TEENAGER Les Belcher thought he was on a winner when he had his first taste of motorcycle sport.

The 19-year-old novice bought a trials bike from top Oxford rider John Avery and scorched to victory in his heat on a course at Aldworth, near Reading.

He recalls: “I thought it was so easy, but it was different in the final – I collided with another competitor.”

Mr Belcher, of Lime Road, Botley, wrote in after seeing the picture we published in July of members of the Oxford Ixion Motorcycle Club.

They were photographed after a Tuesday club night outside the Nelson pub, in Between Towns Road, Cowley, in 1948, Mr Belcher writes: “I have a copy of the same picture and although I am not in it, I was an active member of the club in those days.

“I rode in trials and scrambles and also in grass track events.

“I was never in the same league as John Avery and other riders – I could not afford the machinery – but I won a few trophies.

“My favourite track was Shotover – others were at Brill, Aldworth and Beenham.

“I am now nearly 83 and am still interested in bikes.

“It was a really friendly club – everyone got on well together – and we had great fun.”

Mr Belcher has loaned us a number of pictures to remind fellow Ixion members of their glory days.