£2.50 where sold £2.50 where solld T T h h T e e h e M M M a a g g a a a g O z z a i i z n n i e e n e o o U f f o t t f h h t T e e h e F F e e F L d d e e e d r r e O a a r t t a i i o o t i n n o O n o o f f o S S f K S i i d d i e e d c c e a a c r r a r C C J C l l a u u n l b b u / s s b F s e b 2 0 2 0 www. merlin sidecars .co.uk

Merlin F2

Merlin Supersport

Front Street, Pity Me, Durham. DH1 5DE. Tel: 0191 386 6777 Page 2 www.

Warning: This editorial contains opinion merlin sidecars Feditorial November's AGM was a rather .co.uk CONTENTS OUTLOOK pleasant affair, I thought. There was a good atmosphere January/February 2020 and apart from anything else it's always good to meet up with people. Cover: World Famous Statue, see page 10 Our chairman got us through photo by Suzanne Wood the business part of the t

e meeting with the usual

n 4...... In Praise of the Hard Shoulder Merlin . k efficiency. u 5...... Jak Lemon reviews Royal Enfields 'Himmy' b

F2 u l

c 8...... Letters Subsequently the floor was w

m thrown open for discussion. A

b 10.....Together Forever on Wheels

@ major topic was the problem r

a 13.....Kim Hicks Writes

c of attracting new members e d i 17.....Old Guide and the use of social media. s :

s 18..... Museum Free Day a We really do though, need a m

o 28.....Suffolk Sidecar Club Camping Weekend

h Secretary, this is one of the T 30.....Featured Outfit h most necessary positions and t i e not only is it a shame that K 34.....Dad's Army Outfit , nobody is willing to volunteer, m 36.....Red Oktober o

c but it's rather concerning. .

o 40.....Autumn Sidecar Gathering o

h Surely someone would like to a y

@ join our band of charming, n i Occasional & Usual Suspects v charismatic, drop dead e

h 12...... Members Welcomes Merlin p gorgeous and fun loving NEC : s i 23...... Centre Pages, Events members. n

Supersport n

E 40...... Sales Showroom l More seriously though, it is u a

P 42...... Clubs Grapevine faintly rediculous that we : a

t 47...... Committee Page should be so concerned with a r

r the difficult task of gaining E

k Please send items for inclusion to the editor. new members and young o o

b blood when we can't even find

d Stephen J W Wood n one single member for a very a H email: [email protected] necessary post amongst our already captive audience. 01992 265542 Front Street, Pity Me, Durham. DH1 5DE. Ed Tel: 0191 386 6777 BMF Discount Code: FOS18H758 Page 3 We had been on holiday for almost two weeks, travelling down through Belgium, Luxembourg and into France.

Spending 10 days touring the Alsace region it was now time to head homewards. We left our hotel (Le

R Vetine)and headed north E through the hills on as D

L many small winding roads

U as possible having a O wonderful ride. H

S Eventually near St Die we

D decided time was getting

R on and that we should

A head for the motorway H around Nancy and go into E northern Luxembourg for H

T the night. F

O All was well around Nancy

E then suddenly a back S I wheel bearing A collapsed without warning. R P

N We pulled straight onto the hard shoulder about a 100 yards from a junction and I managed to get up the slip road, which also had space up the side, and parked on a pavement in the village (Custines?).

In the boot, with the tools, was a bearing. Wheel out, bearing remains removed, new bearing fitted and on our way. Chris told me we were stopped for an hour.

What really worried me is that there is a move to take away the hard shoulder from some motorways. This to me is absolutely mad, Frightening.

Les and Chris Ravenscroft ------Page 4 Jak Lemon finds something that suits him, here he gives us an owners review of the Himalayan (other opinions are available)

has been a mixture of regular Over the past thirty five years I commuting, some green laning have owned and ridden well over and a few longer trips. One of a hundred , none these was a two week, 3,000 mile have aroused as must interest as trip to Portugal. I have ridden it in the Himalayan. Every time I park all weathers including all day long in a public place it seems in torrential rain on several someone is waiting to pounce to occasions and through the snow. ask what it is like. My son says I With the exception of the steering should be a salesman for Enfield head bearings which were as my enthusiasm for the bike has replaced under warranty the bike helped persuade at least three has been reliable. people I know to purchase one and many more to have a test It's strange, in that if you look at ride. the figures of 25bhp and just over 400lbs you would expect a I have owned mine for a year and sluggish dull ride, but with the covered nearly 12,000 miles. This exception of the first few hundred

Page 5 miles when running in, what you getting on and off the bike far get is something totally different. I easier and enables you to get think this is partly due to the fact your feet down if you need to, but that the bike appears to carry its it does mean you have to look out weight low and the 32Nm of for deep ruts and big rocks. torque at 4-4500 rpm. I am sure that some riders will miss having As with any bike there are some to scream the nuts off their bike in bug bears. There's an electronic order to make progress but the compass, which virtually all riders Himmy provides a relaxing ride say is useless. To me that is not a whilst enabling you to surprise big deal, I just wished they had riders of more powerful bikes in used the space for something the twisty bits. Whilst Enfield more useful like a USB port. The advertise it as being ‘built for all sidestand is too long and leaves roads, built for no roads’ the the bike too upright, particularly if Himalayan is definitely at its best you have to park on a slope or on twisty back roads, which have to get off to open a gate on happily is the kind of riding I the trail. The engine can stall, prefer. Its relatively light weight particularly when new. Making and upright riding position make it sure you warm it up for a couple ideal for commuting through the of minutes before setting off and city. The motorway is not its using super unleaded (which natural habitat, however I have gives even better mpg) seems to done a couple of two hundred cure this. There is an excellent mile stints at a steady 70mph Facebook group and long threads when needed. on various adventure bike forums full of advice and modifications. Off road the Himalayan is like riding a more traditional trail bike Enfield have produced an than the detuned crossers that adventure bike which is virtually some companies offer. The nature ready out of the box for a very of the motor means that it is reasonable price. You do not happy to bimble along without need to spend much on it before having to scream the motor to heading off. Enfield’s are maintain something, this suits the available at £500 including racks, way I ride. I think it helps, if not other companies are now offering endear, at least not to antagonise their own. The rear rack is great the walkers and horse riders you for bunging a tent on and there encounter. The relatively low are various ways of utilising the ground clearance is both a racks around the tank to carry blessing and a curse. It makes more. Its frugal in nature, most riders get between 75 and 90

