So where to start, we had the idea to create this event actually before we decided to create the club. The Club has now turned a year old and this type of event was exactly what we wanted at our core. Malcolm Uphill was a local legend to those bikers in the know and any fan of the Isle of Man TT, he was one of very few successful Welsh Motorcycle Racers. The Anniversary of his win, Now 50 years ago and breaking the 100mph average speed on the circuit meant this was worth the effort to make an event happen. Being a local Caerphilly man and our club being based in Caerphilly many of our members have a connection or a Malcolm story from the years gone by. His achievements in recent years are really becoming more recognised with the Weatherspoon’s in Caerphilly being named after him.
As regulars of the “Malcolm Uphill” pub we discussed a potential event with the Managers almost right after we had the idea and they were thrilled with the potential. So when we went back to them to say we were pushing forward with it we knew this is where the ride should start. A huge thanks goes to the team over at Weatherspoons for allowing us to host the start of the event and for throwing in some bacon rolls for our participants. A huge thank you also to the Caerphilly Town Mayor Councilor Mike Prew who came to meet us all and give us a send off. He was not the only Councillor in Support however, Councillor Chris Morgan from Bedwas, Trethomas and Machan Council took up position in a side car outfit for the whole event.
We were aware the weather was not going to be perfect for the run so we had our fingers crossed for a good showing, this was important because we did not want to let the Charity down. It was always our intention this be a Charity ride and we will be the first to suggest immediately Motorbikes and Wildlife are not normally associated however this is where it comes back to the main man himself. During his lifetime Malcolm was a quiet and humble man but was well known for his love of wildlife and nature. We knew he would have wanted us to support a charity that will make a difference in our local and wider area. The Wildlife Trust for South & West Wales was an obvious choice and were thrilled to be involved.
Thankfully on the day we were not disappointed and we had 68 participants leaving Caerphilly in various forms, riders, pillions and side car passengers. With a huge variety of bikes of all manufacturers and ages of bike. The ride was great with only one breakdown but thankfully he rejoined us at Brecon on another bike. The main downpour happend while we were stopped at Abergavenny. Apart from a few showers the weather turned out ok for the rest of the ride. The road to Llandovery is always a lot of fun and we were pleased to stop in the West End Cafe a favorite of Malcolm’s for more refreshments before heading back Brecon for a mandatory stop at Terry’s Van before heading back to our local Club Pub The Station Inn, this is where we meet every two weeks on a Tuesday Night and we were more than happy to fill their carpark with bikes and have a final chin wag.
The Event went very well and we plan to do it all again next year, fingers crossed for sun next time. We felt the event was a great way to remember Malcolm’s life and achievements. We are even more pleased to be able to annouce we raised £419.67 for the Wildlife Trust of South & West Wales who were incredibly greatful and happy to recieve the funds. All the money will go towards covering the cost of their vital conservation work, protecting our beautiful Welsh wildlife.
South Wales Classic Motorcycle Club 