2014 Telford Classic motorcycle show report
Over the years Retrotrials has collected a few bits and pieces which nicely represent the era this website likes to remember. The time had come to take the best of these items out of the wardrobes and out of the garage and place them on display for everyone to see and enjoy.
Months ago I made the decision to put a display on at the Telford Classic show on the 22nd and 23rd of February 2014. I knew it would be a lot of work, but it was so much harder, or I'm just getting older.
Jason Finn, whom I have got to know through this website had some interesting bikes and a friend who wishes to remain un-named also has some special bikes. So we all made the necessarily arrangements to meet up around the country so that I could load up.
We hired a 7.5 tonne lorry and as you can see, it was a bit busy. I only wish they made a model with a 2nd floor as I really needed floor space and never had enough. I had to drop notes around to my neighbours letting them know that I would be blocking the lane where I live with the truck for a few hours whilst I loaded up. Then, so that I could cover it well with security I then left the truck, blocking the lane overnight. The next morning (Friday) my good wife and I were up at 5.20am and started the long long drive up to Telford. I firstly had to pop into Mick Andrews and collect some clothing from him. The sat nav which I was relying on for some of the time took me down some horrendous roads, covered in mud and cow muck, being chased by sheep dogs. The huge truck was so out of place.
Months ago I made the decision to put a display on at the Telford Classic show on the 22nd and 23rd of February 2014. I knew it would be a lot of work, but it was so much harder, or I'm just getting older.
Jason Finn, whom I have got to know through this website had some interesting bikes and a friend who wishes to remain un-named also has some special bikes. So we all made the necessarily arrangements to meet up around the country so that I could load up.
We hired a 7.5 tonne lorry and as you can see, it was a bit busy. I only wish they made a model with a 2nd floor as I really needed floor space and never had enough. I had to drop notes around to my neighbours letting them know that I would be blocking the lane where I live with the truck for a few hours whilst I loaded up. Then, so that I could cover it well with security I then left the truck, blocking the lane overnight. The next morning (Friday) my good wife and I were up at 5.20am and started the long long drive up to Telford. I firstly had to pop into Mick Andrews and collect some clothing from him. The sat nav which I was relying on for some of the time took me down some horrendous roads, covered in mud and cow muck, being chased by sheep dogs. The huge truck was so out of place.
Then eventually we got to Mick's house. Mick was outside in his garden with a rake clearing some debris in his trials jacket and trials gloves. He's such a nice welcoming guy. He hadn't met my wife before so after introductions we went into his workshop and outbuildings. I cant resist taking pictures so here are some that I took.
The strong sunlight was streaming into Mick's garage but I think it adds a nice touch to these photos of his Ossa.
Mick told us that instead of a bunch of flowers, Jill his wife was given a bunch of pistons. They're still in his garden along with lots of nice butterfly ornaments.
Once we had collected some items of Mick's trials clothing for our display we head on our way back in the truck up the road where I met a friend to collect three special bikes of his which he had allowed us to place on our display. We loaded these up and once again, we were back on the road. In total we spent 9 hours on the road on Friday and burnt £140 of diesel in this hire truck which was restricted to 56mph. Mind you, I would probably have crashed it, if I'd gone any faster.
We finally got to Telford and pulled the truck into hall 3 and started unloading. Afterwards it went out into the car park.
Two things that I found interesting and which speak a thousand words are these......
Even though I earn nothing out of Retrotrials I had the largest truck in the car park.
Also, there was almost no one else at the show, with a good sized stand, who wasn't selling something.
It proves one thing.........I must be crazy :)
We finally got to Telford and pulled the truck into hall 3 and started unloading. Afterwards it went out into the car park.
Two things that I found interesting and which speak a thousand words are these......
Even though I earn nothing out of Retrotrials I had the largest truck in the car park.
Also, there was almost no one else at the show, with a good sized stand, who wasn't selling something.
It proves one thing.........I must be crazy :)
Manuel Soler and Bligh from the Magicals next to my Merlin Gallach 350. Manuel is a long time Spanish trial hero and like everyone I've ever met from Spain, a real pleasure to know.
Whilst I was setting up, these two chaps came along.
4 times Spanish Trial champion Manuel Soler to the right. He rode Bultaco and Merlin. The gentleman to the left is Bligh. I'm sorry I do not know his surname. He is best friend to Mick Andrews. Both Bligh and Manuel were over promoting the Magicals shock absorbers. |
After 5.5 hours of setting up we eventually got out of the hall by 9pm. I'll give you a sneak peek before the doors open :).
1987 Mecatecno Dragonfly 326cc at the rear with a Merlin 1988 DG 350 FIUS in the foreground.