Page 6 mpg giving it a 200 mile plus tank any issues. range. The seat is just about okay for that distance but could be They also seem to have achieved better, although with the addition some sort of Holy Grail in of a sheepskin I have done a producing a modern reliable couple of 500 mile stints without motorcycle which has character and charm and has already established an almost cult following. For sidecar club members it will make an excellent solo bike and Watsonian had a model at their stand at last year’s NEC with a trials chair on it. Cheers Jak

Cor, look at all that space, I could go round the world.

Here's another one. This is Stephen (Fozzy) Foster at the LSC Autumn Rally. He likes his too, despite the abuse he suffers for it (ed).

Page 7 ! Out H Sir look R i ar eaders Letters De

Re.: 2019 AGM Delete Rule 8.A.(11) Legal Officer

Hello, On what basis, be it factual or opinion, can the NEC propose the demise of the Legal Officer role? Granted, it is apparent that in common with several other NEC roles there has been little, if any obvious activity for too long.

The post was “largely a campaigning, or activist role” in the 1980s because those involved made it so. As was obvious, repeated legislative and similar issues justified establishing the position and the FoSC subsequently had a voice within government departments, agencies and the sidecar industry. Importantly the membership were kept informed, which in turn stimulated member awareness of issues that may affect sidecarring.

During this period the FoSC worked with the BMF on matters involving sidecars, and on the wider road front. Sadly, the BMF is far from the forceful organisation it was, as is the FoSC.

Of particular concern is the proposal that “the campaigning role is now history”. The stark reality is that legislative and bureaucratic threats to motorcycling, and by default sidecars, remain. It is absolute folly to believe otherwise, unless of course there is an institutional “death wish”.

To illustrate: Where was the Fed when profound changes to the regulations regarding UK motorcycle and sidecar rider testing were in the consultation phase ? The situation illustrates how ignoring, or missing the boat can potentially undermine the road sidecarring scene.

Finally, with the Legal Officer proposal and questions over the BMF connection, it could be that “What we can offer the sidecarrist” (current brochure) could look less inviting. John Procter

Page 8 D ok itor ear tlo Ed Step Ou M r hen ar ember M De s

Stephen

Thank you for another excellent magazine received the other day.

In response to the article on waterproof 'gear', this summer I purchased a pair of gloves by Jofama, which although aren't Gore-Tex have a suitable membrane and have so far proved to be completely waterproof. (I believe Jofama is the same as Halvarssons who have manufactured excellent motorcycle clothing since just after the 2nd World War). The gloves are extremely comfortable to wear, the style is Vidar and they are to be recommended. I had been looking for some while for a waterproof glove and came upon these this summer whilst in Scandinavia when looking for a pair of Gore-Tex trousers for Hilda who like so many ladies struggles to find good fitting riding gear. (I'm glad to say she managed it in Norway). Most waterproof gloves are far too bulky but these can be worn inside the cuffs of my jacket, which is one of Halvarssons, so that I do not suffer from wet sleeve ends. They are feted as a winter glove and can be too warm on those 30 degrees plus days of summer but are excellent for the other 3 seasons and to date have survived some very wet weather. (We live close to and therefore do a lot of motorcycling in Scotland). A few weeks ago a friend was admiring the gloves and now enjoys a pair having bought some in the UK at only slightly less than I paid for mine in Norway. Still on waterproof gloves; for the last 15 years or more we have used over mitts over our summer gloves when needed. These are Extremities Tuff Bags and also will happily go up the inside of the cuffs of our jackets so we don't suffer from wet cuffs and have been totally waterproof, and still are, after all these years. The downside is that they are currently more expensive than a pair of Jofama Vidar!

Finally I was quite surprised to find no mention of the recent passing of Robbie Rhind-Tutt in the magazine as he had been important in the sidecar scene, both on and off road, for the last 50 years.

All the best.

Robert Wilson

Page 9 Together Forever on Wheels brought to us by Suzanne Wood

The editor's daughter (Suzi) works just round the corner from Brunswick Square in central London. She came across this sculpture on her way to work. It cheered me up this morning, she said.

I asked her if she could find out more, and she promptly did, sending another photo of the plaque.

Page 10 It is, in fact, as the contents page tells us, a world famous statue, and the brainchild of it's creators Gillie and Marc.The sculpture has been installed outside, at the Brunswick Centre in London's West End, just a short walk from Russel Square. Previous locations for it around the world include the Sydney Opera House.

The sculpture's plaque tells us more.

Together Forever on Wheels BY GILLIE AND MARC #GillieandMarc #TravelEverywhereWithLove Together Forever on Wheels incorporates Gillie and Marc's most popular sculpture themes, Rabbitwoman and Dogman, , and coffee. Since they met while travelling, adventure and exploring have been a huge inspiration in their work. The artists have a soft spot for Vespas because it gives them an excuse to hold tightly on to one another. Rabbitwoman takes the lead on the bike while Dogman gets cosy in the sidecar next to her, trusting her to take him somewhere incredible. With a seat on the back of the bike, this sculpture is interactive, allowing the public to jump on and be part of Rabbitwoman and Dogman's next adventure. This amazing sculpture has been installed in major cities across the world to show love and acceptance and is part of the 'Travel Everywhere With Love' project.

