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to the Archive indexSteve Cobb's run enjoyed superb weather, along with an excellent turnout of riders. There were however some notable absentees from the venue, including David Evans out on Church duties, and Peter Green, suffering from jet lag upon his return from holiday (Yarmouth wasn't it, Pete?)
I arrived at Roydon Village Hall at quarter to ten along with Steve Gleed (Zündapp), Already in attendance were Mr Cobb (Quickly), and Pete Smith (New Hudson), while Terry Keable (tired RM6), Richard Wightman (New Hudson) and Carl Harper dressed in full race leathers (past its sell by date Mobylette M40), Mark Daniels (Bown Special), Wally Wright (Yamaha Enduro), David Whatling (Cyclemaster), Bill Doy (Honda PC50), Rolly Scarce (Honda PC50) and new member Jim Searle (Puch VZ50M) all arrived shortly afterwards.
After tea and biscuits provided by Steve, we signed in and made ready for the off. As we led off, local rider Richard Wightman took the controls. The rest of us meekly fell in line. Riding my extremely well behaved Phillips Gadabout, I took up position immediately behind the pilot with the rest of the riders following. From time to time Danny pulled alongside me, flexing his rebuilt Bown's considerable muscle power. At one point Pete Smith overtook on his rapid New Hudson, as did Steve Gleed aboard his likewise Zündapp Falconette.
Some time later, Steve Cobb rode up on his Quickly, indicating "two miles to the pub". At least I think that's what he meant! We all arrived safely, at the Six Bells, Gislingham, with Andrew Pattle 'snapping' us as we passed by. David Whatling met us shortly after, having taken the shorter route with his Cyclemaster.
After a very pleasant lunch, we started out on the return leg, with Richard Wightman again taking the helm, along Richard Cobb's well signposted route. the homeward journey was largely uneventful, except that Carl Harper's exhaust parted company from his bike. Also, Terry Keable's hitherto panting RM6 suddenly burst into life, surprising us all, including its rider. It was agreed that Terry had finally freed up the rear brake!
As we approached Roydon Village Hall, Mark Daniels and I had a burn up, reaching at least 28mph! At the Hall, The Patriarch, Andrew Pattle, had chosen a winner for the best bike award. Steve Cobb handed the Trophy to a well deserving Mr Gleed for his excellent Zündapp, despite it being sans pedals. Following more tea and biscuits, and after much deliberation, we began to depart for home. On behalf of us all, may I thank Steve Cobb for a splendid day out, spent in the company of Anglian eccentrics?
Finally, don't forget Peter Green's Autumn Jaunt on 26 October. He will not be accepting any spurious, lame excuses for non-attendance. You have been warned!
First published, October 2002