A Look at Life - Ton Up Boys

[rjamesohio]

This was one of many videos produced in the UK sometime in the 60's. It covers a variety of topics - many of which are fascinating and fun to watch - but I thought this one would be of great interest here.

https://youtu.be/CYvJVyXNZKc

This is a fascinating look at the Ton Up Boys.

While the bikes are interesting - I found one concept quite interesting. That of using motorcyclist as delivery couriers for urgently needed medical supplies and even tissue.

I wonder if that idea could be used today? Many of us sport the requisite baggage that would be required for this use, and certainly if you needed an excuse to ride why not have it be life-saving?

Regardless - the footage of the bikes and motorcyclists of the 60's is fascinating. Didn't catch a Guzzi but saw several BMWs, Nortons, et al.

Enjoy!

[jbell]

Great video, thanks for the link.  I was never able to get used to tucking my pants into my boots. 

[twowings]

I enjoyed that and the Mods vs. Rockers documentary that followed it....thanks!

[Dean Rose]

I believe Pete was a bike courier in London back when.

Dean

[JJ]

Classic film clip!  I always liked the old ACE CAFE story about the Rockers putting a quarter in the jukebox, and then, "the boys" had to race up the road to some bridge, and turn around, and then race back at top speed BEFORE the song ended on the jukebox.  In order to do that, one had to exceed "THE TON" (>100mph).  Many never made it back...

[Beerman]

While the bikes are interesting - I found one concept quite interesting. That of using motorcyclist as delivery couriers for urgently needed medical supplies and even tissue.

I wonder if that idea could be used today? Many of us sport the requisite baggage that would be required for this use, and certainly if you needed an excuse to ride why not have it be life-saving?

Bikes are regularly used to courier blood in the UK - you see them often. As you say, what a great 'reason to ride'.

Beerman

[Beerman]

Your piece (great film) prompted me to look it up. The first blood bike volunteer group to be established in the UK Emergency Volunteer Service (EVS), formed in 1962 in Surrey, England, by Margaret Ryerson and her husband - that was her in the film.

There are now 2,700 regular riders who made 56,000 deliveries last year.

Beerman

[Guzzi Gal]

That was fun.  Thanks!