To find out more, please go to: www.gillieandmarc.com

There will apparently be a second set of sculptures entitled 'Creatures of Hope' ,designed by children and brought to life in sculpture form. ------

Page 11 On behalf of us all, Jill Hind Welcomes, July to September Since my last update the Fed has attracted eight new members and two have re-joined. John Hyman from Newthope signed up again at the Annual Rally – it was great to see you there, John. His ST11000 is currently without a sidecar, but he plans to rectify this soon. Our other returning member is Mike Slater of the London Sidecar Club. Mike has moved to Framfield and now has a very classic sounding Norton 19S with a Steib 501. New club members are definitely in the minority, although the West Mid club have recruited Geoff Davies from Birmingham, who rides a Yamaha V Max with a Squire attached. Most of you will know of World Champion Sidecar Passenger, Stan Dibben, even if you were not lucky enough to meet him on one of the Fed’s expeditions to the Isle of Man. His son Mark has bought a new Enfield Bullet with a Watsonian Manx, with Stan back in the passenger seat on trips from Lechlade. Ago has joined the Fed! Not, of course the racer, but Agostino Cefalo from Maidenhead, who is currently looking for the right outfit. I’m not sure what he’s after. From Bishop Auckland we have Vincent Brown, with a BMW K1100LT and Squire RSX. Kim Hicks from Gravesend has a Triumph Bonneville with Watsonian RX4 attached. Finally, another Bonneville rider, Martin France has joined along with his wife, Mary, probably in the GP700. They come from Woodford Green. All of you are welcome to our ranks. In the last couple of issues new members have kindly provided more of their stories and I hope this trend will continue. Autumn In the latter part of the year the flow of new members has slowed, but

Page 12 not stopped. Long-standing London Sidecar Club member Richard Turner has finally joined us. He has a Triumph Daytona attached to a 1977 Squire sidecar and lives in Dartford. Our other new club member is David Beanland who has become a Viking. He in fact has a Honda CTX Trike and lives in Halifax. There are also three new individual members. Paul Lumley comes from Broadway Edington in Somerset and his company, Lumley Engineering Ltd, makes outfits particularly for racing. He has, I think among other things, a Kawasaki F2 racing model. Rod and Jane Matless are from Wymondham. Their outfit is a Kawasaki Nomad with a Watsonian Monza. I hope we will meet some of these people in the flesh soon. Our editor is always looking for material for Outlook in the meantime. ------

And talking of new members, here's Kim Hicks to tell us how he's itching to ride his new outfit.

Hi All,

I recently wrote to you about my Triumph Bonneville/ Watsonian-Squire outfit that was under construction at F2 Motorcycles in Wisbech. David Angel had finished putting it together and Ted Cheer and myself went to collect it. I had to arrange the hire of a three bike trailer for Ted to tow as the outfit would not fit on either of our trailers.

Page 13 We arrived at F2's premises about dinner time, my newly completed outfit was parked outside gleaming in the sunshine, to me it looked a work of art! We had a quick look at the mouth watering bikes in F2's warehouse, then started to load the outfit onto the trailer. Which was easier said than done.

We went the pretty way home using Ted's sat-nav, which has to have the worlds worst sense of direction, even than a certain lady I'm married to. Ted had to physically restrain me from throwing it out of the window some where, don't know where, in Cambridge.

We got home and took the all white body to John the sprayer (07541 528501) in Slade Green, Kent to have it sprayed silver, same as the Bonnie. I removed the front mudguard for colour matching. John took a few days and did a marvellous job at a reasonable price. It was quite difficult getting the newly sprayed body home without scratching it, in the end we used 'Ted the Fed's box trailer, with two wooden bearers across the top of the box. I found some Dexion angle iron that I replicated the body to mounting holes on. I mounted the freshly painted body to the angle iron and strapped the Dexion runners to the wooden cross members on the top of Ted's box trailer. This way we could hold it secure without having to use straps on the newly painted body.

Everything went unexpectedly well until we came to the wiring of the sidecar lights. Due to Triumph's wiring being small and tightly tucked away, we were not sure what to do and that held us up for a while. Peter, who was doing the wiring, spotted that some of the newly acquired connectors would fit into the small connectors in the triumphs wiring loom and he was away. He made up a flying lead, a nice professional job. Pete was an electrical engineer who will only do things properly.

Page 14 Photographic evidence of what a trusting man Kim is allowing Ted to drive his new outfit

Seeing as I have still not been given the OK by the DVLA to resume terrorising the populace of Kent on a motorcycle, or indeed anything else, it's currently in my garage.

On Kim's outfit here is Richard,'Tank' Turner, his best mate for over 50 years Page 15 I've washed it. I've cleaned it. I've polished it. I've cleaned it some more, I've spayed it with SCF50 (wonderful stuff). I've cleaned it some more.

The ed rather likes this test version

I'm dying to give it a good thrashing, sorry I mean it's first gentle ride out and I'm very happy with the way it turned out. Many thanks to: Ted Cheer, David Angel, Peter Kapp, and John the Sprayer.

Cheers, Kim Hicks ------

Page 16 Sent in by John Hind. I particularly like the last line. This amusing item is claimed to be from a 1897-1898 BRITISH IRISH GUIDE FOR CYCLISTS AND MOTORCYCLISTS

Advice on touring requisites.

1. Necessities: I '

Neckerchief Dark glasses v

Hat or cap e

Prayer book Pocket dictionary t i

Shoes d

Maps Passport i Trousers e Worn Spanners/tools Conversation book d t

Flannel shirt h

} on Oilcan Guide book i Flannel collar s person Lamp White collars u Necktie p

Spare lampwick White cuffs f Pair stockings o Riding gloves Tape r t

1 flannel nightshirt h

Cleaning cloths Sponge e

Hairbrush s

Padlock and chain Flannel a

Comb k Pincers Nailbrush e

Toothbrush and paste o

Shoelaces Paper and envelopes f

Loofah c l

Saddle cover Postcards a

Gloves r i

Wire Stamps t Money y Knife Pen a Matches n Field glasses Address labels d

Notebook e

Studs Visiting cards a

Drinking cup or flask s Scarf and pin Braces e

Waterproof cape o

Towel Belt f

Razor r e

Bathing drawers Pernangenate of potash a

Strop d

Chocolate French chalk i Shaving brush n Sperm oil Saddle and shoe lubricant g

Soap w

Spare Cotton waste h

Fullers earth i l Spare nuts s Vaseline Spare inner tubes if riding a t t

String r Sticking plaster y machine with pneumatic i Corkscrew n Bandages tyres g

