Roadholder 370 - October 2018

14 became (and were) just a fantasy. That said, only about five years ago, I decided to treat the bike to some new TT100's and although the old tyres looked fine, the Dunlop rep pronounced the front to one be of 1974 vintage! He explained the difference between the tyres coming off and those going on was that those coming off were 90% rubber, 10% silicone, the new ones were 90% Silicone, 10% rubber! How technology moves on. So that could explain how Minter got away? Well that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it! The other bike which I took for a thrash round is a 1988 Honda NC24 VFR400 which, of course, is a totally different beast to ride but nonetheless a hoot around Mallory. I'm pleased to say that both bikes went well and I look forward hopefully to next years event, which I would recommend to other members. Andy's Entry Description: ANDY MURDEN; SATURDAY PR5 EVENT 1975 John Player Norton road going look- alike of the famous racers of that era. This is one of only 200 that the factory made which Andy has owned since 1982. Many mods have been done to make it quicker courtesy of Pete Lovell Developments, including increasing capacity to 920, gas-flowed head, smooth-bored carbs, re-baffled exhaust and a Norvil disk to make it stop a bit better! Back in the early 1,000 bikes days, Andy was puzzled to be waved into the race paddock from his last road going session. Puzzlement turned to absolute delight when he was told that he was out in the first race session as the race J.P.N. entered had broken. To be out on track with Derek Minter, Bill Smith and all the stars of the day was absolutely priceless! The bike’s not run for a good while so Andy hopes it goes well today. as I have put in my notes to the commentator, include a special occasion when one year, I got to go out with the stars of the day as Norman White's 1972 works race bike was broken. I recall Derek Minter passing me into Gerrards and I thought "I know, I'll follow him!" How he weaved his way round other riders on that bend was just magic to witness and of course my aspirations of tagging on to him