November 2001
Editorial
The usual stuff
Well, a fairly decent end to the rather unsettled season. Wiscombe was glorious with the mid-September sun warming up the hillside. Track conditions were excellent.
We were fortunate to be offered the end-of-season Meeting on 7 October by the Bugatti Owners’ Club at their historic and picturesque Prescott venue. It was very pleasant to have more room generally in the paddock than is the case at the two-day meetings. Unfortunately the weather was a trifle damp. I didn’t go to Hartland the following weekend, as I had to prepare the Morgan for the Festival of Sidecars at Mallory on the 21st. I understand it was a good ‘do’, but a trifle misty towards the end. We’ve a nice article on Hartland from Dave Carter written from the marshal’s perspective.
As this is the Hillclimber, I won’t bore you too much about Mallory, but it made Prescott a fortnight earlier seem like a summer holiday. Up at 4:15am, drive 135 miles, quick brekkie at McDonalds on the outskirts of Hinckley, circuit full of transporters so we’re down the muddy end of the paddock. Rain begins, the (fully tested by manufacturer) ignition system goes AWOL after a lap of practice, still raining, spend a wet hour re-fitting the old system. Nice careful race, rain easing, back on the trailer, rain re-starts for the prize giving, set off home in the… you’ve guessed…. rain, drive another 135 miles, and arrive home about 9:00pm. Unload in the dry (it’s not rained in Bristol), quick bite, bed. Oh, what fun.
Still, we’ve ended the season with the engine still in one piece, which must be a record.
Wiscombe Working Day
There will be a working day to help with minor track clearing and general maintenance on Saturday 24 November. Turn up about 10:00am, scruffy clothes, rustic lunch provided free in the main house. Very therapeutic, says our leader Peter Isaac. Please call him on 01278 786377 if you are thinking of going, so that he can advise numbers for lunch
All the best,
Tony
Edwin Hamlyn
Neil Browne recently told me that the Camel Vale newsletter had reported the sudden death of our old friend Edwin Hamlyn during the summer. Edwin was a big, friendly, jovial chap with cheerful countenance and a deep, hearty laugh. He liked his food and ruefully admitted to being a ‘little’ overweight. He always had a cheerful greeting for his many friends and would invariably offer a tube of Polos, or something similar, which he produced from one of the pockets of his trials jacket. He was one of those people who it was always a pleasure to meet.
Many riders will remember Edwin scrutineering at the Wadebridge and early Hartland Quay meetings but he also did many other jobs which are less visible to the riders including marshalling, setting up the course (often done the day before the event at early Wadebridge meetings) and packing up afterwards. In addition to helping at all sorts of motorcycle events, Edwin helped at car meetings, village fetes and church fetes, he also helped stranded motorists and motorcyclists.
Edwin was a motor mechanic by trade who lived in a former quarry cottage at Delabole that his father (a quarry maintenance man) had bought from the local quarry company. Edwin, like his father, was a life long member of the Camel Vale club and when the car and motorcycle sides split he became a member of both devolved clubs and continued to help at both’s events up to the outbreak of the recent foot and mouth epidemic. He also helped at numerous other clubs’ events over the years.
In his youth Edwin had trialled a DOT – a case of cruelty to small motorcycles – but when I first met him in the late seventies he had a CZ trail bike. Then for a long time he had no motorcycle but a year or so ago he bought a Triumph Adventurer using his share of a lottery win. He greatly enjoyed this machine using it for work on fine days, observing at trials, club runs, etc.
Edwin was one of the few people for whom a bang on the head was fortunate. When the Bultaco trials bikes first came out he was offered a ride on one owned by a friend. He fell off and banged his head which started to bleed. His friends insisted a reluctant Edwin go to the hospital for a check-up. The doctors found that the accident had done no harm but discovered a brain tumour which was successfully operated upon.
Edwin was one of that dying breed of people who enjoy helping others. He will be sorely missed by the many clubs and organisations he helped and his cheerful presence will be sadly missed by his family and many friends.
David Childs
Bryn Bach Park - 5 August 2001
Here I am again writing about an event because I was the first to fall off (although it is the first time this year-mind you this is only the third hill climb I’ve done this year!?)
Well as normal, we got off to a flying start about 11:30. There were actually quite a few there, a large number of whom were newcomers, which was good to see.
