MERRY CHRISTMAS.....

...AND A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

to all of you!

Telford Off-Road and Road Racing Show 12-13 Feb 2010

Alan Wright has emailed me some details of the show:
"The special guests are more than just interesting. The main two amongst many present  are Peter Williams and Jeff Smith.  Peter the AJS ,Tom Arter, Norton   legend  was technically so far ahead of his time. His machine collection  will be there alongside so many other Road  racing machines. Jeff the World moto cross champion in 1964 and 1965,now resident in Wisconsin USA  is Charismatic, informative and as witty and sharp as ever. A collection of his championship winning machines is proceeding well! There is a dinner in his honour at which he will regale the audience of  190 people in the Holiday Inn on the Saturday night. A booking form is attached .

Other guests include Stan Dibben, the world champion sidecar passenger to the great Eric Oliver.Pete Mathia –ex GP and now still a regular Twin Shock winner . Dave Grant the manager of Graham Noyce Stefan Everts and “Magoo” Chandler. Brian  Wheeler, another GP moto cross man, who lots of people have opinions on –and who  has plenty to respond with!Yrjo vesterinen brings his 3 w/c winning Bultacos. As ever Sammy Miller is coming, this time  with his famous Ariel GOV132 and bringing along both Gordon Jackson and the very machine on which Gordon  won the SSDT  in 1961 -50 yrs on! Sam and Gordon will both be on the microphones –Sam on Road racing in the fifties –Gordon on the SSDT .   A winters tale many times over!

 Please try and support the show that aims to provide an authentic and exciting recollection of the heydays of past competition. We aim to be a lot more than a collection of Tool stands and tins of Wd 40 !"

You can find more details on the show website:
http://www.classicoffroadshow.com/

Note that one of the main themes of the show is "BSA Factory Machines" !

Alan has sent me the forms for entering a motorcycle in the show and also the details for booking the "Jeff Smith dinner" so if anyone is interested, please email me on hazel@hazelclarke.orangehome.co.uk

Foxfield Railway Autumn Steam Gala 24 October 2010

Some piccies:

Slideshow

Foxfield Railway Steam Gala 23-24 October 2010

http://www.foxfieldrailway.co.uk/Latest/The%20Autumn%20Steam%20Gala.htm

Saving the "Old BSA" building

This should be of interest but you need to act quickly as the deadline is Monday 25 October 2010.

---- Original Message ----- From: Bsatrust.org Sent: Thursday, October 21, 2010 10:47 AM Subject: Saving the 'Old BSA' building We're trying to save the historic 'Old BSA' building in Armoury Road, Birmingham. To help achieve this, a few of us recently set up the 'BSA Trust' www.BsaTrust.org (clickable link at foot of post) English Heritage are currently processing an application to get the building Listed - and it would help if we can get some emails supporting the Listing quoting case reference 171477. The email address for support emails to English Heritage is Jill.Guthrie@english-heritage.org.uk Or write to:- Jill Guthrie Senior Heritage Protection Adviser (West) English Heritage, 29 Queen Square, Bristol BS1 4ND Tel. 01460 282955 / 07788 994419 It would be great if you could muster as much support as possible from amongst BSAOC members - anyone else who wants to protect the surviving history of BSA. It's pretty urgent as we've only got until Monday 25 October to get messages of support to English Heritage. All the best Ian Rock MRICS Chartered Surveyor / Author Kiln House Duck Lane Ludgershall Aylesbury Bucks HP18 9XZ 01844 238866 fax 01844 238788

Link: www.bsatrust.org/

Stafford Show

Some piccies from the Show:

Slideshow - clicky here

Stafford Show - Saturday 16th October 2010

Just a few piccies from today - hopefully more to follow tomorrow:

Slideshow

Severn Valley Railway - Sunday 10th October 2010

BSAOC rideout meeting on the A5 nr Telford at 10.00am - as shown on this map.

More about the event here.

Bike Day at The Blacksmith's Arms, Kingsley

There is a Bike Day at Mark Warrender's local pub - The Blacksmith's Arms, Kingsley on Sunday 26 September 2010.  There will be a run out (with route maps behind the bar) and hopefully a treasure hunt as well.  It will also be at the tail end of a beer festival so there should be a goodly selection of Real Ales available.

The full address is:

The Blacksmith's Arms

39 Shawe Park Road

Kingsley Holt

Stoke-on-Trent

Staffordshire

ST10 2DL

Hope to see you there!

Sorry!

Oops, hadn't realised how long it has been since I have updated this........

Piccies etc to follow from the Uttoxeter Show and the Kent Summer Camp.  Plus if anyone has anything to add, please let me know.

