I’ve made a start on 1936—there are already some good yarns on line—but there’s a long way to go. Regular readers will know that I’ve already leapt ahead to review 1969, simply because that’s the year I started riding (on a 1959 Ambassador-Villiers). Now, I’m pleased to say, two old mates have joined the fray. Pete, a drinking companion at some memorable rallies in the seventies, has contributed memories of some of the bikes he rode in 1971 when he was earning a crust in the bike trade. And John, my old boss on Motor Cycle Weekly, has chipped in with a review of 1980 when bike sales peaked and he was kept busy riding the cream of the crop. My thanks to them, I suggest you take a gander because they’ve done me proud.

From a British point of view 1935 was, like the curate’s egg, good in parts. A Motot Guzzi, albeit a Moto Guzzi ridden by Stanley Woods, won the Senior TT. Germany tightened its grip on the ISDT and the world speed record. On the other hand Ariel launched the 1,000cc Square Four; Matchless launched a 500cc ohc V4 AJS with an optional supercharger that was expected to take over from Norton’s ageing cammy singles as a world-beating racer. A new breed of lightweights was extending the potential motor cycle market—though Britain lagged behind its Continental competitors in this respect. Tilly Shilling won a Brooklands Gold Star; Noel Pope won a Brooklands ‘Super Award’ All this and lots more awaits your pleasure; I’m getting stuck into 1936.

1934 is now online, with the usual assurance that further yarns and pics will be added as and when. You’ll find hardware, including the last NUT, the first high-cam HRD-Vincent, a 150cc two-wheel car and an in-line three-wheel bike from OEC, a 500 transverse flat-twin Douglas, an in-line two-stroke 750 triple from Scott and an iconic auto-cycle. Events include the first multi-cylinder ton in the UK and a Maudes Trophy for the ever so ‘umble Red Panther. There are some ripping yarns too. Staffers from the Blue ‘Un took a ride round the capital, featuring a poignant visit to Battersea Dogs’ Home and a first encounter with Chinese food; Graham Walker showed that he could write as well as he rode with mirthful racing reminiscences; and there’s an entrancing little tale of two chaps pottering about the Welsh marches. You’ll also find a particularly good crop of contemporary ads.
PS: The process never stops. If you’d care to turn to 1921 you’ll find a three-cylinder radial; in 1923 there are some particularly appealing ads; in 1926 there’s a three-wheel WD Triumph; in 1933 there’s Peugeot’s first 500 since 1920 (it really is très chic); Gallimaufrey now includes ‘Batting’; Blinding’ and the great Stanley Woods.

More than 50 (ok 51) images have been added to the Artwork/Humour gallery which now has nearly 220 (218 to be pedantic) cartoons and illustrations awaiting your attention. I’m particularly pleased to offer a batch of Oxley illustrations but there are also some breath taking coloured ads. More American bikes may be found in the Melange along with a large number of aditions to the Great War gallery. And a couple of dozen assorted images have been added to the second melange. Meanwhile, probably because he’s impatient with the progress of the timeline, my buddy Pete has sent me a taster for 1971. He worked in a bike shop and has wider experience than most of early Japs—his experience on a Kawasaki H2 widowmaker may bring back some memories among the survivors…

Another batch of pics have been added to the Melange including a number of excellent American sporting images; you’ll find them under the Harley, Indian, Thor and Excelsior headings. There are also some additions from the Great War which also has its own heading.

All the material to hand for 1933 is now on line, incliding a comprehensive report of the Olympia Show, as well as a technical review of the state of the motor cycling nation and oodles of other good stuff. Before making a start on 1934 I’ll take some time to work on the huge backlog of assorted images of motor cycles and motor cyclist greatfully received from my chum Francois.

Following a deep dive into 1902-4, as reported in Motor Cycling/Motor, I’m back on course working through 1933. The Jerries went to Wales and won the ISDT by a single point; Triumph won a Maudes Trophy with an ohv 650 vertical twin; bike registrations were up by a third to more than 600,000; four-speed boxes were becoming common (foot-change wasn’t); and… as usual more yarns are being aded all the time. Also uploaded today: some smashing agency pics from 1932 including motor cycle hockey; and a colourised pic from the big Richmond rally of (probably) 1911.

Finally, it’s done. There are always more stories to be unearthed but, according to my word counting software, there are now more than 115,000 words in 1903 with an “average read tine” of 9hr 37min 45sec. The system indicates that there are 489 pics and ads to look at. Blimey. I’m now busy uploading more assorted pics into the second melange page—there are hundreds to work through from my chum Francois’ amazing archive. Well worth a look.Among the final 1903 yarns to be unearthed (from The Motor Cycle) were feature supporting footrests over pedals and extolling the “freemasonry of motor cyclists”, with a note that “motor cycles are not confined to the middle class. Thanks to modified prices and the extension of the instalment system, the motor cycle is becoming a more familiar vehicle with the artisan class.” Hurrah! Then it will; be time to get back to work on 1933. Three and four-speed gearboxes…suspension…saddle tanks…drum brakes…where will it all end?

That was the year that was—take another look at 1903 and you’ll find comprehensive reports on the Stanley, Crystal Palace and Paris shows. There are marques you’ve never heard of, accessories galore, the first generation of purpose made riding gear and so much more. Don’t neglect the extensive collection of features—”Wake up Ladies” has been extended and revamped (the fair sex is reminded that while they should ride motor-bicycles, they “must not attempt to ape their male companions either as regards dress or performances”.) There are now more than 100,000 words of motor cycling history in 1903 with more being added daily. Meanwhile the M21, Model 100, ESS250/2 and A10 lie neglected. Hobby? It’s an obssession.

It was time to prove to the Great British Public that motor-bicycles had come of age. The MCC staged a series of 200-mile reliability trials (with a 100-miler for forecars, trailers and combos). The motorised section of the ACC upped the ante with a 1,000-mile trial based on the Crystal Palace. And the motorised section of the CTC planned a tour from Land’s End to John o’ Groats. Designers came up with rear stands—not least to allow bikes to be started at a standstill—and, 50 years before centre-stands became ubiquitous, one appeared on the Bat. It’s all awaiting you in 1903 (the 1,000-miler report’s so extensive that you’ll find it in the features section; while your there do take a look at ‘Dogs: Shoot, Hang or Poison?).