Brian Bamford

'Tis Done - Thank you all.

Monday 20th May 2024

It was quite a thrill to ride not only with so many like-minded gentlefolk on Sunday but also with two other generations of Bamford Boys on Bikes.  On the day my son Joseph piloted the 650 'Chennai Charger' with his son Jamie as passenger, whilst I rode on the 350 'Redditch Rattler'; all suitably attired, of course. 

Now here's a sobering thought: there were 126 years of Bamford Boys riding 77 years of bikes!

There were over 150 riders setting off from Margate pier in fine weather which improved as the day went on.  It's always a buzz to ride in a large group but the added bonus of doing so in support of such a good cause made it especially so.  Of course the good weather also meant that the route was well lined with enthusiastic spectators waving, cheering and generally disapperaring in clouds of oily smoke and complaining of the noise as we all rumbled past - what a hoot.

Due to the tremendous generosity of you all the Margate Ride raised over £12,000 in all and my own contribution exceeded my personal target.  Thank you all for getting behind the cause in general and me in particular.

I now have 12 months to really get to grips with the remaining oil leaks!

Once again, thank you.

Four Days to Go

Thursday 16th May 2024

Still working on the 'Redditch Rattler' in the hope of using it on DGR'24 from Margate. Hopes of a further road test were dampened by a full day of rain following a weekend of glorious sunshine (typical); but no matter - dry today and off for a 20 mile test run at high speed. Remember it's an old 350cc so when I say 'high speed' I really mean about 50. On a straight I saw 70 but only for a moment. Didn't miss a beat (well only a few) but when I got home the engine was smothered in oil. Traced this to a 'finger tight' oil feed pipe to the rockers. Took it off, cleaned it, changed all the washers and tightened it all up again. Much better now - but not perfect yet so I'm still not decided which machine to use. At least I've got my togs sorted!

Getting Closer

Friday 10th May 2024

The insurance is in place; fully comprehensive, unlimited mileage courtesy of the good offices of the Vintage Motorcycle Club.  Of course I had to become their newest member.

The subsequent road test revealed a ton of oil being thrown all over the back end of the bike, a clutch harder to pull than Nora Batty and a gear change as smooth as Desperate Dan's chin.  After much sweat, time and spanner wrestling I found that the chain had been over lubricated and just needed a good clean, the clutch needed adjustment and the gear lever moved around a couple of notches on the spline.  It takes just moments to write but it took all afternoon to find and fix.

The 'Rattler's looking lots better now and I'll try a more extensive road test over the weekend (I'll take plenty of tools with me - just in case).

The Old Bullet

Saturday 4th May 2024

I've been spending a bit of time in the shed of late working on the G2 Bullet and trying to get it ready in time for the DGR.  Still a few niggles to sort but I reckon we're about there.  It's very different working on a 'classic' especially one as old as this bullet, in fact it's more of a Musket Ball than a Bullet!

Pictured alongside the 'Chennai Charger' the 'Redditch Rattler' is looking pretty good but I need to get insurance sorted before I can peform a proper road test.  Fingers crossed.

Ancient Stable-mate

Tuesday 30th Apr 2024

Having got the Chennai Charger ready to go (still to decide where to apply stickers) Ive turned my attention to a more recent acquisition, an early G2 350 RE Bullet.  Still got quite a bit to do so I'm not sure whether I'll have finished before the date of the DGR but if I have I may risk using the 'Redditch Rattler' as my mount on the day.

Ride Companion

Saturday 27th Apr 2024

I've fitted a small Indian god onto the radiator guard on the front of the Chennai Charger.  This is as close a representation I could find of the Hindu god of travel, transport and roads; known by the name of Pushan.

Without being at all disrespectful to other faiths I couldn't help but smile at the name: "run out of fuel on an Enfield, you'll have to Push an Enfield"

I'm sure having such a deity with me on the ride will ensure I complete the Distinguished Gentlemen's Ride from Margate.

Stickers

Thursday 18th Apr 2024

The sticker sheet has arrived.

I'll put the Movember 'tache on the headlight but as for the rest, who knows.

I'll give it some thought and show you when I'm done - but I think last year's set was better with it's bolder colours.

Here we go again

Wednesday 10th Apr 2024

Registered for this year's ride but on this ocassion with the Distinguished Gentlemen of Margate; and why not?

The DGR always gives me a reminder to service the 'Chennai Charger' and so I've sent off for the requisite bits and pieces.  All on line this time as my local bike shop has closed following proprieter Pete's retirement.

I've done a bit more to the bike in recent weeks so it looks a little different from last year. It's still an Interceptor but just a bit more personalised.  More pics in due course.

I'm Riding for Men's Health in The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride

Wednesday 27th Mar 2024 On Sunday the 19th of May 2024, I'm riding in The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride with fellow men and women across the globe to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer and men's mental health on behalf of Movember. Men die on average 6 years earlier than women and for largely preventable reasons. The number of men that are suffering is growing, and we need to do something about that. So, before I press my tweed and polish my boots, I'm asking you to join me in raising funds and awareness for these causes by donating what you can for this meaningful cause and to help the men we love, live happier and healthier lives.