About

In 1948, John Sinclair returned to the Vale of Leven after service in the Royal Airforce. John joined the RAF Association Club, and it was there that he met George Gibson and his brother. All of them were motorcyclists, and the idea of starting a Motorcycle Club was formed.

An advert was placed in the Lennox Herald and several individuals showed interest in forming a club. The first meetings were held in the loft of a boathouse on the banks of the River Leven at Balloch, which belonged to Mr Garnett. His daughter Barbara was also one of the first members. About 20 motorcyclists turned up, on a variety of pre-war and ex-military machines. In the first year or so meetings were held at several locations, including the Garnett's summer house, and a hut belonging to the Vale of Leven Cycling Club in Renton.

Club runs and various fund-raising schemes were organised by the founder members that attended that first meeting. These included Dan Stewart, Mungo Kinloch, the McGillvary twins and Archie Rennie. Soon the word got around the district about the Club's activities and the membership increased.

The Club became affiliated to the Scottish Auto Cycle Union, which then permitted Club members to compete in, and to promote motorcycle events. Many members competed regularly in National Trials, Scrambles and Road Racing events and the Club organised its own Closed to Club events locally, with much of the machinery modified or ex-military bikes.

Through a business connection, John Sinclair became acquainted with one of the Manager's at the United Turkey Red Dye Company in Renton. Through him, a spare plot of land in Dalvait Road Jamestown was acquired. A redundant 'Nissan Hut' was bought from the Balloch Tea Rooms, and club members dismantled it and re-erected it on the Dalvait Road site.

Local people also supported the Club through various fund-raising schemes and social events held in the new clubrooms. The Club had its own Clubroom and was well-regarded for the active participation of its members. By the late 60s, the membership of the Club outgrew the Nissan Hut, so funds were raised and plans drawn up for new premises to be built on the ground owned by the Club in Dalvait Road. The new Clubrooms were completed in 1966 after a two-year construction period. The work was carried out solely by Club Members, guided by tradesmen within the club.

A few members competed in Road Race events at circuits such as Errol, Balado (Kinross), Crimond (Aberdeenshire), Gask, Perthshire and Charterhall in the Borders. The most successful road racer among them was Dan Stewart, a joiner from Dumbarton who used his 350cc BSA Gold Star both for commuting and racing. Local supporters often travelled to these races.

By 1973, membership numbers were increasing rapidly, and an extension was added to the Clubrooms, improving kitchen and toilet facilities which enhanced the use of the main hall. Again, Club members carried out all the work.

In the 1960s, members were successful in Scrambles, Road Racing, and Trials. Willie Wallace notably won the 1968 Scottish Scrambles Championship.

The Club continued to promote events in trials, scrambles, road racing and rallies, gaining nation-wide recognition. Prominent local figures took an interest in the development of the Club and their grounds are still used for Club and Open Sporting events. Sir Ivar Colquhoun, a major landowner whose family owns Luss Estates, was one of these figures.

Major Telfer-Smollett's obituary in the Daily Mail and the Telegraph mentioned his wartime exploits and associations with notable figures like Churchill and Tito. Despite his distinguished background, he was frequently seen at the Clubrooms.

For many years in the 1960s and 1970s, Bill Nicol and other members ran an RAC/ACU Training Scheme in Alexandria to train students to standards required for their licensing tests.

The Club also ran a 'closed to Club' hill climb on the old 'Rest and be Thankful' road, attracting a wide variety of machines. The event ended when hire charges by the Forestry Commission became unaffordable.

Notable events run by the Club include the Two-Day Trial since 1968, now known as the 'Dan Stewart Two Day Trial', and the Antler Rally since 1972 at Kilchoan. The rally attracts entries from across the UK and beyond, including Germany, Belgium, and Sweden.

A club magazine, the 'Antler Magazine', was created in 1974 to keep members informed. It has since been replaced by a bi-monthly newsletter.

The Club ran the first Motorcycle Race Meeting at Knockhill Circuit in Fife in 1976, followed by successful events in 1977 and 1978, and a one-off meeting at Ingliston Show Ground in Edinburgh.

Membership declined in the late 1970s due to relocation and emigration, reaching a low point in the mid-1980s. Despite financial challenges, the Club continued running events like the Dan Stewart 2-Day Trial and the Antler Rally.

In late 1987, the remaining members decided to sell the Clubrooms to remove financial burdens. The proceeds were gifted to the Erskine Hospital for injured ex-servicemen.

The Club's activities continued with a new committee appointed in 1989, boosting interest and morale. In 1987, member Dave McCabe competed in the Paris-Dakar Rally but was unable to finish due to mechanical issues.

Since the late 80s, the Club has run three Trials, two rallies, and social events. Monthly meetings are held at the Winnock Hotel in Drymen, Members also organise summer camping weekends and touring holidays, reported in the club newsletter.

Membership has steadily risen to over 100 members. Members travel from across the country to help at events like the Two Day Trial and Antler Rally.  

The Loch Lomond Motorcycling Club has been in existence for 75 years, welcoming new members. Thanks go to John Sinclair and George Gibson, whose initiative led to many friendships and adventures.

We also remember Club Members who are no longer with us who contributed to the Club's history.