Anyway, I was double riding Ian Fry’s CR250 (the same bike that put me in hospital last year) with Tubby and everything was going fine. I went up on my second practice run and everything felt great. I touched the right hand foot peg down going into the gate and sped up the hill. At the top of the hill I braked too early as most people do (my mind said “don’t brake” and my body said “not on your life mate!”) I backed off and then on the power and then braked for the corner. With the braking over with, I eased on the power just before the apex and felt the peg touch momentarily. “Too slow” I thought, then the front wheel slid outwards and I hit the deck. As I picked the bike up and counted my fingers I thought, “how the hell did that happen?” I was off the brakes and gently accelerating, the tyres were warm and I wasn’t going that quick anyway (no comments!). I carefully rode up to the holding area and noticed that the front brake felt odd. Then one of the guys up there pointed out the front brake calliper was loose. Closer inspection showed that the calliper mounting bracket had snapped, wedging itself between the fork and the disk, causing the front to momentary lock and me to fall off!
This aside, the rest of the day went smoothly and the fastest time of the day was made by Terry Alderslade at 30.47. I managed 2nd with a 30.81 (still way off the pace) and Robin Sims took 3rd with 30.95.
The Top Ten was won by Pete Short at 30.51.
Contrary to rumours of the park being used as a diversion route whilst major road works are carried out, I have been told that both meetings are on next year. See you then!
Ian Southerton
Tregrehan – 26 August 2001
Here I am in Cornwall, 245 miles from home in my third hill climb – my first two being Tredegar, South Wales. After walking the hill and talking to a few people I was ready to try to ride it. The track was dry and looked quite nice. The first two practice runs went well, I think. In the 250 class Paul and Mark were on 22’s and Pete and Sir Paul were on incredible 20’s. In the 350 class it was Adrian on his own with 30.10 time. In the 500 class it was Jamie and Sir Paul in the 20’s. Then there was my class, 750cc, with Gerald flying on the VOR with 20 second times followed by Mr Short on his VOR with a pair of 21’s. I was very happy to be on the same times as the rest on 22s so a good start to the day, I thought. The 1300 class saw Terry and Gerald on their big road bikes.
Terry was also riding his trike with Kim and Stu Stobbart with Jamie in the chair were the only sidecar crew. Last but not least was Peter Pollard on his Quad, riding his first hillclimb – good luck.
Then came the lunch break and the bloody rain. I had never ridden in the wet before and didn’t know what to expect, but my new-found friend Alan Jolly assured me by saying there was plenty of grip in the wet, so I was ready to put in some good times. Wrong! I landed on my head, smashing my helmet and breaking the clutch lever clamp. Everyone else road very sensibly and put in very good times for wet weather. I managed a second careful run with a temporary repair and a headache tablet for my head. In the open run Jamie Mitchell did the same as me and high-sided his Kawasaki, hurting his ankle. Pete and Paul did some brilliant 20s with Paul taking FTD on his KTM.
Before I finish I would just like to say that I have very much enjoyed the few hillclimbs I have done and the new people that I’ve met seem so friendly and helpful, so I will hopefully see you all again next year. Thank you all for the help.
Sorry, if I’ve bored you and sorry to Paul for the ‘Sir’!
Geoff Emery
And another…
Tregrehan – 26 August 2001, or Jamie’s Gibberings, he’s fallen off again!
With the Foot & Mouth disrupting this year’s Championships, it seems the only thing I might win, is who can fall off the most. One more and I'm level with Jon Woods. What a year he's had. Hill Record at Shelsley (severe jealousy), 3 big get-offs and a seriously damaged bike (severe sympathy).
The August Tregrehan started well with practice in ideal conditions. I managed a 19.70 to lead the way and was less than 2 tenths away from my 50th record. Unfortunately we had a shower at dinner time, we were not amused. However its the same for everyone, or is it! Those with two bikes had the advantage of a drying track as the day progressed.
No surprises in the 250s, Paul beating his old adversary, Pete. The 350 class went to Kess, being the only entrant on his new OK Supreme, and in the 500s Paul, again put one over me, but I wasn't moaning.
Gerald Spiers not only beat Pete & Geoff to win the 750s, but on a 916 Duke beat Tregrehan novice Terry Alderslade to win the 1300s. Terry also turned up with the Trike, although he and Kim had trouble with the gear lever in the morning. They managed to sort the problem and finish the day fastest three-wheeler beating Stu and me on the 600 Kawasaki. That just leaves the solitary Quad of Peter Pollard, who entertained the crowd with full lock cornering.
