Dick Langstone originally from Pinner, Middlesex, former salesman at Comerford’s, Thames Ditton has passed away on 4th December 2025, aged 89 years.
Langstone was a well-known solo and sidecar trials competitor who was passengered by John Wright who ran Motorite Comp Shop in Surbiton.
Dick Langstone,cigarette in mouth, tackles a tight turn at the top of a roadside section with his Matchless outfit, while passenger John Wright keeps a watching brief. Event was the 1959 Southern Experts Trial. (Photo: Off Road Archive)
Dick and his wife emigrated to Pinjarra, Western Australia in 1972. His sister Sue was married to fellow trials rider Roger Kearsey. Dick and his wife Pam married in 1958. He was active throughout the mid 1950s until he moved to Australia, having served as a military policeman in the army along with his future brother-in-law, Roger Kearsey.
Dick Langstone (left) with his brother-in-law, Roger Kearsey (middle) when in the military police in 1955.
Dick joined Comerford’s under Bert Thorne in 1956 and remained in their employment until he left for a new life in Australia.
Dick Langstone and John Wright on their Matchless outfit put the effort in to keep the plot moving – British Experts Trial 1960 – Photo: Mike Davies
Main photo: Dick Langstone on the factory BSA Gold Star on loan from the BSA through Comerfords.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Deryk Wylde, formerly editor of ‘Off Road Review’ magazines, plus a plethora of motorcycling books and publications.
Deryk Wylde on his Ariel HT5, a model he had a great affinity to.
Born in Leeds on 18th June 1938, his parents were both Yorkshire dales people. Deryk and his parents had a family disagreement which persuaded the young man to stop the deferment of his national service and do the service, he then found himself being told to report to Bletchley Park in Milton Keynes, the rest is still subject to the Secrets Act!
He became an electronics engineer and that enabled him to take on some interesting employment, much of it overseas. He assisted in the design of various police, airport and harbour control radio systems as well as radio signalling on the Canton – Kowloon railway and then the Hong Kong underground. Deryk became proficient at writing technical articles.
He was married to Mary who became a keen photographer and took photos to adorn the copies of Off Road Review magazine which he self published under ‘Ariel Publishing’. His books were sold under Nostalgia Books.
Deryk wrote many books on motorcycling, including one on the AJS and Matchless brand. He also had a fortnightly column with Trials & Motocross News called ‘Wylde’s Classic Bikes’ until a disagreement with editor Bill Lawless saw Deryk walk away to do his own thing and Off Road Review was born. Deryk was a stickler for detail, he researched everything thoroughly, never relying on old newspaper reports as they could be inaccurate at the time of publishing. Instead he delved much deeper, even contacting those he was writing a report about.
Deryk Wylde at one stage owned this ex-factory AJS, seen here ridden by AMC Competitions Manager, Bob Manns in the Scottish Six Days Trial – Photo: Off Road Archive.
At one stage, he and his wife Mary moved to near Paris and Deryk became involved with the organisation of the St. Cucufa trial, an event supported by many British factory riders. What wasn’t universally known was why he lived in France. This then became clear that he was based at SHAPE (Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe), NATOs strategic headquarters which was based near Paris from 1951 until 1967. Deryk led an interesting life for sure.
Avoiding the brambles on the factory Greeves in 1962 is good friend of Deryk Wylde, Don Smith who competed annually at St Cucufa. Photo: OffRoad Archive.
In his ‘Off Road Review’ magazines, he had a section set aside for corrections of previous editions, such was his meticulous approach to detail. He strongly resisted the desire financially to attract advertisers unlike most of the periodicals. However this used up much of his savings and Deryk ceased production of the popular publication at edition number 99.
Deryk lived at St. Harmon, Powys, Wales, having lost his wife Mary, he packed his bags and headed north to live at Sallachy, just a stones throw from Eilean Donan Castle in Scotland.
Deryk Wylde was a purist when it came to older motorcycles, he never saw the need for modernising a perfectly good machine and was openly critical of rider’s attempts to do this and wrote about it. He was also a fervent supporter and promoter of the concept of what he referred to as “Old School Journalism” and called out those who copied other’s work.
