From THE BIRMINGHAM TESTERS RUN
TITCH ALLEN
We are very sorry to hear of the death of of Charles (Titch) Allen, the founder member of The Vintage Motorcycle Club who passed away on Thurs 18th March 2010 after a short stay in hospital.
Tribute on VMCC site
Pauline Hailwood and Ken Sprayson are recovering form illness and we wish them both well.
First New Norton Motorcycle Delivered
Tribute on VMCC site
Pauline Hailwood and Ken Sprayson are recovering form illness and we wish them both well.
First New Norton Motorcycle Delivered
THE MIKE HAILWOOD MEMORIAL RUN on March 21st
Thank you to all of you who made the effort to attend this years MIKE HAILWOOD MEMORIAL RUN.. Please help by ensuring this run is well publicised for the 30th anniversary run next year. It is very noticeable that we are not receiving enough support from local motorcycle clubs and owners clubs. Please encourage your club to take part. Please encourage other riders to sign up for this newsletter. For next year I will be re-introducing my 'phone around' to remind everyone about the event.
West Midlands Police estimated that there were over 400 riders attending the run. The police escort provided by the BIKESAFE Team made the run, which has to navigate the busy Birmingham suburbs, much easier. The absolute brilliant weather and record turnout made the day very enjoyable although the event organiser mentioned that the event would not be a real success until at least a 1000 riders attended to honour the rider often described as the greatest motorcycle racer of all time. The Police have suggested a change of routing via the Pershore Road with a turn at 'The Man On The Moon Pub'-sounds good, any comments?
West Midlands Police estimated that there were over 400 riders attending the run. The police escort provided by the BIKESAFE Team made the run, which has to navigate the busy Birmingham suburbs, much easier. The absolute brilliant weather and record turnout made the day very enjoyable although the event organiser mentioned that the event would not be a real success until at least a 1000 riders attended to honour the rider often described as the greatest motorcycle racer of all time. The Police have suggested a change of routing via the Pershore Road with a turn at 'The Man On The Moon Pub'-sounds good, any comments?
Next years MH Run will be on Sunday March 20th 2011 and as it is the 30th anniversary we will be pulling out all the stops. Pauline and David Hailwood will be attending as will 'Mr Featherbed', Ken Sprayson, who will be speaking at the church service about Mike and his memories of this great man.
We are negotiating to ensure that this annual event becomes a regular fixture for the Bikesafe team from West Midlands Police. This not only gives us a protective escort but introduces the excellent Bikesafe campaign and free training to riders.
We are negotiating to ensure that this annual event becomes a regular fixture for the Bikesafe team from West Midlands Police. This not only gives us a protective escort but introduces the excellent Bikesafe campaign and free training to riders.
THE 2010 BIRMINGHAM TESTERS RUN from HERCULES
All bikes (Classic & Modern, separate start for Classics) and riders are invited to this years Birmingham Testers Run (no pre registration) on
SUNDAY AUGUST 1st 2010
This years run will be a lot shorter than usual to allow the Birmingham branch of the Veteran Cycle Club to take part, mind you if they are as slow riding as they are answering emails they may have to start the week before! Oh,don't worry they will not be part of the motorcycle group! The run starts from the former Hercules Cycle & Motor factory in Rocky Lane, Aston to mark the 100 year anniversary of the foundation of Hercules by the Crane Brothers in 1910. Hercules were involved of the sale of motorcycle and sidecars before the first world war (most likely constructed by Sun) and of lightweights in the 50s. In the 30s they described themselves as the largest producers of bicycles in the world. Their Rocky Lane factory, previously occupied by Dunlop Tyres, before they moved to 'The Fort'. Only a very small part of the original factory survives.
The 2010 destination will be The Bridgnorth Vintage Machinery Club's Transport Festival. Over 300 classic vehicles, ranging from motorcycles to tractors and HGV's take part in this very successful annual festival.I have already received a lot of emails suggesting that this could be the best 'Testers Run' destination ever and I quite agree!
BVMC Trimpley Vintage Rally, Bite Farm, Trimpley, Worcs DY12 1NU (Off the A442 Kidderminster to Bridgnorth Rd. at Shatterford (Overnight camping available)
BVMC Website
Report on last years festival
MIB Website-Hercules
SUNDAY AUGUST 1st 2010
This years run will be a lot shorter than usual to allow the Birmingham branch of the Veteran Cycle Club to take part, mind you if they are as slow riding as they are answering emails they may have to start the week before! Oh,don't worry they will not be part of the motorcycle group! The run starts from the former Hercules Cycle & Motor factory in Rocky Lane, Aston to mark the 100 year anniversary of the foundation of Hercules by the Crane Brothers in 1910. Hercules were involved of the sale of motorcycle and sidecars before the first world war (most likely constructed by Sun) and of lightweights in the 50s. In the 30s they described themselves as the largest producers of bicycles in the world. Their Rocky Lane factory, previously occupied by Dunlop Tyres, before they moved to 'The Fort'. Only a very small part of the original factory survives.
The 2010 destination will be The Bridgnorth Vintage Machinery Club's Transport Festival. Over 300 classic vehicles, ranging from motorcycles to tractors and HGV's take part in this very successful annual festival.I have already received a lot of emails suggesting that this could be the best 'Testers Run' destination ever and I quite agree!
BVMC Trimpley Vintage Rally, Bite Farm, Trimpley, Worcs DY12 1NU (Off the A442 Kidderminster to Bridgnorth Rd. at Shatterford (Overnight camping available)
BVMC Website
Report on last years festival
MIB Website-Hercules
This year is the 70th anniversary of the air raid disaster at BSA which claimed 53 lives on the 19th November 1940- we intend to mark this anniversary at the site, either on the Friday which is the 19th, or over the weekend. Your thoughts and ideas are welcome. We would particularly like the BSA Owners and the Gold Star Owners Club to be involved.
Can anyone who visits the Birmingham Art Gallery tell me if Charles Cundall's painting of the fire is still on view? I had to insist that it was taken out of storage a few years ago. It was given to BMAG by BSA on the basis that it was put on view for the general public to see, if its not on view we want to know why!
THE MADE IN BIRMINGHAM WEBSITE
www.madeinbirmingham.org
We have been unable to update the website since last summer, we are still working on the problem, along with a lot of other problems! A new website should be up and running soon, honestly!
Best wishes to all
Ride safely
JP
Copy of these newsletters can be found at
http://birminghamtestersrun.
