The Sellicks Beach Historic Motorcycle Races established and run by the Levis Motorcycle Club returned in 2019 with 120 solo bikes, twelve side cars and thousands of cheering fans.
Bikes are divided into two categories with Period 2 built in 1920 to 1945 and Period 3 built in 1046 to 1962. Mechanics are free to pull apart, rebuild, bore out, polish, recombine and accessorise their bikes within the time period and some of them really haul ass down the sand. I loved the sidecars most—the extra wheel and balance point allowing rider and passenger to brake late, throw weight into the corner and carry speed through to the exit.
This was my first outing to the event and I was unable to secure a media pass to shoot freely up close and personal but I made do outside the barriers. Next year I should be getting sandy in the pit.
(50) Paul Dempsey / Carey Dechamps riding 1950 Triumph chased by (56) David Sigston / Vince Hitchman riding 1956 Norton/BSA, rounding final corner. © Daniel Purvis
(86) Nicholas Umek kicks off Group G on a 1946 BSA B33 with a B31 head then some. © Daniel Purvis
(9) David Johnson, superbike rider and Isla of Man TT rider won most of his heats, even chasing down 2nd place starting last in the handicapped race, on his speedy 1961 Triumph. He’ll be running Isle of Man again later this year with his eye on podium. © Daniel Purvis
(9) David Johnson, superbike rider and Isla of Man TT rider won most of his heats, even chasing down 2nd place starting last in the handicapped race, on his speedy 1961 Triumph. He’ll be running Isle of Man again later this year with his eye on podium. © Daniel Purvis
(53) Daryl House pushing a 1948 AJS to the limits—great posture and exciting rider. © Daniel Purvis
The boys in Group H setting up for a 4 Mile run on Sunday morning. © Daniel Purvis
Steely-eyed Darren Young throttling a 1200CC Harley-Davidson from 1935 taking on Group H. © Daniel Purvis
Group H breakaway. © Daniel Purvis
Patience required when you’ve already finished. Some of the other competitors might take a while to come round. © Daniel Purvis
Loud all day with commentary and rebroadcasting any engine that burned past the commentary box. © Daniel Purvis
(99) Wayne Fazzalari puts a 1962 BSA into a solid powerslide rounding first corner. © Daniel Purvis
(142) Charlie Palmer tearing up the beach on a 1937 1200cc Harley-Davidson. © Daniel Purvis