However, the Pre65 movement owe a great debt to Deryk, as it was he who effectively created the movement as early as April 1973 called the ‘Shawforth Shake’.
Wylde: “It was behind the Red Lion pub on Shawforth Moor, we had fifty-three entrants, the winner was Arthur Lampkin on his rigid Gold Star. I grew up with the Lampkins, my first personal profile was on Arthur for British Bike Magazine.”
The following year it was repeated and the entry grew to 117 riders. Deryk dreamed up the description ‘Pre-65’ in his column in Trials & Motocross News and a new sport was formed. He then created the ‘Sammy Miller series’ and ran it for thirteen years plus. With friend Ian Rennie, he researched the Arbuthnot Trial and then recreated it, now a firm favourite with many riders.
Ian Rennie in the Scottish Six Days Trial in 1964 – Photo: OffRoad Archive.
At the turn of the century there was the issue of the ‘Millenium Medals’ for many aspects of public service and Offroad Motorcycle Sports journalism was one of the topics selected. Two were awarded, one to Ralph ‘Rafe’ Venables and the other to Deryk Wylde.
During the 2020 Covid outbreak and the temporary suspension of TMX News, Deryk and his dear friend of many years, Barry Robinson from Ilkley, formed an online trials newspaper called ‘Trials Ex-Press’ being a play on words as both had been Pressmen, hence ex-press. Online was chosen as paper publications were becoming very expensive and required financial support from advertisers. The two former colleagues at Trials & Motocross News and MCN worked hard at the project, enlisting a wide spread group of enthusiasts to report on local trials. Sadly, Barry Robinson passed away in 2023 and the project was shelved.
The late Barry Robinson (left); John Moffat of Trials Guru (centre) and Eric Kitchen (right) – Photo: Barry Watson, Richmond.
In now failing health, Deryk befriended a lady from Cambridge, Margaret Pratt, who was his companion for five years.
Deryk Wylde passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday 7th December 2025 aged 87 years, at his home, leaving a legacy of motorcycling memories, photos, books, magazines and information that took a lifetime to amass.
Trials Guru conveys sincere condolences to Deryk’s family and his companion, Margaret.
Funeral arrangements:
Deryk’s wishes were to have a ‘pure/direct cremation’ with no ceremony at church or crematorium. Deryk Wylde was cremated at 08:30 on Monday 15th December 2025 in accordance with his wishes.
DERYK WYLDE 1938 – 2025
Condolences and Remembering Deryk Wylde:
Tony Davis – Former Greeves, BSA, Montesa, Bultaco and Suzuki rider:
“I knew Deryk and Mary for so many years. Deryk was very instrumental in starting the real Pre65 scene and I remember Deryk asking me to ride in one of his very early trials which was held in the western centre. I had just retired from the modern trials and thought why not? My good friend John Husband loaned me a BSA B40 and I so enjoyed riding that event, taking in so many of the old national Cotswold Cups sections with plenty of cross country and road mileage. I rode in all classes of his British Pre65 rounds and how good and natural they were. The Pre65 scene owes Deryk so much and I will miss his devotion, enthusiasm, knowledge and friendship very much.“
Nick Jefferies – Honda, Yamaha, CCM, Dalesman factory rider:
“This is such sad news. Deryk lived and breathed the off road sport. I can remember him as a West Leeds Club member back in the 1960s. His Off Road Archive on facebook social media has entertained all of us for years. Thank you Deryk, and Rest in Peace.”
Jeffry Florentine:
“I was in the US Army when I went to SHAPE, which was just west of Paris on the autoroute de l’ouest. We went to Comerford’s in my VW, which had a roof rack. I was like a kid in a candy shop there!
There must have been 50 used trials bikes all stacked up against one another. We picked out my Matchless from somewhere in the middle, so some bike shifting was done. I got an alloy silencer and a few other bits, too. We partially disassembled it in the parking lot, put the frame with forks on the roof and the rest in the back seat. Customs at Calais didn’t want to see or know of it. I surely had a lot of fun riding that bike with Deryk.
