Abandoning his Easter Egg, PaulG80 searched for top-notch classics at the 2004 Ashford Classic Motorcycle Show. He found heaps...

Monday April 12th (that's Bank Holiday Monday to you lot) dawned sunny, bright and warm. My bike was entered into the Ashford show, now held at the new livestock market Ashford, Kent. Unfortunately it was not be (due to another completely different story). So into the car we climbed and off to endure the wonderful motorway system that we pay our taxes for. I entered this show as my Mum and Dad live just around the corner. So after calling in to see them, me, Dad, Barry (my brother) and Ben my nephew walked round to the show.

There seemed to be a very good attendance as the car park was quite full. The show bikes were all under cover and, because of the temperature, this was a good thing as it was lovely and cool. I had arranged to meet FerG3 and G&D there but because of one thing and another I missed G, so I still owe him a pint. But -- let's face it -- everyone owes G a pint!

There was a quite cosmopolitan range of machinery on show from the 1920s to the 1970s all in varying conditions.

A couple of machines took my attention, and the first was a DKW Hercules powered by a rotary engine. It was absolutely gorgeous and in mint condition. I had only ever seen one before and that was in print. The second was a Levis, which was again immaculately kept. The third, which I didn't manage to get a picture of, was an Indian Chief or Scout (sorry I don't know the difference) in gloriously original condition. It had battle scars all over it and looked like it was ridden every day and cleaned once a year. We saw the owner leave and this bike just purred, as only a high mileage, original bike can. Lovely.

The Autojumble was well supported with a few bargains to be had -- like a Kawasaki Z750 twin for £300.

We didn't stay for prize giving (yet we have the results through an unlikely outburst of efficiency! TP). If you attended and won something then 'well done', as the standard was very high.

All in all a very good day out for comparatively little money.

The next jumble is at Lydd airport Sunday 9th May and the next show and jumble is Sunday 11th July. The shows are put on by ELK Promotions (01797 344277 www.elk-promotions.co.uk ) and they come recommended.

Good Day Out?

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And now, a word from the people who organise the Ashford Show...

The 2004 Ashford Classic Motorcycle Show and Bikejumble proved very popular, with the site almost full to capacity with machines on display and trade stands and autojumble. Local man John Blanchard, top racer from the Sixties, was Guest of Honour and presented the prizes.

Four of John Blanchard's machines were on display, a 350cc 1967 Seeley AJS 7R, a 500cc 1967 Seeley Matchless G80, a 1967 Seeley Norton 750 twin and a Honda. These machines have been extensively modified to reach the very latest allowable specification. John is still very active both in the UK and on the continent, and his machines are raced and paraded on a regular basis.

The next event is the Rye Classic Bikejumble, on Sunday 9th May at Lydd Airport, Lydd, Kent, TN29 9QL. Sunday 11th July sees the Rye Classic Motorcycle Show and Bikejumble, again at Lydd Airport. Entry for pre-booked exhibitors is free. It is hoped that next year's Ashford Classic Motorcycle Show will again take place on Easter Monday, with additional display and trade space.

(Thanks for the info, Julie, and do get well soon. TP)

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Ashford Classic Motorcycle Show Results: Easter Monday 12th April 2004

Best Pre-1946

Mr P Bradley, Eastbourne, 1966 Triumph Bonneville