I’ve just this minute finished uploading the Green ‘Un report of the 11th ACU National Rally and am feeling self-indulgent enough to make a couple of remarks on changing times, not least because my chum Julian has trust returned to our South Island base having won a gold in the Scottish ACU Rally (bloody well done mate, by the by). Most ACU checkpoints are automated nowadays; in 1954, when so many ACU clubmen were roadriders as well as sportsmen, all-night controls routinely offered rest and sustenance. Before the advent of ‘adventure bikes’ riders had ACU Rally adventures on bikes of all shapes and sizes—the overall winner, for the second year running, rode a Bantam, which was by no means the smallest bike to complete the event. There was a sizeable Army entry, riding WD machines. The Mayor and Corporation of Rhyll were happy to welcome nigh on 1,000 motor cyclists to the North Wales seaside at the end of the rally, which included checkpoints from Launceston to Berwick, where Joe Lucas provided breakfast for all and Castrol offered a filmshow. These were happy times when motor cycling was an integral facet of society and swaggering machismo had yet to cross the Atlantic. However, as Julian’s exploit reminds me, the spirit of motor cycling remains strong. So do take a look at the rally report, you’ll also find some excellent WW1 pics just added to Melange V, thanks to mon ami Francois. And I will get back to work.
Motorcycle Timeline 