Formed in 1966 by a group of enthusiastic bikers, the members enjoy ride-outs and participate in various classic bike shows and events like those held at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham and in Stafford.
Last year one of their members took second place at the NEC with his 1956 Gold Star Scrambler. The 66 Club are an informal group of bikers who restore and ride motorbikes of the 1960s, mainly British machines such as Triumph, BSA and Norton. The machines are strictly original, with no disc brakes, no indicators and no modern additions.
Most of the riders wear period gear consisting of a jeans, boots, leather jacket and a ‘pudding bowl’ helmet with goggles. This, coupled with the roar from their machines, makes for a nostalgic sight and memorable sound. A number of members are also planning to participate in the Brighton Run later this year – the 70th anniversary – which sets off from the Ace Café on the North London Circular Road.
Last year one of their members, Phil Ozanne, brought to the Jersey Festival a van full of bikes, which he showed on the People’s Park, and both he and the Guernsey boys put on a great demonstration around the active arena.
Phil, a stalwart of the 66 Club, is also proud of a personal invitation from Lord Marsh to participate in the Goodwood Revival, which attracts amazing machinery and celebrities from all over the world. Terry Thuillier, the Classic and Vintage Motor Racing Club of Jersey’s publicity officer, said: ‘The standard of presentation of the Guernsey bikes is always extremely high and the local entrants will have to polish up their act if they are going to stand a chance of winning back the coveted Best Bike in Show Trophy.’
The organisers of the festival, the Classic and Vintage Motor Racing Club of Jersey are delighted to welcome back the Guernsey Rockers to the RUBiS Motoring Festival, which is being held from 7 to 9 June.
Festival co-ordinator Steve Salmon said: ‘It’s great to see classic motorcycles at the festival, and once again we are proud to welcome the 66 Club to the event.’
Picture credit www.kandidprints.com
