Ariel 3, could I?
Another trawl around the autojumbles found me investing in several necessary items I hadn't known I needed but I didn't feel I wasted any money and I can't understand why my fellow club members weren't more enthusiastic about the bright pink fuel pipe I purchased. Spent some time eyeing up a mini-lathe (that I don't know how to use) but managed to resist (I was talked out of it, something less expensive will come up one day....).
Another busy day but it was soon all over. Jon had to set off home a little bit early as the B31 charging system had left him without lights but Rhys and I stayed a little longer and helped to shift a few carpet tiles in the direction of Colin's van before heading back to our van. On the way to the van, I stopped for a last look at the interesting James. Dave appeared and we had a chat about the value of the bike, then the owner/seller turned up and Dave haggled it down to a decent price for me. I felt quite bad about having to explain that I couldn't really buy the thing because Jon would probably kill me if I got home with another bike in the back of the van. I think the bloke just assumed I was a nutter.........
I always enjoy the Stafford Show. Ok, there are the usual examples of ridiculously overpriced "projects" for sale but I rather think they are part of the entertainment and there are always bargains to be had too. The October show is more Japanese-bike orientated but, even if you loathe Jap bikes, there are still plenty of interesting exhibits and trade stalls to keep you satisfied - and it all else fails to entertain you, there's always the BSAOC stand for some good company and a nice cuppa!
Piccies can be seen in the slideshow section.
Friday, 23 October 2009
Ariel 3!!!!!
I will soon be on the lookout for Ariel 3 spares - a piston and a manual in particular. Give me a shout if you know where I can get them. Thanks.
Check out the link to the Ariel 3 museum and try not too be too envious of my soon-to-be new toy!
Check out the link to the Ariel 3 museum and try not too be too envious of my soon-to-be new toy!
Velo Club jumble
George has emailed to let us know that the Velo Club are holding their jumble tomorrow at Aston Village Hall, Stone (Saturday 24th October). This starts at 10.00am and will finish at about 1.00-2.00pm.
George also mentioned the availability of "Great Banger and Bacon Butties" but I don't know if there will be any CAKE for Myles!
George also mentioned the availability of "Great Banger and Bacon Butties" but I don't know if there will be any CAKE for Myles!
Severn Valley Railway Day - A report from Steve Share
Run to Severn Valley Railway Vintage Vehicle Day, 11 10 09
I left home at about 9.00 a.m. with a view to meet others at the Swan at Forton at 10.00. The weather was dull but dry and the weather forecast was for a reasonable day. When I arrived at the Swan, Phil was already there and others soon appeared. We set off shortly after 10.00, there being 7 BSAs, 2 modern Triumphs and a Honda. Myles led us round Newport, past the agricultural college, heading for our first stop, a coffee break at the Museum of Iron at Coalbrookdale. How we got there I don’t know, my navigational skills are obviously useless. I think I remember a sign for Wrockwardine and one for Wellington. By this time it had started to drizzle a little, not much, just enough to make the road greasy – especially the last stretch into Coalbrookdale where the narrow lane had moss growing on the surface! Certainly, one member of the party expressed the statement that the slick on the back of his Starfire did not like the conditions!
After a cup of coffee and use of the “facilities” it was back on the road through Much Wenlock and on to the Bridgnorth bypass, then turning south on the Kidderminster road. We arrived at Kidderminster at 12.10 to be greeted by Birmingham Roger on his Triumph Tiger outfit accompanied by his two daughters. We had a good look round the vehicles outside the station and inside on the station forecourt. There were a wide variety of cars ranging from a fairly modern Fiat 500, a Ford 97e (sit up and beg Popular), a beautiful Bristol, a Jaguar, and inside, amongst others, a 1955 Riley RME, a 1930’s Cluley (no, I’d never heard of them either. They were a car built by a small family firm and this one was owned by a descendant.), a Rover 100, and a flat tank Sunbeam motor cycle.
Leaving Kidderminster, we set off for Bewdley (picking up a couple on a Royal Enfield en route) where we found Jon and Hazel waiting for us. Jon’s Enfield was having a sulk, refusing to go any further until Myles gave back the battery he’d borrowed. This problem was soon sorted.
