ISDT 1961 – Wales

Page under construction always

Introduction

36th 1961 ISDT located again, 2nd to 7th October 1961 at Llandrindod Wells, A fine Italian Team won the Trophy whilst Czechoslovakia took the Vase, these were days before 1981 when the Event was renamed Six Days Enduro, sadly the ‘cold war’ situation meant East Germany (DDR) were not to participate here.

Image – scanned cover of Official Programme ISDT 1961 (Courtesy Kershaw Collection)

Thanks to South Wales ISDT veteran and life long Welsh Enduro supporter Bill Kershaw for providing his original copy of the programme enabling us to make and save high resolution copies for future use and archives of Speedtracktales. You can access the electronic version of the programme via this article on the site blog

Here we go, thanks to ‘Volker Gehring’ who copied the entire Programme of the event. His father rode as a Works Zundapp rider on a 75cc machine to emerge with a Gold Medal. Please note we now have the Pathe News Cine film of this year (Now on CV, it is only a few minutes with Commentary) [If Volker Gehring cares to come in by email or Guest book I will gladly make a copy for him, his Father may be in it or not but at least that ISDT is there. The 1938 ISDT Pathe News short stretch is also here on CD, plus the 1938 MG Midget Speed record attempt at Pendine]. Now, “STB” and a friend, Harro Esmarch, who was with Castrol as a Rep at some of the Mid European Eastern bloc events, plus became a fine Journalist with some superb Pics. He has allowed us to show these, we shall have to use the programme from Volker to identify riders & machines!!

[Any other help? please send along. THANKS. still working on this page at present!!!!]

‘On the map’

Our on-going project is to map all of the original ISDT routes as accurately as we can using Google mapengine and Google Earth details of the project for this event can be checked here

Maps we have from the 1961 Official programme

image – scanned map of routes for days 1, 2 and 3 of ISDT 1961 (Speedtracktales Archive)

image – scanned map of routes for days 4, 5 and 6 of ISDT 1961 (Speedtracktales Archive)

We also have two maps of the courses from a ‘Motor Cycling‘ magazine pre report of the 28th September

Image of Scanned map from ‘Motor Cycling‘ showing Day 1 – 3 route of ISDT 1961

Image of Scanned map from ‘Motor Cycling‘ showing Day 3 – 6 route of ISDT 1961

Other Images and features

Photo of #158 Wilf Parker and his Greeves. ISDT 1961

photo - #195 Monty Banks [506 CXM] Greeves Works team at ISDT 1961

photo – #195 Monty Banks [906 CXM] Greeves Works team at ISDT 1961

Monty was riding on the Sunbeam MCC ‘A’ Team. He was not a works rider but was supported by the factory. The programme for 1961 does not indicate that Greeves entered an official manufacturers team.

Photo of young Swansea rider #182 Peter Atkinson on a self entered Second hand purchased Greeves, took a Gold Medal in ISDT 1961

A young tall highly talented lad from Swansea Peter Atkinson too came in on a self entered Second hand purchased Greeves, to take a Gold Medal, later, Peter was to become a top Scrambles competitor, 1961 ISDT his #182 number on the programme was flanked by Suomen Konehike Jawa 250 ridden by Finland’s P Karha who was entered in Finland’s Silver Vase Team plus Works Jawa Team from Finland & #183 entered By Czechoslovakia’s Dukla Praha, ridden for them by K Pecha, another 250 Jawa. young Atkinson was in strong company.

[We are still awaiting input from the Cardiganshire boys, but there again Cardi’s can not part with anything without anaesthetic!.]

Photo of #218 199 Tiumph British Rider I B Croker, #228 is British Norman rider M A L White in ISDT 1961

Near the Lake & Boathouse at Llandrindod Wells patiently wait #218 199 Tiumph British Rider I B Croker, #228 is British Norman rider M A L White, (not an ideal place to stand when the announcements start!) with big thanks to Dave Martin , from his collection.

Photo – Weigh-in Scrutineering at ISDT 1961 (Courtesy Kershaw Family Collection)

This photo of a very attractive lady is in fact not a rider but the assistant scrutineer at weigh-in at the start of the ISDT. The photo comes from a family photo album of Bill Kershaw as the lady just happens to be his wife. Clearly a favourite with the cameras here is another appearance , this time in the pages of ‘Das Motorrad‘

Photo – Dieses britische Marschall – Mädchen war nicht nur nett anzusehen – es war auch im wahrsten Sinne des Wortes “auf Draht” (mit dem sie nämlich bei der Plombierung heftig tätig war) ISDT 1961 (Speedtracktales Archive)

Image of scanned poster for ISDT 1961

Welsh Teams

Although the MCC of Wales did not enter a team this year two club teams took part,

Newport & Gwent MC

#221 L J Lawrence
#184 A G Evans
#186 W H Kershaw

Rhayader MC & LCC

#247 J E Lewis
#253 W B Mills
#285 J A Bate

Photo of #34 Peter Atkinson jumping his Square Barrel Villiers

See Below Peter Atkinson’s pre Square Barrel Villiers motor Scrambles progress, I seem to recall this as the top of the Hill in Clydach!!! please correct me if I’m wrong !

