Grand Prix motorcycle racer. Born in Keswick, Northumberland, the son of Harry and Gladys Shepherd, the family moved to Cartmel at the outbreak of WW2. Always mad on motorcycles, he bought a Royal Enfield Bullet from money saved whilst doing a milk round with his father. He moved to Bradford and became an apprentice cabinet maker. For his National Service, he joined the Royal Signals and their famous motorcycle display team, and after meeting more experienced riders, he was pursuaded to race on the Isle of Man. In 1956 he rode his 350cc Norton to the docks at Liverpool and caught the ferry to the island. Astonishingly he came third in the Junior TT beating 65 of the 68 riders. He began to race in national races in Britain on AJS/Matchless machines with success but his great opportunity came when he was chosen for the East German MZ Grand Prix team. Walter Kaaden was their Development Engineer and they formed a close bond racing their fast two-stroke on the World's Grand Prix circuits. It was always a struggle as the East German team was always short of cash to develop their bikes to the maximum of their potential. Even whilst racing on a shoestring, Alan managed a 3rd place in the 1964 World 250cc Championships. He was selected for the Honda works team but a crash during testing at their Suzuka circuit resulted in head injuries which ended his career. His health suffered a further setback in 2001 and he was sadly confined to a wheelchair until he quietly passed away this year. A funeral service was held at his local church, Cartmel Priory (St.Mary & St.Michael) followed by a cremation.
Grand Prix motorcycle racer. Born in Keswick, Northumberland, the son of Harry and Gladys Shepherd, the family moved to Cartmel at the outbreak of WW2. Always mad on motorcycles, he bought a Royal Enfield Bullet from money saved whilst doing a milk round with his father. He moved to Bradford and became an apprentice cabinet maker. For his National Service, he joined the Royal Signals and their famous motorcycle display team, and after meeting more experienced riders, he was pursuaded to race on the Isle of Man. In 1956 he rode his 350cc Norton to the docks at Liverpool and caught the ferry to the island. Astonishingly he came third in the Junior TT beating 65 of the 68 riders. He began to race in national races in Britain on AJS/Matchless machines with success but his great opportunity came when he was chosen for the East German MZ Grand Prix team. Walter Kaaden was their Development Engineer and they formed a close bond racing their fast two-stroke on the World's Grand Prix circuits. It was always a struggle as the East German team was always short of cash to develop their bikes to the maximum of their potential. Even whilst racing on a shoestring, Alan managed a 3rd place in the 1964 World 250cc Championships. He was selected for the Honda works team but a crash during testing at their Suzuka circuit resulted in head injuries which ended his career. His health suffered a further setback in 2001 and he was sadly confined to a wheelchair until he quietly passed away this year. A funeral service was held at his local church, Cartmel Priory (St.Mary & St.Michael) followed by a cremation.
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