In this article, Simon Hadden tells us about the Bamburgh Run, an annual VMCC Run that takes vintage motorcycles through superb Northumberland scenery.
Words: Simon Hadden
Photos: Simon Hadden
The Bamburgh Run is an event held in north Northumberland for motorcycles with girder forks. It takes place annually in June. Founded by VMCC and Marston Sunbeam Club member, Mike Coxon, the first two events were based in Bamburgh at the foot of the famous castle.
As the run grew in popularity, a change of venue was necessary and the base moved to the village of Etal, where it was welcomed by Ford and Etal Estates. The event is open to all riders with suitable machines. The organisers aim for an old bike event with the friendly atmosphere of a village fete. To this end, the village hall and adjacent tearoom are bedecked with bunting, which all adds to a jolly atmosphere!
The pretty village of Etal, with its thatched pub and whitewashed cottages, provides a timeless backdrop for photographs. Before the start of the run, all the bikes are positioned in the centre of the village for visitors to view and chat with the owners.
Pairs of bikes are flagged off at intervals of about 1 minute by a guest starter and wind their way to Wooler along a quiet route which varies from year to year. Sometimes the riders might meander south past Chillingham Castle with great views of the Cheviot Hills. In other years, the route heads northwards over the border into Scotland for a run along the valley of Bowmont Water, a tributary of the River Glen in England.
A free breakdown recovery system is available to all entrants. Any broken-down machine and rider is brought back to Etal without fuss. Several volunteers operate the system and are able to recover sidecar outfits as well as solo machines.
A stop in Wooler is provided by the ladies of Roddam WI, where the riders are plied with tea, cake and other goodies at the Cheviot Centre. Assuming that riders have not over-indulged with refreshments, the route continues back to Etal, with short and long route options available, giving participants a day’s ride of 55 or 70 miles by the time they reach Etal once again.
The event typically has around 70 entrants. The maximum number that can be accommodated is around 85, due to the capacity of the Cheviot Centre and its adjacent car park.
The event has become quite well-known locally and participants are encouraged to wave to onlookers as they pass by. It all generates goodwill towards old bikes in general!
Hot and cold drinks, together with doughnuts and biscuits are always on hand in Etal Village Hall, to bring the event to a close.
The entry fee is around £20-£25 per rider. Full details and entry form can be found here or just google “VMCC Bamburgh Run”.
an article by The Girder Club
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