Surrounded

A couple of weeks ago I went for a ride with a few mates, about two hundred of them.

On a long stretch of dual-carriageway we found that we'd picked up an additional rider. A young lad on his 50cc moped found himself gradually surrounded by the column of bikes as he was overtaken from both sides until he was right in the heart of the pack.

There he was minding his own business and now he was part of a big loud organised demo run. His face was a picture. He kept looking all around him as if he couldn't quite believe what he was seeing. He had no idea what was happening or what to do but keep on going.

Not the actual moped rider

He stuck with us for about a mile before peeling off down a side road at speed, looking over his shoulder all the while.

At the very least he will have a story to tell his mates.

Long Necked

Out for a run at the weekend and this radical Swedish-style chopper turned up. Powered by a S&S motor it's the front forks that really catch your attention. I imagine it is great on long straights, but it struggled a bit in city traffic.

(Spotted at AUOB Edinburgh)

Cafe Racers at The Cove

The good folk on the Scottish Cafe Racer page on Facebook organise casual meet-ups a few times a year. The most recent one was at The Cove, a cafe in Queensferry under the span of the Forth Bridge. As it was only about a half hours ride from where I live in East Lothian, and as it was a pleasantly sunny evening, I thought I'd pop along for a look.

Not everyone turned up on something which could be classed as a "cafe racer", but still  there were still enough interesting machines for folk to have a look at and chat to their owners. A cup of tea and a bacon roll could also be had from the cafe while you were doing so.

Here are a few of the more interesting bikes to turn up.

Another Bike Show

Another trip to a bike show. This time it was the MCN Festival of Motorcycling at Peterborough. I’ve been to this event a number of times and this year it followed its familiar pattern.

 

First stand I approached, woman said, “So, you’re a Harley man then?”

1200 Speedmaster

Speed Triple

Bonneville Scrambler

1200 Bonneville Thruxton

The big manufacturers bring their new toys for you to have a look at and sit on, a couple also arranging test rides if you bring your paperwork and riding gear. I keep meaning to do this, and one day I’ll get organised enough to take part.

Italians occasionally design ugly bikes

Lots of club stands, from one-make clubs to smaller local bike clubs, charity organisations and things like the police and the military all bringing their bikes along to attract attention and possibly sign up new members. I like this part of any show and was heartened to see so many different organisations represented.

Triumph Owners Club stand - mostly Bonnevilles

Moto Guzzi Club stand - 1100 Quota

Royal Enfield - Himalayan & Bullet

Triumph Rocket III trike

There are also loads of trade stalls selling everything you ever thought you needed, as well as a lot of things you hadn’t even considered. And all the usual food and drink outlets to cater for a large captive audience.

Military bikes. Mostly HD and Armstrong 350 & 500 Rotaxes

Small capacity race bikes

BSA 650 Lightning

Ducati Owners Club. Any colour you want as long as it's red. For the most part.

For some reason I seem to have spent a lot of time hanging around various Triumph stands as you can see from the photos. Maybe my subconscious is trying to tell me something?