Classic and Quirky Run 2024
The third annual Classic and Quirky run took place on Sunday 28th July, attended by members with a mixture of seventies classics and a couple of rarities/exotica, as well as some more mainstream machines ridden by ‘classic and quirky curious’ Members and Associates. As Julian Clark was unable to come this year we didn’t have anything pre-70s, but of the classics Mark Coltman and Keith Smith rode Norton Commandos, Graham Belton a Triumph Trident T150 and I brought my Moto Morini Sport. Peter Knight rode a modern, but nonetheless exotic Morini Corsaro and the ‘classic curious’ attendees were James Lawrence-Jones – BMW G650 moto - rare model, Steffen Nestler on an x650RS Kawasaki, Peter Horath - NC 750 Brian Eastwood – Yamaha Diversion 600 and Roger Starling – CB750 Hornet
Anxious to avoid a repetition of last year’s débâcle in which I succeeded in losing the group, having to amend an over-long route and my sat-nav cutting out at various inconvenient moments I decided to reconnoitre the route beforehand, and was rewarded with a trouble-free morning.
The group met promptly at Westerham and progressed on familiar lanes through towards Leigh (‘lay’) and Tonbridge, passing the first of Kent Constabulary’s mobile speed enforcement zones, with Mark our N.ob. keeping order as tail-ender. Despite having ridden the route the previous day temporary traffic lights had sprung up, mushroom like at several points and the A26 at Southborough was choked with traffic, leading to frustrated drivers jumping the red light. Nonetheless we were able to regain the back lanes and, having passed the second heavily-manned speed enforcement at Brenchley without incident we reached The Trough Café near Cranbrook for our coffee break – read Kay Cole’s review for further details.
Turning west towards Eridge we became somewhat separated as we crossed main roads at Hawkhurst and Flimwell but were able to enjoy bursts of National Speed Limit riding along the B 2099, arriving at The Huntsman, Eridge for their annual Bike Show around 12.30. The fine weather had ensured that this was absolutely packed, in stark contrast to last year’s drizzle-soaked event. None of us chose to enter our bikes in the concours – price £2 – perhaps next year, but there’s a tasty barbecue and an ‘enthusiastic’ covers band belting out golden oldies.
Super-exotic Bimota – plaque on the swinging arm tells you which one this is from the 153 ever made.
The bikes – and the bikers – on display represented a rich cross-section, from the waxed moustache brigade, one make obsessives, superannuated rockers and two elaborately painted hard-tail choppers with their equally unique female riders.
Chopper rider enjoying a last puff before heading off. Engine is from a Yamaha XS650 – I used to have one of those!
and...
Velocette AA Patrolman’s bike of doubtful originality. Note hand gear change! Next year’s event looks to be on Sunday 27th 2025 – so get you classics and exotics fettled in good time!
John McNally
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