VMCC Banbury Run Update…
The VMCC’s hard-working events team had to make some last minute re-organisation of the autojumble, the camping and the spectator car parking because of the weather, but on the big day, there was a ‘weather window’ for the 64th Banbury Run.
Because of space restrictions in the hastily created hard standing areas the famous “Banbury autojumble” was roughly half its normal size at 70 pitches. However the huge 130+ pitch jumble will be restored to its full size for 2013.
Nearly 600 riders coaxed their pre-1931 machines out of the Heritage Motor Centre at Gaydon on to the byways of Oxfordshire and Warwickshire in groups of five starting at 10.00 am.
It was a cold but dry morning, ideal weather conditions for elderly motor cycles, if not for the riders who undertook one of three different routes either timed or untimed.
The ‘Banbury’ is the high-point of the year for many enthusiasts, the opportunity to ride a true ‘Vintage’ machine in the largest gathering of Veteran and Vintage machines in the world.
The event always brings out some exciting ‘new’ machines fresh from the restorer’s bench as well as the old Faithfull’s which return year after year.
A copy of the programme is essential for complete enjoyment of the day. Not only does this give you details of the machines taking part, but there are delightful little anecdotes and stories about the discovery, the restoration and the performance of many of the machines.
After a day whiffling around quiet country lanes, tackling the famous ‘Sunrising’ Hill and paying their respects to the cross in the centre of Banbury, competitors were able to ravage the autojumble, admire the assembled machines – exchanging experiences and often picking up useful ideas for their own steeds. The site at Gaydon also offers the excellent facilities and attractions of the Heritage Motor Museum as a relaxing conclusion to a grand day out.
Prior to the “big day” on Sunday during Sat 16th June the annual Bonhams Auction held in conjunction with the VMCC Banbury Run was another huge success with an un-restored Vincent Rapide heading up the prices at £31,050.
Riding entry to the VMCC Banbury Run is available to VMCC Members only with entry forms for next year’s event will be available to download from the dedicated website www.banbury-run.co.uk or direct from VMCC HQ in early January 2013.
Even with 600 entries competition for a place is fierce and it is essential to submit entries in good time to avoid disappointment.
