Devon Rally

I went to this one in 1975. It was held on Boode Farm near Braunton in North Devon and organised by Wyvern Motorcycle Touring Club which I was a member of for about 3½ years.

When they asked me if I was John Newbold I said no.

- Russ

 

I had come off my bike a couple of weeks before and was walking using a stick. Barry Sheene's Texaco Heron Team mate John Newbold had also come off his bike and was walking with a stick. A couple of girls mistook me for him (I did look a bit like him in those days) and when they asked me if I was John Newbold I said no.

What an idiot I was back then.

In '74 there were problems with the badge supplier and the cloth one was a last minute thing (which did not go down well as they were handed out to the rallyists). 1975 saw the red one with the motorbike which looks like a boiled sweet when it's in your hand.

The highlight of the Devon Rally was always the show put on by Dick Powell one of the organisers using his collection of bikes especially towing a sled about the size of a tea tray around the arena letting people sit on it.

- The Black Russian


Ted Trett sent an original Devon Rally programme in remarkably good condition.
Click it to turn it over.

DEVON RALLY 1978
SEPTEMBER 1st, 2nd and 3rd
Welcome to the Devon Rally 1978. This Rally is for motorcyclists and only motorcyclists can make this a good Rally.
The good relations we have with the farmer on whose land the Rally is held enables us to welcome you all. Let's keep it that way and show due respect for the land. With that over let's get down to the Rally proper.
The Catering Tent will be open from 8 o'clock Saturday morning until midnight, then on Sunday morning until everyone is leaving.
The Bar will open on Saturday night 7.30 p.m. and stay open until midnight.
The Enetertainment which we hope you will particaipate in will be held during Saturday afternoon and evening.
HOT DRINK UPON ARRIVAL
The presentation of awards will be made early Sunday morning.
NO FIRES PLEASE
Thank you for coming and have a good Rally