The Banbury Run

[Tony] Well it is down to me to make the report but as yet I have been a bit slack...

As some background to the event ,

BIKERS from across the country flocked to Banbury on Sunday to celebrate an annual event for what could be the last time.
Drayton School was engulfed in a haze of smoke as 500 motorcycle lovers arrived for the Vintage Motorcycle Club's 59th Banbury Run – its most important event.The bike enthusiasts tackle the roads around Banbury and surrounding villages with their vintage vehicles that date back to at least 1930.

Unfortunately this might be the last time Drayton School Hosts this event... more information here... http://www.banburyguardian.co.uk/news?articleid=2970067

John and Nicola setup the Goodwill4 Charity Stand before 9:00 am conviently I did not manage to get there before 9:30...

John and the Goodwill4Charity Marquee.

To the side his trusty steed. (Note the UK map, it had raffle tickets in each landwark of this years RBR as a fund raising option during the day.)

The collection box and the raffle goodies all with a very pink theme to it, but lets not forget the focus of this fund raising is for the pink Cancer Research and EVERYMAN.

The Pink helmet was not the Stigs sister supporting the event, but the ingenious money box For the fund raise.

THE BANBURY RUN

Well for me it was quite impressive to see, and as John pointed out, the smell is like nothing you get these days. Some of the machines where restored to even better condition, i think, than when they where new... some where works in progress and some...well... some where just lucky to be there... but don't be deceived, appearances can be deceptive.

What's On?

Sunday 17th June is the BANBURY RUN, where 500 pre 1931 motorcycles take place in either a timed ACU event or an untimed VMCC event over identical routes. Its good to get there early, the bikes start to gather at the parc ferme from 09:00hrs (1hr before the start). This is a sight, to behold, last minute tinkering by the owners, the sound and smell is without parallel in this clinical modern world. The first bikes leave the start at 10:00, to take on one of 3 routes which vary according to the age of the machine and the rider.

http://www.banbury-run.co.uk

this link takes you straight to the spectators page:

www.banbury-run.co.uk/spectating.htm

AuNTy V and I will be in attendance at this great event.... and if last minute glitches are overcome we may be collecting for charity....

4 COUNTIES

Monday evening ride from Work (BEDS) to LM#4 (BUCKS) to Fox's Diner (OXFORD) to home (WARKS)

Took something radical to outshine auNTy V in her pink finery at Fox's diner: This left 2 up, spent longer on the rev limiter between gear changes than it did accelerating, maybe the "extra" tank was gassed up......

Avon Roadrider Tyres

Thanks to Steve, and the staff at BullRing Garage for their support.

Especially the new Avon Roadrider Tyres they fitted to auNTy V prior to the run to East Anglia [in the rain]. I can report no problems with wet grip performance. BullRing is a typical village garage catering for servicing MOT and repairs of both cars and motorcycles, thanks also to BullRing customers who have given donations to the collection tin on the reception counter.



http://www.avon-tyres.co.uk/motorcycle/?page=tyres&method=showtyre&id=6

May & East Anglia

Another month passed and a visit to East Anglia for 5 LM's makes 14 visited during May, the total is now 27/89.
To try put this event into context: an overland trip from London to Kathmandu is approx 8000 miles. The mileage auNTy and I have covered so far on the RBR, has now passed the 3000mile mark, that leaves I'd gestimate another 6000 to go. Of course the roads, climate, people & dangers encountered aren't at all comparable....or are they!


A great LM to visit if you're a passenger:


This was my first camping trip on auNTy, basically a try out for the more distant trips (West Country & Scotland) The Ebay bargain Rickman panniers have proved to be very weather proof, most probably due to the simple design, the top box isn't quite as good, and the only space my 3 season sleeping bag will sort of fit, wrapped in carrier bags to keep it dry (may invest in a "compression" type waterproof storage bag from an outdoor shop to see if I can get the packed size smaller). Wherever you travel sooner or later you'll meet an ex-pat, even in Norfolk. I'm sure many of the brave fearless Highland clan McMidge have took up residence in the Norfolk Broads, evil little b*****ds.

ANOTHER PIC TO HELP WITH THE GUESS WHERE IT IS COMPETITION......