49th Coventry to Brighton Run 2010
In cool but dry weather, the Lord Mayor of Coventry flagged off 58 riders from the Coventry Transport Museum, having first presented a message of greetings to the Mayor of Brighton and Hove which by tradition is carried by the rider of the oldest machine, this year by Brian Glover on his magnificent 1926 Indian Scout. As usual, a number of riders from Sussex and Surrey had ridden up to Coventry to join us for their run home.
The 160 mile route took us down through Banbury, stopping at Sturdys Castle for coffee, then on round the west of Oxford via Abingdon and Henley on Thames to the lunch stop at The Waggon and Horses at Twyford.
Some riders followed a quieter and more picturesque route to the east of Oxford which Chairman Harry had found several years ago and which went through Islip and Chrismas Common on the Ridgeway before joining the other route just before Henley.
Fom the lunch stop, the now busy route took us through Bracknell towards Guildford which we skirted to find our afternoon tea stop at Newlands Corner Cafe.
From there we followed some bumpy minor roads to Horsham, smooth dual carriageways to Cowfold, then A roads down to the coast, with the approach to Hove taking us over the superb Devils Dyke road.
The Mayor of Brighton and Hove met us at the finish and was presented with the letter from the Lord Mayor of Coventry by Brain Glover. In turn the Mayor presented an award to the owner of the Rider’s Choice of machine: Brian Glover!
Checking in at the Princes Marine hotel, we able to relax our aching muscles in the bar and later on enjoyed dining together.
On Sunday morning, with only a few hangovers, we parked our trusty steeds in the gardens opposite the hotel for concours judging.
Ian Alexander and the indomitable Mrs Rotherham then presented the awards with much humour, with everyone leaving for home in excellent spirits despite the threat of rain.
Our thanks go to Kathy and Ian Alexander for organising the event, The Lord Mator of Coventry, the Mayor of Brighton and Hove, the Coventry Transport Museum for the use of their facilities, Alan Bailey for the report and photographs, Mrs Rotheram for presenting the prizes and all the staff at the Princes Marine Hotel.