Memories of Yesteryear

Part 1

Recently, my attention was drawn to some new and excellent information from Dave Richmond on the history of motorcycle meetings; immediately prompting me to undertake a detailed examination of his excellent Motorcycle Timeline website. This proved to be a goldmine for all those who, like me, are passionate about world motorcycle history from its origins through its evolution right up to the present day.

This stimulated me next to plunge back into my oldest photographic archives, a journey I must admit I hadn't taken for a while and I'd like to share with you some of the archival images I discovered.

Although most of the motorcyclists of yesteryear depicted in these shots weren't rallyists in the literal sense of the word, they were nevertheless keen motorcyclists like you and me, and amongst them were undoubtedly some true enthusiasts. Whatever these motorcyclists of days gone by used their machines for; social, domestic or competition doesn't matter; the common brotherhood that binds us all remains the same.

Whether it's their pose, the outfits they wore or the machines themselves, everything perfectly reflects the atmosphere of the time on two or three wheels.

An old timer posing on his Triumph (circa 1900s)

Mr Freinac, a Rene Gillet tandem rider, at the 'circuit de l'Eure' in 1912

Couple on an NSU. The first NSU motorcycle appeared in 1901, followed by the first NSU car in 1905.

Family posing with their NSU outfit

A nice Birminham Small Arms outfit

A couple in 1927 on a DKW. The German manufacturer began production as early as 1919, and reached the status of leading motorcycle manufacturer of the world in the 1930's. DKW was taken over by MZ and after World War II production moved to East Germany.