The reason Leadmines MCC was founded was to give guys a chance to compete on the machines of yesterday. Traditional trials had become increasingly difficult in recent years and this spelt the end of classics in modern trials. LMMCC hopes to offer riders of classics of all ages the chance to ride on courses well suited to their bikes. By greatly reducing the risk of damaging both man and machine, we hope to see the classic trials scene grow. Already we are seeing many bikes being pulled out of sheds to be ridden or restored! The club plans to cater of classics of all ages and one machine that isnt for the faint hearted is 'the rigid'! These machines make a Pre65 feel like a Gas Gas Pro with their solid rear suspension and heavyweight components but its a class we would love to see grow.
Two local men that are leading the rigid revival are Griffiths brothers Ricky and John. The Whitespots men grew up with the Leadmines as their back garden and whatever has been leaking into their drinking water over the years has made them the right men for the job!
Ricky (pictured top left) has been riding his beloved 500 T Norton in the pre 65 Scottish for the last 5 years and always finishes the difficult 2 day trial. Out of the 180 starters in the international event there are only usually 8 rigid machines. Most of these are lightweight 2 strokes proving that only the brave can handle the big bore 4 strokes. The roar of the big single and the big man fighting with the bars is a wonderful sight- watch out for him this season as he looks for honors in the Pre 65 class.
John was drafted into the team when father, Adrian, decided to go even older and build a 1937 250 OK Supreme. The 250 J.A.P engine hangs in a rigid frame which sports girder front forks and a hand gear shift. Girder forks mean even less suspension movement with little over an inch at the front end! Something to think about when the top right photo shows John wrestle the OK up Scotlands famous rocky 'Pipeline' section. Johns bike was by far the oldest machine in the event and indeed the only girder-rigid. Such was his popularity with the crowds, he even made the cover of Trials and Motocross News!
Dont expect to see the boys in modern riding gear either. 'If you're gonna ride classic you gotta look classic too!' is the philosophy and I must say, I have to agree with them! Wax cotton jackets, 'pudding bowl' helmets and a checked shirt are a rigid riders only style. The brothers hope to do battle with each other this season in LMMCC events. If you are thinking of building or buying a classic bike why not help boost numbers and give the Rigids a go? But remember....only if your man enough!
