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The day
dawned overcast but mild and dry for the 83rd Pioneer Run from Epsom to
Brighton for Veteran motorcycles made before 1915. The Run was
traditionally held on the first Sunday in spring ever since the Sunbeam
Motorcycle Club inaugurated the Run in 1930 but the 2020 Run was cancelled
due to the pandemic and the first opportunity to resume was autumn 2021
and it has continued to be held in autumn since then.
Whether the Sunbeam Club will bring the run back to the traditional spring
time isn't known, but it would be nice to have the bike run at the
opposite end of the year to the Veteran Car run. Another change in 2021
was that the run finished at Shoreham Airport (now Brighton City Airport),
instead of the traditional finish on Brighton sea front due to concerns
for the safety of riders entering the fast A23 at Pyecombe on the approach
to Brighton.>> |
146
entries were listed this year, 8 fewer than last year, sadly nowhere near
the 300 or more of a few years back. The Class 1 (pre-1905 machines) start
at 8.00am. My start time with the Class three 1914 500cc Triumph was
8.19am.
After signing on, the bike was removed from the trailer and fuelled up
then ridden to the starting enclosure where the riders are waved off in
groups of six by the Mayor of Epsom and Ewell.
The bike started well and I was soon on the A217 heading for Reigate.
There is a certain camaraderie among motorcyclists and it's hard to pass a
rider stopped by the roadside but there are so many on this stretch of
road crouched alongside their steeds carrying out repairs or adjustments
it would be impossible to help them all so we press on.>> |
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My son
James, driving the car and trailer, headed direct to the finish at
Shoreham in the hope that I wouldn't need assistance or recovery due to
breakdown.
I had a rudimentary tool kit with me but hoped it wouldn't be
required!
There seemed to be less traffic than usual this year and Reigate then
Crawley were negotiated without difficulty.
I met up with fellow SVVS member Alan at Handcross with his 1930 600cc
Douglas and we rode to the compulsory stopping point at Leonardslee
Gardens where the riders' numbers are stamped and coffee and cake are
provided as part of the entry fee.
It was now pleasantly warm and we had time to view the machines and chat
to their riders. >> |
We
were particularly impressed with a 1911 350cc Wooler entered by the
grandson of John Wooler, the original designer.
The second part of the run went well, riding steadily at around 30 mph in
company with Alan on the Douglas, slowing to pass through the rural
villages of Cowfold and Henfield where spectators waved us on our
way.
The potentially confusing spiral roundabout onto the A27 was successfully
negotiated thanks to helpful marshals and a new roundabout gave us access
to the airport perimeter road leading to the finish at the historic Art
Deco airport terminal building.
After signing off and collecting the bronze finisher's medallion (my 8th)
we took in the relaxed atmosphere of the finisher's enclosure and chatted
to old friends in the autumn sunshine. >> |
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The car
park for tender vehicles is some ¾ mile from the finish and a 1951
Bedford SB coach and 1953 Guy ex-London Transport green bus provided by
Geoff Heels were laid on to transport back-up crews to the airport
building. Knowing
I wasn't eligible for an award, I rode the Triumph back to the car park
and put it on the trailer then caught the coach back in time for the
ceremony. Who should be driving the coach but SVVS member and HCVS
Chairman Fraser, with Linda as tour guide, who explained the difference
between a coach and a bus! After the ceremony James and I caught the bus
back to the car park which really made our day.
he Sunbeam motorcycle Club are to be congratulated for their excellent
organisation, signage and marshalling of this event and for providing a
most enjoyable day out!>> |
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Yes, it has been a bit of a walk !!
2022
Pioneer Run
2021
Pioneer Run
2018
Pioneer Run
2017
Pioneer Run
2013
Pioneer Run
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