John MacMillan was a member of the Clyde Valley section of the VMCC for many years.
He started with a general interest in old motorcycles, but as time went on he became more interested in much older machines, from the very first motorised bicycles. He formed the Early Motor Bicycle Group, that met regularly and gently resurrected early machines. His own machines included a 1913 Ariel, a rare 1913 Victoria (made in Glasgow) a 1928 Sunbeam and a 1905 Peugeot.
He had many other interests too, particularly Sailing, Steam Boats, which he constructed, and he owned a 1920 Chevrolet 490 motor car (I remember the wooden spoked wheels!).
In December 2018, he had the honour of riding the VMCC’s1902 Dreadnaught on the London to Brighton veteran car run. This was the very first time motorcycles were invited to participate to see if they should be allowed to enter in future years alongside the cars (which they now are).
Sadly, John died on 25th January 2020, aged 64, having succumbed to cancer that he had been fighting for three years. He is sadly missed.
His legacy is that he donated his 1928 Sunbeam Model 6 to the Clyde Valley section of the VMCC, so that members can ride and experience Vintage Motorcycling. He also donated his boat, a 33ft classic yacht Isonda, which he had renovated over many years, to a Trust set up to take Macmillan Cancer patients out dayboat sailing.
The Early Motor Bicycle Run is held each year in October to encourage the regular use of veteran & early vintage motorcycles on quiet roads in Southern Scotland.
