Croxley green and more

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Early August

The month of August drifts between holidays and events. Most of the time the focus is on what is happening over the Bank Holiday weekend. However, locally the first Wednesday in August is the Watford Car Club annual event at Croxley Green near Sarlat just outside Rickmansworth.

This time I headed up there a bit earlier in the day to see what was there and hand out some fliers for the Museum. I was on the Buell and after getting to the depleted motorcycle parking area I was invited to put the Buell on display with the other bikes. There were some really well presented bikes there and as time went on more bikes were on display. One caught my eye and at first I thought it was a Norton Jubilee but when I questioned the owner is was the bigger engined Navigator.

Off to Birmingham at the weekend and handed out more fliers at the Holiday Inn Birmingham airport and just down the road is the National Motorcycle Museum. More fliers for them and I picked some of theirs up to bring back. Monday at the Museum on the LE with another international day and more rain. Tuesday out in the rain again to Wycombe MAG to hand out more fliers and find out about the shenanigans going on with subtle changes in the MAG name. Best left to the people who know, I guess, but my view is that it is a waste of effort that will not achieve very much. I do support MAG as we need to have a political voice to remind the politicians we are still voters. Moving on after more biking on Wednesday on the LE and a trip to Snobs at Hangar Lane gyratory for a new battery for the Buell. I thought it was time as I had to keep jump starting it off the car battery. With the new battery fitted I was out on Thursday for a ROG's run that went down to Eastbourne missing most of the rain. I bemoaned the fact that each time I was out on the bikes it rained! Bertha was dripping on me! Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday so far that week and if you have been following what I have been doing, other than Croxley Green it has rained on me every ride out. Who said it had been a dry summer? Eastbourne was a good trip out with the only downpour at coffee break as we waited for the rain to go away under a gazebo in a country garden hoping the lightening would miss us.

At Eastbourne we had lunch in Harry Ramsdens and watched the biplane wing walkers doing stunts over the beach followed by a flypast of two Spitfires and two Lancaster bombers. One from the UK and the other featured on the news a few days earlier as it had come from Canada.

On the way back to the bikes we came across a very nicely restored Ariel Leader and the couple who rode it there have promised to come to the Museum. Black clouds loomed but the run leader kept us away from the rain and I managed to get home dry for a change.

Just Catching Up

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Just Catching Up

Having fun with the Valiant trying to get it starting easily and trying to avoid the rain. I have managed to do both for most of July, but just a reminder of how bad the weather was at the end of June have a look at this video of one of the events I went to:-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rI9iSaXeGI

At quieter moments I did discover that Pete is quite a cartoonist and here is one he did for a bike magazine. His interpretation of twin leading shoe front brakes. I know at least some of you can remember them!

So, what has been going on, well The Ivy has been out to another show and returned on Monday, I've been to the LE Velo club night on Tuesday. On the Valiant again just to prove it can start and run reasonably well and I have now put that one to the back of the garage while I get out and about on my LE. If anyone has had a look at my Facebook they will know I was out on the Buell last Thursday for a ROG's Run that went down to Hive beach for lunch at the fish restaurant there. Very nice and not far from Weymouth. I managed a round trip of some 305 miles for the day close to a record for a day trip but not quite as the most done on one of theses ROG's Runs was 322 miles. There were 20 bikes out for this trip and our first stop was at the Fighting Cock in the New Forrest.

I was out earlier this week in search of some elbow protectors as the ones for my Joe Rocket jacket had disintegrated and I had only wrist pads instead as they had moved to the bottom of the pocket in the arms. I visited Infinity Motorcycles at Hangar lane, they had none suitable and left some fliers and then did the giratory a couple of times to get around to the North Circular and J&S (formerly Hein Gericke) on the other side of the road, where they did have something that did the job. I, again, left fliers for the Museum and also received some in return as they are promoting the new shop.

Uxbridge Rotary Club Auto Show

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Uxbridge Auto Show 2014

Uxbridge Auto Show 2014

I missed the rain last Monday and just got home in time before another rainstorm would have got me soaked as it had when I had last ridden the Valiant. I'm beginning to think it attracts the rain, or is it me? Just as I was about to leave for the show on the Sunday morning a few spits of rain were falling and I was tempted to put on my leaky over-suit to keep the worst off. Fortunately nothing came of it and I had a dry trip to the Uxbridge show ground for the event. I was too late to get the Valiant into the concours but got an event plaque when I arrived instead. I was relatively early and the Museum stand was not yet set up but was directed to the location by the Triumph Owners Club which was next door. All hands to the pumps to set up the stand for the event when everyone did arrive.

First priority was a mug of tea that I bought from one of the mobile cafes. This one was a Citroen H van. I was now ready for the day I went on the rounds of the club stands leaving Gary and the gang in charge of the gazebo and fliers. It was not long before I returned to collect more fliers and on out again this time to the car club stands. I ran out of fliers again, had lunch at a burger van, talked to the guys at the Institute of Advanced Motorists also Motorcyclists. There were more bikes on the stand than cars. Back for more fliers talking to anyone and everyone and completed the rounds about 3pm.