Looking around the site there were a large number of vehicles ranging from an Ariel motor bike, a Messerschmitt bubble car (I think), a Nash Metropolitan , Land Rovers, and many others. Our next stop was Arley where the military Land Rovers had set up camp in one corner, accompanied by a military Morris 1000/1100 Traveller. There was a rather lovely Lotus sports car and a ‘30s car whose occupants appeared to have the wicker picnic basket in use. We stayed there for a time to watch the train through and then some of us left to go to Highley. What happened to Jon and Hazel I don’t know! (We were in the pub at Arley!)
Arriving at Highley we parked where we could (it was a little cramped!) with me parking near a pair of MGA sports cars. I discovered a minor problem at Highley. Walking to the Kiosk I passed the Station Master who took one look and said “I suppose it’s you brought that gang of Hells Angels!” It’s a good job I know him well enough! We left there and headed for Hampton Loade station although three peeled off to go straight home. When we reached the station it was to find that, due to an unfortunate mishap two or three weeks previously, the station was not as well attended as in previous years. We did, however, meet a couple with their own Tribsa – although they brought one-upmanship into play when they heard about Hazel’s Tribsa. Like hers, this one has a B25 frame, but it has a 500 Daytona engine squeezed in and it has a lovely alloy tank. Did anyone think to obtain their details and invite them to N Staffs branch? I think they came from the Wolverhampton area. We phoned Hazel to be told that they were at Bridgnorth and would see us there. The couple with the 500 came with us. I had a slight upset at the junction of the Hampton Loade road where I stalled the A65 and had severe difficulty starting again – because I couldn’t hold the bike on the slope whilst trying to turn the kick start lever out! I managed eventually and arrived at Bridgnorth to find the others drinking and talking. I had a swift (soft) drink from the bar and left to make my way home after having had an enjoyable day out where the weather had been mostly reasonable, and I had been in the company of like minded friends. I just hope somebody managed to take some good photographs, and here’s to next year!
Steve Share
Thank you, Steve. There are some photos in the slideshow section of the blog - if anyone has any more, I would be happy to add them.
Stafford Show report and slideshow will also be available soon.
I left home at about 9.00 a.m. with a view to meet others at the Swan at Forton at 10.00. The weather was dull but dry and the weather forecast was for a reasonable day. When I arrived at the Swan, Phil was already there and others soon appeared. We set off shortly after 10.00, there being 7 BSAs, 2 modern Triumphs and a Honda. Myles led us round Newport, past the agricultural college, heading for our first stop, a coffee break at the Museum of Iron at Coalbrookdale. How we got there I don’t know, my navigational skills are obviously useless. I think I remember a sign for Wrockwardine and one for Wellington. By this time it had started to drizzle a little, not much, just enough to make the road greasy – especially the last stretch into Coalbrookdale where the narrow lane had moss growing on the surface! Certainly, one member of the party expressed the statement that the slick on the back of his Starfire did not like the conditions!
After a cup of coffee and use of the “facilities” it was back on the road through Much Wenlock and on to the Bridgnorth bypass, then turning south on the Kidderminster road. We arrived at Kidderminster at 12.10 to be greeted by Birmingham Roger on his Triumph Tiger outfit accompanied by his two daughters. We had a good look round the vehicles outside the station and inside on the station forecourt. There were a wide variety of cars ranging from a fairly modern Fiat 500, a Ford 97e (sit up and beg Popular), a beautiful Bristol, a Jaguar, and inside, amongst others, a 1955 Riley RME, a 1930’s Cluley (no, I’d never heard of them either. They were a car built by a small family firm and this one was owned by a descendant.), a Rover 100, and a flat tank Sunbeam motor cycle.
Leaving Kidderminster, we set off for Bewdley (picking up a couple on a Royal Enfield en route) where we found Jon and Hazel waiting for us. Jon’s Enfield was having a sulk, refusing to go any further until Myles gave back the battery he’d borrowed. This problem was soon sorted.
Looking around the site there were a large number of vehicles ranging from an Ariel motor bike, a Messerschmitt bubble car (I think), a Nash Metropolitan , Land Rovers, and many others. Our next stop was Arley where the military Land Rovers had set up camp in one corner, accompanied by a military Morris 1000/1100 Traveller. There was a rather lovely Lotus sports car and a ‘30s car whose occupants appeared to have the wicker picnic basket in use. We stayed there for a time to watch the train through and then some of us left to go to Highley. What happened to Jon and Hazel I don’t know! (We were in the pub at Arley!)
