In 1923 George Pettyt, the owner of London dealers Maudes Motor Mart, dreamt up an endurance challenge for motorcycles. As with most motorsport at the time, the aim was to demonstrate reliability over long distances, to prove these new-fangled mechanical contraptions would hold together and function just fine even used way beyond anything an average owner might throw at them. As part of the promotion, Pettyt donated a large silver trophy that was intended to be awarded annually.
Each challenge was unique, agreed between the manufacturer and the ACU, Britain’s governing body of motorcycle sport, which would independently observe the test. For the first few decades it was exclusively won by British brands including Norton, BSA, Ariel and Triumph. After World War II it was awarded far more sporadically, although interest widened to international brands including Honda, BMW, Suzuki and, most recently, Yamaha in 1994. Challenges have ranged from high-speed runs, to International Six Days Trials, to non-stop week-long rides. Now a new challenge has been attempted…
Land’s End, 0km
Wednesday, 7.46am
Six strangers, two bikes and two support vans. For the next three days and two nights, this travelling circus is on a non-stop adventure around England, Scotland and Wales in search of a place in history. Our prize, should
