Where the name came from
Forming the “17”
The club history records that Manchester 17 began in 1935 after a group of motorcycle enthusiasts responded to an advert placed by Eric Cave in a café window in Chorlton.
Count the people in the room.
The story handed down through the club is that choosing a name took some time — until somebody suggested simply counting those present. There were seventeen.
The group’s first meeting was in April 1935. By January 1936 the club log book records a club run to the Inter-University Trial around Cheeks Hill, Buxton, followed by a ride over the Cat & Fiddle to a favourite Rainow stop.
The first Christmas dinner was held in Rainow on 19 January 1936 after a sledging session. Club history recalls twelve members travelling out in winter conditions, most by motorcycle.
That mix of riding, competition and friendship is still recognisable in Manchester 17 today.