Arriving at Highley we parked where we could (it was a little cramped!) with me parking near a pair of MGA sports cars. I discovered a minor problem at Highley. Walking to the Kiosk I passed the Station Master who took one look and said “I suppose it’s you brought that gang of Hells Angels!” It’s a good job I know him well enough! We left there and headed for Hampton Loade station although three peeled off to go straight home. When we reached the station it was to find that, due to an unfortunate mishap two or three weeks previously, the station was not as well attended as in previous years. We did, however, meet a couple with their own Tribsa – although they brought one-upmanship into play when they heard about Hazel’s Tribsa. Like hers, this one has a B25 frame, but it has a 500 Daytona engine squeezed in and it has a lovely alloy tank. Did anyone think to obtain their details and invite them to N Staffs branch? I think they came from the Wolverhampton area. We phoned Hazel to be told that they were at Bridgnorth and would see us there. The couple with the 500 came with us. I had a slight upset at the junction of the Hampton Loade road where I stalled the A65 and had severe difficulty starting again – because I couldn’t hold the bike on the slope whilst trying to turn the kick start lever out! I managed eventually and arrived at Bridgnorth to find the others drinking and talking. I had a swift (soft) drink from the bar and left to make my way home after having had an enjoyable day out where the weather had been mostly reasonable, and I had been in the company of like minded friends. I just hope somebody managed to take some good photographs, and here’s to next year!
Steve Share
Thank you, Steve. There are some photos in the slideshow section of the blog - if anyone has any more, I would be happy to add them.
Stafford Show report and slideshow will also be available soon.
Monday, 12 October 2009
Severn Valley Railway run 11 10 09
Hmmm, well I'm hoping that some kind person who was present for ALL of the run will send me a nice write up to include here. I wasn't feeling very well so Jon and I only made it to two of the stations, Bewdley and Bridgnorth. I have a few photos from Bewdley and Bridgnorth but if anyone can send more I can include them in a slideshow. My Tribsa met a bigger brother at Bridgnorth - I was quite taken with it, a Daytona engine in a B25 frame with a rather nice alloy tank. I had a sit on it and it has given me some ideas for improvements to mine. (Harvey, where's my tank :-) ?!?)
Saturday, 10 October 2009
Posting Comments
Apologies to anyone who has wanted to post Comments, I've just realised that the procedure wasn't very user-friendly.
The settings have now been amended.
If you click on the word "comments" beneath a post, a new page will appear. If you select the option Name/URL you can just enter whatever you want to call yourself as the "Name" and ignore the "URL" box. Or you can simply select the "Anonymous" option. Neither of these options require you to be registered anywhere or to disclose any contact details.
I would welcome comments on any postings, whether to add information, ask questions or just a bit of banter. Or even to tell me I've got something wrong...............
The settings have now been amended.
If you click on the word "comments" beneath a post, a new page will appear. If you select the option Name/URL you can just enter whatever you want to call yourself as the "Name" and ignore the "URL" box. Or you can simply select the "Anonymous" option. Neither of these options require you to be registered anywhere or to disclose any contact details.
I would welcome comments on any postings, whether to add information, ask questions or just a bit of banter. Or even to tell me I've got something wrong...............
Jon's new baby
Wednesday, 7 October 2009
Some forthcoming events
Christmas Dinner - this will be at the Wayfarer Inn in Stone (on the A34. The cost will be £14.95 each - please can this be paid by the 1st meeting in November. The dinner will be on Saturday 5th December.
VMCC events - there will be a talk at Morville Hall on 8th October about BSAs and on 12th October there will be a talk by trials rider Scott Ellis. (Scott gave a talk to the North Birmingham VMCC a while back and he is very entertaining).
Severn Valley Railway Run - Sunday 11th October. Meet at the Swan in Forton at 10.00am. Myles will be Leader of the Pack for an undoubtedly scenic and interesting route around the stations of the Severn Valley Railway for the SVR Vintage Day. If you don't want to start at Forton, most of us should be at Kidderminster by 12.00 midday. Steve Share tells me that the 1st train, a DMU, leaves Kidderminster at 9.45am and the next two are steamers at 10.25am and 10.55am. From Bridgnorth, there is a light engine at 9.15 and then another train at 10.10.
VMCC events - there will be a talk at Morville Hall on 8th October about BSAs and on 12th October there will be a talk by trials rider Scott Ellis. (Scott gave a talk to the North Birmingham VMCC a while back and he is very entertaining).
