The Perkiomen News
The Perkiomen Chapter – Antique Motorcycle Club of America
January 2006
Here’s wishing all our Perkiomen Chapter members a happy and prosperous New Year. And may we all enjoy our old motorcycles and friendships in the hobby. I apologize for not having a newsletter ready as scheduled in December but there was simply not enough material to put anything out. I’d rather miss an issue than give you boilerplate.
I’d like to remind everyone that we are a club and the club is only as great as the effort put forth by all the members, not just a few. As Barry Algeo is now our esteemed director, I’m sure he would echo my thoughts, and would appreciate your input and assistance in keeping the Perkiomen Chapter one of the best chapters in the Antique Motorcycle Club of America. Our annual visitors during the national meet all tell me the Perkiomen National is the best show of the circuit because they feel welcome.
I would like to have the newsletter available over the internet as the whole thing is much better in color, but I don’t have a program to reduce the storage size of the photos. It would take forever to download and send the document. Until I get that resolved, you will only be able to receive your newsletter via “snail mail”. So until technology catches me….
Chapter Meeting – January 29 – Boyertown Planing Mill. See page 8.
Condolences
Early November, Rocky and Joan Burkhart lost their daughter from a sudden illness. The Chapter wishes to extend our sincerest sympathy to them in this time.
2005 Turkey Pro National
Albert Hartman
Motorcyclists in southeastern Pennsylvania have had more than turkey and pumpkin pie to look forward to in the past 20 Thanksgiving holidays. Thanks to Bob “Snuffy” Smith, the Turkey Pro National has continued to bring riders out for the annual celebration.
One rainy cold Sunday morning, some years back, I rode my old Triumph to Snuffy’s house for my first try at the Turkey Pro trophy. I lacked the skill and equipment to take the trophy home but enjoyed the friendship of other bikers and the ride to Coatesville and West Chester to view Dick Miles’ and Jack Denton’s fine collections of motor bikes. The rally then moved to Frames Trucking, hosted by the late Dave Temple, and then on to Doc Patt’s shop in 2004.
Snuffy and I attend the Triumph rally at the White Rose Motorcycle Club, usually camping next to each other. This past June, Snuffy and I were trading motorcycle stories (fish tales, ed.) when the conversation turned to the annual Turkey Pro National and the need to find a host for the 2005 event. It only seemed natural that it was time for me to step up to the plate and give it a try.
The gathering crowd at Al’s home. Not old, but certainly very unusual.
My home is near Kutztown and sits on about an acre of land with a nice little workshop that houses my modest collection of mostly English motorcycles from the postwar era, to the late 1960’s. The back yard is gently sloped to provide additional challenge for the Turkey Pro slow race. The greatest feature is the lack of neighbors that could become concerned with 100 motorcycles in their neighborhood on a Sunday morning.
By the event morning, the one inch of Thanksgiving snowfall had melted away to an expected 50°F partly cloudy day. A wood fire was in the works to warm the riders. Coffee was brewing and 10 dozen hotdogs were cooking on the Coleman camping stove.
We estimated about 80 to 100 riders would arrive starting near 11:00 am. However around 9 am, the first rider arrived to start what seemed like an endless stream of motorcycles for the next few hours. Estimated attendance exceeded 150 enthusiasts. In rode Vincents, BMW’s, Ducatis, Harleys, Triumph, Nortons, various Japanese bikes and a very sweet Ariel. Several Perkiomen Chapter members were also in attendance.
Everyone enjoyed the games. Not a bike trailer in sight !
Snuffy set up the Turkey Pro race which had about 21 entrants. About half were stumped by the course though the winner was victorious by only seconds. As soon as the trophy was awarded, the spectators began saying their goodbyes and fired up their mounts for the trip home.
Next June, Snuffy and I will camp at the Triumph rally once more and decide if we will have the rally at my shop again. My vote will be to do an encore as many folks expressed their gratitude and confirmed that they had a great time. So next year, if you don’t have too many leaves to rake (Judy), try to end your fall riding season at this truly great motorcycle event.
You can see many event photos and history on the web at www.turkeypronational.com.
Heroine to an Airhead
A recent BMW Owners News related a story to its membership about member Garry Nelson who resurrected his 1978 BMW R100RS from a 14 year period of slumber. Garry was riding on Route 30 near Coatesville, on his way back to Pittsburgh, when one of the head gaskets started to fail on his air-cooled twin. The leaking gasket became more problematic so he began to make plans to head towards Jessup, Maryland where a BMW dealer he contacted had spares and was awaiting him. As bad luck was following him, the gasket really gave way near Hanover. He was probably muttering something that wasn’t too complimentary to his Teutonic ride. But bad luck turned to good luck as he broke down next to a multi-brand motorcycle dealership and was quickly given cover for his motorcycle, and had his parts overnighted to the “metric” shop. The next morning as he was preparing his bike for the repair work, he noticed a sharp looking Buell pull into the shop. The Harley-engined sport bike belonged to Perkiomen Chapter member, Judy Winters who worked at this shop. Judy offered to loan her tools and clear her bike lift so Garry could work on his motorcycle in the comfort of an air conditioned shop. He noticed that Judy’s lift was in the middle of a job so he politely declined and worked on his bike outside, completing the gasket exchange and valve cover stud replacement in 2 hours.