We visited Deryk in 1974 while he and Mary with their 2 girls were living in Bury St. Edmunds. That’s when he was with Lynx Telecom. I haven’t seen him since, but we kept in touch sporadically by phone. I’m still riding. 2008 BMW R1200RT with a side car.“
It is with great sadness that we report the passing, in the early hours of Friday 14th November, of John Raymond ‘Ray’ Sayer of Bellerby, North Yorkshire, aged 90 years.
Ray Sayer (199cc Triumph) on ‘Foyers’ in the 1961 Scottish Six Days Trial – Photo: OffRoad Archive.
Ray Sayer should not need any introduction to those of an era when British factories ruled all forms of motorcycle sport. Ray was an accomplished trials rider, who rode the factory Triumphs in national, Scottish and International Six Days Trials. He also rode a two-stroke AJS in the 1969 SSDT, a 125cc Dalesman Puch in the 1970 Scott Trial and rode a Gaunt Suzuki in 1968 for Suzuki GB.
Ray’s best placement in the Scottish Six Days was third in 1963 on the factory Triumph Cub.
Ray Sayer tackles ‘Edramucky’ in the 1969 Scottish Six Days Trial on OWS12G, one of three AJS 37A-T machines built by Edgar Bros. Photo: OffRoad Archive.
By profession he ran the family coach business of Sayer’s Coaches, he was the son of the local farmer.
Triumph factory photograph shows Ray Sayer, second from left, front row – Photo supplied by J. Ray Sayer
A very reserved, quiet man who had incredible knowledge of the sport and gave all the other top riders a run for their money every time he threw his leg over a competition motorcycle. Ray was a highly respected rider by his peers and his local townsfolk. It is safe to say that Ray Sayer was a gentleman.
Ray Sayer (199cc Triumph) tackles ‘Glen Ogle’ in the SSDT a first day hazard – Photo: OffRoad Archive.
After his competitive days were over, Ray would attend the annual Scott Trial in his local area and also the Reeth Three Day. He was also a Jaguar car enthusiast.
Ray Sayer on his factory Triumph Cub UNX51 at the 1960 British Experts Trial – Photo: Mike Davies
Our sincere condolences go out to his widow, Carol and the extended Sayer family at this time.
Ray Sayer’s funeral arrangements: Tuesday 2nd December 2025 at 1pm at Bellerby Church, Church Street, Bellerby, Leyburn DL8 5QL, then from 2pm at Tennants Garden Rooms, The Auction House, Harmby Road, Leyburn, North Yorkshire DL8 5SG.
It is with sadness that we record the passing of John Hilton Gaskell from Keswick.
John was a regular trials competitor from the mid 1970s and was well known as a Triumph Cub rider taking part in many Pre65 Scottish trials at Kinlochleven.
He died on Friday 30th October after a long illness and was a supporter of Bassenthaite events and of course the father of Stuart and Richard, grandfather of Lewis and Dan who are current trials competitors.
The Gaskell family with John in the centre.
John was a stone mason who ran his business from the centre of Keswick in the Lake District. He was 81 years of age.
He leaves a widow, Hazel, his two sons, Stuart and Richard, grand-children: Dan, Emily, Jack, Matthew and Lewis. Great Grandad of Zoey, Freddie Lilah and Jessie.
The funeral service will take place at Eden Valley Crematorium, Temple Sowerby on Thursday 20th of November at 12.30pm. Family flowers only. Donations, if desired, made payable to Friends of Mary Hewetson Hospital c/o F & W Green Funeral Directors Ltd, 19 Eskin Street, Keswick, CA12 4DQ.
It is with sadness that we report the passing of Peter Hudson, formerly of Comerford’s Thames Ditton and Italjet.
