Scrumpy Run 2010

The winner of the Mayor's Choice award, Maurice Ley's Sunbeam

John Morey receives the Ron Chugg Cup for the oldest bike and rider from the Mayor of Ilfracombe

Richard Gardiner with his Indian Chief which won the Riders Choice award.

At 9.00am on Ilfracombe Sea Front with grey skies and a cold strong cold wind blowing from the north, the probability of a poor turn-out looked likely.

But the expectation was wrong. Fifty riders signed-on and the weather improved greatly with long spells of sunshine in the afternoon.

There was only one breakdown that I know of, when one of the gentlemen from Dorset's battery expired.

Maurice Ley once again arranged the route which differed from that used last year with a longer run in the morning. This proved to be very popular with many favourable comments passed both to Maurice and to me.

It was pleasing to see entrants from Somerset, Dorset, Cornwall and Devon riding in what has become a very popular run, taking in as it does, some of the finest scenery in the South West.

John Morey won the " Oldest Bike and Rider" award with his 1928 Scott.

The "Rider's Choice of Machine" award went to Richard Gardiner for his lovely Indian Chief.

We were pleased to welcome the Mayor of Ilfracambe Mr Philip Webb and his wife, who picked the 1935 Sunbeam of Maurice Ley for his "Mayors Choice of Machine" award.

The "Guest's Choice" Award, chosen this year by John Brunyee, was also awarded to Maurice.

My thanks go to Martyn and Gordon for supplying some of the pictures.

Relay Rally

Here are some photos taken on the Relay Rally. Some were taken by Martyn Weston who has recently moved down from Northumberland, and some were taken by me at the Abbotsham check-point

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Next Two Events

We have two events coming up soon. The first, on Sunday May 2nd, is the Founder's Day Relay Rally. Devon have two Check points this year, one at The Thatched Inn at Abbotsham and one at the Trout Inn, Bickleigh, near Tiverton. Both check points are open from 9.30 am till 5.00pm. Refreshments and toilets are available at both locations.

The second event is the annual Scrumpy Run. This starts and finishes at Ilfracombe on May 9th, 10.30 am for 11.00 am start. Entry forms can be had from Ray Rowcliffe on 01884 253166 or you can enter on the day. Maurice has arranged a new route for this year which will take us through Woody Bay and the Valley of the Rocks. We had about 50 bikes take part last year and we hope and expect a similar number this year. This run is widely regarded as one of the finest in the South West.

I look forward to seeing you there.

April Fools Run additional photos.

Here are some more photos of the April Fools Run

APRIL FOOLS RUN

The start at South Molton.

Near the lunch stop.

Roger Clive & Brian at lunch

Roger had mag troubles on the way home.

Gordon felt unwell after coffee and was sick into his helmet

Clive replacing throttle cable

This run was very well attended with 34 bikes lining up for the start at the Corn Dolly in South Molton. The Cornish contingent arrived just in time for the off after an enforced stop at Roundswell to replace a broken throttle cable on Clive's Triumph Tiger 750.

Organised by John Denny, the well planned route took us through places that other routes cannot reach. From South Molton to Black Cat and Exebridge then through the lanes to Shillingford. On to Wiveliscombe then north to Watchet and on to the lunch stop in Blue Anchor.

After lunch we had an enjoyable ride to the finish at Black Cat. The route took us through Dunster and Weddon Cross, then, at Merve's request, to Winsford in order to go though the ford.

No breakdowns occured on the run but Cyril had some trouble starting his Matchless.

I must give praise to the lads from Cornwall. Those from Bodmin and Wadebridge covered 250 miles but Clive from Troon clocked up 290 miles in all. Added to this they had to make repeated stops when Roger's mag end cap kept coming loose.

Our thanks goes to John D for organising a great days riding.

More photos of the Spring Run

These photos were taken by Merve our good mate from Pixiland.


The tail-end marshals Gordon & Steve in their new Tabards

Lee with Charlie's old 1926 AJS

Maurice & John crossing Dogmarsh Bridge.

Fred & Iain on Dogmarsh Bridge.

Mike J from Cornwall had Dynamo trouble on the way to the start.

SPRING RUN 2010

Most people had a chilly ride to the start at Whiddon Down despite the sunshine. Winter was still hanging on.

After a coffee and a chat in the cafe however the weather began to warm up. A good field of 27 bikes started and finished the run with no problems at all.

It was good to see a large contingent from Cornwall. Some of whom had ridden all the way from Newquay

Another fine route from Ray lead us through Chagford then up onto Dartmoor and over to Widecombe in the Moor. From here we travelled over the moors to Bovey Tracey, a splendid road with fine moorland views.

We managed to get to Bovey about mid-day and so avoided the Mothering Sunday rush.After a leisurely lunch we made our way, via Mortonhampstead, back to the finish at Whiddon Down. A great start to this years calendar!