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2011 Coventry Parade Event Report

Sunday 14th August; 05:30 – a peek through the curtain with a bleary eye revealed a magnificent sunrise; orange fire illuminating a clear blue sky – result!!
The ride to Coombe Country Park reminded me how wonderful a vintage motorcycle is, particularly on quiet roads in the cool dense air of an early morning. I was first there by a mere ten minutes, Rob turning up with his van packed to bursting.
Over the next couple of hours, there was a frantic field set up exercise and all was well, apart from the conspicuous absence of “Mabel” the Coventry Transport Museum bus. The team soldiered on regardless, making do with a small table to sign in the early entrants, then, approaching 9:30 the distinctive red and blue coloured bus was spotted through the trees; it was a very welcome sight indeed, better late than never! Apparently, she had wet the floor during the night which necessitated a waterworks check-up before her journey. She was carefully parked up and a tray judiciously positioned under her radiator. It transpired that all was well; clearly it was simply a case of her being overly excited at the prospect of attending the Parade…!
Entries for the programme had closed at sixty-seven, which was most pleasing and the good weather encouraged several entries on the day, the final number coming in at seventy-six.
Courtesy of the new team, the event boasted several changes, including a new machine layout in the field and a rider rest area, both of which appeared to be well received, as were the glamorous “sign on girls” team, who drew numerous complementary comments from both the entrants and the public.

Coventry Parade Organisers
The Lord Mayor of Coventry, Councillor Keiran Mulhall arrived exactly on time and was provided with a guided tour of the machines, which ranged from Scott Brown’s magnificent 1897 Leon Bolleè Voiturette to Malcolm Goodwins 1981 “Indian” Royal Enfield Bullet.

Julia Booth tour-guides the Lord Mayor, seen here chatting to Alan Brittain

Scott was first to receive his commentary and was flagged away by the Lord Mayor, followed by the subsequent machines at thirty second intervals; riders having the choice of a long or short route, stopping en-route at Michael and Linda Mahon’s fabulous farmhouse, for what can only be described as a banquet fit for Royalty. Our host’s generosity, incredible hospitality and attention to detail, leaves one searching for words that provide sufficient credit. The range of homemade fayre was vast and mouth-watering; the rustic barn in which it was served made one want to settle in for the day. Needless to say, all who purchased a lunch ticket were very glad that they had. Real ale, soft drinks, tea and coffee were also available, all at a mere one pound donation, which raised a fantastic £127, monies going to the Warwickshire Air Ambulance.

Machine at the lunchstop

Julia at the front of the queue, ready to sample Michael Mahon’s gastronomic delights

Riders returned to the park for a relaxing afternoon, and along with their finisher’s award they were also provided with a drink and a cake whilst their machines were being judged for the various awards available.
Thanks go to all of the helpers on the day who assisted the organising team, including: Alan Bailey for taking the photographs, Jenny Page, Peter Booth, Denis Buxcey, David Kendall, John Reading, Fred Nicklin, Brian Glover, Brian Thomas, Jonathan Saul, Robert Moon, Jordan Bromley and of course, a thank you to  the entrants for their support. Put the second Sunday in August 2012 in your diary and join us next year.    
Geoff Booth.

 

 

 

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