Tax Exempt Run 2024
Ace reporter, John Earp has sent this report and photographs. Eddy
It was 10.00 am and twenty eight bikes set off from Marston's
club house on our annual 'Tax Exempt' run for bikes over 40 yrs
old now classed as 'Historic Vehicles'.
Dave Gould was our leader today and he'd already told us that
the ride was just over 50 miles in total with a stop off for
refreshments at Tissington in the Peak District and we'd be
using the second man drop off system. He also gave us advanced
warning of some of the worst of the dreaded potholes.
We travelled out of Burton towards Tutbury, Hatton and onwards
towards Longford, Alkmonton, and Yeaveley before having to cross
the main A515 towards Clifton and Okeover and eventually
crossing the A515 again to enter Tissington our halfway stop.
On arrival at Tissington we had the opportunity to buy drinks
and food from the café with ample seating outside in the sun to
chat about bikes and 'stuff' as is normal on such occasions. The
owner actually apologised to me for the length of time it took
to get served and explained they were already pretty full with
walkers, cyclists and families etc before we descended on them.
Dave had allocated plenty of time here so I think we all
eventually were served before it was time to leave on our return
route back home.
We left Tissington straight across the A515 towards Ilam and
turn left on Blore Road and right onto Blore Lane where we
passed a poor old man having to cover his ears due to the
offensive noise of our historic machines. He was obviously out
for a nice quiet walk with his partner and didn't expect to
encounter motor vehicles on what was after all. a road!
We soon joined the main A52 back towards Ashbourne but took a
right turn to Mayfield and ultimately Rocester the home of JCB
where we turned left through the village towards Roston and
Marston Montgomery re-joining the A515 back to Sudbury. We
passed Sudbury Hall, turned right turn through Draycott In the
Clay to 'Six Lane Ends' where we took second left to 'Five Lane
Ends' and straight on towards Burton and Marston's clubhouse.
Some riders had already left the group but as it was still
fairly early those of us that returned to Marston's thought it
was only fair that we should support the club house with
whatever drink took our fancy and a nice sit outside on the
patio in the sun to discuss the day's run etc.
So thanks to Dave for leading the run and Walter as 'Tail End
Charlie. It was a lovely run on a lovely day with no mishaps,
just as it should be and a great day was had by all. John
