Sunday, July 5, the event called 'Historisch Vervoer' (Historical Transport') took place for the seventh time at Millingen aan de Rijn, a village not far from my hometown. Shortly after the publication of the article in de Gelderlander (October 2008) I was invited to show my CBX there.

  
       
 
 

The day started at Nijmegen, next to the river Waal. A few numbers: According to the organization, there were approximately 360 vehicles present. About 200 cars, 89 tractors, 43 trucks and 28 motorcycles. I think there must have been even more because this doesn't include the many mopeds like Zündapps, Kreidlers and Solexes. The number of visitors is estimated between 6000 and 8000.

Condition for participation: every vehicle must be built before 1973. And what a lot of fine machines were built before that. The Waalkade was packed with stunning classics.

Picture: Ooij2000

  
       
   

Even Herbie found a spot to park.

Picture: Ooij2000

  
       
   

A few sizes bigger was this Mack.

Picture: Ooij2000

  
       
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Although the engine of my CBX this year celebrates its thirtieth anniversary, the bike of course is no classic. Nevertheless, there was much interest.

  
       
 
 

After the meeting at Nijmegen most participants went for the ride-out. Because my bike's too young I did not join in. I didn't mind really as the speed was low and I remembered the last trip with MC Bandidos all too well.

Remarkable was the high 'moustache percentage' of the classics' owners.

  
       
 
  Despite the excellent condition of the cars, old cars stay old cars. And sometimes they leave traces.  
       
   

After visiting Nijmegen I went home. And because I live between Nijmegen and Millingen, I was lucky that the tractor ride-out came along my house.

Tough men ...

 
       
   

... and no less tough women came by in a long procession.

  
       
    An oldskool trailer.  
       
    Meanwhile Monica, Niels, Frans and Wim arrived.  
       
 
 

Together we rode to Millingen. Frans on his chopped BMW boxer.

No ordinary boxer ...

 
       
    ... because Niels layed his fingers on it. So it has a turbo, and a computer-controlled injection system with four injectors.  
       
    Niels took his 205 bhp turbocharged Vmax. Yes: wíth computer, wíth selfbuilt injection system. A sweet project as well.  
       
   

On the organizations list, I was shown as 'Otto Nijs c.s.' or 'Otto Nijs cum suis' or 'Otto Nijs and his friends'. That's nice. And I own a 'special bike'. Which is also true. Boss Hoss is listed below me. I like Boss Hoss listed below me ;-).

  
       
    The organization offered an extended lunch for every participant. Especially the drinks were very welcome because it was stifling hot. Here are 'his friends' sitting on the ground as a bunch of tramps.  
       
 
  Historisch Vervoer guided my bike to a nice spot. It did not stay unnoticed there.  
       
 
  Because I wanted to wander around (there was so much to see) I put the bike's specs next to it.  
       
 
  Visitors took time to read it. Pretty handy such a FAQ.  
       
 
 

The gravel bed kept most visitors to viewing distance. But balancing on one foot they could still reach the bike.

Picture: Henk Baron

  
       
   

Just behind me the Vmax Club Holland presented itself with an impressive number of originals, modified and brand new versions. It's a beautiful bike although not an official classic yet.

  
       
   

A familiar face in brand new outfit: Theo Verbeet's V8 Motorcycles. In sober black with a nice fat exhaust system.

 
       
   

At first glance it looks like a Boss Hoss but the owner made it clear: this is no Boss Hoss.

If you want to own a no-Boss Hoss: this engine is for sale. Mail me for information.

 
       
    There were so many fine machines present, like this BMW R42, dating 1927.  
       
    Look at details like this tail light. You could unscrew it to signal if you'd have a breakdown.  
         
   

Meanwhile I'm so old that I remember Solexes this from my childhood.

Picture: Ooij2000

 
       
   

There were many so called 'static engines' present, like this one dating from 1911 with a 4.6 liter engine which delivers incredible 8.5 bhp. Form follows function but a feast for the eye. Virtually all moving parts were visible, one could even see the bottom of the moving piston.

  
       
    There were Ferrari's, Rolls Royces ...  
       
    ... an Austin Healey 100 Six from 1957 ...  
       
    ... a Volkswagen T1 'bar bus' from 1965 ...  
       
  ... a Morris Minor 1000 with wooden frame ...  
       
    ... an Opel Kaptein from WW II with wood gasifier as alternative for fuel ...  
       
   

... and a Messerschmidt KR200 tricycle from 1964.

Just a small selection of what was shown.

 
       
 
 

Historical events like Historical Transport (on the left initiator Herbert Klompenhouwer) ensure that this important cultural heritage is preserved. To inspire and also to prevent ...

Picture: Henk Baron

  
       
    ... our mobile world aging by colourless unimaginative fourwheeled A-to-B vehicles.  
       
   

Naschrift 5 oktober 2009.
Fotografe Inge Wilkens maakte een aantal mooie close-ups van de motor en plaatste die op haar site. Ik mocht ze ook op mijn site tonen.

Klik op de foto voor een uitvergroting.

 
       
    Klik op de foto voor een uitvergroting.