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The halt at Acton Burnell
On the morning of Saturday 15 June it rained, the England-Denmark match kicked-off at 12:30, but by 1:30 the rain had gone and seven riders plus supporters had turned up for the inaugural run.
| David Ayre | Mobylette |
| Jon Chesworth | Raleigh RM6 |
| Mike Crumpton | Puch Maxi |
| David Flye | Mobylette |
| Paul Raybould | Puch VS50 |
| Philip Robinson | Francis Barnett autocycle |
| Keith Walker | New Hudson autocycle |
| Mr & Mrs Alan Redgrave | Honda CB750 |
Henry Raybould gave us a splendid back-up, supported by Bob and Liz Terry. (Thanks to both for the adminsupport.) Thanks also to Pat and Graham of the Corbet Arms for allowing the use of the car park. The brass band and drum majorettes did not turn up, so we went without them.
The group kept well together with no mishaps, and Acton Burnell castle was inspected - (Interesting toilet arrangements!) The private approach road was used for pilot experience on alternative machines, but no one wished to swap, so we continued on our original mounts, picking up the old Roman road (as straight as a rule) for some sustained speed work. Two small water-splashes, running deeper than normal after all the rain, were taken with aplomb, no bikes being dropped, and the run proceeded on to a narrow winding lane, (did the Romans do that?) with oncoming four-wheel-drives giving way to the mighty roar of seven NACC machines. (Paul's Puch played up noisily along here.)
At Church Stretton the group split up to explore and seek refreshment for an hour. Paul did a lightning pit stop routine on his Puch, while others found the delights of Carding Mill Valley, and the local antiques warehouse.
It was decided to do the 18-mile loop back without stopping, but fate decided otherwise. Paul finally had to resort to the trailer, and ten miles later Keith's New Hudson expressed a disinclination to proceed up the final hill. TLC (Top Level Cursing) and deft mechanics enabled the machine to finish at a speed which could be described as "stately", with three machines in "guardian angel" formation.
This meandering run was enjoyed by all, and it will definitely be repeated next year. By common consent, it will be on a Sunday, starting at 11:00am, stopping in Carding Mill Valley for "lunch with a view". More riders can then come along and enjoy a "flattish" run in hilly country.
First published, August 2002