Vic Siswick - What Bike?

Known to many of the club members already. In this article I look for a bit of dirt but alas there isn’t any or Vic concealed it very well.

Vic was born in Huddersfield (we won’t hold that against him!!) a long time ago and has lived there most of his life. After school he became n apprentice motor mechanic. But the travel bug got the better of him and he left Huddersfield and landed up in Hull. He had also had a career change. He became a camera-man and worked freelance in the broadcast world. This profession took him all over Europe and the U.S.A. He became proficient at filming surgical procedures in operating theatres. These films after suitable editing were used in medical libraries, news stories and some were taken with the surgeons when they did lectures on new surgical procedures. A very interesting experience to be in theatre but not under the knife.

Unfortunately about 5 years ago Vic was diagnosed with cancer and he was once again in Huddersfield Royal Infirmary theatre but this time seriously under the knife. In fact he was in for 11 hours. About a year later further surgery was required and another 13 hour op followed. Gladly he has just been moved to a once a year check-up and I am sure all of are pleased to hear all is looking good.

Vic is married and has three children; a brace ( twins, a boy and a girl) The son is in U.S.A. the daughter is in Huddersfield. They also have a younger daughter who is also not far from the nest as she too lives in Huddersfield. Between them there are four grandchildren..

Vic is a keen golfer and he and his wife have been regular players for many years.However Vic now has a “new hobby”. As we all know Vic has set up and is running the voluntary organisation The White Knights..

What got you started on this idea?

My idea was to try and put something back into our health service from which he had certainly had a fair amount of T.L.C.

He had heard about a similar group in the South West, Freewheelers. He contacted them and they were able to give Vic a lot of help and support in the early days.

Why White Knights?

White for the white rose of our county. And knights; those heroes who save young maidens. And all the work is after hours..in the knight.

How did you get started on bikes?

I started very young and passed my test at 16 on a

Lambretta. Not allowed a proper motorcycle as they are dangerous. However I did ride big bikes all the time as all my mates had “big ones”. BSA Goldstars, Norton 500’s, etc etc.

What was your first bike?

As you see it was a Lambretta and another Lamretta followed. I then had a long break during which time someone gave me a Goldwing to look after and I rode that for a few years.

About 5 years ago I decided to get back to two wheels and bought a Honda CB500.

What do you ride now and why?

At present I still ride a Honda; the white Pan you see out there. It a big bike.; handles well, comfortable and very importantly is totally reliable. 

What interested you in I.A.M. / W.Y.A.M.’s ?

I had already passed my advanced driving test so when I gat the bike it was a natural progression. If you want to do something DO IT RIGHT!! I joined W.Y.A.M.’s did the test which has been valuable as to ride the White Knights bikes the insurance stipulated riders to have a recognised advanced training.

What is your dream bike?

My dream bike?. I’m a simple fellow. I would love a new or almost new Honda Pan European but as it isn’t produced any more so perhaps a Honda S.T.1300 Mmmmmm.

What sort of biking do you do and enjoy most?

I enjoy just a nice ride out; a morning or afternoon or even a day ride. I haven’t done any serious touring or been abroad YET!!

What do you consider your biking highlights?

Riding the White Knights “two’s ‘n blues” Pan and delivering blood or platelets to a hospital where it may help some poor soul in need.

We can never say we actually saved a life but we like to think our activity might just make the difference.

What next?

I am committed to see the White Knights make steady growth so that the whole of Yorkshire may reap the benefit.

Editor’s Note.

The setting up took a great deal of effort on Vic’s part.

Initially he had to raise some interest. Then the big struggle to get some funding. From small acorns etc The White Knights have more than 30 people on board. This includes fund raisers, dispatchers and of course the glamour boys, the riders. The fleet consists of 3 Honda Pan Europeans, a Honda Deauville and also Vic’s own Honda Pan European, an ex M.O.D. police machine. 

My grateful thanks to Eddy Wright Honda Leeds. I met Vic at Eddy’s where the staff made us very welcome, provided a desk to work on and most important on a bleak Thursday a.m. steaming cups of tea and coffee. Thanks Becky, Alex and Kieran of Eddy Wright, Leeds.