THE FUN OF FUNDING
 (or upmarket begging!)




 

Pre 65 Entry to support..... "will ride for cleans"

 Here I am at a crossroads and looking to raise funds for the Nostalgia of the Pre 65 Scottish Trial.
Many years ago when I was Captain of the RAFMSA Trials Team I was able to fund our efforts from
personal contacts and of course the Trade. The RAF enjoyed support from Duckhams Oils, Shell,
Dunlop, Renold, Girling, Champion, Griffon Helmets, Sidi Boots, TT Leathers and in the latter years of
the 70's, Ossa Motorcycles.

 In truth I never expected to ride in the Scottish again after 8 successful rides in the 70's but as any Trials
rider knows "it's in the blood" and enthusiasm never dies. This year I was persuaded to "have another
go"  and so far I've been lucky to get an entry (which I believe was at the discretion of the Organizing
Cub) and also the use of a fantastic 250 James from the stable of Javier Cruz.

 Of course an event like the Pre 65 does not carry the same clout as the full SSDT and indeed many
machines, and their manufacturers are sadly no longer in business, so a direct approach in that
direction will be as much use as walking around a graveyard. I therefore need to explore all sources
within the next month to fund this "one off" or I will be forced to give up my entry.

 2008 saw, on the personal side, a close down of my Grading Company and the walk away from my
former home and possessions in Arizona thanks to the Construction Industry dying a death in New
housing. Selling remaining assets to live has become the norm in these hard financial times and
while I should no doubt accept fate and say "No I can't achieve my ambitions and will have to let it go"
that is not the way ..... a bit like settling for a 5 when with a bit more effort you could have pushed on for
the 3. So now in much earnest I'm looking to source around $5000 to fund this venture. Several
machines are on E-bay to try and pay for it in the shape of my SSDT Replica Yamaha TY250A which
will be a sad loss but it just has to go. Also on the trials front the recently revamped TY 250C with alloy
tank guards and polished cases. Finally the heart wrenching "For Sale" of my Rothman's Racing CBR
929RR which is a joy to ride. Still sitting in the stable there is the ALL chrome TY175 and the 520EXC
KTM. None of these, even at "giveaway" prices seem to be selling which I suppose is all part of the
ongoing problem with our failing economy.



 

The 1974 Scottish Replica




 

The Revamped Alloy 77







Rothman's Racing 929RR







If only we had be given these for the ISDT







The Baker's 520 EXC..... what a machine!



 If I had 5000 friends and they all donated $1 the game would be done, or 500 friends with $10 they
don't want or perhaps 100 friends with a spare $50 ? The brain can conjure all possibilities at this
stage but none seems viable. I know I have given generously to support others in the past with $200+
donations to fund kids going to the TN Trials school so now I will be asking for something back as it's
my "turn". Begging ? yes I suppose it is, but as we always said when looking for support "If you don't
ask you don't get!" ..... and "They can only say NO"

It didn't seem embarrassing back then to ask for things, but there again then I was doing it for the good
of the team and others less fortunate, but now the situation is reversed. Perhaps another avenue will
be to go for "Pledges" whereby an individual can pledge whatever they wish but starting at $1 per
section cleaned. Ok, there are 60 sections total and realistically I would be pretty pleased if I clean 20
of them which by today's standards would be a fantastic achievement. Should this prove an interesting
challenge, and/or more money was raised than required then the excess could be given to some
sporting charity such as a Rider's Benevolent Fund or maybe set up another for anyone wishing to
compete in some other major event.

 Ok, that sounds better and less than a direct gift for the needy (ie me!) Let the FUNDING begin!

 So now the begging starts in earnest as I really can't turn down a ride on this gorgeous bike, I think
I will have to row across the bloody Atlantic if push comes to shove..... it just has to happen if there is
any Karma in this World.



I drool every time I look at this



How can I turn down a ride on this machine ?

 If you are reading this and see any of the above bikes, and now OSSAMAHA, give me a call or e-mail me
with an offer: 970 882 2483 or downdiversified@msn.com

 Should have a link to the "Pledge Form" for anyone who wants to support the cause, thats with a BIG
PLEASE and an even BIGGER THANK YOU.


TONY DOWN


 Seems I can't get the link to work, so I have reproduced it in a simplified format which you can print off
or e-mail me with any "pledges"

NAME
ADDRESS

Phone No:                                                               E Mail:

Pledge:  $1  $2  $3   $ (       )=other    CIRCLE ONE     X  Cleans up to 20

Please Return by   3/31/09           To: Tony Down
                                                                  1501 Central Ave
                                                                   Dolores
                                                                   CO 81323

Sig:


P.S.   At a reader's suggestion  funds, gifts, grants or pledges can be sent to Pay Pal   downdiversified@aol.com

Thank you all once again.