Saint George's Day Run - Saturday 23rd April.

Mick Leach has sent this report on an excellent run organised by Dana Neal.  I was really dissapointed to miss it having already arranged to take someone to the Stafford Show.😢 Eddy.

St George's Day ride Saturday 23rd April. There approximately 35 riders (at least ten of which were VMMC members) on a rare selection of machines including Street Fighters, Bobbers and Classics. The oldest machine was 1953 BSA complete with rebuilt magneto. We set off from Tutbury car park where I did try to do a head count. When we later stopped on Roston Common I tried to do a count again but there were too many bodies masking my view.

Dana Neal our run organiser took us on an unusual run that stopped close to local sites used for motorcycle sport in the 50’s and 60’s, some of which are now long since defunct. Fauld, scrambles, Darley Moor, road racing, Clifton, scrambles and trials, Osmaston Manor, polo field, road racing and grass track respectively, Agnes Meadow Farm, scrambles and Alton Towers, road racing. Dana is very passionate about this history and was able to tell us which famous riders had competed at these venues. Dana has programmes from some of these events. Some show riders who went on to become European and even World Champions and is prepared to share copies with anyone who may be interested, just send him an email.

During our run we also stopped on Roston common, the site of a memorial to RAF Roston airfield, 1916 – 18.

After about four hours, negotiating six dangerous junctions that were marked on our route sheets, (a good Health and Safety feature) and hanging onto the handlebars for fear of being blown off by the strong winds while going over the top of the Staffordshire moorlands (there is always an element of challenge on Dana's runs) we arrived at the Knights Table with the group still intact. By now, thoroughly dehydrated we found it has been a private residence for the last two years. Fortunately, the Flash Bar Stores Cafe was open with enough pies and cake to feed an army. We had plenty of time to natter and catch up with old friends and get introduced to potential new ones.

The route back was towards Buxton until turning south at the sign for Dale Head, down the dale, left onto B5053 and join the A515 where some riders peeled off.  Back in Tutbury a few finished off the day with a swift one at the Cross Keys with more light hearted conversation and laughter.
Thanks to Dana for a memorable day.  Mick Leach..