Image of scanned list of Trophy team entrants IDST 1961

Photo of the W German Zundapp team #14 Kramer #17 Gehring #5 Sengfelder in ISDT 1961

Thankfully, Volker Gehring of Germany, kindly contacted us to advise that his father rode this Zundapp 75cc to a Gold Medal in 1961 ISDT and provided us with wonderful images, this here is at the Llandrindod Wells Lake Boathouse, not far from the Parc Ferme showing the Team of #5 Sengfelder on the 50cc machine, #14 Kramer on a 75cm machine and V Gehring’s father #17 on another 75 cc machine. They were managed by G Weiß who can be seen holding the paper, Volker is copying the Official programme so we can enlarge on this section shortly. (Any spelling mistakes to be corrected shortly!)

Photo of German Trophy Team riders from the left Schmider, Specht, Hessler, Nachtmann, Dotterwich with Bikes #91 and #286 BMW at ISDT 1961

Thanks again to Volker Gehring who has helped immensely. More images of the event from a German prospective can be seen in this blog featuring the images from the report of the event that appeared in ‘Das Motorrad’

Photo – Daneben werden gerade Sengfelder und Volker Kramer mit ihren 50er Zündapp-Maschinen zur Bergprüfung des zweiten Tages gestartet (neue Startmethode – ohne Sekunden-Zähler!) ISDT 1961 (Speedtracktales Archive)

Photo of German ‘Team SERVICE’ Car entering Builth Wells in ISDT 1961

Image of scanned copy of Silver Vase Teams in ISDE 1961

Lloyd Lingelbach kindly took the trouble to help us enlarge this web section, Many thanks from all to Lloyd:
From Lloyd Lingelbach:- I was a member of the first American ISDT club team in 1961. Jim Brunson 246cc Greeves, Bud Ekins 650cc Triumph and me Lloyd Lingelbach 246cc Greeves. I hurt my arm and could not start on Wednesday. I was on Gold at the time of my accident. Jim and Bud both got lost on Thursday and got silver medals. Just look down at the Club List & there that team is named & listed.

Photo of riders leaving the start line in ISDT 1961

[Ed – This photo marks the start of the page competition … in how many photos can you spot the VW Van?]

Photo of Start line of ISDT 1961

That VW Camper van in a different background again

Photo of ISDT 1961 start finish area amongst housing estate

Where is this then? is it near the same start & finish entry area as above? Arthur Williams & Alan Rogers plus Andrew Mills point out it is the same area as above from a different angle. Same Volkswagen Camper van though, a shame my feeble eyes did not spot it earlier, THANKS FELLERS.

Image of scanned list of Manufacturers teams in ISDT 1961

Photo of #17 W. Gehring pinning his little Zundapp on the Main road towards Ystradfellte in ISDT 1961

Just above the picture shows Volker’s Father W. Gehring listed in the Zundapp B West Germany Team then, Great pictures of V. Gehring’s father at speed on the little Zundapp machine, thought to be on the stretch which comes out on the main road on the run towards Crai Reservoir from Ystradfellte.

Photo of Castrol’s service vehicle supporting many of the teams entered in ISDT 1961

Harro Esmarch as Castrol Rep was welcome here.

Photo - Sebastian Nachtmann winner of the ISDT 1961 ( Courtesy Metzeler Tyres)

Photo – #278 Sebastian Nachtmann winner of the ISDT 1961 (courtesy Metzeler Tyres)

Photo of #86 is Dutch rider F Broersma on a 175 CZ & #295 Briton G Collins on a 650 BSA in ISDT 1961

Regular advisor A Williams tells us he was a Rhondda Valley Baker, but one heckuva man on a bike! [Ed not sure if this image has had the crazy Photoshop kid has been trying to fix image damage in lower RH Corner]

Photo of a throng of riders and bikes ready to leave! ISDT 1961

Photo of the Shell Service vehicle and a rider at ISDT 1961

Photo of #47 F. Darebny 125 CZ , Czechoslovakia Vase B Team between Dolwen and Llandrindod Wells on the Friday, leading Holland’s #124 Fritz Selling 250 Greeves in ISDT 1961.

Photo of British rider #190 E B Eddie Crooks a superb road racer, here on a 250 JAWA.

Moto Guzzi 250 Lodola Regolarita & Carissoni - 1961 ISDT

Photo of #148 P Carissoni Moto Guzzi 250 Lodola Regolarita with un-numbered Triumph [382 ALR] – 1961 ISDT

[Thanks to Volker Gehring’s efferts copying the programme for us we can identify him!!]

Photo of #199 S N Lawrence of Britain on 199cc Triumph Tiger Cub! riding through a sunken road, behind him may be star moto crosser Rolf Tibblin of Sweden on a Husqvarna in ISDT 1961

Photo of rider Miss J Savage in ISDT 1961

[I think it is a determined young lady, at this stage cannot identify, it looks to be Miss J Savage, can anyone confirm?.]
It is always worth asking, now Fiona McBeath came into our Guest Book advising us that it is Miss Savage. Fiona in later years became her daughter & that young lady on her Cotton, presently still has that same Helmet, & with some renewed limb joints is currently a very active Secretary of the Association of Pioneer Motorcyclists. A delight to all to learn of. My thanks to Fiona McBeath.

