Bath Pageant of Motoring
5th
and 6th July 2014
Linda and I met at our usual spot in Weston and took one look at the weather and
decided wet gear was needed! We got up the M5 mostly dry but once we got on the
M4 north of Bristol the heavens opened! It was torrential and slowed us right
down as visibility was so bad. I think it was the most severe rain I have ever
driven through in all my years of biking. Fortunately it didn’t last long and we
turned off at the A46 and headed down to Lansdown via the country lanes. Once
there we were greeted by the marshals and directed across to where the others
had set up. Ivor was there with Blackjack organizing the parking of the bikes.
Maybe we should get him a tape measure as many a shuffle was needed to satisfy
his critical eye! It did look good though with some nine bikes on show.
Archie set up his tent to permit us to park kit inside. Linda stripped off the
wet gear only to discover she had rather a large damp patch!
I was ably assisted by Sue who pulled off my over trousers without being asked
twice! Once set up we had Ivor, Neal and Becks, Pat Vokes and Lee Dickenson up
from Dorset were the crew for the day. We also had Nick Marshall arrive but park
in the visitor’s car park!
The day brightened up and we had a visit from Tony who has a 750 Virago with a
mate with an 1100 so maybe two new members shortly in the Bath area? We wandered
round the show and admired all sorts of vehicles and stands on display. Linda
and I even got our boots polished free of charge.
During the morning we were asked to do a parade within the main arena and proved
to be quite and attraction with a great commentary by Bob as we displayed our
bikes to the public. In the afternoon we were asked to do another run in. As we
had made friends with Georgie who was organizing the entrants to the arena she
came on the pillion and her father starting the commentary as we entered the
arena. When we passed him I shouted out that I was kidnapping his daughter! Bob
choreographed us in unison to do a rev up together. It sounded great! The
organizers even brought an enormous platter of food to finish off consisting of
chicken pieces, scotch eggs, pork pies and various other bits and pieces.
Archie and Sue in company with Becks stayed the night on site and enjoyed the
bar and food provided by the organizers. Linda and I were led back across
country past Chew Valley lakes to Weston by Ivor.
Sunday loomed and we three met as usual and the plan was to go across country.
Both Linda and I were totally mystified to discover a rapid change in plan by
Ivor as up the motorway we headed! This proved a good decision as we arrived on
site dry and happy. Archie and Sue plus Becks had woken and looked ready for
another chill day. Fortunately we had extra support from Dave Rutley and Terry
“TC” Ashby with his wicked sense of humour. Some horrible rumour about mistaken
identity with my name being taken in vain! I deny it all! His name is “The
Carpet” not “Magic”. We were also joined by Dave Rutley with his flip flop paint
job. The day was a little overcast to begin with but the sun came out and
another chill day to be enjoyed. Bob chatted with another Virago owner and we
had found a rare XS1100 who should join us at the future event of the Jap Bike
Fest at Haynes International Motor Museum later in the year. Georgie asked us to
be the finale of the day so Bob suggested hand signals such that we coordinated
both horn and exhaust notes together whilst in the arena! It worked perfectly
and we excited to loud applause. I decided to kidnap Georgie as we left the
arena and took her for a gallop around the site. She enjoyed it and should be in
contact to join us for a rideout soon.
The organization was very friendly and really appreciated us being there. This
was the third event and I believe this ought to be considered as an annual event
for us to attend. It was a great weekend in the sun with good company, great
banter and a lovely chill out time enjoyed by all who attended. On top of it all
we believe we will have four or five new members out of it. Many thanks go to
Ivor for finding and organizing it despite moving home just prior to the event
and to all who supported and attended it.
Magic
