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The Kettle Club Maudes Trophy RE-Run September 2005 |
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The Maudes Trophy |
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The History |
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In 1923 Mr George Pettyt, proprietor of Maudes Motor Mart donated a "challenge trophy" for the ACU to award annually for the most meritorious, observed endurance test for motor cycles. |
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Some Milestones |
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| 1923 - 1926 Norton win every year. | ||||
| 1927 - Ariel run a 557cc sidecar outfit for 5,000 miles without stopping the engine | ||||
| 1930s - Dominated by Triumph and BSA | ||||
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Japanese Milestones |
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| 1962 - Honda run three 49cc lightweights non-stop for a week. | ||||
| 1974 - Suzuki GT380, gt550 & GT750 ridden three time around Britain. | ||||
| Yamaha currently hold the Maudes Trophy | ||||
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The 1974 Run |
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| Suzuki had a major input to the run | ||||
| Sponsors included Dunlop, Castrol, NGK and many more | ||||
| Stan Woods rode some of the way | ||||
| All three bikes lasted the distance | ||||
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What are we going to do? |
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| Recreate a single trip around the original route starting and ending in Portslade the original starting point. | ||||
| The trip will take up to three weeks in September 2005, with the finishing bikes being shown at the Stafford CMM show in October. | ||||
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Sponsors |
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Support Vehicle Mercedes Long wheelbase Sprinter van |
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Kinsbourne Joinery |
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| All Original main corporate sponsors have declined, except Martin Crooks !! | ||||
| Many thanks Martin | ||||
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Web Travel Log |
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A daily update will be posted here when the journey starts on September 10th Authored by the current Flexi Flyer ed Shaun Chandler. |
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MAUDES TROPHY STOPS |
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| 0. | 10-09-05 | Lets get ready to rumble | ||
| Sat 10th Weather fine and dry. Arrived at 10am at Thwaites garage in Portslade. Met by the owner, a very courteous Ian, who served tea and allowed us to park the van and bikes overnight. Needed to clean van in order to 'sign it up'. All hands on deck and signage was finished within 2 hours. Looked fantastic. Credit to Ray Pickett from Worthing who had arranged the garage 'accommodation'. Stuart Roberts had organised the van signage and all credit to him too. Met many faces from the past at Thwaites, incl. Graham Beamish (owner of Beamish Motors) Graham Malyan ( radio/nuts and bolts Maurice Knight (ex Marketing Director Suzuki) Gerry Ascot (former Maudes rider of GT750 and 550) John Nutting who rode 1st leg of Maudes took many photos of everyone including bikes and van. A great moment to have met them and they enjoyed the few hours spent with us.
Stayed at a local hotel owned by Dennis Clark and our tea was served by little Isabelle, a Polish sweetheart. Dinner and a few drinks at the local pub, the Cricketers went very well. many of the 'crew' went to bed early (long day had by all - esp. Mick Hopson who was up at 2.30am that day) Many quiet moments in pub as many were contemplating the days (or weeks) of riding ahead. Most had sketchy sleep. Shaun |
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| 1. | 11-09-05 | RUN TO PAIGNTON | Martin Taylor | |
| Sunday 11th Most of us up early (6 am) and all were sat for breakfast at 7.30am. Owner shared his Harley pics at breakfast which was nice??!! Shaun dropped Mick at garage to collect van to recover gear from hotel. Ian (Thwaites) had opened up at 8am and Ray Pickett was there to lead us out to Worthing. Chris and Bridget Roberts also met us for the ride out of Portslade. On to Rownhams Services on M27 where we met Fred Dear, Bob and Dee Crutchfield, Cliff and Anna Morgan and Mark Higham who rode with us to Bridport. Fred 'tail ended' Geoff Arno - fortunately no damage. Took wrong turn (A38 Plymouth expressway) and decided to turn round which took an extra 15 mins but we had made good time so not a problem. Met Martin Taylor at cafe stop (unfortunately closed) and met new KC member Richard and Helena from the area who rode into Paignton to his house where we spent the evening (After a sumptuous dinner and drinks) with wife Anna. Wonderful meal. Most of us quite tired after days ride. Dinner conversation began with the Maudes tank story from Dave! A good day had by all - hope there's many more fine and dry ones - we can hope!