Before the Top Six, we had an open, and by now the track was dry. I wanted that record, all I got was three weeks of work with a big black ankle and damaged ligaments. I remember saying to Judge (who marshalled on the big right hander) “You'll be scooping them up with a spade now it’s rained.”. Guess where I fell off?
I watched the rest of the runs from the ambulance doorway and have to say, the Top Six were all breaking waaaaay too early for the hairpin, but then being a spectator I was allowed to say “I can do better than that.”.
PS Just so I could ride at Wiscombe, I went back to work early, but it was worth it, I not only took my 50th record but also pinched the Hill record off Pete Short. Yaba daba doo.
Jamie Mitchell
Results
250cc
1 Paul Jeffery 21.03
2 Peter Short 21.79
3 Mark Short 23.02
4 Paul Jenkins 24.15
350cc
1 Adrian Kessell 29.98
500cc
1 Paul Jeffery 20.08
2 Jamie Mitchell 20.36
3 Geoff Hodges 23.24
4 Alan Jolly 24.26
5 Rich Bowker 24.26
750cc
1 Gerald Spiers 20.71
2 Peter Short 21.62
3 Geoff Hodges 21.85
4 Mark Short 22.16
5 Alan Jolly 22.24
1300cc
1 Gerald Spiers 21.98
2 Terry Alderslade 22.52
Sidecar
1 Terry Alderslade/ Kim Ursell 22.48
2 Stu Stobbart/ Jamie Mitchell 24.87
Quads
1 Peter Pollard 22.59
Top Six Run Off
1 Paul Jeffery 20.39
2 Peter Short 21.10
3 Gerald Spiers 21.37
4 Geoff Hodges 21.50
5 Mark Short 21.90
6 Alan Jolly 22.57
And here's a little poem I composed, while trying to watch daytime TV…
As I sit here lonely as a cloud
I feel like a footballer that has been fouled,
For once again I've been a falling
and to the Hospital I've been a calling,
Tregrehan the venue, high side the cause
Judge waved his flag, for the meeting to pause,
The ankle swelled and turned black and blue
as I flew through the air, I thought of the loo,
No bones were broken, but it hurts like hell
Wiscombe soon, so it better get well,
All I can do is watch TV
Or hop round the house when I feel like a pee,
I'm still off work two weeks later
I'll tell the boss Wiscombe's much SAFER !
Jamie Mitchell
Manor Farm – 23 September 2001
Last time I fell off was at Cricket in 1982 and I retired for 14 years after that; however on my return to the hills I've always gone slowly just in case I fall off and have to write the report, or is it that I don't want to embarrass Mike Prescott by going that much faster than him! With Mike now having the comfort of three wheels under him I guess I have no excuses and may have to risk writing a few more reports!
The course at Manor was in its normal overgrown state so it was out with the brushes and spades when we arrived. The practice runs were under way by mid morning with the weather dry and only a small threat of rain.
I was off on the first run going into the bridge; the front just let go, perhaps I'll have to prise open the wallet and invest in some new tyres for next season, they must be eight years old by now! After the push back to the paddock the bike was straightened out and ready for the next run, thanks to the loan of a brake lever from Dave Dunk.
After the two practice runs Paul Jeffery was the fastest on the 250 Honda with Carol and Harry Foster leading the chairs.
The timed runs saw some spirited riding particularly from the three wheelers with Harry and Carol getting it crossed up and waving the chair wheel well in the air. At the top of the hill Alan Jolly was in buoyant mood following his first in class the previous day at Fairoak. Newcomer Craig Mann was enjoying only his second hill climb and talking of his plans to buy a single cylinder race bike for the 750 class next season.
The eventual winner was Paul Jeffery on the 250 Honda and congratulations on setting a new 250 hill record at 21.78. The Keates brothers headed the sidecars home by three tenths of a second from Carol and Harry Foster.
