Unusually this year I had to go up to Peterborough on the Saturday morning, and after a week of poor weather I was not too disappointed. On the day the skies were fairly clear and it was a good ride up in the company of Bob C, Bob D, Tank, John and Graham, with the customary stop in Royston for a hearty nosh. On arrival at the showground it became clear that the changes forced upon the organisers by the loss of 37 acres of land were not popular, especially as the camping was now strictly segregated between cars and bikes. Much of the gear had to be carried into the bike area, and space was at a premium there. Thanks then from the Saturday contingent to those who arrived on Friday and saved some real estate! At least there was room to fire up the barbecues for Friday and Saturday evening and fill our faces.
Another change was that the entertainment was moved to one of the big sheds and the popular sport of semi-clothed pole climbing was by necessity scaled back to a bit of shoulder-borne exhibitionism and wall climbing (not easy to explain). Reports of Friday night's bands were mixed; nobody thought much of the headline act apparently. Saturday was a mixed bag too, but the main band - a Queen tribute going by the name of Flash Harry - were very good, thanks mostly to a very Freddie-esque front man.
The show was the usual acres and acres of bikes, stalls, marquees of bargains and auto jumble. The official Triumph stand was disappointing, being just a marquee with all the bikes on display but almost no banners, representatives or leaflets. What happened to the trailer they had last year? At least you could sit on the bikes and compare the weights as they weren't bolted to the ground like those on other stands.
Notable purchases included Malcom's acquisition of a set of carbs for his Diversion, which have already been fitted and made a great improvement he says, and Andy's purchase of a pair of silencers which I believe he intends to put on his Thunderbird.
For the thrill-seekers there were the usual bungee opportunities but Gary Lineham, Bob Colvin and Tank decided that nothing would do less than a helicopter ride on Sunday. Reports indicate it was a bumpy one thanks to a very enthusiastic pilot, but the views were great and no breakfasts were lost. A photo or two should be finding its way to the website soon.
Special mention and commiserations must go to Gary Lineham whose T160 blew a piston on the way up and had to be recovered. He managed to remain cheerfully philosophical about it the whole weekend and had it out of the engine by the following Tuesday to show everyone. By Thursday evening he had a new piston in and the bike was ready for the Sammy Miller run on the Sunday. Respect!