These actions of one motorcyclist to another bespeak of the strength of our hobby, whether one rides a modern bike or an antique, whether they ride a Harley, or a Suzuki, or
in this case, a BMW. Judy’s kindness will probably never be forgotten by this lucky rider. If I ever have a breakdown on the road, I only hope that I meet someone as genuinely nice as Judy to help me in my plight.
More Misguided Adventures of Kenny & The Squirrel
In the last issue the Perkiomen News, I began the story of Ken and my “epic” tour of England and Ireland. We were looking forward to another grand vacation with our friends in the UK. Where I left off, Ken had just kissed the Blarney Stone biker style. At the time, I wasn’t aware that he would remain behind in the hospital for 3 full weeks. His unfortunate accident brought out the goodness in our motorcycling friends in the Irish Rally. Everyone was concerned and many made plans to visit him in the hospital which was very much out of the way for these visitors in the rally. I told Ken that he had many friends over there which means that both of us will continue to return to the Emerald Isle. The people are as lovely as the countryside we have grown to appreciate more with each trip.
I felt a little guilty but I took some photos of Ken’s poor Norton. There was nothing I could do for him and he was in good hands in the hospital, so the Irish Rally continued on. He wasn’t the last to have a minor mishap. Another rider on a Triumph did the identical stunt as Ken but instead of landing in the rocks, this fellow landed in muck narrowly missing some trees. He was able to get his bike pulled out and he was back on the road abet slightly covered in mud. Then there was Dick Quick who managed two accidents. Dick is a portly bearded guy who looks like he hasn’t seen a bath in two decades. Dick was riding a 1928 AJS Big Port 350 when he smacked into the bonnet of a car. Taken to the hospital, he got himself discharged lest the hospital staff steam clean him of his accumulated grime.
Riding along with Trevor towards Priest’s Leap, we traveled up into the high mountains along a narrow paved road. Usually, the only things you see up here are sheep and more sheep. Along the way, the BSA couldn’t quite manage the long grade with 2 people on board. That’s when it’s good to have at least one person in reasonable physical condition to jump and push the Beeser along. That part wasn’t bad. It was the jaunt back up the hill that’s the killer. I was glad the chase truck happened along and got a lift to the top of the mountain.
At the summit of Priest’s Leap in Trevor’s BSA. In the barren highlands, you can see forever.
Driving the BSA is a real trip…and a scary one. Its throttle is either on or off, so you have to keep your momentum going around corners to maintain speed. With two people, the passenger can act as the “monkey” and shift his weight to keep the front wheels in contact with the road. On left hand turns, I would hand out of the cockpit for all it was worth. On right handers, I was just about in Trevor’s lap. When I was given a chance to drive the BSA, I quickly learned to give credit to Trevor’s ability. Unless you keep on the gas, the rig would wiggle down the road. This was most alarming. I wanted to keep the speeds down so I could recover from my constant mistakes, but the only way to smoothness was with power. I had visions of me cartwheeling the green BSA over the stone fence rows.
On the Thursday of our rally, we were driving through Ballaghbeama, another very high mountain pass. You enter the range on a ribbon of roads winding through a treeless valley, then into the pass where the road is surrounded by craggy mountains. It was here that the BSA door popped open. A minute down the road, I realized my new digital camera fell out so we stopped for me to try to find it. Along came Dave Bickers, former 1960’s British motocross champion, with my camera in hand. He told me I owed him a fiver. That was a heck of an introduction.
The final day of the rally took us up to Healey Pass, the highest point in Ireland. I thought for sure I would have to get out and push again, or find another ride to the top. But Trevor was keen on making his rig up without hesitation. He wrapped the BSA through corner after corner, and it never complained. The road was smooth and allowed the 3-wheeler to keep up the power. Our old friend Pip Billings had his ashes placed in the corner just before the peak. As the BSA couldn’t stop and restart on the hill, we just waved to Pip on the way past. We crested the hill and took a break at the top along with many other rallyists.
A Velocette rider taking a break at the crest of Ballaghbeama. The Ring of Beara.
