Chris always recognizes these moments and what they mean to me
The 1948 / 49 Norton International pictured here, belongs to Alan Stulberg, from Revival Cycles out of Austin Texas, and was saved from a barn, somewhere in Texas. I'll fully admit that even before going to Wheels & Waves, I knew that the crew from Revival, would be there, and I hoped that they'd be bringing the International, so I'd get the chance to see it. I'll also admit that I had talked for several days about how I hoped I'd have a chance to meet Alan and see this fine machine up close and personal. And secretly, in my head, I thought that maybe, just maybe, after the three day event, I might somehow be able to talk Alan into letting me take it for a short ride. A boy can dream.
I had followed along, with the rest of the world, when Alan had first fired the machine back to life, after a long stretch of it laying dormant. This particular Inter, is a true hot rod, built up in the period, and likely very close to Manx spec. It's got a high compression piston and some magnesium bits, including the cam box and bevel tower housing. It's got stripped down fenders and plenty of neat little bits that are impossible to replicate, if built today.
Day One of Wheels & Waves, and we ride out to the flat track races at Santa Maria Raceway, and it didn't take long for me to spot the Inter. There it was, sitting on it's center stand, amongst the other fine machinery that Revival had brought with them. I was fixated on the Norton, and I as knelt down, visually pouring over every detail, Alan walks up to greet me, and was more than happy to discuss the details. It was instantly obvious, that the importance and rarity of this machine, wasn't lost on him. It was apparent, from the first words he spoke, that he's a true enthusiast as well. He talked about how he came to own the machine, and the process of going over it and firing it up for the first time. Our conversation, was rapid fire. Him talking, me asking, and I wasn't sure if I was more happy to see it, or if he was more happy to tell me about it. Either way, it was less than a minute of seeing the bike and meeting Alan, and he asks "you want to ride it?" During the split second that followed, I was both shocked and elated, but I think I said yes, before he even finished the question.
Alan kicks the beast to life
Originally, I said I'd just take it around the dirt lot, but Alan insisted that I get it out onto the road, so off I went, for a total of three stretches up and down the road adjacent to the track. What a glorious machine that simply wants to go. Like any Norton, it's happiest being wound up a bit and likes a decent bit of throttle. The sound is amazing, the power is dead smooth and its got heaps of compression. The exposed hairpin valve springs, working away and just oozing cool, as well as a bit of oil spray as expected. For a garden gate frame, it handled better than I would have thought and the riding position is much tighter and racier than expected. Everything just feels like it's in the right place, and for those ten minutes or so, everything was just right in my world.
I was responsible about the adventure, and rode the machine as if it was mine. Not getting too aggressive and not staying out too long with it. I was truly happy to have this once in lifetime opportunity; one that I had dreamt about for as long as I can remember.
When I returned, I thanked Alan for his kindness and letting me share in the glory. I commented to him that it was pretty amazing that even though he didn't know me, he'd still let me ride it. His response was perfect: "if you know what it is, then surely you can ride it".
So there it is. The culminating point of a lifelong goal, to ride a cammy Norton. And it all happened in such a whirlwind experience, during the amazing event, that is Wheels & Waves, and all shared with a group of true friends from Iron & Air. I honestly don't think it could have been any better. And while I've always longed to one day own an overhead cam single for myself, now it simply must happen. Somehow, someway...
All photos: Gregory Moore
Alan, if you're reading this, Thank You! You're the man, and I truly can't express my gratitude enough.
And a huge thanks to Vincent and Paul from Wheels & Waves, as well as Chris, Adam, Greg, Dan & Scott from Iron & Air
