Picture the scene, the editorial office of The MotorCycle in autumn 1961, a couple of weeks before the 36th International Six Days Trial, which would be held in Wales. In those far-off days before we had keyboards, computers, delete and over-write facilities the only sounds would be the clacking of typewriter keys as a feature was being written, its writer conscious of time constraints which accompany any weekly publication. Like journalists the world over, a finger on each hand would press the keys and all the crossing out would be done on the notepad to one side of the writer.
Then the quietness was disturbed by a strident bell of a telephone, no fancy ringtone in those days nor any caller ID to allow the choice of answering or not. The handset is lifted, the ringing stops and the voice speaks: “Good afternoon, The MotorCycle editorial office, Peter Fraser speaking.” A page is flipped over on the notepad as Peter answers, his pencil poised for action. Who could be calling and what gem of information could be offered for the cutting edge of motorcycle press? Peter listens as the caller introduces himself and returns the pleasantries with: “Hello Henry, what can I do for you?”
The caller, Henry Vale of Triumph’s service department, wondered if perhaps Peter would like a canter on the T100A prepared for John Giles to ride as part of the Trophy Team in the ISDT in a couple of weeks? Naturally the offer of trying out a works prepared machine isn’t to be sniffed at by any means and it is likely Peter would have assumed the offer was for the prestigious event… but no, the offer was for right then, a few days before the biggest off-road event in the world. The