Eddy Bicknell
Results
250cc
1 Paul Jeffery 22.38
2 Peter Short 22.83
3 Michael Giles 23.97
350cc
1 Robin Sims 23.06
2 David Childs 26.01
3 Reg Davis 26.76
500cc
1 Paul Jeffery 22.34
2 Nick Carter 23.18
3 Geoff Hodges 23.52
750cc
1 Geoff Hodges 22.90
2 Peter Short 23.14
3 Robin Sims 23.55
3 Wheelers 1wd
1 Patrick & Paul Keates 24.43
2 Harry & Carol Foster 24.80
3 Jon Warren/Guy Ursell 25.71
Top Ten
1 Paul Jeffrey 21.78
2 Nick Carter 22.59
3 Robin Sims 22.99
Marshal’s Musings
At Hartland, on the 14th October, I made an early decision not to ride there for practical reasons; so when I learned that Roy was entering I nobly said I would accompany him, and do my bit as a Marshal. Now I had performed this once before; but as more than two days had passed since, I had entirely forgotten the intricacies, such as operating the 8 lb electronic lump around my neck, and deciding which hand had to wave the pretty little flag.
Speaking into the lump for the first time, I got absolutely no response from any human; but a lonely sheep on the hilltop raised it's head in alarm and trotted off, looking back apprehensively. A few moments later the lump suddenly spoke to me; in panic my attempt at a reply resulted only in loud rap music. Being quick off the mark though I realised at length that the music came from a passing car; fortunately at that moment a 10-year-old lurking nearby took pity, and showed me in great technical detail how to work it.
Soon then, placed at my allotted position at the "Hump", halfway up the hill, and able to talk nonchalantly to the Controller, I strolled purposefully about the track, swishing ineffectually at minuscule stones but imagining that I looked impressively competent. This image was tarnished when I tripped over the broom head, but looking fearfully about I was relieved to see no witnesses, and settled down to await the riders. Dave Dunk led the way, his neat bike's exhaust crackling nicely, then one by one the procession began. Alan Hummerstone's Velo also made a pleasant noise, as also did Roy Venard's; nostalgia rules OK. Doug Parnell's pretty little Ducati clearly objected to its breakfast, spitting, popping and banging loudly, but still making it to the top. Robin Sims’ smooth speed was impressive, and the faster riders provided some worrying moments, back wheels jumping sideways and footrests skimming the tarmac. Shame there were no three-wheelers though; they are always very watchable with their frantic sideways progress.
In between runs things were occasionally interrupted by visitors’ cars passing up and down, it being necessary to obstruct normal business as little as possible; but the day was considerably enlivened by pedestrians. No one had told me in advance that my position coincided with the main walkers crossing point! Never mind the racing, all my time was occupied with them! Big notices proclaimed the need for them to await the marshal's permission, and possibly one in ten did! Others variously tried to march straight over, took my red flag as a signal, let their kids swing perilously on the rope near the track, or stood holding the rope on the outside of the bend exactly where any fallen rider would land. Naturally I stood up to my full height, smoothed down my smart yellow jacket, and sternly bellowed necessary advice. One two-year-old burst into tears, resulting in a tirade from its parent; most others carried on regardless. Realising my mistake, I took on a John Le Mesurier diffident and conciliatory approach, with not much greater success but less risk of apoplexy! And so the day passed. The fascinating part was seeing the various lines taken through the bends, the throttle control, the body attitudes, the gear changes. Wide variations of all these occurred! But why does it help to hang the inside foot out, speedway fashion, but never touching the ground? It would be extremely painful if it did!! Beats me. Perhaps I never go fast enough to feel the need for it! Anyway, the fastest men were clearly those who took the two bends in one single smooth power-hard-on sweep. A lesson to be learned there! Would my thin little vintage tyres cope with that though! (let alone my thin little vintage body).
Finally the thick swirling mist brought proceedings to an untimely end, but at least the majority of the programme had gone through without any major mishaps and on a dry track, and my untried incident management skills were thankfully not called upon. Here is a thought though, would it not be a good idea for a 'Marshal's Duties and Responsibilities' article to be published in 'Hillclimber'? Maybe it has been done before, but many present marshals will not have seen it. A copy could also be handed out when recruiting at all events. It may just help. I walked away at the close, clutching my bottle of thank-you wine - nice surprise, that! - with a much greater appreciation of the dedication and effort made by those regular stalwart officials. Hats off to them, one and all.
