Longridge Field Day – 13 June

The morning of the 13th dawned dry and promising, and so eight bikes assembled at the Swallow Hotel for the run into Longridge. It was not only great to see Graham and Jacci with their Flamin’ Orange trike (which sadly went to Chipping, but couldn’t come out to play because of the horrendous conditions), but also Ted, one of our newest members and his friend on a very interesting Yamaha. On arrival at the meet point, priorities suddenly became apparent, as in ‘Where’s the pie shop?’, ‘Where can we get a brew?’, etc. The next hour passed in a haze of polishing, wandering round the other vehicles assembled with us (which included a very nice Triumph GT6 and a TR4, plus an absolutely immaculate 1967 MGB Roadster), and finding local catering establishments. During this time, we were also joined by another new member, Frank Goodman and Dave Bolton, a Longridge lad himself, bringing our turnout to a respectable eight solos, one trike and Brian’s outfit.

At 12.25, we moved into position and led out the procession. The only slight fly in the ointment was that the police officer leading us didn’t want to go any faster than a speed just below that at which you could get the clutch fully out in case we “lost the band” (his explanation). As we were going uphill at the time, this caused an awful lot of clutch slipping, warm Wings and tortured clutch fingers! We managed to get round this to a degree by letting him get some way in front, then taking a run at him! As usual, the inhabitants had turned out in force, and there was much waving, horn-blowing and everyone having a generally good time of it all.

Completing our circuit of the town, we then moved onto the event field and lined the bikes up for display and later judging. Talking of which, when the Mayor and his wife came along to perform this task, his wife was heard to express the opinion that she wouldn’t mind a ride on the back of Jacci and Graham’s trike. Before we knew it, Jacci had press-ganged Graham into action and he found himself chauffering the good lady on a tour of who knows where! Luckily, he did bring her back, and judging by her broad smile, she thoroughly enjoyed the experience. So, if I see our Mayor trundling round on a trike, I know who to blame!

Judging over, the results were announced………

3rd place            Brian’s combination

2nd place           Dave Bolton’s 1800

1st place             Steve Fox’s 1500

If you could have seen Steve’s face when he realised that he’d actually not only won something, but a 1st to boot, it was an expression of total disbelief and shock! But win it he had, so Well Done Steve!

A great way to wrap up a very enjoyable day.