Clubmans All-British Weekend San Jose

by Geoff Patrick

When I mailed off the booth registration for The 28th Annual Clubmans All-British Show & Swap a day before the deadline, I had no idea that I would be lucky to get a spot. That describes the nearly sold out vendor turnout for this years event. I saw only a couple of empty spots, no-shows I was told.

Maybe part of the reason for the limited vendor capacity was the number of motorcycles on display. Row after row of rare and coveted British motorcycles covered the indoor fairway including a whole bunch of Triples, the Honoree of this years show. I even saw two of my favourite BSA’s…a ’60 Gold Star Catalina Scrambler and her Twin sister, the Spitfire Scrambler. Both impeccable examples owned by one lucky person!

Despite getting a less-than-prime spot, The British Iron Association of San Diego was proudly represented by The Banner flanked by my ’62 Trophy and ’64 Mountain Cub. The lovely and talented Katy helped by sitting in to top off a pretty busy booth…flattrack great Eddie Mulder even stopped by with some great things to say.   A few of our own San Diego locals made it and stopped by the booth to leave newly bought parts or just to take a break.  Lars came along just in time to cut me loose to check out the bikes and swapmeet.  It paid off for me after I was able to find some TLS brake parts in the form of a complete front wheel for twenty bucks.  There was a great assortment of new and used parts vendors  along with tee-shirts, photos and organizations sprinkled in between.  

It really was a great show.  The BSA Owners Club of Northern California have succeeded in producing the best British show in the West.  It is well organized with friendly hosts at a very reasonable five dollar ticket.  If that’s not enough for you, this year featured a vintage American motorcycle show and swap, as well as a European and Japaneese show…PLUS indoor short track racing!  Each show is indepenently run in seperate buldings but it all seems to work out with pleanty of parking at the site of the once famous San Jose Mile.

After 23 years, this event shows no sign of slowing down.  It takes place at a great time of year and the drive (or ride), where everything is incredibly green, is easy and beautiful.  Pencil this event onto you calendar for next year and find your way to San Jose.  You won’t be disappointed!