Photo of one Brit. badly in need of a front mudguard for his BSA.in ISDT 1961

Photo of a large group of motorcycles in a car park in ISDT 1981

This may well be the Car Park of the Hotel in Centre of Llandovery with the Black & White structure the Car dealer building which still looks like that too!.

Photo of #17 W. Gehring with his helmet removed in ISDT 1961

Photo of Trophy Rider #91 Lorenz Specht talking to Zundapp boss Neumann with Lady Elisabeth Mann & Team Manager G Weiß in the conversation too. ISDT 1961

Photo of #10 with the Dark red & white Swiss helmet, D Steiner on a 49cc Kreidler in ISDT 1961

Photo of Cpl. G. L. Coppuck of Army MCA spectacularly comes off his 200cc WD Triumph during a Tuesday Test in ISDT 1961

Photo of #211 Mrs Mary Driver on Slocombe’s entered 250 BSA in ISDT 1961

Photo of Zundapp Team Rider #17 W Gehring on unsurfaced track in ISDT 1961

This has been traced to the part currently turned off main route over Glynneath to Crai Zundapp Team Rider W Gehring, father of contributor Volker Gehring.

Photo of Miss J Savage on her Cotton in the British CSMA team in ISDT 1961

Look closely, another prev. unkown of pic of Miss J Savage on her Cotton in the British CSMA team, the programme lists her to have been down to ride a 250 Greeves though..

photo – #222 Jill Savage 250 Cotton ISDT 1961 (courtesy Deryck Wylde Collection)

The above images were made available by Deryk Wylde. : Images in this section are protected with a digitally embedded watermark. Copies, without the watermark, may be available – please contact ‘offroarchive@gmail.com’ for details.

Photo of Sebastian Nachtmann of West Germany Trophy Team Team at Pen y Bane on Tuesday on his 600 BMW in ISDT 1961

Photo of #294 Bud Ekins of the USA on a 650cc Triumph [895 BUE] also at Pen y Bane at ISDT 1961 (This image originates from Bonhams who sold a print at Auction in California in 2010 $518)

Bud Ekins was a true all rounder motorcyclist, not only racing in Enduro and Desert Racing he also was an accomplished stunt rider in the Hollywood movie industry. He was a close friend of ISDT riding actor Steve McQueen more on his life can be found here

Photo of Zundapp Team Rider #17 W Gehring arrives at a checkpoint followed by #8 G Paritschke on 50cc Gritzner GS in ISDT 1961

Volker Gehrman’s dad W. Gehring yet again, these pics are treasure chest content.

Photo of Trophy Rider Sebastian Nachtmann, BMW in ISDT 1961 (courtesy of Volker Gehring)

Photo of G Paritschke on the #8 50cc Gritzner GS, behind him is #29 Czech J Vaclavik, CZ 125cc in ISDT 1961

White with black stripe helmet of West Germany wearer on Gritner-Kayser entry is G Paritschke on the #8 50cc Gritzner GS, behind him is Czech #29 J Vaclavik, CZ 125cc entry by Ustrendi Automotoklub CSSR.

Photo of Unidentified riders getting snapped from all angles in ISDT

Photo of #283 R Horing 490 BMW west Germany in ISDT 1961

Photo of ACU entry #284 G G Moram passing through a shale quarry.

ACU entry G G Moram is #284, entered on a 497b AJS, this looks like a a Triumph, the going has to be somewhere near the prev pic location, ‘see the Ford Anglia in background, it looks the same. Thanks to Dave Martin again.

Photo of #64 F Witzelon on a 175cc Hercules S from West Germany rides the shale tracks at ISDT 1961

64 on that shale again is Nurnberger Hercules-Werke Gmb.H entry F Witzelon a 175cc Hercules S from West Germany.

Photo of Zundapp Team Rider #17 W Gehring tucked in on a tight corner in ISDT 1964

Another fine pic of his father W Gehring & by permission of Volker Gehring.

Photo of #143 A G Franzen on a 250 Husqvarna in their Blue & yellow headwear colours of Sweden in ISDT 1961

Photo of Fritz Selling of Holland on that 250 Greeves between Llandewi and Abergwesyn on the very first day, getting around J. C. L. Bodenham with a fallen DMW 175 in ISDT 1961

Photo of Brit Teamster discussion in ISDT 1961

Photo of #146, Swedish Rider O. Pettersson on his 250 Husqvarna.

Photo of #114 A Colin of Belgium in ISDT 1961

Photo of West Germany Trophy man L. Muller halts at St Harman Control on his 175 Hercules S. in ISDT 1961

Photo of a somewhat stern expression on Johnny Brittain in uniform Barbour jacket and Racing Green Helmet in ISDT 1961

Thanks to Arthur Williams who has identified this rider as Johnny Britain

Photo of another time Control, Czech competitor #239 J Silhavy is in on his 350 Jawa

Photo of Miss J Savage again attracting photographers in ISDT 1961

Photo of #67 on a 175 Moto Guzzi is Italy’s G Saini arriving in a farmyard checkpoint in ISDT 1961.

