Just when you think it's all over for this season, there's still some classic bike events making the most of the last-minute sunshine...

The Aintree Sprint

The northwest Section of the VMCC and Mersey Motorcycle Club hosted their Classic and Vintage Sprint at Aintree Racecourse on Sunday September 16th 2007. The event took place over a quarter-mile section of the old grand prix circuit and was accompanied by a static display and a lunchtime parade of machines, trade stands and small autojumble.

By all reports the day went very well, and the rain even held off until the last ten minutes of the afternoon. There were minor problems - the PA system sulked and refused to talk to anyone! -- but over a hundred riders turned out to compete including James Hewing from the VMCC and many RC readers. Gordon Geskell's shiny Triton was very much admired.

The display of classic motorcycles and three-wheelers included over 70 machines, many of them local and some which travelled from further afield. The best in show award was won by Bill Bewley who'd come from the Lake District with his beautiful Norton. Local man Barry with his Matchless took the runner-up prize.

The organisers would like to thank their hard-working team who made the Sprint happen, and especially the competitors -- without whom there would be no event. The date for next year's Aintree Sprint will be listed on our events page as soon as it is announced.

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The Essex Air Ambulance Run

I have just come back from investigating the Eighth Annual Essex Air Ambulance Motorcycle Run from Ford Dunton Technical Centre near Southend to Harwich. The event is rather large with approximately 4000 bikes attending to help raise money for the Essex Air Ambulance. The ride was well sign-posted and it was nice to see most of the people of Harwich turn out to wave and applaud the riders into the historic part of the town.

Before the run got underway, stunt rider Craig Jones performed two stunt shows. With this number of motorbikes in attendance there were certain to be a few classics in the mix, and sure enough among all the modern machinery a few did stand out. The Gold Star Owners' Club must have been riding as a group as there were plenty of Goldies present, and they were joined on the run by a much smaller Beesa, the Bantam seen here, as well as other classics like Norton Commandos. There was also a static display organised by the Harwich Motorcycle Club which included the Royal Enfield and Triumph pictured. As the run from Dunton to Harwich only takes around an hour, and the route is all A-roads, any classic motorcycle would be suitable to take part. It's certainly a run worth looking at as it seems to be a friendly event, and of course it raises money for a good cause. Essex FM provided entertainment, with presenters, live bands and guest celebrities. There were a quantity of stalls selling all different types of produce and things to have a go at. This is not just a motorbike event, it is one for all the family. RC Reporter: Gordon Rainbird -----------------

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The Dogs' Dinner Dash

Over one hundred bikes, scooters and trikes, many of them classics, attended the Dogs' Dinner Dash on September 9th 2007. The gang enjoyed great weather on their 25 mile ride, and gathered a whole heap of pet food, general supplies and cash for their charity, an animal rescue centre in Leicester. The ride was organised by the Royal Enfield Owner's Club and benefitted Leicester Animal Aid.

So would anyone like to give this dawgie a home...?