After a two year break the VMCC's Banbury Run was back this June. Martin Gegg shook the dust off his kit to explore the event.
After rain the previous night the dry but overcast conditions were perfect for the much-missed Banbury Run and some 395 riders, their pre1930s bikes and a few passengers lined up to start from the British Motor Museum at Gaydon in Warwickshire.
Old friendships were renewed and new ones made as groups gathered to talk bikes and partake of the obligatory early morning bacon roll. The Christian Motorcyclists' Association was on hand at the entrance to look after kit, which left hands free to rummage through the autojumble stalls. I have to say there seemed to have been a lot more rare and interesting stuff on display than I had seen in recent years – perhaps people had been spending their enforced time at home reorganising their workshops and garages and rediscovering all manner of treasures.
The motorcycles, as you would expect, were in excellent condition and I only saw one that failed to get away. (After no run for two years you can only imagine that rider’s disappointment.)
Then, after seeing the riders off, I found a couple of locations out on the course and watched as the bikes reclaimed the lanes once again. Welcome back to the Banbury Run!
Motorcycles and spectators before the start.
Richard Wray’s 1929 350cc TWN is an example of convergent evolution! Siegfried Bettmann of Triumph Coventry also founded Triumph-Werke Nurnberg AG to manufacture bicycles in his native Germany, later also producing motorcycles under the TWN banner. Following behind is William Shelton, maintaining the European theme with his little 1927 147cc Monet Goyon 2 Sport.
No holding back, Julian Wade lost out on a gold by being one minute early last time! Julian was spotted in Burton Dassett riding his 1914 499cc ex-WD BSA Model H.
Two bikes entered by Rick Hall, a 1930 500cc BSA S30 combination followed by a 1926 BSA 350cc L26 which was acquired in 2021 after having been in the same family for 85 years.
John Schofield begins a voyage of discovery on the 1929 350cc Calthorpe, as this was his first time riding with a hand shift.
Off to a determined start; ABC expert Keith Sams launches his 1920 3hp Bradshaw-designed ABC Sopwith off the start to begin his competitive run.
Gary Booth on a 1929 750cc V-twin Zenith Jap. Gary says the ride is “a lot more comfy for the rider than the passenger, who deserves a bravery award!”
They’re still out there! Yet another barn find restoration project on offer in the autojumble.
Gary Hoyle’s 1925 500cc Rudge at Gaydon before the start.