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.