MOTORING

VINTAGE

Motorcycling with Rod Hann

RECENTLY I HAVE been involved with the running of the South Dorset Section of the VMCC's Weymouth Week. This year we had the privilege and pleasure of having a visitor from the USA join us. The event consists of taking members from all over England on daily conducted tours around Dorset and the adjoining counties. We go to the best scenery on offer and visit places of interest along the way.

Our American friend flew over and collected one of our club bikes in London. He travelled to Somerset and enjoyed an event with them on the Saturday, came to us on the Sunday for the week before travelling on to the home counties for events there. He later returned the bike and flew home once more. He enjoyed every second of his trip and the hospitality shown to him. On flying home his intention was to immediately book up for a return visit next year, accompanied by his wife.

It just shows what a little help and kindness can do to foster relations around the globe. He is now likely to tell his friends in the States and who knows what this might lead too. My picture this month shows a group photo of the participants standing in the scenic village of Milton Abbas. You can guess which is the American guy by the Harley Davidson emblazoned across his chest. If your club has the chance to entertain such a visit I recommend you take it to promote the good things that club life can bring.

Leading on to future events the month of July seems as busy as ever. Of major interest will be the Westland's club Coast to Coast Run on the 11th. A good long run with large numbers taking part so something of interest for everyone and all done for charitable causes. The Somerset Section start off on the 4th with their club night at Cossington. On the 10th they have the Veteran, Vintage and Anniversary Run from Chewton Mendip. Next will be the Veteran Run on the 17th from the Haynes International Motor Museum and lastly they have an Evening Meet at Gurney Slade on the 21st.

The Dorset Section start the month with the Chairman's Challenge Run from Gillingham on the 3rd. On the 13th will be a Car and Bike Meet for their club night at Pulham followed on the 17th by the Ebble Valley Run which starts at Cranborne Garden Centre. Next on the 20th will be a Mid Week Run from Warden Hill, and this is followed on the 24th by the Jeff Clew Memorial Run from the Haynes Museum and lastly will be the White Horse Run on the 30th which starts at East Stour. The Wessex Veteran and Vintage Section have a Breakfast Meet at Ansty on the 9th and club night on the 11th will be a Barbecue at Shaftesbury. As usual more details can be had by ringing 01935-872528.

I recently undertook the Dorset Sections ‘Giants Run’ as did nearly a hundred other riders.

This event caters for machines which have girder forks fitted, which in general terms means they were made prior to 1945. This type of event just tickles my fancy as to see 100 early bikes taking to the roads is quite a spectacular sight. The start venue was the Thyme after Time cafe at Spire Hill, Stalbridge. Two routes of 40 or 70 miles were designed for the type of older bikes being used. One route of course went via Cerne Abbas to view the famous giant. The weather was dry and not too hot which was ideal for these old machines.

Inevitably there were a few breakdowns, including myself as I suffered a rear wheel puncture. What a shame my enforced stop was right outside the public house at Milton Abbas. The wait of about an hour for my wife to pick me up was not wasted and quite enjoyable. This is partly the joys of running old vehicles.

Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their day and all eager to come back next year. With beautiful scenery and quiet roads there is nothing to dislike and the comradeship amongst the devoted riders of the older bikes is always a joy.

My only concern now is finding a patch the size of a football to repair my tube or the huge expense of buying a new inner tube. Decisions always decisions.

Group photo in the scenic village of Milton Abbas.

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