It was December of 2002 when a tall, thin gentleman in his early 60’s
wearing a Triumph cap walked into my office.
WORDS/PHOTO: Jim West
It was December of 2002 when a tall, thin gentleman in his early 60’s
wearing a Triumph cap walked into my office. Being that my office is
at a golf course, it was somewhat unusual. Fred Halliday offered a
hand shake and said, “I hear you ride Triumph motorcycles, I have one
myself.” Hearing this, I expected the conversation to go toward how
he has a 60’s-something Bonneville that he rides on warm, sunny days
(I seem to be a target for this type of conversation about older
Triumphs). However, what he said next was pretty shocking, “I ride a
yellow Sprint RS. Want to go to the race track with me some day?”
After I overcame the shock, I replied – absolutely!
Fred is a retired US Marine (who survived, without injury, three
tours in Vietnam as an H-34 Medivac rescue helicopter pilot) and a
retired Federal Express pilot. He lives on the private golf course,
plays golf a couple times a week and eats, sleeps and breathes
motorcycles all other times. He has ridden cross country (on a ’03
Triumph Daytona no less!) a couple times and goes to the race track
at every opportunity. In short, Fred is one of my heroes!
Over the years, Fred has become a very close friend. We have
attended countless track days, enjoyed frequent afternoon mountain
rides and even gone on some great regional sport-touring expeditions.
Fred is an excellent example of how motorcycling can be positive
influence and lifelong passion.
This brings back memories. I first became aquainted with Fred Halliday in 1970 when I went to work for him in the Search and Rescue Section at MCAS El Toro, CA. He was later instrumental in getting myself and others to transition into Marine Corps KC-130 aircraft. Our paths crossed periodically in the Marine Corps, but since the mid 1980′s I lost contact. When next you see Fred, give him my best and forward my address. There are a number of former marines in Florida who worked with Fred over the years. Yes, he is a great guy.
Elmer Davis
“Junkyard”
LtCol USMC (Ret)
I always thought that exeeding one given age,it becomes harder to find new friends, but as you, that I think you are very lucky for meeting Fred, I have met new friends (very few) thanks to the bikes, and we share moments that would be impossible to get with my old friends from my early years, although we keep in touch. I even have met very nice people in Florida and Michigan, and I have never been there, just contact to them by email. When going to the USA I will be very very busy, I promissed them to go for a ride or attend a Vintage MX race as soon as I get there. We are all very lucky people for having this nexus on two wheels that are bikes.
Alf.