Dutch History: Eysink Wins Off-Road Motorcycle Event in Amersfoort (1934)

About Eysink

The Eysink was a Dutch automobile manufactured from 1903 until 1919. The Eysink brothers from Amersfoort, who created the marque, started out manufacturing bicycles. In 1897 they built their first automobile. However, the brothers did not begin production in earnest until 1903 (although they produced about 10 cars in this period) when they built a range of shaft-driven motor cars. During that time, motorcycle and bicycle manufacture had taken precedence. The shaft-driven cars were 10/12 hp, 16/2...

About This Footage

This vintage footage from 1934 is a fascinating glimpse into the world of off-road motorcycle racing in the Netherlands during the early 20th century. The clip shows Dick Eysink winning an event on his Eysink motorcycle, with a time of 3 hours and 34 minutes, at the Leusderheide track in Amersfoort.

What's remarkable about this footage is not just the racing itself, but also the context it provides into the history of the Eysink company. Founded by Dick Eysink in 1886 as a factory for bicycles, automobiles, and motorcycles, the company had a rich history that spanned over two decades before its eventual decline. The fact that Eysink's grandson participated in this event on an Alpenjager model with a Rudge "Python" engine adds another layer of interest to the story.

The clip also offers a glimpse into the competitive spirit of off-road motorcycle racing during this period. With 20 participants in the 500cc class, 23 riders in the 350cc class, and 250cc class starting shortly after, it's clear that the competition was fierce. The description mentions "many collisions" in the loose sand, which adds to the sense of tension and unpredictability.

The footage itself is relatively short at just over a minute and a half, but its historical significance makes up for its brevity. It's a rare and valuable piece of archival material that provides insight into the early days of off-road motorcycle racing in Europe. The fact that it features an Eysink motorcycle, a company with such a rich history, only adds to its importance.

It's worth noting that this footage is not just about the racing itself, but also about the people and companies involved. The description mentions the Royal Dutch Motorcyclists Association (KNMV) organizing the event, which highlights the role of governing bodies in shaping the sport. It also underscores the significance of family-owned businesses like Eysink, which played a crucial part in the development of the automotive industry.

In conclusion, this footage is a fascinating piece of automotive history that offers a unique glimpse into the world of off-road motorcycle racing during the early 20th century. With its rich context and historical significance, it's a must-see for anyone interested in the evolution of motorcycles and the companies that shaped the industry.

Curated from public records and music databases.