Following lunch, we prepared to wrap up the day driving through the Ring of Beara. Ring roads are loops that circumnavigate peninsulas. The roads are craggy and desolate. But they are also extremely beautiful. While I was the official “naviguessor” on board the good ship BSA, I managed to get us off course in the Ring of Beara. Finally I got us back on track but we managed a few extra miles. We were going through one little village when a car suddenly came around a corner taking our planned line of attack. Trevor jerked the BSA left, then suddenly right to miss the car. As we made the last maneuver, the BSA’s left front wheel was airborne
over a large gapping hole in the verge. I instinctively yelped which gave Trevor a good laugh. I thought we were going to eat it but he knew exactly what he was doing. Thank God because I didn’t carry any spare underwear. Now all I had to do was get my butt back to Cambridge which I managed through a series of rides. Didn’t have to hitch hike once!
Perkiomen 2006 National Meet
Our national meet will be upon on us very soon. Scheduled for Friday through Sunday, on April 28 – 30, 2006. We essentially had a financial flop with our Japanese theme, however we didn’t lose our shirts (or did we?). Our planning was good, and the artwork on the shirts was some of our best. But weather was against us. When vendors were pulling out early on Saturday because of the rain, I knew we had troubles.
This year, we are going back to our roots and will feature Harley-Davidson Knuckleheads as the theme motorcycle. Knuckleheads were first introduced in 1936, and spanned until 1947 which is a remarkable run for any model motorcycle. It was also responsible for the introduction of high performance engines into the mainstream motorcycling public, with an engine that just plain ripped. While Indian soldiered on with their sidevalve technology, Harley paved the way for the modern overhead valve engine.
The work on the meet has already begun. Barry is reviewing the flea market and needed upgrades. He has also initiated an internet address for vendors and information regarding the meet, oleyfleamarket@comcast.net. The national meet notice is out and I’m currently working on shirt designs and cloissone pins. If any member has favorite ideas for these items, please contact me. The Motorcycle Corral will return, headed up by John Hornsey, and Jim Margrave will host the road run. Will the Knuckleheads keep up with the green Beemer??
Perkiomen Shirt Contribution
Our excess shirts and sweaters from the 2005 Perkiomen National have been donated to victims of the Katrina hurricane disaster. Patty Margrave located a church group driving down to the disaster area to personally hand out the clothing to needy people. This was the best way of donating the goods and making sure the shirts weren’t just dumped into a warehouse and forgotten. Patty told me they remarked at how sharp the shirts were. I guess they were expecting some Wal-Mart junk.
Perkiomen Christmas Banquet
The Perkiomen Chapter Christmas Banquet went off to a full house at the Oley Banquet Hall, our unofficial home. I don’t about you, but I had a great time. I met up with our friends for a good meal and even had a little entertainment. Bridget Hughes and her friends performed live for the very first time, a song and dance routine. The girls handed out CD’s of their music to our membership, and then helped out by passing out the many Christmas gifts. This had to have been a welcome break for the
ladies in our club who usually get stuck doing this work. This time, they got to enjoy the banquet festivities.
Santa’s little helpers. Leon Blackman accepting his recognition award.
During the banquet, Barry Algeo presented Leon Blackman with a plaque, recognizing his contributions and dedication to the Chapter during his many years of leadership. The Chapter also presented Leon a gift certificate to his favorite shop, The Tractor Store, in further appreciation of his work. This club would not be in the position it now holds within the AMCA national without Leon’s tireless efforts. He was at the helm some 11 or 12 years.
How can you remain so humble with these accolades? Bill Walker just before departing for Aruba.
Autojumble
Wanted: 1975-1976 Triumph T-160 Triple. John Hornsey. (610)827-7790. jhtrident3@verizon.net
Things To Do
January 29, 2006. Sunday. Perkiomen Chapter Meeting. Boyertown Planing Mill, 200 S. Franklin St., Boyertown. 11 AM.
Mr. Peabody’s Way Back Machine
1985 Sunshine Chapter National, based at the Howard Johnson’s outside of Orlando. Going into my old AMCA magazines, I could find neither a National Meet notice nor a meet report in the magazines. Pity, but at that time this chapter was falling apart from lack of cooperation between members. The photo on the left is Danny McGill’s highly original 1914 Sears. This bike was found in Colorado, I believe, and had been in a glass case. Makes my Sears look rather tatty. On the right is our own Mort Wood riding around the parking lot on his 1924 Henderson Deluxe.
As we are featuring Knuckleheads this year, I thought I would throw in these two examples from the same Florida meet. On the left is the 1936 Flying Cloud, an original paint bike that was “modified” when new. On the right side of the page is what I believe a 1941 Knucklehead but the tool box should be mounted high.
That’s All Folks
The Guys In Charge
Barry Algeo…..……….Director 610-948-4553
Jim Margrave.………...Vice-Director 610-693-6479
Barb Algeo…..………..Secretary 610-948-4553
William Walker……….Treasurer 610-287-2058
Robert Winters………...National Deputy Judge 717-792-6190
Douglas Strange……….Newsletter Editor and still Go-fer
48 Crystal Cave Road
Kutztown, PA 19530
(610)683-5855
AMCAdoug@aol.com