Photo of the speed test of #98 F Schneider of West Germany parting with his 175 Hercules S in ISDT 1961

Photo – An other view of #98 F Schneider of West Germany parting with his 175 Hercules in the speed test with #104 HJ Wendelgelst a Dutch rider takes a sharp evasive action in the final days speed test ISDT 1961

Photo of unknown rider forcing his motorcyle through a muddy off camber cutting in ISDT 1961

Photo of #222 Miss J. Savage of the CSMA Team in ISDT 1961

222 Miss J. Savage of the CSMA Team in the Programme to be on 250 Greeves calling at Time control, Brian Catt though spotted this to be a 250 COTTON, does anyone know more about this please?. Her 3 member team also had J M Ballantyne, with H J Marriott.

Photo of #242 Polish rider F Stachewicz on a 350 Junak entered by PZM, #243 Behind is a famous name Joel Robert of Belgium on a 350 JAWA alongside #243 is #244 Polish PZM entry J Orzepowski on a 350 Junak in ISDT 1961

Photo of #31 is British entry Alan Kimber on a Lambretta “Rallymaster” staying aboard in ISDT 1961

Photo of #278, West Germany’s M Horing 490 BMW in ISDT 1961

Photo of rider passing old cottages in Heol Senni heading west in ISDT 1961

Where? who? don’t ask!, I do not know, somebody out there can possibly identify though, it was in the same tattered pack of 1961 ISDT pics though. Arthur Williams reckons it is very like Heol Senni en route from the Defynnog area, AW is seldom wrong but is willing to put the suggestion online, a further forum post supports this view.

Photo of Brit Trophy Rider Ken Heanes looking happy in ISDT 1961

Photo – #286 Egon Föhner on a BMW 500 ISDT 1961

Photo - C. Svenman of Solna, Sweden (left) and Polish rider J. Rewerlli from Varszawa, negotiate a rutted farm track at Llandovery on the opening day. ISDT 1961

Photo – #90 C. Svenman of Solna, Sweden and #35 J. Rewerlli from Varszawa, Poland negotiate a rutted farm track at Llandovery on the opening day. ISDT 1961

Photo of #288 Ken Heanes GB Trophy team leaves the Check Point (courtesy Mortons Archive) ISDT 1961

Photo of #136 Carlo Tosi on a 250cc Moto Guzzi, losing just 1 point he received a silver medal in ISDT 1961. (Copies of this image can be purchased from http://www.mortonsarchive.com)

Photo of #287 Gordon Blakeway on a 490cc Triumph he was the top scoring British Rider and he won a gold medal ISDT 1961.(Copies of this image can be purchased from http://www.mortonsarchive.com)

Photo of #222 Jill Savage on a 246cc Cotton she finished on for a bronze medal ISDT 1961. (Copies of this image can be purchased from http://www.mortonsarchive.com)

Photo of 1961 ISDT – #229 John Brittain on a 346cc Royal Enfield Won a gold medal and the GB Trophy. (Copies of this image can be purchased from http://www.mortonsarchive.com)

Photo of #96 Maurice Spurging on a 170cc Triumph at ISDT 1961. (Copies of this image can be purchased from http://www.mortonsarchive.com)

Photo of #146 T Magnussed on a 250cc Husquarna and #142 C Hill on a 246cc Greeves they both won a gold medal. (Copies of this image can be purchased from http://www.mortonsarchive.com)

Photo of #201 Ian Hillier on a 246cc Greeves undertakes an acceleration / speed test, he lost 6 marks and won a silver medal in ISDT 1961. (Copies of this image can be purchased from http://www.mortonsarchive.com)

Photo of #225 John Lewis on a 246cc Greeves, he lost 22 marks and won a silver medal at ISDT 1961. (Copies of this image can be purchased from http://www.mortonsarchive.com)

Photo of #278 M Horing on a 490cc BMW in West Germany he lost 17 and won the silver medal ISDT 1961. (Copies of this image can be purchased from http://www.mortonsarchive.com)

Photo of #265 Tim Gibbes on a 347cc AJS at ISDT 1961. (Copies of this image can be purchased from http://www.mortonsarchive.com)

Photo of #18 R Bertotti on a 75 Capriolo, he won a gold medal. (Copies of this image can be purchased from http://www.mortonsarchive.com)

Photo of John Harris on a 250cc BSA he won a Gold medal at ISDT 1961. (Copies of this image can be purchased from http://www.mortonsarchive.com)

Another positive ID by Arthur Williams this time its Ken Heanes

Photo of N.J. Jarrett on a 200 Triumph with a broken throttle cable being operated by that right hand, going on to win a “Silver” too! in ISDT 1961

Photo of #107 with Swedish headwear colours is Swede S Falk on a 175 Husqvarna, #108 is self entered G Kickbusch of West Germany on 175 Hercules S in ISDT 1961

Photo of rider with Husqvarna arriving at a service area.

Image of scanned list of club teams in ISDT 1961

[Ed as the younger member of the Speedtracktales team born in 1960 its good to see a few names here of people I knew well Arthur Bates, Stan Pitts, Jim Sandiford, Bill Faulkner, Bill Kershaw]

Photo of #271 297cc NSU rider E Schmider in ISDT 1961

Photo of Thurday, Llandrillo check in the Berwyn Mountains, North Wales, J.R. Brunson 250 Greeves leaving ahead of Dutchman A.H. Vrolijk on a 250 Maico with David Clegg astern of them.

Photo of is FMI entered Italian rider #18 R Bertotti with his 75cc Capriolo.

Photo of Belgium’s R Marechal #82 on a 172cc CZ.

