OBSERVATION BERNIE SCHREIBER
There is a big difference between a casual trials rider and the enthusiastic specialist who knows every manufacturer’s model and part ever built. Some know where they were used, who sold them, built them, and others can even tell the untold unique stories. Knowing every part, detail, competitor and brand of bike is more than a passion. It’s a lifetime of passion, experience and knowledge.
Welcome to the 2020 Telford Classic Dirt Bike Show. This year was my first appearance at Telford. Being the guest of honour takes up a bit more of your time, but the experience is like no other trade show. The entire off-road classic industry celebrates at Telford with passion, products and stories never heard before. Hundreds of trade stands, stunning machines, club displays hosting events, and the media! Not to mention the live stage events, tributes, awards and an evening dinner with champions.
The riders seen over one weekend had enough titles and trophies to fill up a complete hall of the exhibition — decades of off-road history and products, from Pre-65 to 2020 models, under one roof.
Telford is a history lesson, where you can look back on the machines and people who influenced generations to ride off-road motorcycling. You can find buyers, sellers and collectors roaming the halls, but like in a museum you will find people who know the true stories and priceless value of the moment. I also met up with the old UK SWM importer Jim Jones to finally receive my ‘Kickstart’ winning trophy from the 80s!
TIME FLIES OVER US BUT LEAVES ITS SHADOW BEHIND
There was an exclusive and unique motorcycle present at the show. My 1979 World Championship Bultaco winning machine owned by the three-time FIM World Trials Champion Yrjo Vesterinen. Factory works machines remain in your heart forever. They leave behind stories, photos and most importantly, a chapter of results in time. Most important is the people you meet at Telford; their respect for the industry, the sport, the champions, the events and the products. You may feel like an old bottle of wine, but one thing is for sure, your value goes up every year, and the celebrations continue. I’ll be back! More in the next Schreiber’s 2020 Observation.