Barometer t Sulphate of quinine o Pipe and tobacco Spares applicable to your m

Carbonate of Soda a

Leather straps i Extra hat of cap specific machine n t Treadle pin a i

Cardigan n Nail scissors Small silk flag i Pugeree t ' Tyre clips s

Compass s Watch e Pocket lens n s 2. Luxuries can generally do without but very nice to have with oneself e o f

Slippers Spare gloves Writing case o r i Socks Spare white collars Spirit kettle g i n

Spare trousers Spare neckties Methylated spirit a l i t

Coat Various underclothing Candle y (

Vest Extra pair of shoes Pocket filter e d

Supply of tea Tow line Waterproof sheet ) . Note: If travelling abroad take money in the form of gold coins. A revolver is not considered necessary in the more civilised areas of Europe but if accosted by footpads or brigands inform them that you are British and display your Union Flag.

Page 17 National Motorcycle Museum Free Day by Roy & Chris Workman

Another great Free Day at this museum. If you're interested in British motorcycles this is the day. There is so much going on. Chris and I arrived at 9.00 am and people were already queuing to get their cars parked. There are normally loads of motorcycles parked in front of the museum. However, this year it rained hard all day and it certainly let you know how good your riding kit was. Luckily there was an area set up where you could safely leave your kit. The museum has the largest collection of British motorcycles in the world, with over 1,000 fully-restored machines.

On entering the museum everyone was given an excellent plan/ timetable. The events start at 9.00 am and finish at 5.00 pm. In the foyer there are normally a couple of outfits on display. This time there were four. Two from the 1920’s, together with a 1936 AJS (complete with spare wheel) and a late-model BSA with what looked like a double adult chair. Whilst taking some photos here I had to step aside to allow John McGuinness to push a racing bike through to the museum shop. About

Page 18 this time Henry Cole of Shed and Buried TV fame also walked in. Sam Lovegrove, also from the TV show, was there as well for a book-signing event. Several other well-known racing stars were also there for you to talk to. (oh you're such a name dropper Roy, ed)

Officially Henry Cole’s Shed and Buried Live was due to start at 11.00 am but a World Cup rugby match was being shown on a huge screen which delayed matters. There was a great cheer when the game finished with a great result for the home team. The Stars on Stage were Steve Plater, John McGuinness, Henry and Sam from the TV show and Allen Millyard, the specialist motorcycle builder. This was a cracking good show - Steve is a good compere and is great at asking the other guys questions.

Trade, auto-jumble and club stands gave you plenty to look at with a great mixture of motorcycle interests. Two well-known auction houses were here as was the Ace Café, with a good display. The raffle had a top prize of a new/old stock 1977 Triumph Trident T 160. The raffle prizewinner was announced during the second 'Stars on Stage' session in the afternoon. Twice during the day they had 'Warm Up' sessions of racing motorcycles, luckily this was done in the courtyard because the throttles were well twisted.

It is amazing who you meet at events like this - one couple I to had

Page 19 driven up from Devon that morning. When I mentioned that I knew Cullompton they told me that they live just 5 miles from there; apparently at the age of 15 the chap had been part of a team felling lots of elm trees in that area, and he also drove a Drott bulldozer clearing the site of roots etc - this area subsequently became the Forest Glade camp site.

I joined a talk by an expert doing a tour of the museum, he was very knowledgeable about the machines in the different halls.

James Hewitt and his team who run the museum did a first class job of organising this event which was in its sixth year. I have been several times and it has always been worth the trip. If you ride in then parking is free. However if you bring a car it costs £10 to park. The weather spoilt the day a bit, as normally there are hundreds of motorcycles parked up by the entrance, which gives you something else to look at.

------

Page 20 Henry Cole seeks sheds with star quality

Popular Channel 4 restoration show Find It, Fix It, Flog It is looking for sheds across the country filled with vintage vehicles and automotive memorabilia. The series follows motorbike-obsessive Henry Cole and upcycling expert Simon O'Brien, as they search for vintage and unusual items gathering dust in peoples' sheds, to restore and sell at a profit for their owners.

They want to hear from anyone with sheds, garages, lock-ups, barns, outhouses or even shipping containers full of mechanical curiosities and anything automotive they can bring back to life.

From the creators of Shed & Buried and The Motorbike Show, the upcoming series of Find It, Fix It, Flog It will start filming in March 2020.

If you, or someone you know, has a fantastic assortment of vintage memorabilia, an incredible automotive collection or just needs a good old-fashioned clear out of motoring 'junk', email: [email protected] for more information. The production team are always careful not to reveal the location of any sheds featured in the programme. ------

Page 21 Page 22 The Winter Meet

19th January 2020 from 10.30 onwards.

Stephen Wood & David Greenwood extend a warm invitation to this well established Winter Sidecar Day Meet at the Silver Ball transport café (postcode SG8 8BD).

Located in Reed near Royston, Hertfordshire on the A10 northbound. 4.5 miles from Royston, approx 5 miles from the A505 intersection. All welcome from 10.00 onwards.

For more info contact Stephen Wood [email protected] Tel: 07534 456642 or David Greenwood Tel: 077755 25591 [email protected]

We look forward to seeing you.

