Brian Bamford

'Tis Done - Thank you all.

Monday 26th May 2025

With the ride now over for another year I would like to thank all of you, my sponsors, for your very kind and generous support.  Together we have realised the amazing total of £394, far in excess of what I expected or even imagined would be possible.

Prostate cancer and men's mental health matters claim too many lives each year - our joint efforts bring solutions a little closer.  Thank you all. 

Of course, now I'm topper-less, I'll need a different dapper outfit next time.

Great Ride - Shame about the Hat

Monday 19th May 2025

The ride took off from Maidstone with the Bamford Boys suitably suited and booted.  The old bike chugged along happily keeping up with the rest without incident.  Then we got to the half-way point for a stop and refreshments, that was when I noticed I had lost my top hat en route.  Plenty of other riders had seen it in the road but when I went back looking for it - nothing.  

Never mind, these things happen; the main thing is that, thanks to your generous support, I raised in excess of my target and all of this will be used to help improve men's health outcomes around the world.

Thanks everyone.

Road Testing

Friday 9th May 2025

Engine running and so time for a road test of both bike and rider - it's so different from riding a modern bike - getting used to right foot shift and pressing down to change up!

The carburation is still not quite right so a bit more guided tinkering required, but with most all the other concerns now adressed it was time for a run to the coast and a picture at Deal castle (I know it's only half a mile from where I live but it makes a nice photo). 

Now back to the shed with my fuel mixture head on.

Carb niggles

Saturday 3rd May 2025

Having got the bike to fire there followed a period of dead quiet when I couldn't get it going again. Once again I went through the whole list of 'things to do' and found a dead plug. This was followed by an over rich fuel mixture which took an age to get right after twiddling with the carb pilot screw and throttle stop. Finally all OK -apart from the engine revving on a right turn and slowing down on a left. Petrol tank off again to free the cable and then all should be well (fingers crossed). 

The Bike is Risen

Sunday 27th Apr 2025

It's just after Easter so I'm hoping no one will think the title is blasphemous, but you can imagine my delight when, after two and a half hours of brain flexing and much jumping up and down on the kick-starter, the 'Redditch Rattler' burst into life! 

From the picture you can probably see the remains of the huge cloud of smoke that belched out from the exhaust pipe. I had to crawl out of the shed on my hands and knees, a mixture of exhaustion and gasping for fresh air.

The Rattler's not rattlin'

Tuesday 22nd Apr 2025

Trying to sort an oil leak I undertook a top end strip down and general clean up and tidy up of the whole machine.  Following the owner's manual with an almost religious fanatisism I have managed to reach a peak of mechanical imperfection - the engine has refused to fire since!

I'll keep trying to get the 'Redditch Rattler' going again in time for the ride; I'll keep you posted.

 

I'm Riding for Men's Health in The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride

Wednesday 26th Mar 2025 On Sunday the 18th of May 2025, I'm riding in The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride with fellow men and women across the globe to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer and men's mental health on behalf of Movember. Men die on average 6 years earlier than women and for largely preventable reasons. The number of men that are suffering is growing, and we need to do something about that. So, before I press my tweed and polish my boots, I'm asking you to join me in raising funds and awareness for these causes by donating what you can for this meaningful cause and to help the men we love, live happier and healthier lives.