As the cold, wet and windy season began giving way to spring, we all started watching the weather forecasts in the run-up to the Radar Run on Sunday 12 April. Rain, or not rain, it can make a difference to the turn out. Decent weather results in a high attendance and it helps to have some idea what to expect. With the forecast looking OK until showers were expected in the later afternoon, the turn out building up in car park was promising and more riders were constantly arriving. The Jumble and catering facilities were busy and, with the bikes scattered widely across the parking, nobody got to do an actual count. The sign-on sheet recorded 36, but not every rider signs on and there was definitely more than that as everyone mustered for the off. Three miles down the road, as we reached Butley Abbey, a lively shower arrived, and while the group leader stopped to get out his waterproofs, the rain stopped so we carried on to Shingle Street. A rough count at this point indicated some 45 bikes though some other riders might have skipped this stop and gone straight on to the Ramsholt Arms. Following the halfway stop for lunch the group split, some heading back to Bromeswell, and many others opting for the full route to Bawdsey. The weather remained fine and it was another good ride, including four Yamaha FS1Es representing the 1970s’ sports moped section. Reflecting the 1950s, an Excelsior R2, a Francis-Barnett Plover, two NSU Quicklys, two New Hudsons, a Bown Auto-Roadster, two BSA C10s, a Velocette LE, and the Mercury Mercette, which completed it this time (after blowing its engine 16 years ago today on this very event). From the 1960s, a Raleigh RM6 and a Puch Maxi were outnumbered by several period Mobylettes + lots of Japanese machines, motor cycles and scooters.
After 17 years of operating the Radar Run, Paul Nelmes has said he’s wishing to retire from organising the event, so we need a volunteer to continue the event in 2027.
