George Greenland 1932 - 2025
By John Dickinson on 22nd Apr 25
Like so many others we were very sad to hear on Easter Monday of the death of George Greenland. George, aged 92, passed away in his sleep while attending a Pre-65 trial at Aywaille in Belgium.
George was universally known and respected as both rider and engineer, being inextricably linked with Wasp motorcycles in sole and sidecar form. A trials rider from an early age, George rode competitively until his final passing having ridden virtually every machine through eight decades!
His favourite trials machine was his self-built twin cylinder Triumph Wasp, of which he built several, but as he turned 90 he admitted that he found a Bantam easier to handle!
In his 40s and 50s George switched to sidecar trials and enduros with Wasp chassis and a variety of engines fitted, culminating in the twin-cylinder 998cc Wasp engine developed by George and Wasp chief Robin Rhind Tutt. George became a multi time British Sidecar Enduro champion.
After competing several times in the hugely popular Le Touquet Enduro, George then became instrumental in founding and organising Britain's answer, the Weston Beach Race, which he was involved in for almost 20 years, from 1983 to 2001.
George's life and career would fill a large book and be well worth the read. It was always a pleasure to bump into George and enjoy a chat as I last did at Upper Mamore during the 2024 Pre-65 Scottish. The hill marshal couldn't believe that George was 91 and that he had ridden up there on his Villiers Wasp!
George told him that he had competed in a trial the previous weekend but admitted, "I usually only complete a couple of laps these days...!"
RIP George, you were a true gentleman.
