The Spring Run 6th April 2014
The Spring Run was up against it this year. Conflicting with the rescheduled AGM, and with very wet weather forecast for the day, it was all credit to the 13 hardy souls who signed on at Kenilworth for the start. They brought some lovely machines with them, in all shapes and sizes from Dave Sketchley’s immaculate Honda to Frank Parker’s magnificent Panther. Their reward was that the rain held off and the sun even popped out briefly, half way round.
But fate hadn’t finished playing games. The final recce on the day before had revealed a road closure just two miles from the start, on Crackley Lane, the most scenic, and suitable route north from Kenilworth. Thankfully, the road was still passable, though covered in mud in places, so entrants were duly warned and re-routing was unnecessary.
From Burton Green, through Berkswell to Meriden, we then covered a loop around North Warwickshire, taking in Fillongley, Birchley Heath, Baxterley and Hurley, returning via Maxstoke to Meriden and the short run to the finish at the National Motorcycle Museum. Several riders commented that it was a nice change to visit North Warwickshire, though regulars at the Wednesday Hoar Park gatherings would have known some of the roads very well, as we went right past the entrance.
Following Dave Kendall’s ES2 and Alan Bailey and Frank on their Vintage machines was an aural treat and they set a good pace, cruising steadily at 50 in many places. Frank said at the finish that the brisk pace was probably down to having no speedo!
Our thanks go to Martyn Roberts for organising the event and Alan Bailey for the photographs.