GP Originals is a close collective of motorcycle racing enthusiasts. We count ourselves very lucky that many members of our team come with vast experience in every corner of the motorcycle world. Two of our most cherished team members are scrutineers – Jean and Reg Squire.
Side-by-side
Most of us are aware that Reg only recently retired from his own racing, throwing the towel in a bit prematurely at the tender age of 88, spanning seven decades in the saddle. Reg has a lifetime of competitive motorcycle sport mostly in the Scrambling category where, in 1966, he ascended to the Expert status. As octogenarian status loomed he decided it was time for a new challenge and he began road racing. His machine of choice, an immaculate 1986 Honda RS125 (plus an equally immaculate spare machine) which he raced at CRMC and BHR with some very creditable results. Reg’s wife Jean has supported him since the start and is herself a qualified scrutineer – however, there‘s much more to Jean beyond Reg’s partner in crime!
This article provides an insight into Jean’s own competitive motorcycling history.
Scrutineering at GP Originals
We all know how stressful racing can be and we always try hard to think of as many ways to make our rider’s weekend as hassle-free as possible. Wherever we can, we endeavour to bring along our own scrutineers – this helps out our hosts clubs and also ensures the scrutineer is across the quirky nature of the machines. For example ACU exceptions for our dedicated races such as the use of rain lights. Reg and Jean always go out of their way to make our tech-control process seamless.
trailblazers are nothing new…
Jean comes from a dedicated motorcycling family. Both parents were regular trials observers during the winter months and when summer arrived her father would be marshalling at scrambles events as her mother took control of lap scoring. Jean’s brother, John Mitchell, became an accomplished trials rider. As was common in the day, he built his own machine with friend Egger Bray and the pair named their machine ‘The Bramich’. Both of Jean’s sisters chose trials riding suitors and one of her brother-in-laws was multiple ACU South Western Champion Ian Haydon who rode for Montesa, Kawasaki and Yamaha.
As a 16-year-old in 1961 Jean was already gaining experience. In the photo above rider Arthur Browne found himself without a passenger for the day. Jean didn’t need asking twice and jumped in the chair, the pair produced an excellent 2nd place finish.
Trials style : Wax cotton jacket and boots (helmet optional)
It didn’t take long for Reg to realise that Jean was the woman for him and they married in 1966. They travelled around the UK riding their pair of 250cc Bultaco machines both on and off road. One such journey took them from North Wales to Liverpool then on to the Isle of Man.
Jean herself took up competitive trials riding in 1971 at the age of 26. She competed every weekend for around 5-6 years notching up a collection of trophies from clubs such as Otter Vale, Devonport and District and The West of England Motor Club. Before progressing on to the 250 Bultaco, she started out on the trusty Tiger Cub, a road machine converted by Reg to trials trim. She competed in Novice and Non-Expert classes throughout the region and won her first competitive trial in the Ladies category.
A partnership in motorcycling
Reg recalls that Jean was a very natural rider, instinctive on the throttle without prior instruction on the technique – “she just knew what to do naturally”. Reg explained that Jean would often produce better section scores than himself, it was only stamina that would allow Reg to sneak ahead come the end of a physically challenging day of competitive riding.
An example of Jean’s motorcycling fortitude was when Reg took a particularly heavy tumble in a rutted section whilst racing Scrambles on the big Triumph. In those days the spectating crowds were large and when Jean arrived at the scene Reg indicated that he couldn‘t ride the bike back. Jean jumped on the bike, kicked it over, clicked it into gear and much to the onlookers’ surprise rode it back to the paddock.
Jean Squire showing the guys how it’s done at Thorns Cross in 1971 West of England Club ‘Christmas Trial‘
Image two: Jean looking confident onboard her 250 Bultaco at Moretonhamstead
Image three: Jean with brother John and that’s Reg in the background
Middle: Trophies from Jean’s trials riding achievements
Bottom: Reg and Jean enjoying the paddock at GP Originals with Phil Stead