Page 23 Centre Pages (Events Diary 2020)

Jan 19 The Winter Meet, The Silver Ball Café Venue: The Silver Ball Café Reed, Nr Royston, Hertfordshire SG8 8BD. Directions: On northbound side of the A10. 4.5 miles from Royston, approx 5 miles from the A505 intersection. All welcome to attend from 10.00 onwards. Contact: Stephen Wood [email protected] Tel: 07534 456642 or David Greenwood on 077755 25591. [email protected] Mar 1 Ace Café Sidecar Sunday Ace Cafe London - North Circular Road, Stonebridge, London NW10 7UD, Each year this café gets bigger and bigger. It’s now got a following in about every corner of the world. Want to be part of history. Just park your outfit/bike in the café car park and think of the amount of times you see the famous celebrities from this country and abroad using its chequered black and white sixties backdrop. Mark the owner of the Ace, who is a British bike nut who will readily chat about bikes. I guarantee you a good day, even if it’s cold. See you there. Ted. Events Coordinator. Federation of Sidecar Clubs. Apr 3-5 Slimbridge Venue: Tudor Caravan Park, Slimbridge, Glos. Good family run site with shower facilities etc. Please donate raffle prize. Excellent adjacent pub providing food, Saturday run out, skittles, B&B available at Tudor Arms contact Tudor Arms directly on 01453 890306 [email protected] Directions: From M5 follow signs for Wetlands Trust, campsite on left, before canal, behind pub. Camping Fees: £10.00 per unit per night. Contact to arrange camping before and after the event. Contact Alan or Liz: 07815 101925 [email protected] May 8-10 May Bank Holiday Rally, West Midlands Sidecar Club Venue: Island Meadow Caravan Park, Aston Cantlow, Henley in Arden, Warwickshire. B95 6JP. Price: £11.00 per unit per night. Includes temporary membership of local licensed social club. Caravans & camper vans pre book directly with site. Phone: 01789 488273. http://www.islandmeadowcaravanpark.co.uk Facilities: Disabled access to Heated toilets and showers and a well-stocked licensed shop. Run out Saturday. Camping available from Thursday night.

21-24 Meeting Of The Sietekaristen ut ‘t Brugsche VZW. Venue: Sint Lodewijks college, Magdalenastraat 30, Sint Michiels Brugge. For reasons of organisation, please sign up before 10/05/2020 Information: Geert Eggermont 050/38.38.87 or 0487 544 560

Page 24 Email: [email protected] or [email protected] 22-25 Heid o' the Glen Scottish Sidecar Rally Dalavich, Argyll. PH35 1HN. Camping on banks of Loch Awe. Log Cabin, toilet & laundry facilities, ride outs, restaurant/bar area, buffet meals Saturday night. Cost: £15 per unit/pitch. Directions: Erskine Bridge, Glasgow, A82-Tarbet, A83-Inveraray, Lochgilphead, A816—Kilmartin, B840–Ford. Follow signs for Newyork, Dalavich up left side of Loch Awe. Log Cabin Hire: view Tripadvisor or Homeaway sites. Contact: John Flemming 07990 552014, Ingen 07931 790919, Peter Thomas 01866 844160 (self-catering apartments). Early booking advisable. All midgies & rain has been cancelled. Contact: Norrie on 07720 705579 or [email protected]

May 29 - Jun 1 The ADAM camping weekend Venue: Camping “Het bosland” Zelhem (www.hetbosland.nl) Meeneweg 29 7021 HP Zelhem Good campsite, Possibility for a Bon fire, Good sanitary facility’s, Possibility to BBQ, Use of a fridge & freezer. You take care of Your own drinks, Your own food, Your own meat, Your good mood Cost: 9.50 euro per person a night, children till 10 years of age free. Visit is at your own risk. Campsite open Friday 12.00 pm. Contact: P. Nicolai, Waddenstraat 16, 1779 XB Den Oever, 0031-628233831 [email protected] Jun 26-28 Hobgoblin Club Engine & Pushchair Rally 11 Cheswardine Parish Hall, Podmore Road, Cheswardine, Shropshire TF9 2RS Village hall, Indoor space if it rains. 2 real ale pubs within 5 minute walk. Competitions, kids games, awards, good cheap food, vegetarian options. Well behaved dogs on leads welcome. Free tea & real coffee all weekend. Cost: £9.00 per unit (single adult) per night. £12.00 per unit (more than one adult) per night. Day visitors welcome – no charge. Family rally – you don’t have to have kids, but be prepared to find lots! Contact: Dave / Carolyn on 0151 336 6212, Mathew / Lynda 01942 714839 Email [email protected] No cars on field other than for loading / unloading.

12-14Culm Vale Sidecar Club Rally Venue: Forest Glade Holiday Park. Sheldon, Cullompton, Devon. EX15 2DT. Dogs Allowed. Facilities: Toilets, Showers, Laundry & Washing up facilities, Shop, Takeaway

Page 25 (Pre ordered), Swimming Pool, Tennis Courts, Adventure play area & Games Room. Events: Run Out Saturday followed by BBQ with salad & cider. Raffle. Camping is available before and after the rally. Cost. Adults £4.50p pppn Children 4-10 years £1.50pppn, 11-18 years £2.00 pcpn. Dogs £1pdpn Contact Keith Aldridge 01884 841165 or [email protected] Jul 10-12 The London Sidecar Club Rally 2020 Venue: Muggeridge Farm, 5 Maltings Rd, Battlesbridge, Essex SS11 7RF. Cost: £10.00 per person per night, day visitors £5.00. Marquee, bar, several cafés & pubs in the area. See www.LondonSidecarClub.co.uk for further details. Full page ad' in this edition. 16-19 Suffolk Sidecar Club Camping Weekend Trinity Park, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich, Suffolk. IP3 8UH Contact Rose Mathew 01473 719274 or 07732 973058 Lynda Ewers 07467 042654 Aug 28-31 The Federation of Sidecar Clubs Annual Rally Market Harborough Rugby Club. See full page advert opposite. Sep 4-6 Culm Vale Sidecar Club Rally Venue: Warren Farm Caravan & Camping Site, Watchet, Somerset. TA23 0JP *Note* Drive through Watchet and out on the Blue Anchor Road. Go past Warren Bay Campsite, Warren Farm is the next on the right. Facilities: Toilets, Showers, Laundry & Washing up facilities. Close by in Watchet are Pubs, Cafes, Takeaways & Shops. Cash point in Co-Op shop. Run Out on Saturday followed by a BBQ, salad & cider. Raffle. Camping is available before and after the rally. Cost: TBA Contact: Keith Aldridge 01884 841165 or [email protected] Oct 9-11 London Sidecar Club Winter Camp Venue: Harmergreen Wood Scout Camp, Robbery Bottom Lane, Hertfordshire. Post Code AL6 0UN All you get is: a camping glade, a bonfire (Which we all make) & flushing toilets and cold water. No trophies, No awards, No raffle. If this is not you stuff, stay at home in the warm. If you've not been before contact Ted Cheer for directions. [email protected] contact number at rally is 07746 584093. Cost is £6.00p per pers'per night. £3.60p per pers' day visit, £3.60p evening.

