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Theres a Britain out there that you never knew existed. A Britain of
back roads and byways. A Britain a 1953 motorcyclist would still recognise.
A Britain where real ale is still served from micro breweries to accompany
real food that has'nt seen a sell by date or a roll of cling film.
A Britain where the Gaffers from the old Triumph motorcycle factory
would feel at home in.
What they would'nt recognise is the new generation of Triumph motorcycle
. Up from 12 to over 100 bhp yet still capable of following the meandering
lanes of the Kingdom.
And so this journey will be recreated for the benefit of a worthy charity.
Please
feel free to donate to Cancer Research
Original
Story first printed in Motorcycling Magazine
15 Oct 1953
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The History Of The Gallop
The very first and to date only “Gaffers Gallop” took place
in 1953. Moments into that Gallop it appeared that the three famous riders
had literally disappeared in a “puff of smoke”, an impression
easily created when rounding a corner to find the road liberally coated
with liquid fertiliser.
Edward Turner, Triumph’s “Gaffer” was not a man to let
minor or indeed major matters get in his way. He was bound for John O
Groats on a motorcycle designed by him from a factory run by him. A rare
colour cine film records the event, as Turner, his Works Director and
his Service Manager head north, followed by a support vehichle, oil company
executive and ACU observer. Even in those days of “innocence”
, business was business and Turner did not steal himself away from his
desk, to which he was hopelessly devoted, just to have a good time. That
a good time was had was undoubtedly a bonus but he had a point to prove
about the reliability of his smallest motorcycle and he duly proved it.
Turner’s 149cc motorcycle covered 1008 miles in 27 hours and 29
minutes at an average speed of 36.68 mph and returned 108 mpg whilst carrying
a rider of 14 stones and 3 pounds. In 2007, Nigel Winter travelling on
a 900 cc Triumph will certainly revisit every statistic.
 Turners
route went from Lands End to John O Groats via Exeter, Honiton, Shepton
Mallet, Bath, Cirencester, Stow On The Wold, Liecester, Doncaster, Scotch
Corner,
Penrith, Carlisle, Lanark, Stirling, Perth, Pitlochry, Kinguisse and John
O Groats.
The country today looks very different both topographically and economically.
But there is one great constant: Triumph Motorcycles.
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Join UKBiker for £25 and we'll donate £15 to Cancer Research
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