As the Ace is not too far from me and the fact that I do not own a classic it was hardly worth taking my bike out of the garage and just to stop before even she got warm up.
So I jumped in my car and arrived shortly after 11:15 and noticed Pat, Brian and Steve had put up our Busy Bee club gazebo. As usual they have done a grand job setting up tables, chairs and merchandise. The car park was filling up very quickly with bikes as the weather was perfect. As usual the 59 club stand was next door to us and could not help noticing at least one more club stand was missing. As the day passed many of the club members dropped in to say hello.
It all started off so well and then the heavens opened up and poured. To begin with most of the biker stayed thinking the clouds would blow over but it was not to be and as a result a lot of bikers left as quickly as they came. Soon the car park was empty apart from few brave souls.
We were all trying to stay dry and cosied up under our small gazebo. Steve and Brian started putting up sides to the gazebo to keep the wind and rain out. After couple of hours the sun decided to come out once again but by this time most of the classic bike owner had left.
There was best classic bike competition and as usual first, second and third prizes went to member of the 59 club. Even though there were other worthy bikes in the car park. However Pat did win two pairs of tickets in the raffle. One was for the Brooklands Museum and the other for Beaulieu bike event. All in all not a bad day despite the rain. Also it was good to see Gordon and Ian all the way from Luton and I had heard Laurie had to turn back from A40 as the road was closed. Safe riding and catch you on the next one!
Vinnie
One of the points of focus for me last year, when I had my stroke was to do the Ace Toy Run and Southend Shakedown. Well second outing attained! Here I am bowling down the M1 with Barry not far behind on his Fire blade. Feeling great and thinking what a lucky bugger I am and what power motorcycling gives to me. It keeps you alert and switched on. Just to ride a bike never mind the other side of it with all the many friends you make along the way. Turning into Otterspool Way there was a good many of the gang waiting. A great feeling we set off quickly and found a position to ride. I ended up just behind Rogers Pan European, our combined exhaust note made a very potent noise especially riding through the M25 tunnels. A good ride down and found parking not too bad as it had not filled up yet.
The amount of bikes was eventually greater then I have seen for many years. We all trooped down to Pebbles One and had a coffee. Steve and I retired to the jellied eel stall. I got a bit carried away and had two bowls. I am afraid that being only one and half hours away from fish ‘n’ chips time I got a bit greedy. After stuffing it all down us we did our wander about bit. I usually meet a lot of my original mates at this time. But none were there not many riders in the old rockers gear. I suppose we have all got old! It was almost 3 O’clock and was quite cold by now. I was glad to get back on the bike for home. The ride up to the M25 was quite manic considering most of A127 was congested. I don’t know how these bikes were under passing me at very high speeds. Cutting in and out of the cars, filtering between me and the two cars. I was already filtering. Bloody madmen. I was pleased to get on the M25. Little wonder that motorbikes have such a bad press. Anyway nice ride home put the bike away and Barry came round for a beer. Another great day!
Ian