Stafford Show - some piccies

Wistanstow Show 28 March 2010

The Staffordshire Quest

Most of you will by now be aware that George has organised the Staffordshire Quest with the intention of getting us all off our backsides and riding around the Staffordshire countryside on our BSAs.  All the documents you will need are now available for download here. There are two word documents and five maps for download so, after following the link, you will have to click the download button for each item.  Here is George's introduction to the Quest:
THE STAFFORDSHIRE QUEST

The Staffordshire Quest has been devised as a summer Rally / Treasure Hunt to encourage BSA owners to get on their machines and explore parts of our county which they may not normally visit.
A map of the county is divided into numbered areas and clues are given to enable targets within the areas to be identified by using a little native wit and cunning to solve the clues and a reasonable map to locate the targets (in this regard it is likely that your Staffordshire County Council Education Dept. Advanced Junior Schools Atlas of The World – British Empire shown in pink- 1946 will prove to be inadequate).
To give a little competitive edge to the Quest it proposed that points are gathered for each target attained; Two points when riding a BSA: One point on any other machine. Proof of reaching the target should be a photograph of the bike at the target or in close proximity to it. As this is intended to be an enjoyable experience and it is not necessary to go to extraordinary extremes to get the bike close to the target to get it in shot, evidence of close proximity (noticeboard, village signpost etc.) would be acceptable.
A pillion or sidecar passenger may participate in the rally on their own behalf and to qualify they should appear on the photograph alongside the machine.
It is proposed that some kind of award would be made to everyone who participates in the Quest, a certificate, Lapel Badge or similar. However since the event must be self funding the type of award would be dependent upon the funds raised. Preliminary costing indicates that a total of around £200 would be necessary to provide an enamel lapel badge for each entrant, ie. 40 entrants at £5.00 each.

• 1-20 targets attained Bronze Award
• 20-49 targets attained Silver Award
• 50 targets achieved Gold Award
• Highest total points Special Award ( If tied then the overall winner will be by adjudication)

The Quest clues and map location grid can be obtained on-line from the Branch blogspot http://northstaffsexhaustnotes.blogspot.com
The event will be open until 31st October 2010 by which time submissions must be delivered to the organiser. The submissions should include;

• Clear identification of the Targets claimed by providing the clue solution:
• Photographic evidence of the visit:
• Administration fee of £5.00 payable to BSA Owners Club North Staffs. Branch (provisional)

The aim of the Quest is to encourage us all to get out and about on our bikes rather than to stay at home beating our brains out over obtuse clues. Anyone needing clarification or further guidance can always contact George on 01785 618799.

Titch Allen RIP

I was sorry to hear that Titch Allen passed away yesterday after a short time in hospital.

http://www.realclassic.co.uk/books/books07091300.html

Big Breakfast - Prees Heath

This event will be taking place on 11 April.  Venue is the A41/A49 junction at Prees Heath near Whitchurch, Shropshire or SY13 2AF for those of you using SatNav.

Birmingham Testers Mike Hailwood Memorial Run - update

Email received today:


UPDATE
21st March
West Midlands Police Bikesafe team should be with us and providing an escort-just getting the paperwork sorted out.
Adverts in Old Bike Mart and Classic Mechanics-its also on the MCN & Ducati websites--anyone else like to suggest their club put it on their clubs website?
School playground for parking should be opened-awaiting confirmation.
Ken Sprayson, (Mr Featherbed) has broken a bone in his foot so wont be riding his Norton but hopes to be with us in his car.
http://birminghamtestersrun.blogspot.com/
Can any members of the local Vincent Owners contact me please?
Thank you


JP

Happy Birthday to Jon and Colin!

Hope you both had a very happy birthday.

I bought Jon a Banjo for his birthday.

This isn't him:

Some photos from Neil in New Zealand at the BSAOC International Rally

"2 Pictures from the New Zealand rally. A general view of some of the bikes at the University and one of me and the B33 on the road above Akaroa near chrischurch. Weather so far has been generally hot. Sorry to have to send you pictures like this when you must be freezing but it’s GREAT out here.

Regards to all.

Neil Hodgson"

We're not jealous at all..................

Classic Dirt Bike/Off Road Show - Telford

I enjoyed this show - hope the rest of you who got there did too.

Slideshow

Happy 60th Birthday Arthur - 14 February 2010

Thanks....

...from Ye Olde Arthur

"Hi Hazel.


Can you put a note on the Blog from me please.


Thank you to all club members who were at the club meeting on Tuesday 2nd February for my surprise presentation of birthday cards for my forthcoming 60th birthday. Thanks to Tom and Lyn for the delicious Birthday cake and to George for my badge of office which I will wear with pride. It was much appreciated. Thanks Arthur."

Watch this space, Arthur!

BSA Victor - 92 HOH

Some of you may recognise the above registration number?

I received an email request a couple of days ago asking if anyone can help with locating the BSA Victor 441 with the registration number 92 HOH.

