I joined the club in approximately 1968 when I was nineteen years old. My parents,
Mick and Doris had been members since probably the end of the Second World War, so
I was never really going to avoid motorbikes. At that time I was the ‘Signwriter’
at Brands Hatch; painting numbers onto the bikes before stick on numbers were generally
available. I progressed to Scrutineers Assistant; eventually becoming a National
Scrutineer working at all types of races from Clubman’s up to World Superbike level.
Around 1969 I began to compete in trials and bought a 1959 Greeves 24TCS with a ‘square
barrel’ engine which was the noisiest bike you can imagine. In the late nineteen-seventies
I had a go at grass track racing on an Antig BSA 250, without much success I must
admit. At this time I rode a 1960 650cc Triumph Trophy on the road. This was sold
in 1973 and replaced with an 850 cc Norton Commando which I still ride regularly
on Vintage Motorcycle Club runs. As well as the Norton I also have a BMW K1200RS
which we use for touring, club runs and general enjoyment.
I have been the Trials Representative on the committee for about six years and keep
up to date with what’s happening in the trials world.
