"The Workshop" is a fantastic web resource that chronicles each and every make of speedway bike from the 1920s until the late 1990s. It is not entirely clear who painstakingly assembled this online history, as it appears that the site has been dormant for quite some time, but it is now archived on cybermotorcycle.com. Although it is not possible to view some of the photographs on the site, all of the original text is intact.
It would be interesting to find out more about who created this site in the first place and it begs the question, whether it would be possible for a group of like minded enthusiasts to add to this important mechanical history of the sport, as it would be a great shame if the contents of this site were lost.
Hi KTL... this superb site was built by Chris Byles from Exeter with help and input from speedway bike anoraks all over the world, notably Bennie Ludolphy from Holland (and a certain "BlackCountryBiker" who added info about the quirky Japanese bikes and the Swedish Hedlund). I lost contact with Chris a few years ago now, (after Exeter closed down really) but still use the workshop as a resource for my research. I wonder where he is now? The Workshop site would make an excellent book don't you think?
ReplyDeleteBCB... Still missing his laptop :-(
Thanks for the info BCB. It would be great to be able to revamp this site and bring it up to date as it is a fantastic resource. As far as the book idea goes, I think it's an excellent idea.
ReplyDeleteThe workshop is dead. but that Bennie ludolphy is not.
ReplyDeleteJust take a look at his facebook site, 30 photoalbums loaded with over 1500 pics of speedway / grasstrack and other bikes.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100000745027118&sk=photos
Thanks for the info Mr Anonymous.
ReplyDelete