Gaffers Gallop Re-Run

In October 1953 Triumph’s senior managers, Bob Fearon, Edward Turner, and Alec Masters rode three new 149cc Terrier machines from Lands End to John O’Groats to demonstrate the reliability of the new model.  It was a huge success with the three machines averaging 36.68mph on the road (no motorways in those days!) and an average fuel consumption of 108.6mpg over the ACU-observed distance of 1008 miles.  Positioning the previous day from Meriden the machines left Exeter’s Imperial Hotel on 6th October heading for Roche where the official timed run actually started.  From Roche to Lands End and then back to Exeter for an overnight, then northwards to John O’Groats and on to Wick to make the full 1008 ACU-observed miles over the next five days.

Paul Weston (Exeter Classic Bike Club) and Brett Baxter (proprietor of B & B Engineering, Torpoint) have dreamed up the idea of a 60th anniversary celebratory rerun using the original roads wherever possible.  So at 1140am on 6th October 2013 (the exact 60th anniversary) three riders, plus at least three more on other Terriers, will start from the Victoria Hotel, Roche.  The three will be Brett Baxter – a man who just loves the little Terrier, Mike Estall – VMCC Tiger Cub & Terrier Marque Specialist and author of the ‘Triumph Tiger Cub Bible’ and Jacqui Watson – who is a dedicated Terrier enthusiast and produces the quarterly ‘Cub Mag’ devoted to Tiger Cubs & Terriers.  These three, plus yet more riders on Terriers and Tiger Cubs, will ride from Roche to Lands End.  All will then go northwards as far as they wish or the whole way to John O’Groats.  If you ride a Terrier or Tiger Cub and would like to take part in this unique event, please contact Brett Baxter.

The purpose of the run is twofold. The first is purely for the fun of it and to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the original run but more than that, it is also to raise money for charity.  Any donations you would care to make will be gratefully accepted and equally distributed among the following;-

Prostate Cancer UK – A charity and research centre for men with this condition.
 The Primrose Centre – A national charity for breast cancer patients.
  The Rame Group Practice – To acquire a heart monitor for Torpoint’s medical practice.          
St. Giles Hospice, Whittington, Staffs. – Offering care and support for the terminally ill.

If you would like to make a donation to charity please make a cheque out to the ‘Gaffer’s Gallop Re Run’ and
send it to Brett Baxter, 35 Thanckes Drive, Torpoint, Cornwall, PL11 2JN, 01752 815443, 07798 853502,
email bbaxter2011@hotmail.co.uk.  Brett also has a PayPal account.

Payments can also be made direct to Lloyds TSB Plc, 57 Fore St, Torpoint, Cornwall PL11 2AB,
a/c ‘Gaffer’s Gallop Re Run’ – sort code 30 12 74 – account number 47898560,
Swiftcode LOYDGB21337, IBAN GB85LOYD30127447898560.

Why not see everyone off from the Victoria Hotel Roche at 1140 on 6th October or give them a cheer en route? 

Route and timing details are available from Jacqui Watson at 01888 544710, email gorgeousbikerchick@aultan.com
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