"Im hoping you can help me, or perhaps point me in the right direction.!

My father and his brother used to be BSA works riders and became British Trials Experts in the late 60's, in sidecar. (Derek and Ray Round also known as the Round brothers)

We sadly lost my uncle Ray 18months ago , and my dad (Derek) has expressed a wish that to try and get their BSA VICTOR 441 CC (WORKS BIKE) which they won the title british trials experts on many times back or at least trace it, I have the registration number which is 92 HOH, and wondered if you could possibly point me in the right direction where to start in trying to trace it, we are in the process of putting an advert in the old bike mart, but if there is any other suggesions you could point towards I would be most grateful.

thank you for your time

natalie"

I've looked on DVLA and it appears not to have been taxed since 1978.  Derek believes it may be in Yorkshire but can't remember why.  Natalie is placing an advert in Old Bike Mart and has contacted Tim Britton (editor of OBM and Classic Dirt Bike) and I made a couple of enquiries on various forums.  I also (of course) suggested Natalie contact Kay to see if she can put something in the Star.  If anyone can help or knows any possible sources of information please let me know and I will forward all details to Natalie. 

I've scanned in a couple of piccies of the bike and riders from Norman Vanhouse's excellent BSA Competition history (you can click the pictures to make them bigger).

Stafford Show

The theme for the BSAOC is a BSA for each decade, from 1910 onwards.  The line-up is planned as follows:

1910-1919  Steve Foden has two bikes for the stand
1920-1929 Colin's round tank
1930-1939 Jon's B2
1940-1949 Gerry's B31
1950-1959 William Arblaster's M21 civi/Jeff's Goldstar
1960-1969 Danny's Rocket 3
1970-1979 Arthur's A65
1980-1989 Billy's Boxer

Should make an impressive display.

Newsletter archive

I have now added all a newsletter archive for all the newsletters from May 2007 onwards.  If you scroll down the blog page you will see the list on the right hand side.  To view a newsletter, you just have to click on the link and it will take you to the pdf file which is stored on another (free) website.

The free website for storing pdf documents also means that if there is anything you want included here, you can scan it as a pdf and I can include a link. (Or give me a photocopy at the meetings and I can sort out the scanning part!)  Perhaps wiring diagrams, parts lists etc (nothing that is still under copyright though, please).

Birmingham Testers Run

From email received last week:

Who was Mike Hailwood?
Were motorcycles made in Birmingham?
Two of the questions frequently asked of the organiser of THE MIKE HAILWOOD MEMORIAL RUN & THE BIRMINGHAM TESTERS RUN.
Will you support Birmingham's only dedicated motorcycle runs which seek to promote and preserve our motorcycling history?http://www.madeinbirmingham.org/
WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!


THE TESTER
JANUARY Mini newsletter
Hello and a happy new year to you all.
2010 is the 100 year anniversary of one of Birmingham's greatest cycle makers,HERCULES who also sold sidecars and motorcycles before the first world war, as well as several lightweights in the 50s
http://madeinbirmingham.org/hercules.htm
2010 programme
We thank Carole Nash Insurance for their continuing support of both runs and the website http://www.madeinbirmingham.org/
THE MIKE HAILWOOD MEMORIAL RUN 2010
This years Mike Hailwood Memorial Run will be on SUNDAY MARCH 21st 2010 at 11.15am from the former Norton Works at Bracebridge Street Aston, Birmingham
THE BIRMINGHAM TESTERS RUN 2010
First of all shame on all you riders who did not turn up for the 2009 Testers Run! I know it was raining but that didn't stop the local Vincent Owners Club (well done lads). Noticeably all of the group, with modern bikes, who kept asking for the destination to the Welsh slate mine never turned up at all! I've decided to run the event in September in future as its supposed to be one of the dryest months-- I will also bring a towel and some rags to rub down anybody with a delicate constitution and a Japanese motorcycle!
This years Birmingham Testers Run will start from a date (on a Sunday) to be announced later in SEPTEMBER from the former HERCULES CYCLE FACTORY in ROCKY LANE, ASTON BIRMINGHAM.
The possible destination being considered at the moment is MALVERN as this years run will be shorter than usual.
All suggestions welcomed!
Can I ask you all to not only support both events but actively encourage your club or friends to support both events as well. I do not think either event really has the support it deserves especially from local clubs.
Please note that due to ongoing technical problems with the website provider we are no longer able to update the MADE IN BIRMINGHAM website's content. We are looking to change website provider asap, if anyone can recommend a reliable one it would be helpful.
This email forms part of a newsletter blog which can be found at
http://birminghamtestersrun.blogspot.com/
WARNING!
Lads, in the interests of social harmony, the prevention of domestic assault and the safety of your motorcycle, can I remind you all that it is VALENTINES DAY on February 14th, and you know we all want more shagging and less nagging and also remember this includes 'away fixtures' too! If you want to safeguard your authority throughout the rest of the year do what a friend of mine did a few years back. Get a mate to write on a Valentines card, 'Thanks For A Great Night, signed, 'Donkey Dick'.
A quick mention of the card will close most arguments in your favour or allow weekend motorcycle rides without much opposition!

