1958 Aermacchi Ala Rossa 175cc ~ Steve Blunt
Steve rode his Aermacchi on the Three Moors Run – the same bike on which he has twice finished the Motogiro d’italia. He’s also hoping to ride it in the Milanotaranto in future.
“I bought it eight years ago as a bit of a project, with an eye on the Giro. My good friend Al Holdworthy helped me finish it; another good local friend and mechanic, Phill Sharp, happened to know a lot about them, having raced them at Goodwood, etc with Dick Linton, who also lives locally.
“I loved the Three Moors Run,” he adds. “The route was excellent through the three counties we covered, the roads carefully chosen and all ridden beforehand by Russell. The weather was great, stopping off points welcoming and the overnight stops fantastic for exchanging info over good food and a beer or three. What’s not to like?
“The run back from the Two Bridges Hotel, travelling back up north-west to Russell’s, was special. The quiet roads were just sublime – quiet, sweeping A and B-roads in the sunshine, going flat out, well within the speed limit. Riding a small classic bike on such roads in the sunshine should be available on the NHS – it makes you smile!
“At times, it feels like you’re pushing the 60mph speed limit – which is no mean feat on an old 175, hanging on and sweeping delicately through the curves with shake, rattle and roll – only to glance down and find you’re just about pushing 40! So much fun. I very much hope to be back next year!”
‘RIDING A SMALL CLASSIC ON SUCH ROADS IN SUNSHINE SHOULD BE AVAILABLE ON THE NHS – IT MAKES YOU SMILE!’