Autumn Run
It was only 9 degrees when 20 riders set off - what a contrast to the past few weeks, still it was the Autumn Run.
Vintage bikes ranged from David Payne’s pristine 1920 Triumph H, Derek Morriss’ 1927 Matchless and Frank Parker’s Panther, pre war ones were represented by two overhead camshaft machines: Roland Robinson’s 600cc Ariel Sq 4 and Denis Buxcey’s Velocette, then post war a good cross section covering AJS, Ariel, BSA, BMW, Honda (two of which were almost identical Benlys), Kawasaki, Norton, Triumph and Velocette.
The 42 mile route took us out through Long itchington, Napton, Priors Hardwick, then onto the considerably less smooth roads of Northamptonshire passing through Lower Boddington, Aston le Walls and Byfield before returning into Warwickshire via Priors Marston and Napton where we passed a Traction Engine being attended to by its driver. I bet his tool roll was somewhat larger than ours.
Then on the last leg through Birdingbury to finish at the Friendly at Frankton where several riders enjoyed a very pleasant lunch.
Our thanks go to Alan Bailey for the route, the report and the photos also to our hosts Nigel and Debs at the Friendly Inn.