It was time for the prize giving. I treated myself to an ice-cream. I felt like I had walked miles, but the day was not done yet. There was a great deal of interest in the Museum. Those there all day said it had been quite busy. On request I fired up the Valiant just to show how noisey it was. Those around seemed to enjoy the sound. There were a number of comments about the silencing capabilities from the silencers. I agreed that there was not much in them.

As the event wound up people were still visiting the stand and picking up fliers. By 4:30 it was time to pack up. Black clouds were looming again and there were spits of rain in the wind and it was in the direction I was heading. When it was time to go the Valiant had had it's good start for the day and now just refused to run. It started easily on pushing. There were many names to call it but none to be repeated in print. I blasted away after the engine un-choked itself and I was on my way home. Filtering through the traffic and probably making a nuisance of myself being not slow but not quick either, finding the spaces to get to the front of the queues. It was a good day out with the bonus of clear interest from the car clubs to take a trip to the Museum.

I struggled to get to the Museum on Monday morning. Filtering past Chris as he waited in traffic. Fortunately it was a slow start and there was time to have mug of tea with the first visitor of the day from Ecuador. He was interested in anything and everything. Ecuador does not have a big history of motorcycles and most of what he saw was new to him. More people arrived, a couple from New Zealand and a gentleman from Denmark. The New Zealanders were the last to leave and the doors closed around 4:30. After more huffing and puffing the Valiant finally got going. I've got to do something about it but not this evening as I was off out to my local 2CV club meeting. It would have to wait for tomorrow.

A New Visitor

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The Ivy Arrives

I have been at the Chinnor Byke Dayz all weekend having fun enjoying the real ales and music that Wycombe MAG put on. I was there for fun but also to represent the Museum handing out fliers and soaking up the atmosphere. It rained on Friday night and I have the Valiant in the tent with me. Old bikes and rain do not mix well.

I did the ride out on the Valiant, and got very wet again in the monsoon rain storms that were brief but heavy. The Museum had two free ticket in the raffle so it added to the promotion. I managed to get some fliers put into the “goody bag” which was a bit sparse so there are thought about what could be done for next year. On the run out I just happened to park next to a very nicely restored Triumph at the stop.

I handed out more fliers at the concours show and the Valiant was parked up in one corner of the arena. No prizes today but as I had Museum fliers taped to the spokes I'm not surprised. I did win a bottle of scotch instead in the raffle. So there was something to take home.

It was a very good event having live music from 1pm to 1am and there were some very good bands there too. Real ale and good food always helps. I'm going to have to put this one on the calendar for next year. I would recommend this event for a musicfest. As you probably gather, I liked it. Monday back at the Museum on the Valiant and I missed the rain today! During the morning we had a surprise visitor in this case it was an unusual 1924 Ivy motorcycle. It does look the classic for that year and after getting it out of the van we put it in the tea room to have close look at it. Another opportunity to take more photos.

Windsor Great Park Rally

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BEN Charity Ride Through Windsor Great Park

Saturday 28^th June started well with a little sunshine as I headed for the start of the run. We set off from Ascot Race Course car park and wend our way along some pleasant country roads to enter the Park and then a ride along roads that are not normally open to vehicles. At the start there was an exceptional collection of veteran, vintage and classic cars and motorcycles. While at the start the rain clouds gather and just before we set off it starts to rain. 

The clouds are black and it rains so hard drops splash up from the puddles. It was wet! I was on the Valiant and surprisingly it ran quite well in spite of the heavy rain. I had a minicam with me and when I have time I'll upload the video to youtube so you can see how wet it was. I was drenched inside my over-suit. The zip leaked! As usual I hand out fliers at the start and again when at the destination which is the Sunningdale recreation ground where we all congregate to show off our polished machines for the concours. It was a difficult afternoon and I did not manage to hand out many fliers as there were not many people there because of the weather. A little disappointing for everyone with so much effort that goes into the event. At the end of the show vehicles are judged and prizes are handed out. The event finished early. I was in a flower stall tent waiting for the rain to go off when I heard my name and had won something for the Valiant. It was another second prize! It was worth getting wet! 

By the time I had collected my prize and made my way back to the Valiant there were only three bikes left. An unusual 1939 side valve BMW, a 1954 Vincent and me. Geared up and ready to go I was asked by the BMW man to help him get his bike on a trailer. I only had to steady it while he tied it down. The Vincent man was also leaving. He had an assistant and was still kicking it over as I returned to the Valiant. After a couple of kicks it fired up and I was away. I had twenty miles of rain to go through to get home. Easily accomplished! It finally stopped raining when I got home so I chamoised the bike down before putting it away. So it would be clean for when I used it next.

In between it has been a busy time with visits to bike shops, namely new rear tyres for both the Buell and the Kawasaki and MOTs so Snobs at Hangar Lane for wheel bearings, HGB in Ruislip who have done me some deals on tyres, Jack Lilleys for MOTs and Wycombe MAG for a very pleasant evening out. I've also been out to Newlands Corner to hand out fliers on Sunday morning. A couple of weeks ago we had a few members of the Royal Enfield Club turn up at the Museum and last Monday we had another visitor from New Zealand.