Shaun |
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| 2. | 12-09-05 | RUN TO ILFRACOME | ||
| Mon 12th Stuart, Geoff and Shaun up early (6.00am) Weather looked promising. Martin Taylor's neighbourhood was very quiet and relaxing. Said our goodbyes and headed off into a glorious day with some stunning scenery. The 'boys' started to have some fun as tensions eased. Stopped for breakfast at Padstow which was very welcome. Mick had a little 'detour' on a right hand bend that took him into a driveway (with a car reversing out of it!) Tony missed 3 gears today! Missed rendezvous point with Malcolm but we soon regrouped and arrived at Combe Lodge Hotel/Tower Hotel (Ilfracombe) at about 5.50pm. Greeted with tea and biscuits on arrival and we were all soon ready to go for a drink. We ended up going to an Indian restaurant which served great food and left around 11.00pm. We heard reports of a petrol shortage but not overly alarmed. So far so good - a glorious day or bike riding! 250 miles. On to Machynlleth tomorrow - weather supposed to be fine. Shaun |
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| 3. | 13-09-05 | RUN TO MACHYNLLETH | Tony Holt | |
| Tue 13th Had breakfast at 7.30 and left promptly for Machynlleth. Roads dry and riders settling in very well. Some mist on the hills early on but soon disappeared. Some lovely scenery on the way to M5. Steady run straight through to Carmarthen. Still dry on road to Cardigan which was a fast run. Stuart's mirrors both decided to break (which were taped up for now) Met Tony Holt from Machynlleth whose wife runs the local pub/B&B The White Lion. They had organised rooms and after settling in, we all had a drink and a very welcome meal. A long day with some tired bodies! - 317 miles with all kettles singing! Most of us won't be late to bed tonight. On to Barrow in Furness tommorow. Shaun |
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| 4. | 14-09-05 | TO BARROW-IN-FURNESS | Martin Crooks | |
| Wednesday 14th Managed to lose Geoff leaving the pub!!! We didn't see him again until Barrow In Furness!!!! Weather was dry again - lucky so far! Met Andy Jones outside of Queensferry who took some video footage from various vantage points which will be added to the final video/dvd. Andy rode with us then to Aintree where Martin Crooks, Dave Stevenson and 'Jimmy' (Martin's mate) arrived. Brief chat and a drink and off we set to Barrow in Furness. After a fairly quick run we arrived at Crooks Suzuki in Crellin Street to be served tea and all of the bikes were given the 'once over' by the mechanics there. A HUGE thank you to Martin and all of the boys, esp Tony who helped us enormously with repairs and general advice. The only potentially serious problem was that Geoff needed his rear wheel bearings changed - he's always losing his bearings!! Martin had also arranged a local photographer to take shots of us, including the shop staff, outside Crooks shop, or the local newspaper.
Email from martin Hi to all you Maudes Trophy Men of Steel, Congratulations on completing the trip from everyone @ Crooks Suzuki Attached is the photo the North-West Evening Mail photographer took. Here are the names of our lads in the photo, Left to Right:
Keith Sharp Martin Crooks David Maddison Brian Wakefield Paul Murphy Jimmy Underwood Tony Gallagher Hope you all have a good weekend. See you at Stafford. Regards Martin
Crooks also paid for
the riders accommodation and Martin and Jimmy joined us at the hotel or a few
drinks and some nostalgic chat! Supposed to be wet for the trip to Girvan
tomorrow - yuk! Stuart....Slinger (Sleep Singer) Shaun
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| 5. | 15-09-05 | RUN TO GIRVAN | ||
| Thursday 15th Left hotel in pouring rain with Jimmy from Crooks who escorted us to Maryport, many thanks Jimmy - sterling job. Rained until an hour or so from Stranraer. Arrived amidst beautiful scenery at 3.30pm. The Westcliffe hotel is right on the front and very nice. We all have single rooms so we should all sleep well tonight! Everyone in good form and bikes running well. Stuart's birthday today!! Malc took some great video footage today. On to Fort William and the Highlands - can't wait - hope it's good weather!  Shaun |
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| 6. | 16-09-05 | RUN TO FORT WILLIAM | ||
| Friday 16th After the local press arrived at the hotel at 9.00am to take photos, we set off for Fort William in dry weather but damp roads. Beautiful scenery and the pass at Glencoe was an awesome sight - truly spectacular. Just outside of Fort William I (Shaun) had a very near miss. Having turned a right hand bend and approaching a left hand bend, we spotted something on the road that looked like a small piece of bumper. As I neared the right hand bend, a lorry came in the opposite direction and flicked it straight in front of me. I saw it coming but didn't expect what was to come. It 'tripped' the bike up big time and I can count myself very lucky - I'm not quite sure how I managed to keep it upright). The item turned out to be a lorry's brake shoe, about 16 inches long and about 6 inches wide!!!! It managed to puncture the front wheel (thankfully giving me enough time to slow down!) bent the front left mudguard stay and put a 3 inch by 1 inch dent in the LH exhaust downpipe (We all know how thick that metal is on the downpipe!) Tony located the brake shoe which will be on show at Stafford!  Got hold of Malcolm and he returned to a site 50 yards from the incident where we changed the wheel and put a new tube in the old tyre (at hotel) which will only be used as a slow 'get you there'. Then rode into Fort William to Alexandra hotel. All single rooms which was very nice and good showers too! Food in the evening was Chinese and Indian (not both together!) Returned to hotel for drinks and live singer. A good fun evening had by all. (Is this the way to Amarillo...!!) Weather supposed to be wet tomorrow. Shaun |