Photo of a rider on mountain track entering a checkpoint is West Germany’s 250 Maico rider #204 M Studemann.

Photo of W Germany’s #7 A Lohner, and 2 Swiss riders #10 D Steiner and #6 H Haller

Thanks to Volker Gehring for this superb Speed test day image. we shall find the data on 7 10 & 6 shortly. 7 is West German rider A Lohner on a Kreidler Fahrzeugbau 49cc Zundapp, picture shows the speed of the tiny ones. 10 is Swiss Rider D Steiner on a 49cc Kreidler 6 is H Haller a Swiss again on a 49cc Kreidler. pictures tell stories!!

Photo of Shobdon Airfield, the last day’s 1.74 miles per lap Speed test, 3 Czechoslovakians with Trophy Teamster J. Pudil’s 175 CZ in front of A. Rouka & O. Chasak, both Vase men on 125 CZ’s.

Photo - Greeves - works Six Days Trail machine -ISDT 1961

Photo – Greeves [313 WPU] – works Six Days Trail machine – ISDT 1961

Germay’s Winning Team in 1961 ISDT Gunter Dotterweich, Richard Hessler, Lorenz Muller, Sebastian Nachtman, Erwin Schmider, Lorenz Specht. Czech team took the Silver Vase.

Image of scanned Zundapp advert for it’s ISDT hardware

Photo of BSA ridden by Gwyn Collins in ISDT 1961

1961 ISDT, the 36th, a 1200 Miles Marathon & held as usual in UK based out of Llandrindod Wells. 271 Starters & BSA had ‘opted out of Team support with unofficial BSA C15’s galore & Brian Martin the BSA Comp. Mngr. actively assisting the likes of Jim Sandiford, John Harris, Bill Faulkner & Mary Driver. Only John Harris was a BSA reserve for for Vase ‘A’ Teamwho obtained a Gold, Mary Driver obtained a Silver & 2 BSA riders gained Bronze. One of these was a 21 yr old Baker working in his Rhondda located family Business. Gwyn Collins was a notable & extremely talented Trials rider going well on a 197 Greeves, later a 250 Cotton. Gwyn’s entry was accepted with 3 weeks to go, Trials Tyres, siamesed exaust pipes (which I swore by), monobloc carb instead of std Amal 10 TT9 Racing carb., lower gearing plus alloy front mudguard & Gwyn was off to ISDT. Above we see that surviving machine on which he gained Bronze & had BSA used better metal or development could have gained far better.

http://www.britishpathe.com/record.php?id=42755 Double click on this to see the cine of 1961 ISDT. First time I got this sort of thing onto line for us, thanks to a tip off on Guest Book.

Photo of 1961 ISDT! what a a time to use the heavy BSA, mud for all. Vase A team member on the left Triss Sharp gets his Greeves past another Greeves rider.

Photo of #295 BSA on a bad day in the ISDT 1961

Second Day disaster, BSA using also Ariel alloy full width hubs which looked great but were very far from ‘savage’ on braking! had seen poor BSA mechanical parts allow the rear sprocket to wear away it’s teeth, then I sugest was when I for one noted ‘beginning of the end for British machinery against Germany, Eastern Bloc, Italian bikes whilst Japanese machinery was beginning to show it’s developing finesse.

Photo of Gwyn Collins having to undertake his own mechanical support as part of the event rules of ISDT

Gwyn Collins had to phone his dad to rush a sprocket from a friend’s BSA 500 to get it fitted to resume, thank you BSA engineering!. 15 Nations involved & Kreidler Florette ‘minis’ showed superb performances & reliability against British Team machines, BSA seemed out of the market, whilst 650 Triumphs ridden by Ken Heanes, Eric Chilton & USA’s Bud Ekins made creditable progress along with Graham Beamish’s 650 Matchless, Alan Kimber took a 175 Lambretta Scooter through the course to a Bronze whilst Sebastian Nachtman of Germany took his BMW 590 to Gold. The weight of that Big BSA was ever a problem & towards the end on Thursday Clutch slip started to affect progress, Brian Martin tried Trichlorethylene to remove oil from the well soaked Ferodo inserts which slightly helped before the Speed tests using a potholed, crumbling surface of Shobdon Airfield, it should have been a decent race track.

Photo of Gwyn Collins in the final speed test at Shobdon Airfield in ISDT 1961

Gwyn limped home at Shobdon with clutch slip a menace to him finishing at all, then returned his ISDT machine to road trim, rode his Tiger Cub in Trials, got married continued baking. ‘now long retired.

This time re Americans all we have is Jim Brunson on Greeves took a Silver, Bud Ekins on a 650 Triumph had the same & Lloyd Lingelbach was entered as DNF (did not finish) on his Greeves, retired with a damaged arm. Firstly we need pictures, Programme, Literature, stories, anecdotal tales,facts a little more time needed too. Please stop by again. Thank you for your interest!

What the Papers said!

image – cover of ‘Das Motorrad‘ #22 25 Oct 1961 (speedtracktales collection)

We have a copy of this great German Motorbike magazine at the Speedtracktales Archive, courtesy eBay and the EU, which here uses a hand tinted colour photo on the cover of it’s ISDT 1961 report. Any help to translate the article from German to English would be very much welcome.