Severn Valley Railway Run - Sunday 11th October. Meet at the Swan in Forton at 10.00am. Myles will be Leader of the Pack for an undoubtedly scenic and interesting route around the stations of the Severn Valley Railway for the SVR Vintage Day. If you don't want to start at Forton, most of us should be at Kidderminster by 12.00 midday. Steve Share tells me that the 1st train, a DMU, leaves Kidderminster at 9.45am and the next two are steamers at 10.25am and 10.55am. From Bridgnorth, there is a light engine at 9.15 and then another train at 10.10.
Monday, 5 October 2009
Levis Cup Road Trial 04 10 2009
This event is organised by the North Birmingham VMCC and Jon and I were asked to help out, marshalling at the ford at Clee St Margaret. Myles and Roger came along to help and Rhys was dragged along too (although he didn't complain too much).
We were ready to set off far earlier than we needed to be so we headed for the cafe at Quat for a cuppa before riding to Clee St Margaret via a very scenic route, following Jon on the B31, Myles with the B40 and trailer, Roger on his Triumph Tiger and sidecar (with Rhys happily sat in the sidecar)and me bringing up the rear on the Serow (which happens to be the best of my bikes for carrying luggage - namely chairs and wellington boots etc)
We arrived at the ford and rode through it to find our allotted positions - Jon and Myles were stationed at a junction a little way ahead of the ford so that the participants could be given the choice of taking a detour avoiding the ford. As it happens, they were all hardy souls who chose to brave the ford so no-one suffered any penalties at this point. Roger, Rhys and I manned the ford, suitably clad in our welly boots in case Rescue Services were required. Happily for all the riders, there were no mishaps this year. We were very impressed with the speed at which some of the participants rode through the ford! The variety of bikes taking part made for a very interesting hour or so - BSA, Triumph, Matchless, Sunbeam, Ariel, AJS, Cotton, Scott, New Imperial, Moto Guzzi, Greeves were all represented, not to mention two Brough Superiors! BSA Slopers seemed to be a popular option.
Once all the riders were through we packed up and headed for the finishing point at the Lenchford Arms, Shrawley, where I rushed around taking photos before the weary participants headed for home. Some were riding the bikes home but others had travelled quite a distance and were loading the bikes on to trailers ready for the drive home. All seemed to have enjoyed the day, including the enthusiastic Welshman who had suffered an altercation with a tractor while riding his rather splendid Triumph - you can see the damage in the photos. Most were planning on returning next year and we certainly hope to see them again, whether as participants ourselves or helping out again. There are two classes - pre-46 and under 200cc pre-65 - if you have something eligible, this is an event well worth taking part in.
Check out the slideshow on the right hand side of the Blog.
We were ready to set off far earlier than we needed to be so we headed for the cafe at Quat for a cuppa before riding to Clee St Margaret via a very scenic route, following Jon on the B31, Myles with the B40 and trailer, Roger on his Triumph Tiger and sidecar (with Rhys happily sat in the sidecar)and me bringing up the rear on the Serow (which happens to be the best of my bikes for carrying luggage - namely chairs and wellington boots etc)
We arrived at the ford and rode through it to find our allotted positions - Jon and Myles were stationed at a junction a little way ahead of the ford so that the participants could be given the choice of taking a detour avoiding the ford. As it happens, they were all hardy souls who chose to brave the ford so no-one suffered any penalties at this point. Roger, Rhys and I manned the ford, suitably clad in our welly boots in case Rescue Services were required. Happily for all the riders, there were no mishaps this year. We were very impressed with the speed at which some of the participants rode through the ford! The variety of bikes taking part made for a very interesting hour or so - BSA, Triumph, Matchless, Sunbeam, Ariel, AJS, Cotton, Scott, New Imperial, Moto Guzzi, Greeves were all represented, not to mention two Brough Superiors! BSA Slopers seemed to be a popular option.
Once all the riders were through we packed up and headed for the finishing point at the Lenchford Arms, Shrawley, where I rushed around taking photos before the weary participants headed for home. Some were riding the bikes home but others had travelled quite a distance and were loading the bikes on to trailers ready for the drive home. All seemed to have enjoyed the day, including the enthusiastic Welshman who had suffered an altercation with a tractor while riding his rather splendid Triumph - you can see the damage in the photos. Most were planning on returning next year and we certainly hope to see them again, whether as participants ourselves or helping out again. There are two classes - pre-46 and under 200cc pre-65 - if you have something eligible, this is an event well worth taking part in.
Check out the slideshow on the right hand side of the Blog.
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