Tales of the Meriden Cowboys

Tales of the Meriden Cowboys

Tales of the Meriden Cowboys

The Legend of "Quasimodo" (Ray Pickrell)

Published in Motorcycle Times and Thunder Roads Magazine

These are the "Tales of the Meriden Cowboys." A small band of brothers, determined to ride a fading and dying, but once proud and glorious Triumph motorcycle marquee out in a "Blaze of Glory." These loyal works riders, against financial hardships, bucking the odds of modern technology, rode with pure guts, courage, stamina and skill, setting records and performing dazzling feats, some still in exsistence even today!! "They Were Destined, To Never Let Us Forget, The Old School Rider." These are the Amazing Tales of the "Meriden Cowboys."

"They were destined, to never let us forget, The Old School Rider."

A Tribute to "Ray Pickrell," (Born March 16, 1938 - Died Feburary 20, 2006) With the first production machine win ever to have a race average of over 100 MPH, rode Triumph's Slippery Sam to 1st place wins, two consecutive years in a row (1971 & 1972) at the Isle of Man, considered by many to be the "Super Bowl" of European Racing. The start of a legend. "Ray's Finest Hour."

The Legend of "Quasimodo" (Ray Pickrell)

I heard on the news, Ray left us today

the end of a glorious career some might say

This famed Triumph rider, when all seemed but lost

rose to the occasion, no matter the cost

This old Brit marquee, this once famous name

needed a win, to stay in the game

Smuggled through the gates at Meriden

ol' Sam had arrived, just in time to be ridden

At the Isle of Man, with Sam by his side

Rays trusted steed, was ready to ride

They laughed, they scoffed, they sneered at ol' Ray

surely you jest, Ray heard someone say

Triumphs too poor, to race here today

stern warnings for Ray, stay out of our way

The race it was started, the crowd caught a glance

of man and machine, not given a chance

Eyes flashing, fists clenching, well into the night

Ray rode with courage, conviction, and fight

Oil drenched, exhusted, all tattered and torn

because of you Ray, a legend was born

When the smoke all but lifted, one silhouette stood at hand

"One Mighty Machine, One Helluva Man"

There is one thing that time, can not take away

Ray's finest hour, that feat stands today

I heard on the news, Ray left us today

the end of a glorious career, some might say

Ray rides again, not the usual way

that race track in Heaven, Ray rides today

So long Ray, your fans will miss you !!

"When the smoke all but lifted,

One silhouette stood at hand,