Ardingly and roaming Romney on the First Sunbeam MCC Romney Marsh Run

Last weekend we took our annual autojumble stall at Julie Diplock (proprietress of Elk Promotions) ‘s Southern Classic Bike Show. There have been shows and autojumbles at Ardingly for as long as I can remember; these days the bike events are all organised by Julie and that is a Good Thing because she always makes sure there are quality food and coffee stalls and everything is relatively informal. Despite Judy’s telephone-computer saying “Chance Of Rain: 100%” before we left that morning, the day stayed dry and there was a good turn out, the predicted weather only making itself apparent at close of play.

Things were all a blur in the main hall…sorry, was in a bit of a rush to get back the stall, but it gives you an idea…

I sold a fair bit of stuff I no longer need and raised a few quid to take to Stafford this weekend. I’ve been doing autojumble stalls since I was in my teens; it always seems that every time you buy some bits you want, you get a load of stuff you don’t want with it and having been short of space (and money) ever since I became addicted to old motorcycles it serves a double purpose to have the occasional clear out. Of course some say the autojumble has become eclipsed by Ebay and the like but not for me. Not only are autojumbles a great social event, I wouldn’t have wanted to pack up and post all the bits I sold…We certainly sold enough to make the effort worthwhile at Ardingly; as well as the cash there’s a bit more space in the shed and it’s good to pass redundant stuff collected on to people who need it. I hate the thought that something that’s getting in my way might be the last bit somebody needs to complete a bike. Autojumble stalls are a winner all round and I’m always surprised how few people do them.Slightly surprised to see this triple engine wedged in among the general bits and bobs and I was intrigued by the selection of European lightweights on the next stall…

Something for everyone – or no-one – depending how you look at it. I often think we live in a bit of an ivory tower here in the UK. It’s probably fair to say that Britain was among the first to embrace old vehicle culture but for a long time anything built outside this country, regardless of age or rarity, had little value. That has changed now and there’s clearly a market for importing bikes like this interesting little fella.

Speaking of Julie Diplock brings me to the first Sunbeam MCC Romney Marsh Run, organised by Julie two weekends ago, with an excellent route prepared by her husband, Rick Bailey.

Romney Marsh is Kent’s answer to the Norfolk Broads, a strange place where time has stood still making it ideal for perambulations by old motorcycles. We took the two ’28s, my BSA 350 and Judy’s Scott, and it became one of our best days of the year. The sun shone, the choice of route was perfect, a nice beer and ploughmans to finish and, especially considering it is a new event, there was a great turnout. The run is only open to vintage (pre 1930) bikes so you aren’t holding anybody up by riding an older machine.

The lanes around Romney Marsh are very reminiscent of the 1920s. As its name implies, the Marsh is flat and the twists and switchbacks are essentially reminiscent of a rural Scalextric track. It is always a great pleasure to ride these bikes on roads that truly reflect their era, the Ixion Run, earlier in the year, is based in a similar area but the Romney Marsh Run took in a completely different set of byways. One advantage for devising runs in the South is that there are a lot of lanes, further north you have breathtakingly grand scenery but it is difficult not to end up on the same roads every time you enjoy it.

I had a great time on the 350 BSA; it absolutely cracks round these lanes. Being very light and reasonably powerful it delights in roads where you have the opportunity to keep shifting the throttle and flicking through the bends.

Thanks to Rob Smith for the picture below. Hmmm, maybe I should wear green socks on a green bike…

All in all, a really great day and as it’s turned out possibly the last proper Summer Sunday. But the Pioneer Run forms are in already so it won’t be long before the busy season kick off again. Meanwhile, plenty to do in the shed!  Cheers R