Coventry Parade
An enjoyable ride over to Coombe Country Park on a bright clear morning kicked off the 2013 Coventry Parade, where I met Rob to get the field prepared in readiness for our sixty-seven registered entrants who were participating in the 58th annual event.
Ken Bromley and Bob Taylor did a sterling job assisting us and we were all setup by 08:30 and the glamorous sign-on girls were waiting in readiness to greet the riders, the fine weather bringing us an additional nine on the day giving us a pleasing total of seventy-six machines.
The Lord Mayor of Coventry, Councillor Gary Crookes duly arrived with the Lady Mayoress and both were ably shown around the machines by Julia, completing their introductory tour in a timely manner in readiness for flagging duties at 11:00.
First to the start line was Scott Brown on his superb 1897 Leon Bollée Voiturette, followed by another three pioneer and eighteen vintage machines.
The Mayor then deftly handed over the civic flag to the Lady Mayoress and leapt into Malcolm Bull’s 1933 Morgan Super Sport, taking off with a big smile on his face for his pre-arranged passenger ride out on the route, leaving Shirley Crookes to do a sterling job flagging off the remaining fifty-three machines.
Once again lunch had been arranged at the Old Manor Farmhouse which is now the home of Kate Mahon and Crawford Davidson, and I set off after the last machine, riding directly there to ensure that all was well. En-route, I came across Scott and the Bollee at the side of the road, the machine being unhappy due to insufficient inlet valve lift – Scott’s main concern was not for his machine, but for his lunch, and his concerns were well founded – Kate and Crawford had provided a feast fit for royalty, with hospitality to match; the property looking resplendent with a freshly constructed main entrance and spacious hard standing area.
Things went decidedly quiet as individuals indulged on the vast range of home prepared fayre, the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress joining us for our banquet. A range of various beverages were also available at £1 each, monies generated for subsequent donation to the Warwickshire Air Ambulance Service.
A return ride back to Coombe Country Park via a long or short route option saw all riders safe and well for sign off and collection of their finisher award and afternoon treats, to provide sustenance, whilst their machines were judged for the nineteen available awards, Terri Ireland, daughter of the late Bob Cain presenting her father’s cup.
We had a field full of smiling faces and lots of positive comments, so the organisers would consider that another successful event!
Many thanks to Ken Bromley, of Spon Gate Motorcycles, for his generous assistance and sponsorship, his business providing MOT, repairs, servicing and sales (024 76225111). Thanks also to support from Partsmade design, manufacturing and restoration services (01527 882441), Bellamy Opticians of Leicester, offering optical solutions with discounts for Parade riders (0116 2531750), Magpie Motorcycles, MOT, sales and servicing (024 76421000), C&D Autos, BSA spares specialists (01564 795000) and Ramp and Wrench, DIY servicing lift rental for bikes and cars (www.rampandwrench.co.uk).
Thanks also to all of the other helpers on the day including: Rosie Lee, Bob Taylor, Ken and Jordan Bromley along with Dave Sketchley and Chris Chant, for their conscientious award judging duties, and to Terri Ireland for supporting the event and, of course, the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress, for their keen interest and active participation.
Geoff Booth, Event Secretary.
For Additional Pictures go to Flickr