It's A Family Affair…

The Bressuire GP Historique on June 29/30, 2019, welcomed several generations from various families.

- Mike Davis

Sometimes you can have the sort of conversation that really makes you think. Such a conversation took place on the grid at the start of the Bressuire GP Historique. “I worry that so many who are passionate about vintage motorcycles are my age,” said a well-known rider, whose age and identity will, to save his embarrassment, remain undisclosed. “If we don’t get youngsters involved, the machines we’re riding today will be in museums tomorrow.”

The truth of the remark caused concern. But before the day ended, the Bressuire experience eased that burden of worry and offered a brighter future prospect.

Once upon a time, fathers encouraged their sons to follow in their footsteps – if youngsters could be persuaded to share their father’s passion for old bikes, usually it would be the boys. Seemingly girls, in their teens and twenties, were rarely encouraged – or wanted to be. But the times are changing!

Jean-Luc Gaignard is famed for his private motorcycle museum near Laval. Of the many machines from which he could choose, he brought to Bressuire a 1934 Terrot OCP 250 for himself and a 1939Moto Guzzi Albatros 250 for his 27-year-old daughter, Agnès, who explained: “Whilst I’ve ridden motorcycles since 11 and sidecars with my father in various events, today was my first time solo on a circuit. I’ve really enjoyed it. Bressuire is perfect for sporting motorcycles like the Albatros.”