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Page 26 Federation of Sidecar Clubs Annual Rally 2020

Market Harborough. The Rugby Ground. LE16 9HF. (01858 464210)

Camping from Thursday 27 to Monday 31 August Dogs Allowed

What’s On / Facilities ing mp Toilets Ca & Sho Lice Silly Games wers nsed ut Bar n O Ru Competititions & activities for adults & children

*New* Free to Use: - USB charging hub for your phone and gizmos.

Price: Members £12.00 per unit per night, Non-members, £15.00 per unit per night, Day Visitors £5.00

Directions

Sat Nav details N52 27.952’ W000 54.978’

Directions from south on A6 from Northampton (and from A14, J2) Travelling north on A6 toward Market Harborough. Cross A14 J2, going directly through Kelmarsh; continue north approx 5 miles through Great Oxendon. In Market Harborough turn left at roundabout. Follow signposts for Market Harborough Rugby Club (directly on right before roundabout). From the north on the A6 from Leicester Travelling south on A6 toward Market Harborough. Following directions for Northampton through the town centre. Leaving town centre on A508 turn right at roundabout. Follow signposts for Market Harborough Rugby Club. From M1 (and directions from Lutterworth) Exit M1 at J20 Lutterworth, take 1st exit (from North), 3rd exit (from south) to Kilworth following signs for Market Harborough on A4303. In Market Harborough turn right at mini roundabout, Go ahead at the next mini roundabout, turn right at next junction follow directions for Northampton. Leaving town centre along A508, turn right at roundabPoaugt.eF2o7llow signposts for Market Harborough Rugby Club. Rose Mayhew kindly sent in some pictures from the

Suffolk Sidecar Club Camping Weekend

The Awards.

Long Distance Overseas

Rob and Tinie from Holland

UK Long Distance

Mark Fowler

Mark also received the Best Outfit Award, voted for by the campers.

Page 28 Steve Laidlaw received the award for the Oldest Outfit

Rose tells me that Charles makes and pays for the club awards. I reckon it's only fitting then, that he has the pleasure of presenting them, ed.

Above and left: Waiting for the raffle

I would also like to thank everybody who came to John’s funeral and who sent me cards.

The donations for St Elizabeth Hospice came to £561.00. Rose.

Page 29 This is a Dave Greenwood photograph featured in his article in a previous edition. Roy Workman gives us some further information opposite, and I've used it as an excuse for a nice big picture, ed.

Page 30 Regarding Dave Greenwood's photograph of a Monaco outfit on page 4 of the Nov/Dec issue of Outlook. 's lady passenger in the TT race was Pat Wise, and on this occasion they finished 10th. She was a regular sidecar passenger, and I saw her racing at Brands Hatch in the 1960s. There is another of these sidecars in the National Motorcycle Museum, this particular one is attatched to a prototype Watsonian motorcycle. This was a good bike and was road-tested in the magazines of the time, complete with a Watsonian Ascot sidecar. The Monaco sidecar in the museum was owned by Dave Hancock, who runs the Round Britain Rally. He had heard that Watsonian were looking for a period sidecar to go with their motorcycle, and he offered themPatghe 3u1se of his. Page 32 Motorcycle Funerals Limited’s all weather are guaranteed to keep the coffin dry and flowers intact through rain, snow and high winds.

Left: A Motorcycle Funerals outfit in service in the rain

Bookings for Motorcycle Funerals UK-Wide: 01530 274 888 or 0845 375 2106

Photo kindly supplied by Cafe Racer Magazine

Page 33 Kim Hicks presents us with this submission. A refreshingly entertaining offering on the ubiquitous military theme

Seen at

The Offham Steam Rally

Hi All,

I visited the Offham Steam rally* in Kent on 20 October, and amongst other interesting vehicles on view was this rather nice Enfield outfit.

I did not get to find out who built it, or who owned it but I was impressed with how much thought and work had gone into it's construction.

It's fairly obvious that the owner is a fan of the program Dads Army and at a casual glance the outfit looks very old. I liked the 'they don't like it up 'em' and 'Home Guard' logo's.

Page 34 There were also some very nice touches such as water bottles, gas masks, very suitable indicators, running lights, paint colours, and several other bits.

I'm not sure of the make of the sidecar, it looks a bit home made to my eyes but none the worse for that. It looked a very well presented outfit .

*Always held on the last Sunday morning at Offham Village Green, on the weekend before the clocks go back. It's not an organised event, people just arrive. Classic cars, bikes, steam engines, veteran and vintage cars and bikes etc. Well worth a visit. ------

Page 35 Красный Oктябрь

Red Oktober

Dear Stephen & Outlook readers. The Cossack Club was invited to a 'Red Oktober' event at the Coventry Transport Museum. Eastern Bloc vehicles of all types were lined up outside on the museum frontage.

All those that attended were given free entrance tickets to the museum. I was surprised at the number of vehicles that attended, they filled the whole frontal area.

Swallow sidecar

Page 36 In the museum was a display of the History of Jaguar. As many of you will know, this company started out as Swallow Sidecars. My photo shows a reproduction of a 1928 model. Also shown is a British wartime military outfit a 16H Norton.

The next day the club displayed at Bicester Heritage Centre at a Classic vehicle show. There were some interesting vehicles on display including a massive hanger full of motorbikes. There's a picture of a Zundapp Outfit in original Luftwaffe colour above.

Page 37 and a 1949 Vincent HRD below.

Parked near to me was an interesting car, a Czeslovack Tatra approx late 1950s, with an air cooled V8 rear engine.

I hope you enjoyed this report and photos.