Born on 13th October 1939, ‘Pete’ as he was known in the trade and beyond, was a keen scrambles and trials rider and was part of the sales team at the mighty Comerford’s business based at Portsmouth Road, Thames Ditton and became their Competition Manager, given that the firm had contracts with many of the top line motocross and trials riders at that time.
Old friends, Bernie Schreiber with Pete Hudson who was his manager at Comerford’s in 1979. (Photo: Bernie Schreiber Collection)
A draughtsman by trade, Hudson managed the special contract between the 1979 FIM World Trials Champion, Bernie Schreiber and Comerford’s, given that the Bultaco company was in severe financial difficulty at the time. Pete also looked after Yrjo Vesterinen and Martin Lampkin, both former World Champions on the Spanish made Bultaco.
Glenn Hudson, Yrjo Vesterinen and Pete Hudson at the Highland Classic 2 Day Trial near Aviemore in 2019.
When the Bultaco brand collapsed, both Schreiber and Peter Hudson transferred to the Italian Italjet brand, with Hudson performing the role of manager to the reigning World Champion, Schreiber.
Pete was married to Gill who died a few years ago and had two sons, Scott and Glenn. Our sincere condolences are conveyed to the Hudson family.
In his early life, Pete ran a newsagents shop, but received an offer of employment from Bert Thorne of Comerford’s and that sealed the end of selling newspapers and magazines for good. Pete ran the Bultaco division of the Comerford’s empire for a number of years, looking after not only riders but dealers as well.
After the demise of Italjet, a machine that was plagued with problems, Pete ran a Spar shop in Farnham, Surrey before retiring.
Former World Trials Champion, Bernie Schreiber wrote: “Pete was more than a familiar face among trials enthusiasts, he was a true force in our community. A passionate competitor, a natural leader, and a devoted family man.“
“At the end of 1978, it was decided by the Bultaco factory and Comerford’s that London would become my European base. From there, I could train more seriously, improve my mud-riding skills, and find some stability.That’s when fate brought me to the Hudson family in West Byfleet. They opened their home, and their hearts to a nineteen-year-old American kid with big dreams and muddy boots. Pete, his wonderful wife Gill, and their sons Scott and Glenn became my family away from home.“
Pete Hudson passed away peacefully, following a short illness, on Saturday 18th October 2025 aged 86 years.
Funeral arrangements: Hanworth Crematorium, Hounslow Road, Feltham, TW13 5JH at 2.20pm November 7th 2025.
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Yorkshire trials rider, Terry Wright. Terry was a member of the Dalesman Trials Team in the very early 1970s, taking part in the Scottish Six Days aboard the Otley manufactured British trials machine with the 125cc Austrian made PUCH engine. Terry was the only rider to post a national trial victory for the brand at the 1970 Manx Two Day Trial.
Terry also rode the popular Gaunt Suzuki machines in the late 1960s.
He later went on to become a Pre65 competitor on mouth-watering Royal Enfields. His late father Harry was a keen and well-known observer when Terry was competing.
Terry Wright on his 350cc Royal Enfield in the 1985 Pre65 Scottish Trial – Photo Iain Lawrie.
Bob Nickelsen on a works ‘short-stroke’ 306 Honda in 1976 (John Olsen photograph)
The former American Honda trials team manager, Bob Nickelsen has passed away on Saturday 30 August 2025, aged 84 years.
Born in the February of 1941, Bob Nickelsen followed his father in his Navy assignments, moving from place to place every two years. After high school in Washington, D.C. where he ‘learned toughness’, he himself enlisted to travel round the world. He finally landed in California, starting trials in the late 1960s. This was on a Bultaco, winning the Southern California championship, he then finished second to the late Lane Leavitt in the pioneering North American trials championship in 1972.
Bob Nickelsen on his Bultaco in 1972.
The following year, he bought an early model Honda TL125, which would soon be bored out to 150 cc, and decided to enter the Saddleback National, where the most famous European riders were invited for the first time. This was two years before the European championship became the World championship. The muddy event saw most foreign riders excluded on time, when Bob managed to finish in tenth place on the diminutive 4-stroke machine, only to be noticed by representatives of the Honda factory, who immediately asked him to organise a Honda trials team to compete at the AMA championship.
