EVENTS
Key Dates for 2023
Key event dates for 2023 will be published in the Journal on a monthly basis from November until teh Diary of 1000 rides.
The deadline for key dates for 2023 is 1st October to feature in the Wall Calendar which is designed in October printed and distributed to all VMCC members in November
Cut off date for the Diary of 1000 Rides is currently set for 1st November 2022 to feature in the 2023 Diary.
Banbury Run 2023
It is with great pleasure that we announce the Banbury Run will take place in 2023. The date, Fathers Day, has been
set for Sunday, June 18th, 2023 at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon, Warwickshire. Please visit the Banbury Run
dedicated website (www.banbury-run.co.uk) to get the latest
updates, details and registration forms when they become available. It is hoped that the event will comprise the
usual mix of autojumble, bike display, club stands and auction as well as the run itself. It is also hoped that a
social run will be organised for Saturday. Make a note in your diary now to attend this premium event.
Volunteers
The Banbury Run, like all of our events, relies heavily on volunteers to assist the organisers with a multitude of tasks ranging from helping to set up or clear up to marshalling, manning check-points, recovery or simply to help push!! If you are not lucky enough to eb able to compete, volunteering still helps you fto eel part of this great occasion. If you would like to offer your services as a volunteer at Banbury 2023 or other events please register your interest here. Alternatively download a PDF copy, complete and return to Annie@vmcc.net or post to Allen House
Autojumble
As in previous years there will eb an extensive autojumble with over 100 stalls expected. If you are interested in attending please complete the online form here. alternatively download a PDF copy and email to Tony.net or post to Allen House.
Club Stands
We would love for other sections and clubs to come and display their bikes as part of our Avenue of Clubs. If you would like to reserve a spot for your club please complete the online form here.
Festival of 1000 Bikes 2023
Postponement of Festival of 1000 bikes.
It is with much regret that the Club has decided not to hold the Festival of 1000 Bikes in 2023 and postpone non-competitive track events until 2024.
There are three factors we have taken into consideration in this difficult decision: Costs, Risk and Member
Experience.
- Financial control and cost reduction is a priority following the outcome of the Members Consultation.
Following the work done in rationalising the Clubs Central Operations over the past two years from11 staff to less than half that number, the true costs of each project are now much more transparent
All the work on this year's Festival has been performed by volunteers. There were no staff directly involved.
Analysis of the 2022 event showed that, once ALL the indirect costs were recognised, the event lost money.
The costs being charged for use of the circuit account for almost three-quarters of the total costs and are substantially higher than BHR pay for a weekend race meeting. Despite negotiations, and an offer of a discount, the cost is still too high and as such the Club cannot make the commitment.
- Risk: There is little confidence that 2023 would be any better, especially given the challenging economic climate. It was concluded, therefore, that the Club simply could not afford to take the risk on the event breaking even let alone running profitably.
- Member Experience: We have learned:
- that the Club needs to promote events a year in advance to ensure a successful attendance. This means planning for events needs to be 13 or more months ahead of the event.
- the circuit run booking process does not meet with the needs of our members. The issues with booking and ticketing in 2022 caused us exceptional additional work, cost and an intolerable load on volunteers, two of which have now stepped down. Moving forwards, we are implementing our own booking systems and processing similar to that managed successfully in 2022 for the Banbury Run.
- cover for bikes on the track is still a concern for many members in 2022. In 2023 we are expecting to roll out a new programme with Peter James Insurance to include cover for specified events organised by the Club – many thanks to Bob Clark VP for Insurance for this exceptional benefit.
It has also been decided that the Cadwell Track Weekend will not be run in 2023 for both Financial & Risk reasons, although the Member Experience was
generally positive.
2023 will also bring us difficulties in dealing with demands of some members who will want insurance for large Club track events and parades but whose policies will not renew till late 2023.
Moving forwards, we are exploring options to run these events in 2024 when all members with VMCC Motorcycle insurance will be under the new cover.
For those members that enjoy riding their machine around a track the Club is taking steps to enable this
during 2023.
We are in negotiation with Classic Track Days (https://www.classicbiketrackdays.com/about
including VMCC classes within their existing events which will provide multiple opportunities throughout the year at a
variety of circuits. Such facilities would be at greatly
reduced financial risk to the Club
We are also in discussion with BHR and looking at other established partners to provide solutions that meet with members non-competitive track needs in this area.
We hope this will compensate for the reduction in opportunities for non-competitive track-based events whilst we make arrangements to run these events in a more sustainable manner.
Meanwhile if you have any questions or suggestions, please let us know at events@vmcc.net
Cadwell Track Days 2023
The Cadwell Track Weekend will not be run in 2023 for similar reasons to that for Festival of 1000 Bikes. In this un certain climate it is too much of a a financial risk to the club. we will be seeking ways in which to minimise our exposure in future years. In the meantime the ckub has nmade an arrangment with Classic Bike Track Days to enable members to ride in their events. some of these are exclusive to VMCC members. For more deails please visit the Track Days page.