Dave & Anne Greenwood.

Page 38 South Yorkshire Sidecar Club

SouthEas Yorkshireter Egg Ra Sidecarlly 2020 Club Easter10 Egg-13 RallyApril 2020 10-13 April

ThisThis yearyear wewe aarere aatt B“Breightonreighton Fe Ferry”rry, ne anearr Se lSelbyby

Breighton Ferry is situated just inside east Yorkshire, between the A63 and A163. Breighton Ferry is situated just inside east Yorkshire, between the A63 & the A163. The TheBre Breightonighton F Ferryerry RiversideRiversi dPublice Pu Houseblic H YO8ous e6DH, Y Ohas8 a6 restaurantDH has &a children’srestaura nt & childplayren area.'s pl aTherey ar eisa a. moreThe rthane is adequatea more toilettha n&a showerdequa block.te to ilet and shower block. The SYSC rally will begin on the Good Friday until Easter Monday TCampershe SYS canC comerally wheneverwill beg theyin o please.n the AndGo oleaved F rwheneveriday un theytil E please.aster Monday. Meals will be available at public house throughout the rally. Campers can come whenever they please. Rally fees are £5 per unit per night, during rally. MealsAw donationill be a vwillaila bebl emadeat th toe ptheub “Yorkshirelic house t Airhro Ambulance”ughout the r ally.

For further information, ring Rally fees aJohnre £ 5Askhamper un i tonp e 0114r nig h2490295t, durin g the rally. Or A donation will Lizbe mHagueade t oont h01226e Yo r351ksh i699re Air Ambulance.

For further information ring John Askham on 01442 490295 or Liz Hague on 01226 351699

Page 39 AUTUMN SIDECAR GATHERING ( West Midlands S.C. ) Sometimes quality wins over quantity, and thats how I like to think of our 1st autumn rally in early October. One of our members had recently moved to Southport and expressed a wish to organise a camping weekend in the area.

He found a nice site with good facilities just outside Southport with Pubs and shops all within walking distance, so a date was set. The weather had been a little wet during the few days preceding the rally but the weekend was looking better.

Nick and I arrived Friday lunch time pitching our tents in the dry. Always a bonus. Soon after Mick arrived on his well travelled BMW and we all enjoyed a pleasant sunny afternoon. A short trip to the local pub later for a drink and a bite then back to the site for a chat around the fire. Mike and his Grandson arrived just after dark to make up the full

Page 40 compliment of 5 campers.

On Saturday, our local member Mike, took us on a short tour of a couple of bike shops, see picture of a Green BSA Bantam & sidecar with all the spares you might need inside it, and then on to the pier in Southport where motorcyclists gather in front of the cafe. Returning to the site we finished off the evening around the campfire putting the world to rights. Just as it should be.

This was our first attempt at an Autumn event and although not well attended this year, may reappear next year. Perhaps you would like to join us? As I said a the start, quality not quantity. See you next year?

John Mildenhall

Page 41 Sales Showroom

Honda NT700-VA Deauville with colour matched Watsonian Monza Registered 2009 (59 plate), 13,850 miles, sidecar fitted 2016/2017. MOT’d to May 2020, ABS, Honda panniers and top-box, Oxford heated grips and brand new bike tyres. £6,750. Matt & Sharon Hopkins 01522 811161.

2010 Triumph Rocket 3/Freeway Sidecar Classic colour matched sidecar, Grinall dropped and raked fork yokes. Chair is classic boat shape with child and adult seating. 8,000 miles, Will MOT. £10,250. Peter 01702 230051

RE Bullet Classic 500 EFI/Watsonian GP Manx 2014 Garaged, 850 miles, MOT 25/3/20, serviced April 2019, screens on sidecar/bike, sidecar cover, luggage rack , hand holds, damper rides well, SW Scotland near Castle , Can deliver for fuel in UK, £6,500.ono. Dave Hart 01556 660007 or 07399 552192.

BMW R1150RS/Tripteq Ridgeback Ex Demo Now only £9,795 including UK delivery. Contact Kenny 07734 683429/01333 429451 [email protected]

1998 Moto Guzzi 1100cc California easy access Hedingham XL 28,000 miles. Like new, Leading link forks, removable hood, new tyres. Panniers and parts to convert to solo. Illness forces sale. Will pay for MOT, £6,999 ONO. Pauline Leech 01428 643052

Watsonian Squire ST2 with fittings for 5 points - most as new ( cost around £600). Offers around £800 Fred Brown - 01630 661289 (Shropshire) Page 42 combo's, motorcycles & sidecars for sale

The late Brian Barnes' sidecars & bikes are being sold, two items left: Sidecar pictured & 1100 Goldwing (1980). Maureen Barnes on 0208 262 2028 [email protected] More pictures: Buzz on 0208 8041016. [email protected]

Sidecar and Chassis (believed to be from Jawa 350), £80. Fittings (believed to be from Jawa to Honda cx 500). £30 ONO. Could split if required. Joe 07713 186030. [email protected] London N6

Modified Reliant Sidecar (Phoenix 2) Powder coated Chassis (50x30 box), Damped Bramber Unit Suspension, 10 inch wheel. £900. Geoffrey Fairhead 01986 892571 [email protected] (Norfolk)

1960 Norton Dominator 99 600cc 12v Zener diode conversion, new carb,starts well, under 20,000miles, in heated garage last 20 years, road legal, nice unrestored condition MOT & TAX exempt. £7,000.00 ovno. No dealers or time wasters. Contact: Harry 07941 478925 [email protected]

Page 43 Sales Showroom sidecars, camping, parts wanted & misc'