We have obtained this copy of ‘Motor Cycling‘ of 5 October 1961 which covers the opening days of the event

Image of scanned cover of ‘Motor Cycling‘ issue of the 5th October 1961 covers the opening of the event

Photo – Saturday Scene – Italian Trophy riders with their machines ready for the weigh in. ISDT 1961 (speedtracktales collection)

Photo A line of towels hanging out to dry makes a domestic background for activity in the Russian camp. ISDT 1961 (speedtracktales collection)

Photo – Eric Adcock shows his surprise package – the prototype 246cc DOT with modified Villiers engine and square tube frame. ISDT 1961 (speedtracktales collection)

Photo – Czechoslovak riders line up for the weigh in with their immaculate Jawas and CZs. ISDT 1961 (speedtracktales collection)

Photo – the price of fame the autograph hunters catch Ramsey clubman Eddie Crooks (right) and Colin Broughton. ISDT 1961 (speedtracktales collection)

Photo – The number goes up on #127 D M Schmidts 250cc BSA. ISDT 1961 (speedtracktales collection)

Photo technical matter between Trophy rider Johnny Brittain and British team manager Jim Alves. ISDT 1961 (speedtracktales collection)

Photo – At 6:35am #5 G Sengfelder of West Germany gets the signal to start his 49cc Zundapp while Swiss Vase teamster #6 H Haller waits with his 49cc Kreidler. ISDT 1961 (speedtracktales collection)

Photo – Czechoslovak Trophyman #72 J. Pudil 175cc CZ leads Austria’s S Stuhlberger 175cc Puch during Monday mornings run. ISDT 1961 (speedtracktales collection)

Photo – A Roucka of Czechoslovakia’s Vase B team takes a fore-lunch dip with his 125cc CZ (speedtracktales collection)

The following images featured in the event report that appeared in the 12 October 1961 issue of ‘the Motor Cycle‘

Photo – Before a big crowd, #207 Peter Fletcher (346 Royal enfield) of Briain’s Vase ‘A’ team, footslogs through deep mud on Friday afternoon. ISDT 1961 (speedtracktales collection)

Photo – “International” spirit: Welsh children cheer #225 J.H.L Lewis (246 Greeves) as he climbs a rocky section near Llandrillo on the fourth day. ISDT 1961 (speedtracktales collection)

Photo – East waits for West. #239 Edwin Kruse (346 Izhevsky) eyes the starters flag at the beginning of a timed hill climb. ISDT 1961 (speedtracktales collection)

Photo – Star of the winning West German Trohpy team, Sebastian Nachtmann (590cc BMW) leading the field at Shobdon. ISDT 1961 (speedtracktales collection)

Photo – #265 Tim Gibbes (347 A.J.S) of the British Trophy team. ISDT 1961 (speedtracktales collection)

Photo – The formidable #287 Gordon Blakeway of the British Vase team on his 490cc Tiger 100SS Triumph. ISDT 1961 (speedtracktales collection)

Photo – Best individual performance of the week was made by #27 F. Vergani (100 Capriolo) seen here splashing through the water at Blaen-y-Glyn on the fourth day. ISDT 1961 (speedtracktales collection)

Photo – #31 Alan Kimber (175 Lambretta) leads Italian #67 G. Siani (175 Moto-Guzzi). ISDT 1961 (speedtracktales collection)

Photo – Swedish moto-cross star Rolf Tibblin enjoys a warm drink while waiting at the St. Hermon check on Tuesday. ISDT 1961 (speedtracktales collection)

Photo – Victorious Czech Vase team. Left t oright are #33 A. Roucka (125 CZ), O. Chasak (125 CZ), manager M. Urban, #83 D. Miarka (175 CZ), A Zemen, and #47 F. Darebny (125 CZ). Though nominated, Zemen injured his arm in practise and did not start the trial. ISDT 1961 (speedtracktales collection)

Photo – #268 Brian Piggott (348 Matchless) followed by American #294 Bud Ekins (649 Triumph) on Friday afternoon. ISDT 1961 (speedtracktales collection)

Photo – #146 T Magnusson (250 Husqvarna) of the Swedish Trophy team leads #142 Alf Hill (246 Greeves) through a stream at Blen y Glyn. ISDT 1961 (speedtracktales collection)

Photo – A panorama near Plynlimmon. The track is typical of many used in the trial. Swedish Trophy teamster B. Ekeberg (175 Husqvarna) is the rider. ISDT 1961 (speedtracktales collection)

Photo- the West Germwns, winners of the International Trophy ISDT 1961 (speedtracktales collection)

In the issue of ‘the Motor Cycle‘ of the 19th October 1961 alongside a discussion of the event which will appear soon, we found a delighful set of sketches of the event produced by famous Motoring Artist Gordon Horner.

image – scanned art work by Gordon Horner – ‘the Motor Cycle’ ISDT 1961

View all of the drawings here

Walter Kleinschuster sent us this photo of his father Josef who rode a Puch for the Austrian ISDT Trophy team in 1961, this picture is from the cover of a book on the motorcycles. Walter contacted us for help to recommend a route he could follow whilst visiting the TT in 2014 that would allow him to see where his father had raced in Wales

Where are they now?

