McGuinness & Rutter
Some 1280 machines and their custodians came together for the 8th “1000 ‘bikes” at Mallory Park.
Every year brings something new to look at (and to hear) as well as kindling memories of times past with the sight and sounds of machinery you once owned or lusted after. Lovingly restored or conserved, examples of historic machinery that you may never have seen before are available for close scrutiny. At Mallory Park, you meet all those old acquaintances you have not seen since last year as you saunter through the auto jumble or scrutinize wide variety of machines on display in the 50 or so stands in the ‘Avenue of Clubs’ – which becomes longer and longer every year.
Saturday gave the riders of road machinery the opportunity to exercise their steeds on the track and the enormous range of motor cycles, the great variety of riding styles and the wonderful noises and smells stimulated the senses and the emotions. Saturday really is a day for the riders to enjoy themselves in the company of like-minded enthusiasts in a series of 15 minute track sessions throughout the day.
Sunday was the great attraction of the weekend. Original race machinery piloted by the superstar riders included 1987 500cc World Champion Wayne Gardner. Where else can you have access to the motorcycling ‘greats’ and their machines at such close quarters? Where else do you get the opportunity to talk to them, to add to your collection of autographs and photographs? And then you can see them in action on the track on the machinery that made them famous and successful. It is salutary to note that the passing of the years has not diminished their panache and their skills!
Events like 1000 Bikes do not just ‘happen’ Apart from the months of planning and preparation the “day” of the event relies on the dedication and professionalism of over 100 volunteers & enthusiasts without whom these things are just not possible!
The VMCC Festival of 1000 Bikes gives four awards every year & this becomes more and more difficult as the standards achieved are higher and higher.
This year, the award for the Classic Motorcycle Magazine Best Pre-War Machine went to Mike Wild for his immaculate 1924 500cc Rudge.
The Old Bike Mart Best Post-War Machine award (and this is the most difficult category to judge!) went to Buuny Kidd with a 1953 Norton 88.
Keith Harding’s 1962 Ariel Arrow took the Ace Cafe award for the Best Cafe racer and the closely contested prize for the Classic Racer Magazine Best Club Stand went to the Christian Motorcyclists Association.
The VMCC Festival of 1000 Bikes is supported by some of the biggest names in the old bike movement including Footman James Insurance Brokers, Bonhams Auctioneers, Michelin Tyre PLC, Mortons Motorcycle Media, the National Motorcycle Museum, Norton Motorcycles, & Eriks UK.
