|
Thursday 26th February - Arrival in Florida
Classic Bikes and Internet dating are not usually
associated but at Project Daytona we have always done things
differently. I’m travelling from Glasgow to Florida to meet my
‘date’ Don Bradley for the first time after 4 years of phone calls
and emails about the BSA 50th anniversary celebrations
we’ve planned for Daytona in March. How will it be when we meet –
will we hit it off?
 |
|
Straight off the plane, into the workshop and looking tired! |
And it’s not just one date it’s three since I will also meet the
Daytona BSAs Don and buddy Bob Birdsall have been restoring. For
these at least I know it will be love at first sight. But all my apprehensions evaporate when I meet Don and we’re like
old pals from the start.
Arriving at Don’s house I meet Nick Simpson of K&S BSA who arrived
earlier. He’s here to see the 50th celebrations but
becomes a member of the Project Daytona ‘wrecking crew’ for the
duration. With first date nerves out of the way I’m desperate
to meet dates #2 and #3. Don takes me into the workshop to meet the
fully restored bikes but… they’re not finished yet!!
 |
|
Daytona Gold Star - some finishing needed! |
Catching my look of surprise Don
explains that many small fittings were left till last since these
were standard items and easy work.
But he found when fitting them that there were in
fact many differences from standard and that meant a huge exercise
to fabricating them from scratch – very time absorbing and it blew
his schedule out the window.
He feels he’s let me down a bit and reckons he needs another day to
finish the bikes but Nick and I think its twice as long at least so
we decide to work on the bikes until they’re ready. Don protests that this isn’t quite the holiday we
planned but what could be more fun than working on old bikes in the
company of friends?
 |
|
Nick Simpson and I ponder the remaining work |
We start at 8pm and don’t stop until 1.30
in the morning.
What Happened Next
-
Getting the bikes ready.
|