Photo of 1960 Matchless G80CS ridden by Tony Jones in several ISDT’s in the 1960’s (Courtesy Ralph Brown )

The Final Score: Results

Speedtracktales wishes to thank Marc Pétrier of FIM Information Resources who has facilitated the scanning of the FIM archive of ISDT results material and is allowing us to make it available here as a public service. Download a copy of the original Results and Stewards Report at the link below.

Download Stewards Report for the 1961 ISDT here

Artefacts and Collectibles

Thanks to Ralph Brown for sharing these items from the event

Photo of Competitors ID badge #246 ISDT 1961 (Courtesy Ralph Brown )

Photo – Barbour International Jacket of British Team rider Colin Moram (Courtesy Ralph Brown)

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32 thoughts on “ISDT 1961 – Wales”

arthur williams said:

April 23, 2012 at 1:01 pm

stern brit johny britain… tim gibbs kenheanes on the truimph

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- iPø∂i$†å said:
  
  April 23, 2012 at 7:51 pm
  
  Which Image are you referring to with Tim Gibbs
  
  Reply
  - arthur williams said:
    
    November 5, 2013 at 3:46 pm
    
    the one of a stern rider in discussion….no mention of tim gibbs running late and booting the table over the hedge only for the marshal to grab the clock maybe tim will tell
  - Tim Gibbes said:
    
    March 5, 2015 at 1:02 am
    
    Yes Tim Gibbes found this entry & here’s the story of the time clock!
    AMC factory designers had designed a new front hub & brake that was fitted to my bike as a prototype. Only problem was that the water could get in, but couldn’t get out, so the front brake was useless on the first day.
    So during the 10 minute work period on Day 2, I found a big coarse rasp & filed a gash in the brake plate to let out the water.
    BUT the FIM officials & especially because of me being a British Trophy Team member, saw me doing this work & insisted that ALL tools used must be carried by the rider for the whole event. The rasp was about 2 feet long, so after trying to lose it through my jacket on to the ground, they insisted I must carry it for the rest of the event! Not a pleasant piece of equipment to carry inside a jacket against the rib cage! They were dumbfounded when I smashed into small pieces & put the pieces into my jacket pocket! But they continued to check the bits were still there to the end! Rules can be quite stupid & dangerous at times!
    Knocked the clock for a six! During the event, but I can’t remember which day in the event, along with quite a few other riders, we missed the course arrows going through a small village in the Welsh hinterland.
    Turned out that the locals, always looking for extra excitement, stood in front of the arrows so all riders but their local Welsh riders couldn’t see them! I was one of several who got lost.
    Eventually getting back on track I was running late, very late beyond the 3 minute time allowance before losing time penalty points.
    I approached the time control at speed, I sized up where the control card time clock was sitting on the table, took aim at hit it so hard (“accidentally on purpose” I should add!), the clock went flying into the paddock, so far away that it took the control officials several minutes to retrieve it!
    Of course by that time the clocked had ticked on past my due time. Relating the incident to my Trophy Team Manager Mr. H. P. Baughan, a really good guy, he went to the jury meeting that night when the incident was discussed. As the control point people couldn’t prove that I was on time or late, I was given the time I was due. Sigh of relief!
    And I think, hope the other riders were credited their times too!
    I should add that after that all time clocks were put in secure places well away from errant “smart” ISDE riders!
    
    I had a bigger problem arise as the week wore on. The kick start pawl in my gearbox was poorly hardened within a batch at the factory, so it became inoperative. In those days all bikes in the event had to be kick started within 1 minute of the start signal being given, then ridden across a line 20 metres away under their own power.
    To replace a kick start pawl was quite a major operation, necessitating removing both inner & outer gearbox cover cases & wasn’t possible in the morning 10 minutes “work period”.
    I did as much as possible within time at the parc ferme at the end of Day 3, then went back to our HQ & practiced on another similar bike, all the movements required to do the replacement next morning in the 10 minute time allowance.
    Not easily, but I accomplished the task within the time limit, gingerly kick started the bike & rode away still with a clean sheet to win another coveted Gold Medal.
  - Ixion2 said:
    
    March 6, 2015 at 12:21 pm
    
    Tim thanks for finding us and adding this lovely tale. Well done on winning the medal whatever small diversions were necessary to get it you well deserved it.
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Alan Baynham said:

September 25, 2012 at 6:00 pm

Really interesting to see these pictures. All the start and finish items are of the same spot- Lant Avenue. I lived at no. 9 and can remember watching the bikes out and in each day sitting on the wall each day. All the bikes were held overnight there under close security. I would have been about 16 at that time. All the riders had pin badges to give out but do not remember what happened to mine. Good memories. I still own the house by the way following my mothers’ death.

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- iPø∂i$†å said:
  
  September 25, 2012 at 9:06 pm
  
  Thanks for this reminiscence, shame you did not have a camera to hand to take any photos but hope you enjoy those days seeing these pictures….
  