Dave Carter
Hartland Results
250cc
1 Paul Jeffery 24.61
2 Michael Giles 25.91
3 Mark Short 26.58
350cc
1 Martin Palmer 24.72
2 Robin Sims 25.62
3 Brian Wills 27.45
500cc
1 Jamie Mitchell 23.90
2 Paul Jeffery 24.38
3 Martin Palmer 24.79
750cc
1 Geoff Hodges 24.50
2 Alan Jolly 25.97
3 Damian Witney 27.33
1300cc
Mark French 25.24
Andrew Bennett 26.40
Terry Alderslade 26.62
Top Ten
1 Jamie Mitchell 23.90
2 Paul Jeffery 24.38
3 Geoff Hodges 24.50
Congratulations to Jamie Mitchell, FTD and record at 23.90 and also winner of the Ian Mitchell Memorial Trophy.
Hill Climbing 2001
2001 has been a strange year for hill climbing with all the problems of foot and mouth, meetings being cancelled and then run at the last minute. For us, it probably couldn’t have come at a worse time due to the number of entries diminishing at every meeting. Surprisingly, there seems to have been a lot of new faces this year at the few meetings I have attended. It would have been interesting to see how many entries there would have been if there had been no foot and mouth, perhaps we will see next year!
Personally, it’s been a poor year for hill climbing results wise (excuse time!). My accident last year and constantly swapping bikes during 2000 didn’t help. In 2001 I’ve concentrated on my CR500 but haven’t been within a second of my times in 1999. This may have been due to lack of time in the saddle racing or it might be because I’m still riding like a girly puff! Next year I’m going to concentrate on the KTM and will definitely get some more racing and practice in pending further national disasters - can anthrax cause a meeting to be cancelled?
Finally, thanks to everyone who has organised, run or been involved with hill climb meetings (marshals included). Have a good Christmas and I look forward to seeing you all next year.
Ian Southerton
Annual Dinner/Social Event
Suggesting that the Annual Dinner be an informal "skittles evening" in a pub has caused some comment, most of it positive. Suggestions have been made which are useful but its probably too late for this year’s event, so lets have your thoughts on the following:
Keep it all in one room so the men don't slope off to the bar and not leave the women by themselves to dance at the disco.
Forget the disco, it’s too loud anyway, have another type of entertainment, a good comedian perhaps. Does anyone know a good one? We could introduce that change this year.
Instead of a sit down dinner would the majority prefer a buffet? It’s less formal but don't forget most of the food is cold and it’s not significantly cheaper.
Have the facility to book seats at tables so you know who you are sitting with. This could get messy but I would be happy to look at it for say blocks of 4 people, so there would be a minimum of two groups to each table. But let’s be clear on this one you will have to organise this amongst your own groups and then one of you advise me who will be in that group. I will not act as broker for you. So all you partisan Devonian and Cornishmen, Bolshy Brummies and creaking classic groups out there sort yourselves out and advise me.
And finally what about the awards? Having studied last year’s attendance list it is clear that most of the riders that attended were collecting pots, but a small number of riders deservedly collect a large number of pots, possibly too many. Should we be more creative so that a larger cross section take something away from the evening, it can be as frivolous as you like. I will start the bidding by suggesting that anybody over 50 who manages to get in the top 10 at Wiscombe gets free entries next year. I wonder who that could apply to? Only joking. But if you have any suggestions get Tony to put them in the Hillclimber for discussion.
Seriously, as a limited company we have to have an AGM, we don't have to have a dinner/prize giving if the majority do not want one. People make the atmosphere at these events, not the club so it’s up to each individual to make the effort. What the committee does not want to do is to organise an event, invite a speaker and then have a low turn out frankly its embarrassing for all concerned.
This year’s AGM will be at the Prince of Wales on the 19th Jan 2002, as soon as the details are confirmed you will be sent a menu/room rate. Mark it in your diary now, and remember it needn't cost much more than the price of one meeting!
Regards,
Doug Parnell
Classic Mechanics Show, Stafford – 20/21 October
Back in January there was a lively discussion at the AGM about how to attract members and get some new blood in to hill climbing. The Bristol Classic Show was seen as being an excellent showcase for the NHCA and so a few of us Midlanders offered to organise something at the Classic Mechanics Show at Stafford in October. As I had arranged for the Gilera Network to have a stand at this show for the last three years I volunteered to co-ordinate things.
As I had hoped the organisers were keen to have us at this very well supported and attended show and allocated us space on the basis of four machines to be displayed. My '91 Nordwest would be joined by Tim Clarke's '82 250 Yamaha and Robin Sims' '87 350 KTM and '89 610 Husqvarna. So we had bikes from a reasonable spectrum of hill climb competitiveness whilst all being at least ten years old which was in keeping with the shows emphasis on the kind of machine their readers might be looking to restore/build.
