Subscribe today!
Find out more
OBM Sport

A clew to times gone by

No 9: It happened in...

All eyes on K Blakey and friend (498cc James) as they tackle Wrynose.
Maurice Cann dumps his Norton unceremoniously on the opening lap of the first race at Crystal Palace. W A Lampkin (Velocette) takes avoiding action whilst leader H Watson (Velocette) carries on regardless.

At the beginning of the month it seemed the French and British Governments had conflicting ideas about the future of the motorcycle industry in their respective countries. The French motorcycle industry had been in a parlous state for several years, so to encourage motorcycle development the French Government had offered 150,000 francs to the manufacturer whose machine would put up the best performance on the road course at Montlhery during an officially conducted test.

In Britain it was a different story. The Chancellor of the Exchequer’s response was to increase the tax on petroleum fuels for cars and motorcycles by a penny a gallon in his Budget statement.

It was seen as a deterrent by those who relied on their own motorised transport to get to and from work without the need to rely on buses or trains.

An air of apprehension persisted throughout Europe when Adolf Hitler began to make territorial claims that extended Germany's borders.

Many believed this could end in conflict unless these acquisitions were brought to an end. In Britain, the War Office was already aware despatch riders on motorcycles would be more effective than those who previously had ridden on horseback. Graham Walker, the Editor of Motor Cycling, believed that if serving soldiers were allowed to ride in open trials and in the International Six Days Trial, it would give them the off-road experience they so badly lacked. The War Office took heed of his suggestion and before the end of the month agreed to enter an army team in the 1938 ISDT.

THE SCOTTISH SIX DAYS TRIAL
Held from 2-7 May in bright, sunny weather, the 1938 Scottish Six Days Trial used a modified course that included two new observed hills, Stoney Brae, near Perth, and Cambussurich, near Killin, by Loch Tay. Allan Jefferies (349cc Triumph) was the first casualty when, on the first day, he broke two toes after his foot got jammed between a rock and his left footrest. Later, the section on Mamore where the sidecar drivers had to reach its top, had no protection from a 500ft drop, to present even more of a risk. It was a misfortune that befell Harold Flook when he lost control.

His 490cc Norton outfit plunged over the edge to crash to the bottom in a series of terrifying leaps and bounds, to be smashed almost beyond recognition. Surprisingly, Flook and his passenger escaped without a scratch, although both were badly bruised.

The Trial was won by Fred Povey (348cc Ariel) who lost only four marks. The Ariel Team of Povey, Len Heath (497cc Ariel) and Jackie White (248cc Ariel), won the Team Prize. Stuart Waycott won the Sidecar Award (495cc Velocette sc) with 10 marks lost.

- End of online sample -

Get your copy

• Read more in this month's issue >>

• Or you can subscribe >>

Send your nostalgia to the editor

OBM Nostalgia
Old Bike Mart
PO BOX 99
Horncastle
Lincolnshire
LN9 6LZ
ENGLAND

To subscribe to Old Bike Mart, click here >>

Classifieds

239 private adverts online
Book your advert online here securely and get it into the next issue of the UK's biggest selling classic monthly.
Place your ad here...

FIVE TIMES Cheaper than eBay! Sell your bike with OBM!

Machines 4 Sale (114) Road Racers (10) Off Road comp (10) Machines wanted (20) Literature (3) Miscellaneous (13) Sidecars (1) Exchanges (4) Spares for sale (35) Cyclemotors (2) Spares wanted (16) Where is it now (4) Emerging Classics (5) Classic Cars (2) Place an Advert in OBM

Don't forget! Place your ad for the JUNE '08 issue