Sidecars Hedingham seat pad for older S Sidewinder leaning 'sidecar' eg as used by SSwith moulded seat. £20. learners in the 70's to evade new 250cc New Unit Sidecars mudguard for restriction law. This one is the box type, not the Hedingham sidecar, Black, never platform type. Fairly spacious. V good restored fitted - £25. condition. £300. Welcome to view (W Cumbria). New alternator shaft Keith Thomas 019467 25152. (through bolt type) for 900/1200 Trophy/Daytona T3 engines. £70.00. Martello. Adult/child. Red. New window rubbers NEW Pair 32 litre Krauser K2 panniers (no & Perspex. Seat. Needs some tlc to frame. frames, still boxed. £180.00. All of the above £750. Welcome to view (W Cumbria). from Harry Humphrey Keith Thomas 019467 25152. [email protected] 07941 478925 Watsonian Oxford Free to good home. Structurally sound. Been standing covered. Free but if you happen to have a 15 inch Hedingham Michelin Tubes XL sidecar wheel & fittings will swap. 1-off 125, 135, 4.00 x 15, 2-off 140/90, [email protected] 150/90, 170/80 180/70 x 15 right angled valve. Camping £5.00 each. Combi-CampTrailer Tent John Hind 07874 873844 Wide wheels, double bed, bench seat, spare Wanted wheel. 178cmLx120cmWx97H folded. £225. Rear Ball Joint (lower) for A10 David Timmis 07919 278084 For more info phone Glyn 01745 814242 Hedingham XL Body condition not Denbeigh. important. Geoffrey Fairhead 01986 892571. Parts & Accessories Norfolk. Replacement tubes for Monza/Monaco/Palma Sidecar Mounting Subframe for '96 Triumph £25 each Tel 07909914345 Trophy 1200 Mick, 07977 993456 Amal Mk1 Carb [email protected] Concentric R928/300 plus air filter assy+240 jet. Miscellaneous Brand new, Mens Genuine Leather Motorcycle Coat worn £75 plus postage or perhaps swap for a body I once, bought from Bikers Paradise, shoulder & can bolt onto my Canterbury chassis. elbow protection, 54" chest. Cost £396, will Harry 01235 520404 accept £250 plus postage. Oxfordshire. Ring John 01924 262384. W. Yorks.

Please let the editor know if you sell your advertised item, Thank you.

Page 44 Clubs Grapevine News from Around the Clubs South Yorkshire Sidecar Club John Askham

One nice surprise at the FED AGM was the result of the Best Rally of 2019. This was would you believe it, our own SYSC. We beat the London SC by a single vote. The SYSC did win the award back in 1983. That year the rally was held near Askern, at a place called “The Hacienda” This rally was memorable because of the dire conditions that it was held. It had rained for the previous 2 weeks and the ground was saturated. A marquee had been hired for the event. A hoe down was held on the Saturday evening and a disco for Sunday. I must say that there was plenty of mud being slung around. The rally became known as The Mud Rally. The Best Rally award was well earned. Here are some photo's from 1983.

CH&IRS Stephen Wood I've been busy building a new website. Our hosts have updated their platform and I've eventually done the necessary. It is, at least, looking more up to date. Vincent my son has been helpful with writitng content. He is, after all, a professional content writer, albeit an unemployed one at present. We now have a growing blog page where you can read about some of Baldybiker's experiences going back to 2012, and Andrew Ross gives us some sidecar content going back to the origins of the club. He also gives a summary of his sidecarring year in Bonnie Scotland. You can read all this at the blog link on https//:www.sidecarclub.org. I'm looking forward to the Winter Meet which I now organise in partnership with Dave Greenwood.

Page 45 Thanks to Regalia Chief John Askham and his clothing contacts Fed Regalia has been taken to another level with superbly embroidered T shirts & sweatshirts & polo's etc in any colour you choose. Also available: hats, badges & stickers.

Look at this Want an item with a fun picture, see sidecar emblem that how happy a looks neat at the same nice item of time? Why not go for the regalia can make you! Southam rally logo with sidecar riding dinosaur.

Patches, badges, stickers, hats and any other How it works: regalia. Just phone or email John with details of what you're looking for, and if he can, he'll sort it for you.

John Askham, telephone: 01142 490295 or email: [email protected]

or rage w ga an a ne ow c eed g. H of N p mu one sho with work ong o wr ou g ese y th gs e Mu ubile nd J amo .50 Di Pageat4£61 President: Vice Presidents: Bob Parsons 15 Clarendon Road, Norman Milton Hinckley, Leicestershire. LE10 0PJ Mike Preistley

Life Members: Martyn Aves, George Cousins, Mark Fowler, Ove Gustavsson, Bob Parsons, Mike Priestley.

National Executive Committee

Chairman: John Hind. 99 Wellington St, Thame, Oxon. OX9 3BW. Tel: 01844 218267. email: [email protected].

Secretary: Vacant post *

Treasurer: Michael Buyers. 12 Chirton Hill Drive, N Shields, Northumberland. NE29 8BH.

Membership Secretary: Jill Hind. 99 Wellington St, Thame, Oxon. OX9 3BW. Tel: 01844 218267. [email protected]

Editor: Stephen Wood. 64 Buckwells Field, Hertford, Hertfordshire. SG14 3FF. Tel: 01992 265542. email: [email protected]

Events: Ted Cheer. 107 Silverweed Rd, Chatham, Kent. ME5 0RF. Tel: 01634 864298.

Admin/Regalia Officer: John Askham. 6 Elm View Rd, Sheffield, Yorks. S9 1NE. Tel: 0114 2490295. email: [email protected]

International Rep: Vacant post. * PRO: Vacant post. *

Technical Officer: Chris Tennant. 199 Birmingham Rd, Redditch, Worcs. B97 6EA. Tel: 01527 68264. email: [email protected]

Legal Officer: Vacant post. *

Webmaster: Adam Fenton. 477 Huddersfield Rd, Bradford, West Yorks. BD12 8ND. Tel: 01274 447246. email: [email protected]

* Please contact the chairman if you can help by filling one of the above vacant posts, thank you.

Page 47 Large Range of Fittings Everything from a single eyebolt or clamp to a complete fitting kit.

D High quality threaded fitting. T L S E L Velorex Sidecars C Strong, durable and affordable sidecars. Designed for home fitting to traditional frames.

Y Online fitting guide. C R O T O M www.simplysidecars.co.uk

2 01945 410165 F