50 years of the Bultaco Sherpa in the Circuit of Catalonia

Last weekend, July 11 and 12, the 50th anniversary of one of the most legendary models of trial was celebrated: the Bultaco Sherpa T. Organized by the Motorcycle Museum and Motocat, it took place at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, coinciding with the 24 Hours motorcyclists.

The event was attended by great outstanding riders of the time such as Oriol Puig Bultó, Manuel Soler, Ignacio Bultó, Marcel Wittemer, Ettore Baldini or Bernie Schreiber himself, World Trial Champion in 1979, among many others.

From early in the morning, the paddock gradually filled with different versions of Bultaco Sherpa T, to set up an impressive display of more than 180 units, from the pioneering "Sammy Miller" from 1965 to the last versions of 1981. You could even admire some unique units such as the Sherpa 250cc with which F. Lucas arrived at Kilimanjaro, one of the mod.92s from the Himalaya expedition or a curious pre-series prototype from '64.

Hundreds of Sherpas in Montmeló. Red and blue mark the change of era (Courtesy of the Basella Motorcycle Museum / Motocat.cat)

Multiple personalities attended the anniversary (Courtesy of the Basella Motorcycle Museum / Motocat.cat)

Sherpa with a sidecar makes his entrance in the paddock of the circuit (Courtesy of the Museum of the Motorcycle of Basella / Motocat.cat)

In their natural environment, ready to go up a few ramps (Courtesy of the Museum of the Motorcycle of Basella / Motocat.cat)

These stairs seem easy for the old trial machine (Courtesy of Museo de la Moto de Basella / Motocat.cat)

Sherpas and resistance

Although, without a doubt, the best atmosphere was experienced in the 5 areas enabled throughout the Circuit, where the participants put to the test its impeccable Sherpa T while listening to the incessant roar of the machines competing for victory in the 24 hours of resistance. A beautiful and interesting pairing that has left spectacular images to remember.

The end of the party came at 15:00 p.m., when the 24 hours of motorcyclists ended, all the Bultaco had the opportunity to carry out a commemorative lap around the circuit.

Despite the high temperatures, many fans came to the venue to enjoy this great party. In addition to the numerous riders, some well-known faces also stood out, such as Inés and Curro Bultó, sons of Don Paco, Josep Abad, president of the Catalan Motorcycle Federation or Joan Fontserè, current director of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

New Bultaco Jump Electric companies also had their space, with a small test area that was very crowded throughout the morning that functioned as a link between the usual bultaquistas and those of the new generation.

Fun in the stands (Courtesy of the Basella Motorcycle Museum / Motocat.cat)

The Sherpa were able to take a lap of honor at the GP circuit (Courtesy of the Museum of the Motorcycle of Basella / Motocat.cat)

It seems that the attendees had a really good time, even despite the heat (Courtesy of Museo de la Moto de Basella / Motocat.cat)

The dinner was very lively, but Sammy Miller was absent (Courtesy of the Museum of the Motorcycle of Basella / Motocat.cat)

Funny couple rides their Sherpa around the circuit (Courtesy of the Basella Motorcycle Museum / Motocat.cat)

Limited series and dinners

For the 50th anniversary, a limited series of official merchandise was produced Sherpa T: Cap, key ring, pin, bag ... Some products that can be purchased in the shops of the Motorcycle Museum of Bassella and Barcelona or in the museum virtual store while supplies last.

To complete the anniversary celebration, a welcome dinner was organized at the Mercure Augusta Vallès hotel, where the drivers were the main protagonists. Following a message from the creator of the Sherpa T, trial ace Sammy Miller - who was unable to attend the event due to scheduling problems - Manuel Soler became the master of ceremonies. The four-time trial champion of Spain congratulated the organizers for the success of the initiative and encouraged all riders to share their best anecdotes and memories of those years in bultaco.

* News prepared by press release