It was a one-man team to start with, before Bob hired a 17 year-old George Smith III to ride the little TL, now a 163 cc. The following year, they received pre-production TL250s, these were still too heavy, but shortly afterwards, three state-of-the-art 305cc prototypes arrived from Japan, sporting frames based on Sammy Miller’s development work in England. This prompted Bob to hire three more riders, two from California, Marland Whaley, then aged 16 and Mark Eggar, 17 and one from the Washington state, Joe Guglielmelli. Montesa mounted, Marland had been second to Leavitt the previous year, but under Bob’s coaching he easily won three championships in a row, 1975-77, while his team mates generally scored top ten finishes.
Not only was Bob Nickelsen a fine manager, he was also a good mechanic and tuner, and the first minder in America, probably second to Sammy Miller in the world.
Bob opening a section for Marland Whaley, running behind, at Keyesville in 1975 (BC Greene photograph)
After Whaley left him to return to Montesa and to win two more championships, Bob remained with Honda for another twenty-three years, mostly as an Automotive Senior Engineer Specialist, visiting dealerships across the country. He also started to race mountain bikes and ride fast trail bikes for fun, but health intervened and being prone to heart attacks he had to quit racing after the 16th.
Bob was inducted to the North American Trials Council ‘Hall of Fame’ in 2011.
Bob enjoying a ride on a Honda UTV he helped improve, at Box Canyon, AZ.
He retired to Arizona in 1996 with his partner Janice, where he enjoyed riding UTVs in the mountains until very recently. He was very generous to his friends, and tough to himself. His goal was to have fun every day. He will be sadly missed.
Bob Nickelsen in 1975
This obituary was prepared for Trials Guru by Jean Caillou, France.
It is with regret that we deliver the news that former Pre65 Scottish Trial joint winner with Mick Andrews in 1994, Roy Wilson has passed away at a hospice in the Isle of Man on 10th August. Roy was one of the three musketeers, comprising of Dave Thorpe and Kurt Hobson, travelling all over the UK and Europe together. Originally from Sheffield, then Chesterfield, he leaves a widow Carol, daughters Claire, Kate and grandchildren, Tia, Miles and Cole.
Kurt Hobson, Roy Wilson and Dave Thorpe in 1978. (Photo: Dave Thorpe)
Roy Wilson’s funeral will be held on Friday 5th September at Douglas Crematorium on the Isle of Man.
Bernard Gore on the experimental ‘Mickmar’ in 1973.
Known as the Welsh Sammy Miller for his similar dedicated and determined style, he lived his whole life in the small village of Newchurch in Radnorshire near to the English border. Although a farmer’s son, he trained as a mechanic excelling at bodywork. He started riding trials in the mid-sixties for his local club Builth Wells and he was soon challenging for wins locally and like many trials riders of the time progressed from local to national trials getting amongst the awards on a regular basis. He won the Welsh Trials Championship on four occasions which qualified him to ride in the British Experts held locally at Rhayader. Also he won the Mid Wales Centre Trials Championship on five consecutive occasions from 1967 to 1972 with the exception of one year due to foot and mouth disease.
Bernard was best known for riding a Bultaco including an ex-Sammy Miller machine which he gained most of his success on. He was involved as development rider for Michael Martin’s ‘Mickmar’ trials machine in the seventies who incidentally now lives just over a few miles away from Bernard’s home. After that he finished his career on Ossa by then he had met and married Vicky James, daughter of a Builth club official and sister to another local trials rider. Although trials was his first love which he excelled at Bernard also dabbled a few times riding scrambles on a Bultaco Metisse.
Bernard passed away on 9th July, he is survived by his wife, Vicky, son Gareth and daughter Emma. Motorcycling still plays a part in the Gore household with son Gareth firstly road racing but in recent years competing in trials.