Geoff Sims gave me some useful tips on deploying the videos he has compiled to best effect as well as supplying lots of ace photos. Doug Parnell loaned us the NHCA logo board and some wonderful large framed photos (sorry Doug repairs will be done in time for the next AGM !) and I managed to borrow some display boards from work to enhance those we would be provided with by the show organisers as part of the stand.
So in the pouring rain on Friday afternoon I arrived with the Nordie and started to set up our stand. Tim and Robin were delayed on the motorway, but we soon had the bikes neatly lined up, photos arranged on boards and a TV cunningly supported at high level on a high stool standing on top of an old kitchen table. This worked really well as the array of bikes kept spectators from crowding round the screen whilst at the same time it was high enough for several people to see.
Business started briskly right from the opening of the show at 9 am on the Saturday morning. As we had hoped many of the many people visiting this hugely attended event had never really seen much about speed hill climbing before. Several enquirers seemed genuinely keen to have a go. The prospective machines to be campaigned varied from classics to supermotos and other specials in the best traditions of hill climbing. The one most common comment from those watching Geoff's brilliant camera work was "you can ride anything can't you ". That, we said, is the great attraction of hill climbs - if it has an engine and two or three wheels you can take part and try and keep improving your times even if you never get into the championship points.
Several famous names of yesteryear were mentioned including Neville Higgins, Paul Spargo, Roy Opie, Steve Taylor and others who I should have made a note of. Someone gave me the URL of an internet site devoted to Welsh hill climbs and sprints of the 50's - www.silverdragons.co.uk - if you want to see photos of George Brown in action on 'Gunga Din' etc. One or two members past and present including Jake Challenger, Malcolm Herwin and Alan Morgan dropped in, and Doug also managed to make a flying visit to check up on what we were up to.
Some enquirers mentioned that so many courses were in the South West, but we pointed out that there were opportunities to try a meeting in 'the Midlands' before committing themselves to a full year's ACU licence. In total I reckon at least 75 - 100 leaflets were taken away (should have made a proper note of numbers), so even if only a small percentage lead to a new riding member it will have been well worth attending. Let’s hope Jo can give us some idea at next year’s AGM of how successful it was and we may be persuaded to repeat the exercise.
Anyway, many thanks to all who helped it happen including Robin and Tim’s friend Benny who valiantly rode his bike to and from the venue in the rain on both days to help man the stand.
Pete Fisher
Vintage/PV and Classic Championships
The 2001 season was something of a mess due to the meetings cancelled as a result of the foot and mouth epidemic. The Vintage/PV and Classic championships lost the first Wiscombe, Barbon and Baitings Dam rounds. The October Prescott was added but this only brought the number of rounds up to nine rather than the planned eleven.
Probably due to the loss of all the early meetings and the uncertainty about many others, the number of riders was somewhat lower than previous years but in spite of this some excellent times were recorded and a number of Vintage/PV and Classic records were broken.
The Vintage/PV championship was comfortably won by Reg Davis in the absence of last year’s champion Andrew Bennett. This was Reg’s first full season on the rigid BSA and prior to the start of the season he fitted a new back tyre. This seems to have improved his confidence and times and he has consistently beaten Terry Martin when they both rode this machine at the same meetings. Previously, with the old tyre, Terry usually came out on top so it will be interesting to see what happens when Terry gets the hang of this new fangled TT100 tyre!
Andrew Bennett comfortably retained the Classic championship but with a new machine. This is a 1100cc ‘V’ twin JAP engined Manx Norton special which was used in place of last season’s 350cc AJS 7R. He looks very spectacular on the new machine, often lifting the front wheel, and showed just how quick he and the bike are by qualifying for the top ten / top six run off at Withycombe, the second Prescott and Hartland Quay.
The ‘shell’ of this JAP engine (Andrew made most of the innards) was previously owned by the late Ernie Woods and was probably taken from one of the (I believe) three ‘V’ twin JAP engined Nortons he owned at one time or another. I can remember seeing Ernie hillclimb one of these machines in the early sixties at Tregwainton, and Wiscombe but I think that was one fitted with a 1000cc JAP motor. Does anyone have a photo?
On a different subject it has been suggested that the Classic championship is extended to cover more modern machines with some sort of handicap (e.g. quicker ‘target’ times) to ensure the current classic machines are still competitive. The current classics could be called ‘Period 1’ and the more modern machines ‘Period 2’.
