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June Newsletter from RetroTours
Summer is in full swing now and things are happening very quickly. If you’re like most of us life is rushing along and you have trouble getting to some of the things you really would like to do. I KNOW PARTNER…I KNOW. Don’t worry, there are still lots of RetroTours this season and there is always next season. When you can you will.
BUT……………Sometimes a once in a lifetime opportunity comes along that you just can’t pass up.
Dave Roper Wins at the 1984 Isle of Man TT
Parting Shots By Richard Backus November/December 2007 Motocycle Classics Magazine
As the only American ever to take a win at the Isle of Man TT, Dave Roper stands alone in the history of the famed island racing circuit. The Isle, which lies in the Irish Sea west of the U.K., hosted its first races in 1907, making the 2007 event a special centenary celebration.
Throughout its 100 years of racing history, the Isle has drawn racers from around the globe, including the U.S. Although Indian motorcycles took the top three slots in the 1911 TT — with U.K. riders — victory eluded American racers until 1984, when Roper bagged first place in the 500cc Senior Classic Historic race.
Roper’s riding skills first started grabbing attention in the mid-1970s, and he raced in the TT three time in the 1980s. He came in 12th place in the Formula III class his first time out in 1982, even after the chain fell off his Aermacchi 350. But 1984 was his year, when he came back for the win riding the Team Obsolete Matchless G50. Both rider and bike were in top form, and Roper posted the fastest lap in his class, 97.21mph.
Roper, still a top competitor in the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association’s historic race series, was invited back to the Island for this year’s centenary, reliving the glory of the Isle of Man TT with other past champions in the Isle’s annual Lap of Honor. His ride? The same Matchless G50 pictured above — now freshly restored — that he rode to victory back in 1984.
Dave is an old racing friend from the 70’s. He visited here after I had retired from racing to see what life-after-racing looked like. We rode around a bit and talked but I guess he couldn’t see himself not racing and has kept at it to this day…. with very good results. I hadn’t heard from him for some time when out of the blue he called and reseved a spot for the July 24-27th Renovo RetroTour. Dave is a great guy to ride with and to hang out with: a really unique character. There is still room for a few more competant riders.
This tour is limited to 8 total. Five spots are reserved at this point and I will happy to run with that number. But if there are three of you reading this who would appreciate the opportunity to enjoy 4 very special days of motorcyling Nirvana, reserve now; do not pass this one up.
If a shorter tour is more to your taste consider the July 11-12 ride to New Jersey Motorsports Park. Dave Roper will be racing there as part of as full day of vintage roadracing. There is food at the track and a good sized swap meet. It is under 100 miles one way and the return trip Sunday will include a delightful 90 minute ferry boat ride.
We have comfortable accommodations at a motel close to the track.
Three spots remain.
Do you enjoy sharing your passion with your significant other? If so please consider the Couples Tour on August 15-16th. Under 125 miles each day with upscale accommodations, Amish culture, antiquing, museums and more. The sidecar will be along and the Missus can take a spell in the chair to relieve classic bike discomfort.
Three spots remain.
The August 29-30 tour to Bill’s Old Bike Barn is very nearly full with 10 spots reserved and a maximum of 12. Two additional riders have made inquiries and threaten to send in deposits. First come first served. I will wait list two more riders in case of cancellations so if you’re interested act immediately please.
Two spots remain.
Deposits have just started coming in for Redneck Gyro V, September 19-21. West Virginia offers awesome riding anytime but the autumn is quite special.
If you would like to just put a toe in the water, consider Local Loops II on Sunday October 4th and before you go motorcycle dormant for the winter, how about one last adventure? Chincoteague Island is October 17-18th .
CHEERS!
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