Ken Sedgley 1935-2025
Ken Sedgley with his motocross creation, the British Rival
Words: Keith Gardner
Ken Sedgley was a well known rider, particularly in the Midlands of England. He ran a motorcycle shop in Northfield, Birmingham, with his wife, Pat. But he was best known as a scrambles rider, initially on a Tiger Cub but later as a works Greeves and Dot rider. He was also an excellent trials rider, competing in many SSDT and the ISDT, with much success. After his riding career he was a sales representative for Silkolene Lubricants. Small in stature, he achieved tremendous results, particularly when he was one of the first to ride the twin-port CZ. He also built his own motocross machine in 1977, named the British Rival. He died peacefully, aged 91 with his family by his side. Details of funeral will be posted in due course.
Neil Sedgley wrote: Thank you so much for all your kind messages, it means a great deal and my Dad would be so pleased that you remember him from back in the day.
Dad’s funeral will be on Tuesday 2nd September at 10am at The Vale Crematorium, Evesham Road, Fladbury, Pershore WR10 2QR
Followed by a wake at, The Vale Golf Club, Hill Furze Road, Bishampton, Pershore, Worcestershire, WR10 2LZ
Our only dress code request is that you wear something navy blue and white – you could take the boy out of West Bromwich, but you can never take West Bromwich Albion out of the boy!
Bill Wilkinson turns on the style on the Greeves Anglian (WWC169F) that took him to his SSDT win in 1969 – (Photo: the late Barry Robinson with permission of Liz Old)
It is with great sadness that Trials Guru announces the passing of Bill Wilkinson, the last British trials rider to win the Scottish Six Days Trial on a British built machine, the 250cc Greeves Anglian, WWC169F in 1969.
Bill Wilkinson (right) with Trials Guru’s John Moffat in 2015 at the Highland Classic 2 Day Trial. Bill was Guest of Honour. (Photo: Jean Caillou)
Bill was a true Yorkshire character, who called a ‘spade a spade’ and wasn’t afraid to say so! He was quick-witted and enjoyed the company of like-minded individuals. Bill was a proud Englishman and even prouder Yorkshireman. He rode for the Greeves factory from 1960 until 1971, when he switched to ride for OSSA Moto UK under the ownership of Peter Fletcher. When he rode for the Greeves factory, he never had a written contract, it was done by the shake of a hand, because Bill’s word was his bond.
Bill Wilkinson with his wife Pearl in 2015 (Photo: Jean Caillou)
Bill Wilkinson will be sorely missed in the world of trials, he was a national, British Experts, Scott Trial and SSDT winner. Our sincere condolences go to his brother Mick, sister Shirley, his wife Pearl and his son, Andrew and daughter, Michelle and the extended Wilkinson family. (Photos courtesy of Jean Caillou, France)
Bill Wilkinson tries one of Trials Guru’s John Moffat’s Vazquez Bultacos for size in 2015 (Photo: Jean Caillou)
John Moffat of Trials Guru added: “Bill Wilkinson was a superstar of trials when I was a schoolboy, a man that I looked up to along with his peers of the late 1960s. Little did I know then that I would become a firm friend in later years. I got to know him by speaking with him at his stall in the Parc Ferme at the SSDT in the late 1980s. He knew my late father well and always spoke highly of him. Over the years, our paths crossed many times and in 2015 I invited him to be the Guest of Honour at the tenth edition of the Highland Classic Two Day Trial, which he happily accepted and what a great time we had. He was simply superb. I had the honour of interviewing Bill on stage at many functions and also on Nevis Radio at the SSDT in Fort William. Bill will leave a huge hole in the sport of trials that cannot be filled. He was one in a million“.
Bill Wilkinson’s funeral is on Monday 28th July 2025 at 1pm at Skipton Crematorium, Waltonwrays Cemetery, Carleton Rd, Skipton BD23 3BT. Thereafter a ‘Bun Fight’ at the Rolls Royce Social Club in Barnoldswick. All welcome, trials attire and colourful clothes to celebrate the colourful fella that he was.
TRIALS GURU - DEDICATED TO TRIAL 