From www.madeinbirmingham.org
SPONSORED BY CAROLE NASH INSURANCE
A unique annual motorcyle event starting from former Birmingham motorcycle factories
The run went to the Elan Valley Visitor Cente in Wales via the Excelsior works in Tyesley, Clee Hill and Knighton. Some riders also went onto the National Cycle Museum in Llandrindod Wells.
2008 WILL BE THE 10TH ANNUAL BIRMINGHAM TESTERS RUN
THIS YEARS DESTINATION IS THE WELSHPOOL FESTIVAL OF TRANSPORT ON SUNDAY JUNE 15th.
Welshpool Festival Of Transport
Departure factory will be announced later this month
If you are interested in participating in either event, please join the mailing list for 'THE TESTER', the 'bosting' newsletter of THE BIRMINGHAM TESTERS RUN, It's all very informal and usually sent just sent once a quarter.
Subscrbe to THE TESTER
No prior registration is needed for either event and you can ride a classic or modern motorcycle of any vintage or make. A condition of entry is that you agree to indemnify the organisers from any claim for injuries or damages as a result of participating in either event.
To send an email (other than subscriptions) please use the email address on the home page as only subscriptions are dealt with at the above email address.
Courtesy simon evans --2001 Testers Run at Church Stretton.
THE AIMS OF THE BIRMINGHAM TESTERS RUN
The original aim of the Birmingham Testers Run was to promote an interest in the former Birmingham motorcycle industry which has now sadly completely disappeared.
In 1998 the organiser was involved in helping with the getting together of former Norton employees for the Norton 100 years celebration. In conversation with John Hudson, the then president of the Norton Owners Club and a former Norton tester, it was decided that it would be a fitting 100 year tribute to build a Norton motorcycle in the Bracebridge Street factory. Very kindly the then owners of the factory, T.A. Savery, allowed, John Hudson and fellow former Norton worker, Graham Saunders, to build a Norton special, which was called the Centenary Special, virtually alongside where it would have been originally constructed.
THE AIMS OF THE BIRMINGHAM TESTERS RUN
The original aim of the Birmingham Testers Run was to promote an interest in the former Birmingham motorcycle industry which has now sadly completely disappeared.
In 1998 the organiser was involved in helping with the getting together of former Norton employees for the Norton 100 years celebration. In conversation with John Hudson, the then president of the Norton Owners Club and a former Norton tester, it was decided that it would be a fitting 100 year tribute to build a Norton motorcycle in the Bracebridge Street factory. Very kindly the then owners of the factory, T.A. Savery, allowed, John Hudson and fellow former Norton worker, Graham Saunders, to build a Norton special, which was called the Centenary Special, virtually alongside where it would have been originally constructed.
One of the earliest bolt on rear end Featherbed frames (1954) was married to one of the last 650SS engines to be built before the factory ceased production at the end of 1962.
Following on from this it was decided that it would be a good idea to celebrate the Birmingham motorcycle industry every year by way of a Testers Run. The first run was held in 1999 with John Hudson in attendance, chauffeured by Jon's wife in their car! The destination was the Motor museum at Bridgnorth and the route taken was more or less exactly the same as used by John Hudson when he tested the Norton Jubilee in 1957. They even went over the railway crossing which they used to jump at Tenbury but of course the railway is sadly no longer there. After the event John Hudson returned to Birmingham as a pillion passenger on the organisers bike!
In 2000 the run went to Baskerville Hall, near Hay on Wye, from Norton, BSA, Ariel and Velocette.
In 2001 The Cambrian Transport Festival at Welshpool via The Long Mynd from Norton, BSA, Triumph and Velocette
In 2002 The Forest of Dean railway via Malvern
In 2003 The Elan Valley via Knighton (Norton Jubilee test route)
In 2004 The Big Pit coal mine museum from Villiers, Wolverhampton
In 2005 The National Cycle Museum at Llandrindod Wells from New Imperial
In 2006 Cyfartha Castle from James
In 2007 The Elan Valley Visitor Centre from Velocette.
Please note in order to maintain the aims of the run EN-ROUTE STARTS ARE NOT PERMITTED
Register on the day, no fee, It's free but please come and introduce yourself and say thank you afterwards!
ALL OF OUR EVENTS AND THIS WEB SITE ARE SPONSORED BY
CAROLE NASH INSURANCE