Magazine #839 [August 2009] - Sunbeam MCC

Now for just as long as Geoff has been riding, the ever delightful Chris (hiswife), has when not alongside Geoff in a chair, driven the trailer to Brighton.Really, I do think there should be some sort of formal recognition for those goodfolk such as Chris who have provided such incredibly loyal and lengthy servicein the background.After the roadside fettling, a marginal improvement was noted in theTriumphs’ performance and so with lifted spirits we proceeded as beforeFor all this time the Hazlewood wastootling along very nicely indeed butwas to meet a challenge on a long, albeitgentle, gradient an hour or so into therun. I just sat on the bike as it got slowerand slower until I thought I would haveto get off and push. Then, much to mysurprise, I felt a gentle pressure on myback and man and machine began againto make forward progress.On turning sideways I saw a rider ona large modern machine alongside meproviding light gloved assistance (LGA).I am not sure of the legitimacy of thisservice - but it certainly got me to the topChris arriving at Brightonof the slope for which I was grateful.In the area of Pease Pottage, I wasagain faced with an uphill challenge and wondered whether I could make it.It was then that revelation came to my fallow senses. I remembered that thepedals weren't there for just starting the bike but were for use in instances suchas this! So I pedalled away and man and machine ascended with aplomb.All along, the roads were heavy with traffic and it was marvellous to see somany people out on motorcycles of all types enjoying the balmy weather. Thisdid of course cause a few problems. Handcross was heaving with both vehiclesand spectators but somehow I managed to scuttle through, looking forward tothe comfort stop at Leonardslee.Having watched videos of previous runs, this halt seemed to be a veryconvivial affair. But when Geoff and myself arrived at 11.30 we were the onlyriders there! So the briefest of stops and back out onto a road, which was nowreally busy. In fact the traffic was queuing way before Cowfold was reachedand the only way to get through was to get off and push into and round anygap as it appeared. Eventually the crush was left behind and we were on ourway again. Then came a delight - riding in the clear bus lanes entering Brighton.I felt quite privileged and considered whether I should be giving a regal typewave, but thought better of it. One final whirr of the pedals on Geoff's bike andoff he went to lead us to the finish.Then, of course, thoughts of crossing that demanding roundabout I hadviewed for so long loomed. In the event, when I arrived the road was clear andI rode straight across! A brief greeting to my marshalling chums and then thatglorious final run along Madeira Drive to the finish.As I crossed the line, I heard Ian Young say" Here comes the last rider Ishall commentate on today." That was me and the time was 1.00pm. Geoff hadfinished a few minutes before. A truly gutsy performance on his part.It took four and a half hours at an average of 9.6mph - but WE BOTH DIDIT!And finally the thanksFirstly, to Geoff for the loan of the splendid Hazlewood.Secondly, to our tender team - selected for their expertise alone!Thirdly, to all in the Sunbeam Club and their associates including the travellingmarshals and those at Epsom and Brighton who make it such a great event.Fourthly, and especially, I would like to thank and pay tribute to the routemarshals who perhaps miss the fun at either the start or the finish but neverthelessgive their time to ensure that all the riders stay on the correct road. Youwere great.Finally, thanks to the editor for his picture selection for the cover of the AprilClub News. It included Geoff and myself at the start!I am now going to the shed to see what can be done to get my own bike readyfor next year's Pioneer Run…Chris RonaldsMAIL SPARESWe sell British motorcycles1900 to 1980We need to buy these machines- single items in large collections.Any condition.Also spares and associated items.such as lights, signs, catalogues etcPhone for a confidential discussion.Ron FarthingThe Old Barn, Curload, Stoke St. GregoryTaunton, Somerset, TA3 6BJTelephone: 01823 49144318 Sunbeam Club News August 2009192009-08 Sunbeam Club News (04-08).indd 18-19 04/08/2009 14:02:29Process Black