It was a nice sunny morning and lots of warm sunshine was promised all day, I was riding my trusty Harley Street Bob and had a great blast round the M25 to Otterspool Way, I got there about 9.00 am and Steve on his Triumph was waiting. We waited till 9.35 but no one else turned up so we decided to make our way to Milton Keynes ,thinking that lots of members will make their own way there. On the ride up we noticed another Triumph that was two up which looked like Brian and Pat! They had taken a short cut through some road works where they were white lining, and got in front of us! Lucky Brian didn`t get his tyres white lined !!
We got to Milton Keynes Museum of Transport and parked with the rest of the motorcycles, there was a great turn out of classic bikes, scooters, classic cars, and some steam engines. It was so hot that day that Brian stripped off and was sunbathing by his bike! Bill and Ray were already there along with Karen and Steve who brought along their lovely Ford powered custom trike, they rode in with their WW 2 German helmets on!
There was a free coffee voucher for our club members, and the bacon sandwiches with brown sauce were very nice, also there were cake options as well.
Bill , Ray and I, decided to walk around the museum which was really good, they had recreated a street from the 1930s with shops , and a Brewery where they offered home made beer, and a school room with vintage desks, period toys from the 30s, 40s, and 50s, it was all very interesting, a living room with a fire place and period furniture and paintings, It was really like walking into the past.
There was a great selection of classic British bikes in the show along with a lovely Brough Superior from the 30s, the ultimate motorcycle of all time! That bike was 80 years old and probably just run in and ready for the next 80 years of smooth running! There was also a great selection of Classic American cars, which is my other love affair!!
After more coffee, cakes and interesting banter we decided drift off home into the afternoon sunshine, I followed Brian and Pat back to Pinner and avoid the M25 as it looked like it would jam up, once at Pinner I took a right turn and headed to West Drayton, a great day and a really good museum that is worth a visit at any time of the year.
Pete Barton
We were very lucky this year to have our stand at Brighton as Brian had a heath scare at the beginning of the week. We picked up the van about 5pm the night before and loaded up ready for our early start on Sunday morning. Had a very good journey down with a fantastic view of the sunrise. It was a beautiful morning as we arrived just before 7 30 am.
It was very well organised by the Ace Cafe so had no problems finding our place to park the van like we have had most years. After parking our van Brian was still very lethargic after his illness so we got out some chairs and made some drinks and had our breakfast and waited for some of our busy bee members to arrive. John was already there, not long before Steve and Richard arrived so the gazebo, tables, chairs and food were up and out ready for the day.
The weather was very kind to us with no wind and some sunshine. We had a very good turn out with quite a few new members who we welcomed into our fold .
Bob and Barry came down by train and car it’s a shame lan could not make it this year. Sue, Roger Chris, Johnny, Max and Peter. This was his first time at Brighton and he enjoyed the day. Harry came later for his free sausage rolls.
Owing to the good weather the place was buzzing with some brilliant bikes on show, also there were more stands than last year. The day went very well, Steve as usual kept the kettle boiling and drinks going all the afternoon. John was selling the patches and Johnny helping to sell some tee shirts with his usual charm thanks for making our day run smoothly.
The day went so quickly we packed up later than usual unfortunately, the restaurant we have our meal before going home was shut. Chris was looking forward to having his fish and chips, luckily the outside fish shop was still open so we just had drinks while he enjoyed his fish supper,
We left Brighton after 7 pm, had a very good journey home thank you to all those who came along. We thoroughly enjoyed the day with wonderful company.
Pat and Brian
Once again the weather was kind to us for the 2019 reunion at the Hilton hotel.
So many wonderful bikes were on display and the venue was well attended by our members old and new it was great talking to you all .
Once again a big thank you to Nikki and her team nothing was to much trouble. This was her 3rd year helping us which mad our day more successful.
Well done to the chef for those burgers which went down brilliantly and also enjoyed the salad and coleslaw that came with it.
One of our very old members Brian stokes who made the long journey from Lowestoft which he makes every year. Well done Brian for making the time we enjoyed chatting to you also Judy who comes from Wales and helps out with the raffle which we made over £180 .
Thank you to Steve and Janice with their help in setting up the gazebo, tables and banners as well as
Heidi for giving out the trophies it made our day go so smoothly.
There were so many fantastic bikes on display it made the judging very hard this year.
This year’s winners were
1st prize went to British Triton WLL 746
2nd British AJS 944
3rd British Triumph 607 CGD
Hilton trophy to Peter Barton for his Triumph BLP 17H
Aldenham trophy to Steve Wright YAM AHA
Best in show for BSA Gold star XYN 397
The club trophy to Roger Dale for his Triton. 375 RPU.
Well done to all winners.
The day seemed to go so quickly and everyone enjoyed the day. l am looking forward to seeing you all next year with great company and well done busy bee members. Take care and enjoy the rest of the year looking forward to seeing you at Brighton next Sunday. Come over to our gazebo, park your bikes and leave your gear. Have a sit down enjoy free drinks and nibbles and chat with all members.
So, safe riding hopefully, weather will stay good for the next few months before winter sets in take care
Pat