National Way Point Rally 2023
The National Way Point Rally will be run again this year starting from Sunday April 30th and running through to the
30th of September. For further details visit the
National Way Point Rally web
page.
Founders Relay Rally 2023
The Founders Relay Rally is being run as a separate event in 2023, back by popuylar demand. Each section is encouraged to organise and man a Check-point for members to visit and collect a sticker, which will be provided, however, we understand if a section feels they are unable to organise a check-point this year. If your section does not have a check-point itself why not organise a run to a neighbouring section check-point or, if none are close enough, perhaps to a local Way Point from the National Way Point Rally which also launches today. The objective is to see as many motorcycles as possible on the road on this day and to meet with fellow riders along the way.
Events
The majority of VMCC events are non-competitive although some Sections organise ACU permitted timed road trials. As long as your machine is over 25 years old you can enter the Club's runs and events all over the country.
The British Historic Racing section, the club's racing operation, has attained an enviable reputation for its efficient organization and the friendly atmosphere always found at race meetings which are held on circuits throughout the UK.
The Grass-track and Speedway Section organizes a series of grass-track and grass hill climb events together with the occasional outing on a professional speedway track.
The Sprint Section also organises sprints and timed hill climbs on tarmac which can also be found in the calendar,
including two which are very well known and to fill your season, invitations from other clubs allow you to enjoy a
full year's sport.
For the latest on VMCC Events please click
here...
Key Events
The Banbury Run is the largest gathering of veteran and vintage machines in the world. Set amongst 65 acres of parkland just 12 miles north of Banbury, the famous Banbury Run is open to Veteran and Vintage machines manufactured before 1st January 1931.
The Founders Relay Rally is being run as a separate event in 2023, back by popuylar demand. Each section is encouraged to organise and man a Check-point for members to visit and collect a sticker, which will be provided, however, we understand if a section feels they are unable to organise a check-point this year. If your section does not have a check-point itself why not organise a run to a neighbouring section check-point or, if none are close enough, perhaps to a local Way Point from the National Way Point Rally which also launches today. The objective is to see as many motorcycles as possible on the road on this day and to meet with fellow riders along the way.
For further details please visit the Founders Relay Rally web page.
Synonymous with ‘The Taverners,’ is Founders Day set in the scenic Stanford Hall grounds, it has become one of the major UK events in the ‘old bike’ calendar. From humble beginnings almost fifty years ago with just a hundred or so visitors and half a dozen people selling surplus bike bits out of their car boot or laid out on the obligatory ‘paste table’ the event has grown in to a vast slick and professional operation.
Originally the event took place on the area to the right of the driveway with a small ‘arena’ to the back of the hall, nowadays there is a large arena to the front of the hall along with an auto jumble nearing 300 pitches in number and taking up the whole area to the front of the hall. ‘Happy’ Hamrax is remembered as one of the first commercial paying companies to attend with money only changing hands if they’d had a good day - oh how things have changed!
The International West Kent Run is a 4 day event for riders and passengers of all makes of historic 2 or 3 wheeled vehicles. Entrants can enjoy organised rides through the Kentish countryside over the first weekend in August (4rd to 7th in 2022).
The event is based in Aylesford at The Friars, postcode ME20 7BX, click on LINKS above for a map. Camping facilities plus a few basic rooms in the Priory are available for entrants and partners only.
The Sunday is display or public day, which gives visitors the chance to see the magnificent machines.
Additional attractions include a gymkhana, a concours event, an avenue of clubs and an autojumble.
All proceeds from the Sunday event are donated to charity.
Entrants please note the Country Code is the international vehicle registration code i.e. GB for the United Kingdom, NL for the Netherlands, etc.
For Autojumble and Avenue of Clubs forms please go to the REGS page.
Organised by the West Kent section of the Vintage Motor Cycle Club.
Scarborough VMCC Touring Week
Scarborough week will return for 2023. The dates are Sunday11th June 2022 - Saturday 17th June 2022 inclusive.
On Tuesday we have a trip to Dick Craven's m/c collection
Also in the schedule for the week there is a spit roast and barbecue and a talk about the air ambulance
Bookings directly to the Arosa caravan park Ratten Row, Seamer, Scarborough YO12 4QB
Phone 01723 862166
https://www.arosacamping.co.uk/
It is with much regret that the Club has decided not to hold the Festival of 1000 Bikes in 2023 and postpone until 2024.
There are three factors we have taken into consideration in this difficult decision: Costs, Risk and Member Experience.
- Financial control and cost reduction is a priority following the outcome of the Members Consultation.
Following the work done in rationalising the Clubs Central Operations over the past two years from11 staff to less than half that number, the true costs of each project are now much more transparent
All the work on this year’s Festival has been performed by volunteers. There were no staff directly involved.
Analysis of the 2022 event showed that, once ALL the indirect costs were recognised, the event lost money.
