ALAN MOREWOOD: 1935–2020

The well-known motorcycle enthusiast, Alan Morewood recently passed away after suffering a second stroke. He was born in Sheffield in 1935 and worked as a jig-and-tool designer at GKN Laycocks from the age of 16 until taking early retirement at 51 years old. At 16 he got his first motorcycle, following in his father’s footsteps who was also a trials rider as well as a despatch rider in the army.

It was at a local trial that Alan met Merle, his wife to be, and they married in 1960. Alan had a successful solo trials career including winning the Best Newcomer in the Scottish Six Days Trial in 1957, an event he rode in until 1976.

After that he continued spectating and helping other riders including both his sons, Davy and Robin, at the event. He and Merle started sidecar trials in 1960 and went on to win 18 national events including the prestigious Manx Two-Day Trial on the Isle of Man. Merle retired from the sidecar at the end of 1964 to start a family, and Alan carried on to win the British Sidecar Championship three times with three different passengers, Andy Barber, Phil Granby and Gerry Holmes.

After retirement Alan and Merle travelled Europe in their motorhome, following the World Trials Championship scene for many years until Merle’s passing. Alan continued competing in Pre-65 and long-distance trials until the age of 75 when he suffered his first stroke. The trials gene was passed on to his sons, with eldest Davy winning the British Clubman title and being a regular top-ten rider in the British championship, whilst Robin followed the three-wheeled route, initially winning a British Championship as a passenger for Scott Rowland before taking on the driving duties to win five British titles with wife Gill. The family success has continued, with another generation with Davy’s eldest son Reece winning a British Enduro title, the youngest, Callum, also competing in trials and Robin’s son, Adam, being a five-times cycle Biketrial world champion.