Possibly period 2 could cover four stroke machines up to, say, 1980 or 1985. I’m not sure about two strokes and fear sidecars could be a minefield! Period 2 could be limited to twin shock machines with a minimum wheel size of 18 inches. Disc brakes would be permitted and ‘target’ times could be, say, 3% quicker than period 1.
This would cover machines such as the BSA based CCMs, Honda CB350 and CB750, the single cylinder four valve Hondas (like Dave Dunk’s), disc braked Nortons and Triumphs plus specials such as John Wood’s Manx Weslake, Keith Hunt’s Bandit Triumph, Pete Browne’s Bandit Weslake and Martin Cooper’s Jawa Metisse. What do you think? Do many riders have suitable machines and would they be interested in such a modified championship? Please let me know on 01935 706373 or at
25 Neathem Road
Yeovil
Somerset
BA21 4SE
David Childs
What about that article you have always been meaning to write?
Denis Jenkinson’s TriBSA Hillclimber
Your Editor asked me if I could put an article together regarding Jenks’ TriBSA hillclimber as I’m the current owner, and there begins the tale...
I’m a relative newcomer to hillclimbing, having now only competed for about 4 years though I must add not ‘seriously’, but actually saw my first event around ’78 near St Austell. Living in Surrey, it was trials, scrambles, drag racing at Blackbushe around 1969 when I was 11, and Brands Hatch for some car racing.
I’ve been riding continuously for over 25 years now (ouch!), and got involved in Sprinting after visiting the North Weald inaugural meeting. Had a ball for a year on a shared 1100 Kwak with my best mate Andy, but wanted to go British. He managed to borrow a bike (lucky sod); I spent a year or so looking.
1996: Another friend told me of ‘special’ in the window of a bike shop run by some friends of mine, so that night I peered in with a torch (must have looked a bit dodgy!) and saw the TriBSA, unaware of it’s history. A visit on the Saturday revealed the shop-owners father was a friend of Jenks and was simply looking after the bike whist DSJ was in hospital. It was apparent that Jenks’ condition was such that he was unlikely to ride again, and, without being cold, I asked if the bike were ever to come up for sale, could I please be considered.
Jenks was at the BEN Centre at Lynwood near Ascot (literally walking distance from work and where for the previous 4 or so years I’d gone to their annual fete) when a phone call came through that his friends and executors wished to raise some money and the bike was for sale. That’s how at the beginning of Sept ‘96, I became the owner of the bike. My first ride was within days at the Brighton Speed Trails where the bike was recognised by some people more knowledgeable than I of it, and it’s rightful owner’s history.
Unfortunately, by the end of November Jenks had passed away, and on 12 December, I managed to pay my respects to a man I hadn’t met, at his cremation in Aldershot, overflowing with many famous and not so famous friends.
I’ve since met many of Jenks’ personal friends and been told many interesting / astounding tales of this little eccentric and exceptionally well-respected man. For those like me who were unaware of his exploits, here’s a taster. He wrote for Motor Sport for many years as Continental Correspondent, travelling the world reporting on Grand Prix and making friends with generations of drivers. His motorcycle racing consisted of riding a Manx Norton to the European circus, getting start money and surviving on this until the next meeting. (He ‘lived’ in a lock-up under a workbench in Farnborough for a period too). Eric Oliver approached Jenks to become his sidecar passenger and between them they one the first world championship. Stirling Moss had Jenks as his passenger for the ’55 Mille Miglia which they won as they’d driven the 1000Km and taken notes (the first use of pace notes). The first Goodwood Festival Of Speed had Jenks run the TriBSA. Moss described Jenks as “The most famous person in motorsport not to have driven a car”.
Technically the bike’s a ’57 Triumph 6T with Wellworthy Alfin barrels and alloy head, mated to a Norton laydown gearbox with Manx clutch, all in a BSA A7/A10 chopped frame. Fuel come courtesy of a Weber DCOE 40. Token Japanese component is an FS1E fuel tank. The seat is a piece of aluminium!
Jenks used it at many hillclimbs from ‘76 onwards, as some of the ‘older’ members are aware.
As far as I can tell the power plant came from a sprint bike Jenks built around 1960. This was a low and light predecessor to the drag bikes of future years, and was campaigned at the Blackbushe Drag Fest of ‘64. Solid rear end, LE forks with 2" tyre up front and racing sidecar at the solid rear end. It was ’76 when the TriBSA took shape and therefore 25+ years ago one can assume the sprint bike got placed in the shed.
