The Planx
SENT IN BY A READER, this photo shows a Manx Norton on display in the National Motorcycle Museum, UK,
which is unremarkable except that this Manx is made entirely from timber. It is the result of five years work by
Barry Milner, who says that although the oil can with the bike is faithfully dripping oil, the Manx itself has thus
far remained oil tight. He also says it was built because he has always been ‘pining for a Norton”. Oh dear. Welcome to Old Bike Australasia Out’n’about
- a forum of people, places, history and happenings.
In today’sracing environment where there are acres of bitumen run-off, gravel traps, air fences,
plus rider protection like air-bag leather suits, it’s hard to believe what was considered entirely
adequate not that long ago. Well, in 1971, Hume Weir was considered adequate, as this photo from
Gary Reid’s archives show. Lindsay Urquhart (on the original Honda CB750 outfit) leading Alex
Campbell under the Lukey Bridge, with lumps of concrete used to fill the potholes sitting proud of
the track surface, gutters full of leaves and weeds, unprotected concrete walls... The Ken Blakelunch
On Sunday 9th June, about 30 people gathered
together for lunch at the Laurel Hotel in Ascot Vale
in Melbourne to remember Ken Blake, who died at
the Isle of Man on this day in 1981. The event was
arranged by Alf Robison and his wife Cherie, and
Graeme ‘Gyro’ Carless. Each year, Alf invites a friend
of Ken’s to say a few words about their friendship
with Ken and this time it was Ray Quincey who
spoke. Ray recalled the time, when as a 12 year old,
he first met Ken at a Winton race meeting. Ray was
at the meeting with his father, Maurie Quincey, and
Maurie took Ray to meet Ken in the pits after a race.
In later years when Ray also raced, he became good
friends with Ken and they travelled together
overseas. He remembered the kindness Ken showed
him, particularly coming to visit him after Ray’s bad
crash in Belgium, and later when they were both
back home in Australia. Ray spoke extremely well
and from the heart. It was quite emotional for him,
recalling those memories, and for others listening.
Ken Blake is well remembered. From Lynne Rosenthal
Ray Quincey related his time with Ken Blake.The ECCO BMW raced by Ken was on
display, along with memorablia.