Project Lambretta 2019
Back in 1981, I became part of the Mod Rival and My first Lambretta was a Cento 125, I hit the road with a Lambretta GP150, which I swapped for a 1971 Spanish Lambretta Li Special, which had a TV200 Engine, the most reliable Scooter I ever had. I sheared the Crank in 1986 and gave up the ghost, to my bitter disapointment. Over the years it rusted and I made a promise to Dad when he was alive I’d never get rid of it. I left in 1990 for Love and it lay dormant in a forgotten past life, as I had another destiny.
I came back home in 2002 and my Father passed away from Lung Cancer in August 2006 and then Mum 10 years later in June 2016. Three years later, the constant reminders of the a past and a rusting reminder of my past took its toll. I had enough of looking at it rust and it was either get rid or keep that promise to Dad whose best days where spent in his shed and I working on rebuilds. Sod it I’m going to have it rebuilt and I’m going back in time to feel what I felt back in the 80’s, and may be just maybe get a little bit of Dad back too. By the off chance I bumped in to Dobin Tidd from Scooterclinic who took on this project in June 2019. ‘Amazing Job Dobin, thanks Buddy!’
A complete rebuild down to the last nut and bolt. Keeping the TV200 mainblock, a Mugello 225 Kit, Scootopia Exhaust and a 22ml Delorto Carb to keep it original as possible.
It wasn’t until October 17th 2019, I passed my CBT and joined up with East Birmingham Scooter Alliance and Darren Anderson to make some new like minded friends and make Remembrance Sunday with all the other Scooter Groups at Wythall Arboretum. I met up with Clive Harrison from Stephen & Philip Painters Funeral Directors, my close friend and colleague along with the EBSA.
It was truly special day, I felt normal and I had come round full circle on a day I kept my promise to a truly special man, who could always make the world a better place. A dream come true.
Some of you may ask why the Union Standard and swaying so passionately to Irish tradition. The Mod Era was so full of fond memories and funny enough Dad was born in Manchester and evacuated to Ireland during the War and came back in 1958 a Doherty, with a passion and love for all things Irish and ‘Home’. He loved everybody, warts an ‘all! ‘Let D’hare sit!’ was the solution to a disagreement (take no notice). Birmingham Irish is what I am and proud to be. Mod is being who you want to be, a good half breed, but watch out for a Celtic Edition in times to come. I’ll ride with anyone.
We all come around full circle not knowing when, in God’s own time. Hopefully after 5 long mentally exhausted months, we can all sail in to the Sun. In memory of Johnny Doc, Resurrected Near As! Safe Scootering! All Lives Matter. MaCushla X.