One of Jenks’ chums, Mick Wilkins, inherited Jenks’ motorcycles, and it was he who let me know that the sprint frame etc were for sale. Unfortunately Mick passed away earlier this year. I’ve rebuilt the bike as close to original as I can. It now runs methanol into a steel-barrelled 6T, (which I believe it did during its’ many guises) and have used it a various VMCC Sprint Section sprints including Brighton.
Each year I take one or both bikes back to Lynwood for the annual fete, where there’s area unveiled as The Jenks Paddock by the late Ken Tyrrell a few years ago.
If anyone has any photos of DSJ I’d be grateful if I could have a copy. I’m also on the outlook for laydown gearbox parts, any offers?
Tony Madgwick
Personalities
Curley was formally ‘observed’ by ACU folk Mick Boddice and Tony Robson at the October Prescott as the first stage in his bid to secure a road race licence. We understand that they were favourably impressed.
You know the advert for Indiana Jones and the Lost Crusade… “This time he’s brought his dad”. Well, Jason didn’t bring Sean Connery along to Prescott but he brought his dad, Fred, who entered another of his ‘FRS’ specials. This one looked like a flying purple brick. Not wholly put off by its colour, scrutineers Dave Wills and Guy Ursell spent quite a while scratching their heads trying to work out how many of the three wheels performed drive and steering functions. The answer was all three, but some could be, and were disconnected apparently depending on which way the wind is blowing or maybe they read their horoscope on the day and then decide what to link up.
And what of ‘Indy’? Jason had a good year, taking two 2wd three wheeler records at the May Scarborough and the June Prescott passengered by Steve Hoole.
Records too for Glyn Poole (750cc) at Curborough; Paul Jeffery (250cc) at Manor Farm and (500cc) at Fairoak and Withycombe; Patrick & Paul Keates (1wd three wheeler) at Gurston; Jamie Mitchell (500cc) at Tregrehan, Wiscombe and Hartland; John Woods (1300cc) at Shelsley; and Robin Sims (350cc) at Withycombe.
Events 2002
No less than three invitations to Loton Park, one or more to Harewood in Yorkshire and who knows what else.
Publicity
October’s issue of Classic Bike Guide contained an excellent three-page article on our bikes at the June Classic Prescott. Text and excellent photos were provided by our very own Hedgehog. Back issues from Classic Bike Guide at The Isis Building, Thames Quay, 193 Marsh Wall, London E14 9SG. Tel 020 7772 8307.
Adverts
For sale – KTM 350 hillclimber. 1988, lowered suspension, good Avon tyres, ready to race, keen to sell so only £395. Tel Mike Hill on 01626 774384. Also…
For sale – Kawasaki KR-1s track bike. 1990, fully prepared and ready to race
(ideal for the Formula 400 class) or just for track days. Some spares including wheels. Only £850. For further details please contact Mike Hill Tel. Teignmouth 01626 774384 (Devon).
If you have some sort of road legal Super - Motard (particularly CCM 604) that you want rid of maybe we could come to some arrangement with either of the above + possibly my DR350 Suzuki in part exchange?
WZ 25, USA big bore kit, 350 class, race pipe and spares. £750. Tel. 01288 381424.
Yamaha SR 500 road bike. Less than 4 years of age as German import (Japan kept making them!!). 14,000Km. Twin leading shoe front brake (standard). Kick start only. VGC. Used to own one in '79 and wanted another. Simply not using it. T & T. £1,750. Tony Madgwick. Tel. 01252 664038. Near M3, J4.
Wanted - Triumph engine 500/650 and gearbox. Terry Martin. Tel. 01454 774781.
For Sale: Yamaha YZ490, lowered suspension, sticky tyres (17" rear), recent engine rebuild, new seals etc. Ready to race. Some spares. £500 ono. Tigger. Tel. 01305 821521 / 01305 764432 / tigger@nhca.co.uk
Wanted: bits to make a Triumph Trophy 650 motor go faster. Heads, pistons, cams, carbs, superchargers. Whatever, I'm open to suggestions! Tigger. Tel. 01305 821521 / 01305 764432 / tigger@nhca.co.uk
3x Honda CB250 RS, all dismantled, one log book. £150. Mitch Elliott. Tel. 01522 531237.