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| 7. | 17-09-05 | RUN TO DURNESS | ||
| Saturday 17th Set of early at 8.00 in pouring rain as roads and conditions not likely to get any better. Conditions were atrocious - heavy rain and fairly windy which can catch you out on mountain roads. Stopped for tea in Ullapool next to an open fire which was one of those small mercies that you're so grateful for at times! Dave's speedo cable broken and he had a bit of difficulty starting the bike after tea in Ullapool. (Possible wet kill switch) It soon fired up and we set off for the last 100 miles to Durness - still very bad conditions and everyone was relieved to get there and freshen up. Most front brakes not very efficient at all in these conditions. 'Hotel' quaint, but I imagine it's pretty awful here most of the time. Probably not the best place to take your kettle!!! When we phoned the hotel for directions we were told its on the main (only!!) road through Durness, it's the one with the 'big wheel ootside'
Everyone still in good spirits considering the awful weather. Hope our gear dries out tonight! Shaun |
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| 8. | 18-09-05 | RUN TO DORNOCH | Dave Randall | |
| Sunday 18th. Left Durness for Durnoch at 9.00am - roads damp to start but soon dried out. Visibility good and the sun finally came out. Some tricky riding conditions en route - windy on coast roads. Great scenery. Stuart had problem with ignition switch although this was soon replaced and we continued towards John 'O' Groats.
Stopped there for tea and a bite to
eat (The Burger bar owner loved kettles and knew of one for sale so we
encouraged him to follow it up!) Had a fantastic run to Dornoch from John 'O'
Groats - fast with good roads, more great scenery (When we had time to look at
it!) Hotel very nice with single rooms. A great day. Kettles singing merrily! Shaun |
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| 9. | 19-09-05 | RUN TO ARBROATH | Jenny Norman | |
| Mon 19th September Left Trentham hotel Dornoch in very windy conditions expecting a tough ride. Weather slowly improved en route to Arbroath. Stuart's clutch cable broke and was replaced early into the ride. Dave's bike playing up somewhat. Reached 'Five Gables Guest house in Arbroath (converted golf clubhouse). Excellent family run hotel by Gary Grace and Ron Patterson. By far the best hotel accommodation we had the whole trip. TV/video and playstation (!) in each room and a selection of videos in the lounge to choose from.
Shaun E mail from Ron 27/09/05 |
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| 10. | 20-09-05 | RUN TO NEWCASTLE | Keith Rudd | |
| Tues 20th September Left Five Gables after taking photographs with the owners who were extremely hospitable and very nice people. Stuart had to change fuse en route. Crossed Tay Bridge and Forth Bridge where we took photographs of bikes with the rail bridge as a background.
Stopped in Dunbar for tea and shortly after setting off, Dave got a puncture in front wheel. Used tyre inflator/sealer and decided to change tube at Keith's. Route took us through Alnwick passing by Bamburgh Castle (very impressive) Met Keith Rudd on his very nice red 'A' model who escorted us into Newcastle to his mother's house where we garaged the bikes and changed Dave's inner tube.
Denise cooked a wonderful meal and after a few cans of beer Shaun
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| 11. | 21-09-05 | RUN TO SKEGNESS | ||
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Keith and Denise packed us off with a 24 pack of beer and
sandwiches, crisps and chocolate for the journey - what a couple eh?! Who
could ask for more? Weather better than expected and ride turned out to be
fast and fun in places but always wary of speed cameras now that we were back
into 'civilisation'.
No problems en route. A good day's ride. Met club member Kevin
Walbrin and son James for brief chat at the hotel. Managed to lose Geoff
(again) Some tension at the evening meal.
Shaun
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| 12. | 22-09-05 | RUN TO CLACTON | John Stacey | |
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Left Skegness for Clacton around 9.00 in fair weather. Loads of
speed cameras which spoilt our fun a bit. Again no major problems en route. We
began to feel that the winning post was in sight. Most riders hoping that
their machines would make it to Portslade with no further hiccups. A good ride
made in good time.
