The
motorcycling Blind man
Historical event of a blind man riding a
motorcycle - a true tale.
Told to Bob James by VMCC member Mr Dudley Gwilliam (DG) Who
is 91
years old and still of sound mind - and can still ride a bike like a rocker
from the 50’s,
60’s.
The story
One day DG was in the process of setting up a
show stand
and had taken along a Norton model 50 in mint condition to the show.
He was about to leave the stand to obtain a cup
of tea
when he observed a man being held by a woman approaching him.
They both headed for the stand where the Norton
was.
DG asked the couple out of courtesy could he
help with
anything.
The man who appeared to be blind said” I
believe this is
a Norton Model 50, 350cc” DG responded by saying "yes, it is". The blind
man responded
by saying "Can I feel around the bike as I am blind and would like to
'look at
it', so to speak. DG said carry on and helped him to the paddock
where the
bike was standing.
DG observed the blind man feeling around the
bike, and a
question by the blind man was asked. “This is the original tank is it
not?” DG
said "yes, it is and it has not been changed and has always been with
the machine".
Another question was asked, “The headlight is
also
original and that it has a Lucas medallion imprinted in the light and
is it the
right one?” DG replied "yes, it is".
The Blind man then asked if he could buy the
bike and DG,
said “I am sorry, but I have promised it to my mate Steve, but I will
have a
word to ensure that you will have the first refusal if he eventually
sells it -
if that is ok?”
The blind man said that would be great and
offered DG his
contact phone numbers.
Eventually the blind man and his wife departed
and
farewells were given.
Sometime had elapsed and the blind man crossed
paths
again with DG at a bike autojumble.
A dialogue continued and eventually got round
to the
Norton, where was it and was it up for sale, if not sold could it be
offered to
me?
DG responded and stated that he had sold it to
his best mate
Steve Rollinson. “Here he is alongside me you can ask him the question
yourself”,
said DG.
So, the blind man was introduced to Steve and
the
question was asked, "will you sell the Norton to me?"
Steve responded by saying “yes if the price is
right.”
Some haggling took place and Steve agreed to
sell the
bike, but there was a condition attached.
The sale depended upon the blind man taking a
ride, not
as rider but as a passenger, and insisted that DG would be the chosen
rider
with the blind man on the pillion.
So the deal was on and all parties vacated to the
park area
where the blind man continued to don his helmet and gloves.
DG quickly got dressed himself and mounted the
bike and
started it first kick.
The blind man was assisted to mount the pillion
seat and
DG said ”Hold on tight this is going to be a ride to remember”.
Both sped off into the distance and returned
after about
10 minutes. The blind man was all shaken up and protested that he would
not
ever go on the back of DG ever again. DG responded with a smile by saying “you
enjoyed it
then?”.
There was no comment by the blind man.
The sale was agreed and
payment was made, so SR & DG assisted the delivery to, and into the blind
man’s van.
Upon securing the motorbike the conversation
continued -
DG asked the blind man how he became blind.
The blind man said “ It’s a long story, but I
will begin
by making it as short as possible as the actions still make me cry.
I was, and still am, a farmer and I was ploughing a
field
with a steep gradient. The Tractor got caught up with slippery subsoil
and
unfortunately toppled over, subsequently trapping me inside. I shouted
for help,
but no one could hear me. As time went on, I suddenly felt a burning
sensation
to my head and eyes. The battery was leaking as it was on its side and I
could not move to escape the consequences. Unfortunately help came too late and
my eyes
had gone with no recourse to me being able to see ever again.”
The blind man continued - “My life changed
completely and
my good wife has looked after me ever since, but she knew that the bike that
I have
just purchased would give me great pleasure, as I used to own the same
model and
had to sell it due to family and work commitments. Due to my sight
being impaired
and taken from me, my wife studied and developed skills like welding,
fabricating and paint spraying and even though I was blinded, my wife
and I
made a good team and continued to enter showing bikes of which many
prizes were
won over the years.”
In conclusion, DG was very touched by the blind
man’s
story and they continued to meet now and again at bike fairs etc, but sadly
have
lost touch over the years and DG wonders what has become of the blind
man and
his wife.
One day we may know.
Many thanks to DG for conveying this sad and
joyful story,
which should be told.
Bob James
If you have you a
story to tell? Send it to me please.