Triumph Metisse

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Wooden Boat Show 2014

You may ask why be at a wooden boat show? Well simply where there are people gathering there is always an opportunity to promote the Museum one way or another. I was allowed to hand out some fliers and the organisers displayed some at their information tent. On my rounds I ran into a guy, now retired, but still renovates Seagull outboard engines. I have always liked those water cooled two stroke engines. In my conversations with him he gave me the number of the man who knows a lot about Villiers engines Paul Gollins of villiersservices@hotmail.co.uk. Good for flywheel remagenetising too!

Moving on around the show I heard a bike fire up and it turned out to be this big bore Triumph Metisse. It looked lovely.

Further on around the trade displays was a stand that did motorcycle pin badges and key rings made from pewter that was Ginny Cardmaker ginny@pwheeler.co.uk. In the market has was a small company that did hand made blue and white tableware, roelofs & rubens what struck me was the bespoke Ariel motorcycle plate. info@roelofsrubens.co.uk

I spent some time talking at the Watercraft magazine stand and met a lady who had been editor for Sport and Leisure magazine. She had a passion for motorcycles with sidecars. She had just returned from a very long trip and wanted to get home however her interest was peaked by the Vincent Amanda Scooterboat that is at the Museum.

Lastly I talked to the organisers again about a potential stand next year. They said they would be in touch. So this week has been busy, just returning from France and the French National 2CV meeting where I was camped next to a guy and his 1985 Honda 750 four. During the meeting there was a display of Harley Davidson and a number of bike clubs that I was able to pass fliers on to. On Monday at the Museum I spent most of the day talking to a very interesting Canadian Couple from Calgary. He had discovered a 1939 Triumph and wondered what to do with it. He had an inspiration to take it to Bonneville salt flats. He knows of Eric (EGP Enterprises) and his Brough. He now had his project so he tuned it accordingly and with help from his buddies, who donated many parts got it running and raced it last year. He has written an article about it and I look forward to reading it after he has returned home.

Kempton Park 2014

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Southern Classic Bike Show 2014

As usual preparations start long before any show with the LE Owners Club night on the last Tuesday of April. I go in the car to let Chris F borrow my bike trailer as his bike is not running yet. I have put in the applications for the club and am waiting for the entry tickets to turn up. They arrive on the Wednesday so I have to post them out to everyone. Paul is having the splines done on the rear wheel of his LE and is pretty sure he will have it back on the road for the event. I have four for the stand. On the club night I collect all the prints and club documents, banner and rope stands for the display from Chris W. I only have to provide staple gun, sellotape and scissors plus a few tools and wire coat hangers (always good to hang something from) pliers, Stanley knife and screw driver. A few days before the event Paul is having trouble getting his splines wheel to fit the drive unit and lets me know that he will be unlikely to get to the show. I am not able to help him as I head for St Ives near Cambridge on the Buell to visit my brother who is on holiday there. I arrive home on the Friday morning and load up the car and pick up George to go to set up the stand at Kempton Park. Its all a bit sunshine and showers here but my trip from St Ives was quite sunny and dry. Friday afternoon and the traffic is not moving as I duck and dive around Heathrow to get to Kempton. Chris F is already there and has his bike, the Police box and manikin PC on the stand. It takes about an hour to get all the posters and pictures on the walls and the banner across the front. The sellotape is not sticking to the backing boards so we will have to staple some posters to them. Bunting is draped up high and other than the staple gun, that I forgot, we only have to turn up on the bikes in the morning.

It is a very wet trip on the Valiant first thing and I get to Kempton just after eight. I am just behind George on his Viper Sports. Chris F arrives a little later. Everything is in place other than Paul. I wait until the last minute before positioning the bikes. Paul does not arrive by the time the show starts. Probably a blessing as there is only really room for three bikes. I like to have enough space to invite people in for a chat or closer look. There is a great deal of interest in the LE's and a few take away application forms. It is quite a busy day. I do get a little time to visit the London Motorcycle Museum stand. Pete and Chris are doing a grand job talking, persuading and handing out fliers. So good are they that all the fliers are gone by mid day. I have a little stash that I carry everywhere with me and hand them over.

I do a little shopping and see a 250 BMW, a little tatty but it was ticking over so sweetly I almost bought it but then where would I put it? My garage is full already! Around four the prizes were handed out. After getting a highly commended last year for the Valiant and the Museum Tiger Cub there was nothing this year. Never mind there are other shows in the pipeline. Best stand this year was the New Imperial and pride of place was the streamlined 125 racer.

A Rocket Gold Star gets best in show and Museum Chris's Gold Star does not get a look in, neither does Trusty. I was hoping to get my wife, Gita, into a nurses uniform to get a cameo set up. Pete's mum did have her own period inform. Perhaps next year.

 I think the peach of the oldies was a very well restored 1911 Raliegh. There were so many good examples of bikes at the show with a WW11 Triumph 350 single getting runner up.