Not sure how I wasn't aware of this event in previous years so made it an outing this year. Did anyone else here, go? Asked a few friends and the typical excuses surfaced, I'm working, need to babysit grandkids etc but most novel, can't, my rectifier has failed. Doesn't anyone burn the midnight oil anymore? Anyway, two of us set off on 765's with a reasonably early start and breakfast at Seaways. Two breakfasts as pictured plus x2 teas £21 which I thought was a fair price as we couldn't fault it. I find the food is always good at Seaways, and definetly far better than Squires.
Saw a few people we knew in there and then on our way. Bridlington was heaving and we caught x2 old guys up at a junction. A quick hello, you going to Race the waves, yep! I gathered by their age that they might have a clue as to where's best to park so we followed them. What a day for it, perfect.
Bikes locked up, helmets secured to avoid having to carry them about, we took the short walk to the startline. Who likes AC Cobras? There were a nice line up of them, probably more than a dozen. The best bit for any petrol head was, quite a few had the bonnets (hoods for our USA members) up and you could see the motor details nicely.
With a touch of luck and we had a good vantage of the start area. The event is basically a fun 1/8th Mile drag strip on the beach. For anyone who follows beach racing or the Dakar etc it soon became apparent that the far side had a firmer and faster run with the sand being better, or is that wetter? The format appeared to be 20 or so minutes cars followed by 20 or so minutes bikes, repeat, repeat. This worked really well and kept things interesting for both car and bike enthusiasts.
Although they all were a form of classics, not sure of the specific classes or cut off years, but certainly recognised a very wide variety of vehicles. Where else would you see a fully faired Barry Sheene Suzuki (presumably a replica with all the sand and salt) lining up alongside a Bultaco 250 Sherpa with a few Triumphs and Bsa's thrown in. There were some bizarre starting grids!
I said to my mate.... "I think that bird with the red hair on the startline is lining you up for tonight!" His quick answer was a peach.... "Forget the rest, I bet I come first!!!" I must admit, I do like those girder fork, bobber low slung style Harley's. Have I got that right for number 44? What sort of money (UK) could one of those be picked up for in an on, or near the road, condition?
Look at these for beauties; My favourite was this Ford pickup with a lovely blend of patina ( sounds good, well better than rust ) and paint.
Here's the Suzuki guy getting left off the line, tyres and power delivery obviously making a massive difference. I'm sure some may have been taking it seriously but most just seemed to enjoy having a ride up and down.
The action flowed and everything appeared well organised. Families enjoyed the spectacle, and it provided quite an alternative attraction for people probably not usually inclined to attend a motorsport event. With the promenade railings ( and a fair drop onto the sand) providing a natural barrier, everyone seemed to have a really good time from a safe distance. Even old people in mobility scooters had good access as it could all be viewed from the hard pathway with no offroading.
A good day was had, around 130 miles in total with a very oddball route home using Google maps on the quadlock. Squires for coffee and chocolate, it was Fathers Day after all. Phone rings as soon as I'd got it "Dad, can you bring me a screwdriver, my floats stuck and petrol's pouring out?" We made it a family gathering and took the mickey profusely whilst the youngest tried his best Carb stripped, blown through, rebuilt, then back to Squires. Two people stopped to offer assistance, maybe we all looked clueless The first offered a van as he lived local, the second offered tools as he too was local. Thanks guys, don't know who you are but I'm sure I can pick your bikes out and might see you about.
Great pics Eldon, is that a baby Austin i see? A few years ago, my Dad and uncle got into one and could,nt shut the doors. Memories eh....
@Eldon: Many thanks for the great pictures and the day we were able to spend "with" you according to your impressions.
Austin A35 I think @Regit nogara The pics would've been better but the sun, and consequently light, was in the wrong place from our angle.
