Dragon Rally

(From Tim's account of the 1969 Shamrock Rally.

- Tim Hall

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As far as the 1968 Dragon Rally is concerned, photographic records tend to be rather scarce. Although there were hundreds attending the Welsh winter meeting that year, relatively few took a camera with them to capture the scene and record their adventures on the road to Llamberis.

Among the many participants were a trio of young motorcyclists from Wigan. Fortunately for us one of them had the foresight to take a camera with him , to immortalise the best moments of their trip.

Dragon Rally 1968 - Brian Gore and Jack Griffiths photographed here in the heights overlooking Colwyn Bay, a location in Conwy which during the Victorian era was a very popular seaside resort

There are seemingly no pictures taken at the rally itself to give us a taste of the atmosphere and ambiance that existed. However, there are some shots taken en route, that I found on the internet quite by chance, and that I am taking the liberty of sharing with readers.

Dragon Rally 1968 - On the way home, Graham Hart (left) and Jack Griffiths (right) stopped at Llanberis Pass. They pose once again to keep a souvenir of their motorcycle ride in their photo album. The photo was taken by Brian Gore who unfortunately had to leave his motorbike broken down in Warrington on the way to the rally and continue the journey as a pillion

The Bonnie's of the young Wigan rallyists seen here in these photos are a testament to the vigorous British industry of the late 1960s. A time when British motorbikes had an unrivalled reputation worldwide and were then Britain's third largest source of income after cars and whisky.

- Jean-Francois Helias

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14 Jan 2025

Hello,

I'm trying to source a picture for a family friend George Marren. He went on the Dragon rally from 1965 / 1966 onwards, for many years.

I have booked him onto this year's rally, at the age of 76 young and he still loves it.

The picture is of George and his friend, Tom Sharkey, pushing their bikes through the Nant Peris flood waters, so they could get to the rendezvous campsite. The picture was used in a magazine/newspaper, George just can't remember which one. Just hoping and asking as many outlets as possible, in the hope of finding him a copy.

Regards

- Colin Maddox

14 Jan 2025

Hi Colin,

Doesn't look like we have that photo on our site yet, but I'll ask around.

Best wishes for this year's Dragon. Send us some snaps, a scan of the badge, and a few words to capture the enduring spirit.

- Ben

Sorry to say that I do not have it in my archives.

- Francois

4 Feb 2025

Many thanks,

I am trying to keep it on the quiet.

I have actually tracked down the photograph and I'm in the process of getting it printed and framed as a souvenir and present for George, once we complete the trip on Saturday.

He's too old and health not good to camp, but once he's done the ride to the site, got his badge and ridden to Hotel in Betws-y-Coed, we'll meet up with the rest of the family and crew, & he'll be reunited with his lost image.

Thanks for your time and I'll forward some snaps of the trip.

Kind regards

- Colin Maddox

10 Feb 2025

Absolutely amazing weekend.

George made it there and back fine. Took our time and met up with family in Betws-y-Coed, had a absolute ball ,, fantastic time, great memories.

Hopefully again next year. I copied the photo from 1968 and framed it in a picture frame stand, on the Saturday evening, gave it to George wrapped up to open. Made his year!

All the very best

Colin, George Marren and the Dragon Rally nutters.