Trials Australia Forums

With all the 1970s nostalgia on the forum this week it reminded me of a story my late father used to tell regarding Sammy Miller. It involved a trial he rode in which I thought at the time was held in QLD. Just curious to know if I misunderstood the story or if Sammy ever visited QLD or anywhere else in Australia.

Definitely in Newcastle around 1970, bought out by Norm Fraser

Well at least there's a Sammy Miller trials shirt in Queensland . I still wear mine with 'Sammy Miller Trial Sport' printed on the front and "Ellgren" printed down the sleeves. Cheers Taff.

Most definitely.

Sammy Miller was in Brisbane in July of 1970. He put on a trials school (more of a demo day) at Tom Blunt's sawmill (now Karremans quarry) at Mt Cotton just 3km down the road from me.

I have a photo of a poster publishing the event. I'll see if I can find it and upload it.

Chris.

Ok, found it! Back in 2005, my sister and I visited the Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum in Hampshire, England and I was surprised to see this poster nailed up on a column in at one end of the building. Tom Blunt and his family still live at Mt Cotton but not at the same property. But he still remembers that event.

Scroll down and you will see that the film night cost 50c (but it did include refreshments) and the trials school was $5.00.

And just for your viewing pleasure... Here's a photo of myself and Sammy Miller (he's the one with hair) at the museum posing with the legendary GOV 132 Ariel. Actually, to be honest, that bike is a (very good) replica which Sammy still rides in club trials today. The real GOV 132 is inside the museum and is too valuable to be ridden.

Sammy was out in the rain yesterday,not riding,just watching the Talmag trial near Aldershot here in the UK. Best collection of proper trials bikes I've ever seen in one place - around 170 solo pre 65 bikes and approx. 30 outfits.Magic,apart from the rain...

Thanks for the info Chris. I didn't think dad would have traveled to far afield at the time having young kids. As it turns out I was a couple of months off being born when that weekend took place.