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| 13. | 23-09-05 | HOME TO PORTSLADE | Chris Roberts | |
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Left Clacton expecting rain which didn't happen until an hour
from Portslade. When we reached the Rye area, Dave, Mick and Stuart had a
little fun and games through the roads of Romney Marsh. Stopped in The
Bungalow cafe where we met another KC member and his wife who led us off for a
few miles. Managed to lose Geoff for most of the journey but regrouped outside
Brighton and rolled into Thwaites in Portslade in relatively dry conditions.
Most riders fairly tired after what was quite an achievement. Had a good fun
evening where we were met by Chris and Bridget Roberts and Ray and Mary
Pickett. Tony Norman's son was also present. Stuart Roberts treated us all to
champagne! Bed around 11.00 as most riders pretty tired. Everyone up for
breakfast at 8am where we reflected on the last two weeks. Dave, Geoff, Stuart
and Tony rode the last few miles home while Mick and Shaun vanned their bikes
home as they had long journeys still ahead of them.
From my own perspective..... a great achievement for the bikes
and riders (and Malcolm of course!) in some difficult riding conditions. On
the whole, a fantastic experience! Many many thanks to all of those
responsible for helping and sponsoring us.
Shaun
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| Jane's tale | ||||
| Malcolm (dats me dat is your friendly
webmaster) drove the support van and most of the time rarely saw the
riders at all during the day but I was not alone !! When I took the keys from
Mick on the first day for the van he introduced me to Jane. I soon got
used to Jane helping me find my way around as she has a very good knowledge
(although a bit out of date) of the routes to the hotels. In the morning I would
tell her the hotel address and she would work out the quickest route there and
give directions as we went. Now the boys all wanted to take the pretty and long
route so for most of the day Jane would be telling me off every time I didn't
take the correct exit at the round about or junction and then nag me for miles
telling me to turn around where possible, until she saw where I was going and
realised her 'mistake'. Well at least it was a conversation of sorts that broke
the day up. It seemed to be going well until only the second day when she thought she would teach me a lesson. My fault, she was just trying to get me around Barnstable using a shortcut she knew off. HA! I thought something was wrong when she turned me left off the A35 to some smaller A/B road and within a few hundred yards requested another left. Well this 'lane' was wide enough to enable me to brush both wing mirrors against 30 ft or so or well trimmed solid green stuff but just ahead I could see a T junction so continued. I did a right at her insistence into a just wider 'road' but now I know I am in trouble. There is no way I can reverse or U turn this big van in this alley so ever onward I go hoping and praying for a change in terrain and nothing coming the other way! It got narrower as wound onward and upward, I drove (very slowly!) through a little collection of houses , inches from the side of the track, young children were pointing open mouthed at me in the van asking their mothers what manner of beast is this!! At last without incident Jane informed me of a junction ahead, I'm saved I though, but no, this is where the punch line to her little prank became apparent. The 'junction' was a track running to the right and another to the left (for llamas mountain goats etc) and the same size alley as before straight ahead with one minor but important difference. On each side of the lane there stood a pole supporting a cross bar with the text MAX HEADROOM 6' 6" AHEAD. For those that don't know a Hi Top long wheel base Merc Sprinter van is about 8'0" after a ten point U turn I had to face the return run with both children and mothers nodding knowingly to each other. Didn't speak to Jane for following two days. For those that haven't guessed, 'Jane' is what both Mick and I call the female persona of a Tom Tom sat-nav system. They are BRILLIANT!! but you have to watch them. I accidentally exited a round about in Clacton an exit too early. Jane directed me off the dual carriageway with a 'turn left then right' instruction which took me straight into a cul-de -sac lined with cars and then she announces 'turn around where possible ' and laughed. There was no sound of laughter I admit, but I knew she did. You also have to watch yourself. You get into the habit when you're on a long unfamiliar twisty bit of A road of glancing at the screen to see ahead of what is actually visible, to see if its straightish or real bendy ahead or junction or road abouts etc. This is really cool but until I came up to a slow moving trucker and needed to overtake you need to be real carefull !! ook in the mirrors and at the screen to see if thats ok look past the truck for on coming stuff, ...not yet ook in the mirrors and at the screen to see if thats ok ook past the truck for on coming stuff, ....not yet ook in the mirrors and at the screen to see if thats ok ook past the truck for on coming stuff, ...not yet look in the mirrors and at the screen to see if thats ok for on coming stuff and road is oK... all OK overtake. Did you spot the mistake? I did as soon as I had done it, overtaking completely on satnav !! Not a good idea ! Gotta get me a Jane of my own. Malc |
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email - maudes@thekettleclub.org.uk |
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| Some of Geoff Arno's memories of the adventure ! | ||||
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This page updated 06 October 2005 |
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