The costs being charged for use of the circuit account for almost three-quarters of the total costs and are substantially higher than BHR pay for a weekend race meeting. Despite negotiations, and an offer of a discount, the cost is still too high and as such the Club cannot make the commitment.
- Risk: There is little confidence that 2023 would be any better, especially given the challenging economic climate. It was concluded, therefore, that the Club simply could not afford to take the risk on the event breaking even let alone running profitably.
- Member Experience: We have learned:
- that the Club needs to promote events a year in advance to ensure a successful attendance. This means planning for events needs to be 13 or more months ahead of the event.
- the circuit run booking process does not meet with the needs of our members. The issues with booking and ticketing in 2022 caused us exceptional additional work, cost and an intolerable load on volunteers, two of which have now stepped down. Moving forwards, we are implementing our own booking systems and processing similar to that managed successfully in 2022 for the Banbury Run.
- cover for bikes on the track is still a concern for many members in 2022. In 2023 we are expecting to roll out a new programme with Peter James Insurance to include cover for specified events organised by the Club – many thanks to Bob Clark VP for Insurance for this exceptional benefit.
It has also been decided that the Cadwell Track Weekend will not be run in 2023 for both Financial & Risk reasons, although the Member Experience was generally positive.
2023 will also bring us difficulties in dealing with demands of some members who will want insurance for large Club track events and parades but whose policies will not renew till late 2023.
Moving forwards, we are exploring options to run these events in 2024 when all members with VMCC Motorcycle insurance will be under the new cover.
For those members that enjoy riding their machine around a track the Club is taking steps to enable this during 2023.
We are in negotiation with Classic Track Days (https://www.classicbiketrackdays.com/) about including VMCC classes within their existing events which will provide multiple opportunities throughout the year at a variety of circuits. Such facilities would be at greatly reduced financial risk to the Club
We are also in discussion with BHR and looking at other established partners to provide solutions that meet with members non-competitive track needs in this area.
We hope this will compensate for the reduction in opportunities for non-competitive track-based events whilst we make arrangements to run these events in a more sustainable manner.
Meanwhile if you have any questions or suggestions, please let us know at events@vmcc.net
Formerly known as Training Days the next event this event provides classic motor cycle enthusiasts with the chance to ride vintage hand-change machines including the VMCC’s Reed Scott, Brough Superior SS80, Triumph SD plus many other machines kindly brought along by VMCC members.
Considered the World’s longest running motor-sport event dating back to 1905, which has evolved into today’s format of a standing-start ¼ mile sprint along Brighton seafront’s Madeira Drive. Up to 200 cars and 75 motorcycles normally compete, and it’s not unusual to have a mix of bikes entered from the 1920’s or 1930’s right up to current day!
The Classic TT is a natural spin-off from the Isle of Man TT. It gives fans and enthusiasts the chance to experience the history of the world’s biggest motorcycle road race in real-time. Stars of today’s TT race on the famous Mountain Course riding bikes that would otherwise be confined to museums and private collections.
Although the racing is spectacular – and sounds amazing too – there’s a lot more to the Classic TT than the on-track action. Fans flock to the grandstand paddock carnival to mingle, enjoy the entertainment, soak-up the friendly and laid back atmosphere, check out the concours d’elegance and browse the many trade stands.
With the slightly more sedate pace of the programme compared to June’s flat-out and hectic TT, the Classic TT has proved a great hit with family visitors, as well as those who prefer to set their own tempo. It’s also a big draw for restorers, owners and riders of classic and vintage machinery. It’s definitely a motorcycling event that should be on any bike fan’s bucket-list.
We are now getting things in order for this year’s Manx Rally, because of the change of dates to this year’s Manx Grand Prix and not finding this out until March, we have decided that the entry fee for this year’s rally will be FREE! And there will be no entry form! But please register that you wish to attend our rally by emailing our secretary Gary, email: secretary@vmcciom.org
MANX RALLY SCHEDULE
Wednesday 24th August, Signing on from 10am at Laxey Promenade. There will be a social run from Laxey, starting at 11am, finishing at Ramsey Courthouse. Light refreshments provided.
Thursday 25th August Signing on from 10am at Ramsey Court House, leaving Ramsey at 11am enjoying a road run to end at Peel, you will be free to enjoy Peel Bike Day! Light refreshments will be provided
MGP Racing Friday, Saturday & (Sunday possibly if bad weather) & Monday
Tuesday 30th August we are having a “Track Day” at Jurby, open to all rally entrants, separate entry for will be required. YOU MUST HAVE SUITABLE CLOTHING/ONE PIECE LEATHERS. This will be on the Jurby race track that we used for the Festival of Jurby events.
Separate entry form will be required. Open to all Rally Entrants and other VMCC Members. An entry fee of £50.00 will be required for this event which will have separate classes based on speed/ability/type of machine. Entry forms will be available nearer to the date of the event.
Wednesday 31st August Signing on from 10am at Ramsey Court House, leaving Ramsey at 11am
For an interesting road run, finishing at Ramsey Courthouse for light refreshments and Manx Rally prize presentation.