Safe riding

JP

Events List

I've added an events list to the side of the page.  Please let me have details of any other events you would like to see included.

BSA Dandy

I've just been browsing Andy Tiernan's website and saw this BSA Dandy for sale.  Love the description!!

http://www.andybuysbikes.com/4755.html

New link

I've added a new link for an interesting blog about restoring a BSA Starfire, well worth a read.

http://thrashemmotorcycles.blogspot.com/

Steve Share's B25ss Project - Phase 2

Following on from “the story so far”…..

The gearbox was examined and the Layshaft (+ attached gear) was found to need replacing. Where the shaft fits into the casing there is a Torrington bearing which appeared to have stuck and damaged the part of the shaft which fits inside it. The second gear on the Mainshaft was very badly worn and in serious need of replacement. We removed all seals and bearings and they are to be replaced as a matter of course. Examining the various castings showed a number of places where welding was required – most of these were linked to bolt fixings where, for example, bolts had been over tightened and tried to come through the bottom of the hole (or too much gasket goo had been used, and some had got into the bolt hole!). In one location the thread had previously stripped and someone had badly attempted a helicoil, breaking the metal in the process, and the final location was where a break had occurred in the metal. The rear mudguard was also taken to the same welder for a couple of splits to be welded. This welding came back looking quite good – although the two broken thread holes now need to be drilled and tapped. I also need to decide exactly how to fit the number plate to the rear mudguard (it’s currently held on by one bolt and swivels beautifully). The engine therefore is now in a multiplicity of bits.
Having re-wired the bike I now find that I can’t get a spark when turning the engine over (very, very gently, remember there’s no oil) but when I turn the ignition switch off there’s a nice fat spark! So that needs sorting.

The next job is to look at the paintwork, specifically the tank, the side panels and the chain guard. There’s a company in Fenton who have bead blasted the tank and side panels in a very gentle fashion and have primered them. Those bits are with a nice kind man who says that he’ll do the best he can with them (which will be far better than I can!). I’m doing the chain guard – it doesn’t matter too much what that looks like. At the same time I hope to clean up the rear wheel and probably paint the rim until I can afford to buy a new rim (possibly next winter) when I will also try to fit a set of indicators.

Once everything is back together (and working) it’ll be off to the garage for an MOT and then, when (if) successful, to the Post Office to tax the bike. After that, it’s try to get used to riding a B25ss, I’m told it’s a bit different to a ceefer!

Steve

Essential motorcycle accessory

One of those things you never knew you needed:

Click here

I'm pretty sure I need at least one!

Set off for tonight's meeting but there was enough snow to make it seem like a bad idea.  Yes, I know there are worse things than being snowed in at the pub with the North Staffs BSA Owners but I do have to work tomorrow.  Ride/drive carefully everyone!

BSA film

Sorry, I've removed the film because I found the fact it self-started as soon as I open the blog a little annoying!  I'll try and just post the link later for anyone who is interested.  The full film is available for download for about £3.99, I think.  (No connection with either me or the BSAOC).

Isle of Man reciprocal health agreement petition

I have received the following by email today and though it may be of some interest/concern to some of you:
"A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM ROY MADDOX

Support Visitors to the Isle of Man

The UK Government has unilaterally decided to end the reciprocal health
agreement with the Isle of Man

(see http://www.gov.im/lib/news/dhss/ministerwarnsoff.xml ) - this means that, from April 2010, UK residents visiting the island will no longer be covered for
medical care and Manx residents will no longer be covered for medical care
should they be taken ill in the UK. Anyone taking a ferry to the Isle of Man will need to have health insurance.

Anyone living in the Isle of Man (many of whom have served in the British
Armed Forces or are British Nationals) even if they have paid years of
national insurance in the UK, will need to have health insurance if they
visit the UK.

If you don't agree with this and would like to let the British Government
know your feelings, sign the official petition on the No.10 website here -
http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/HealthcareIOMUK/ and forward this email on
to as many of your friends as you can.

If you feel really strongly about this, let your MP know as it's been kept
very quiet in the UK and most members of Parliament are not aware of the
change.

Regards

Roy Maddox
265 IMAGES http://265images.fpic.co.uk/
155 Rugby Road, Hinckley, Leicestershire. LE10 0QB"

And check out the 265 images link above as there are lots of interesting photos including lots of Bantams!