  Reply
Pingback: 2013 ~ 80th Anniversary of the First ISDT to start in Wales « Speed Track Tales
llangynidr powys said:

March 20, 2013 at 1:51 pm

that litle village is hoel senni heading west

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pete atkinson said:

October 21, 2013 at 8:27 am

fantastic guys
as a a lucky gold medal winner greeves 182
in isdt wales I still vividly remember not all 6 days, but I was only notified of a late entry 14 days before sign in.
happy to recall or chat if interested and all my pics that are left are available
nice one
Pete Atkinson
contact@mibikeuk.com

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John Wakefield said:

November 20, 2013 at 4:28 pm

A Greeves International that was a Siver Medal winner in the 1961 Welsh is currently for sale on eBay. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GREEVES-250-INTERNATIONAL-FOR-RESTORATION-ISDT-1961-WALES-TWINSHOCK-65-trials-/181264077475?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item2a342e52a3
For some reason the seller is reluctant to give details of registration or frame number, any ideas on which bike it is & the rider. Monty Banks riding No 195 on 906 CXM (24IN105) has been ruled out.

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- iPø∂i$†å said:
  
  November 20, 2013 at 10:29 pm
  
  Interesting the auction ended with no bids
  
  Reply
  - John Wakefield said:
    
    November 21, 2013 at 6:51 pm
    
    No real a supprise, opening bid was far in excess of what the bike was worth in an unknown or unrestored condition. The seller did not help matters buy not putting up pics & revealing the actual id of the bike & its rider. One possibility it is the bike that Jim Brunson (206) from the USA rode. Has anyone any info one this bike?
  - iPø∂i$†å said:
    
    November 21, 2013 at 10:26 pm
    
    It’s also possible it’s not a works bike. Peter Atkinson says his old silver medal winning Greeves may have been in the Swansea area until recent times when his brother sold it without his being made aware.
  - bert said:
    
    November 22, 2013 at 9:37 pm
    
    Hello there, the auction certainly did not ‘end with no bids’..it was ended early by the seller, presumably because the bike was sold. Mr. Wakefield’s comment above regarding the value of an ISDT machine from this period with verifiable provenance is complete hogwash – see this
    https://speedtracktales.wordpress.com/folks-n-motors/roy-peplows-works-isdt-1966-triumph-490cc-tiger-100sc/
    Read this blog and do some proper research before posting!
  - iPø∂i$†å said:
    
    November 22, 2013 at 9:39 pm
    
    Thanks for your update Bert.
  - iPø∂i$†å said:
    
    November 22, 2013 at 9:41 pm
    
    If you know of its whereabouts it would be great to have a photo for the where are they now feature.
John Wakefield said:

November 22, 2013 at 10:31 pm

With regards to Berts comment, one cannot compare a privately owned Greeves with a works bike like Roy Peplow’s Triumph in restored & running condition. The Greeves on eBay was one supplied by the factory to privateers and as such is no more valuable than any other privately owned bike of the period. To put this into context, a restored 1959 Greeves Hawkstone owned & ridden by well known rider Mike Jackson http://www.cheffins.co.uk/lot/-896982-vintage-0 only got a bid of £1900 in the recent Cheffins auction. It was finally sold for £2200 after ‘negotiation’. Also in the same auction Gordon Farley’s 1967 works Greeves Anglian WWC 170F http://www.cheffins.co.uk/lot/-896981-vintage-0 again in restored & running condition made £4500. So how could a non works ISDT Greeves, in unrestored condition, be worth £4750!! I stand by my original comment.

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- John Wakefield said:
  
  January 30, 2014 at 10:47 pm
  
  I would add that the 1961 Greeves is up again on eBay so it was NOT sold the first time. This is the third time its been on starting price now at £3950. I dont see a rush of bids!!
  
  Reply
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Neil said:

February 4, 2017 at 2:25 pm

You have a picture labelled #278 Sebastian Nachtmann winner of the ISDT 1961

However the offical programme you have scanned states ~#278 was H Goring, Nachtman was number 296 ( an official BMW entry).

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- Falk Höring said:
  
  October 4, 2018 at 9:31 pm
  
  Hi thats not H Gohring but M Höring. I know tahat because it is my grandfather. I know that bike it is in my garage and I can recognise it by these special handlebars.
  
  Reply
- Falk Höring said:
  
  October 4, 2018 at 9:36 pm
  
  If you search for “#278” than all the other rider with this number will also be M Horing
  
  Reply
Ralph Brown said:

January 22, 2018 at 9:21 pm

Hi, I think you have mistaken a 9 for an 8 on the front plate of the Triumph in the quarry photo and thus named the rider as G G Moram when in fact it is Bud Ekins.

Reply
PETE ATKINSON said:

December 27, 2018 at 10:15 pm

note from pete atkinson 27/12/2018
now 75 living in cornwall drives awheelchair now!
re my bike 192 1961 isdt
the greeves i rode was the first production 24 mcs.
it was the one off bike on the show in 1960
check greeves records for frame etc sold via monty banks
monty had the bike back when he delivered direct from greeves a 24 mds.
in1962.
the bike my late brother disposed of was not anything to do with my isdt bike.
or me or the story in evening post. the bike which was mine was sold without my knowledge by my brothers friend just before my brother died.
love to know who bought it?

it seems my brother managed to locate some old files of mine and put 2 + 2 together.
however its all under the bridge
found a few more pics from 1961 if of interest lmk
regards Pete

Reply
- speedtracktales said:
  
  January 16, 2019 at 9:27 pm
  
  Pete, Apologies for the delay in my reply but nice to hear from you. Hopefully one of the many Greeves fans who visit this site may eb able to help update you on the bikes existence if known. If you have any photos we can feature I would be pleased to see them.
  
  Reply