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The Airship Run

11 September 2011

Report by David Osborn
Photos by Roger Bailey, Mark Daniels, David Osborn and Andrew Pattle


The second running of this event was organised by The North Herts Non-Conformists, under the auspices of the EACC.

It attracted an entry of sixteen riders from a wide area on a variety of machinery, ranging from un-restored items to the nice looking ones.  The entry was well spread from the East Anglia region with two riders clocking up a commendable 35 mile ride to the start line.

Machine reliability on the day was very good apart from one machine that did not make the starting line-up.  This bike in question was a very nice 125 Royal Enfield whose kick start mechanism gave up the ghost at the third kick.  Not wishing to inflict further damage from parts floating around in the gearbox, a push start was discounted and the trailer seemed the sensible option.  The entrant had travelled a fair distance and we hope to see him and bike at our future events.

The weather looked good in spite of the predicted rain, and the halfway point was reached in fine weather at The Crown in Henlow where riders, pit crews and support staff had an enjoyable and chatty lunch in a specially reserved area.

Very black clouds were observed in the area of the return leg and the riders were soon to experience the southern fringes of what was probably a fair downpour further north.  It is surprising how many riders and machines can shelter under a single rowan tree.  Within a few miles the rain faded but the amount of standing water was evidence of what could have been a very wet return.

The area was also a venue for a pleasure and cycle racing event which caused no problems and at one point one of the cycle marshals deserted his post leaving our photographer to point cyclist in the right direction - always ready to help.

Back at Cardington, Danny and Andrew's on-board action videos were viewed with great fascination on the laptop.

All agreed it was a good ride out and we will hopefully be including this event in next year's programme.

Thanks to the organisers and helpers, Danny for the much appreciated items he continues to supply.  And not least a big thank you to the riders for supporting the run.

The Village Hall in Cardington

Motom 60S James Superlux Honda PC50 Mobylette and Flandria MZ TS125 Rudge Ulster Outside the Village Hall Mobylette and VéloSoleX Honda Novio Outside the Village Hall

First half of the run

Mobylette VéloSoleX Along the route A rider on the cycle event A rider on the cycle event Passing the airship hangers Jim resorts to LPA on the Novio Pete on his PC50 The PC50 again Mobylette Motom, Honda Novio & MZ MZ TS125 James Superlux Mobylette Flandria VéloSoleX Mobylette Crossing the Finish line Along the route VéloSoleX Overtaking the VéloSoleX Danny on the Motom

The Crown at Henlow

Bikes in The Crown's car park Bikes in The Crown's car park Bikes in The Crown's car park Lunch at The Crown Lunch at The Crown Lunch at The Crown Lunch at The Crown

Return run

Stopping to put on waterproofs Stopping to put on waterproofs Jim rides through the rain After the rain After the rain No one needed the back-up truck


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