Brit Jam Rally Attracts A Crowd

EAST HAMPTON, CT – The name of the rally may be Brit Jam, and it may be staged by the British Iron Association of Connecticut, but all brands are welcomed at the annual event and today’s gathering was no exception. Vintage motorcycle lovers from all over the Northeast converged on the Haddam Neck Fairgrounds. “This is the 28th or 29th Brit Jam. Ever year we grow a little bit more. The best parts are the people and the bikes,” said Shaun Kelly, chairman of the BIA of CT.

Consequently, along with the anticipated Triumphs, Nortons and BSAs on display, there were old Indians and Harley-Davidsons, all varities of Japanese and and Italian bikes, and vendors galore. “Our vendors have quadrupled over the last four years,” said Kelly. The number of dealers showing up with new Triumphs has increased, too, with Mark’s Motorsports of Enfield, CT and Street Stuff / Triumph of New England of Norwich, CT bringing new models.

The bulk of the models entered in the show came from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. “This is a place where old racers, either dirt of track, come to meet, and builders, new or old, show up. It’s old home week,” said Kelly, who spent his day in busy pursuit of making sure attendees had a good time. Whether directing riders where to display their bikes or flipping burgers, Kelly worked non-stop.

So did the rest of the volunteers. The BIA of CT 120 members, 50 of them active, and 35-40 supplied the elbow grease for Brit Jam, said Kelly, and that included judging the bikes for trophies. “I’m proud to see a show like attract such a wide group of motorcycle enthusiasts,” he said. As is the case every year, part of the fun of Brit Jam is wandering the parking lot (shown above) as it is inevitably filled with vintage bikes that could easily be displayed in the actual show.

One observer noted that the makeup of the crowd was older, graying men, and wondered what’s to become of the vintage bikes of today if younger riders don’t begin taking an interest in them. “As long as we ride them, and don’t hide them, there’s always going to be an interest in them,” Kelly predicted. However, he added, “I am worried about the loss of the knowledge base” as older riders disappear. – By Bud Wilkinson