2008 CLASSIC MOTOR CYCLE RALLY & RUN
We were blessed with a glorious sunny June day as club members welcomed the arrival of loved, polished and cherished machines of all types, sizes and ages, to our 9th annual Classic Motor Cycle Rally.
Entrants arrived from around 09.30am, registered and lined up in the various categories ready for the 11.00am departure and ride around some of the most attractive areas of East Sussex. During this time judges took the opportunity to consider who the winners might be of the six categories, plus the four special awards and the Riders enjoyed the sun, a chat with fellow enthusiasts, a Bacon Buttie and Coffee and/or a visit to one of the supporting stalls.
On the stroke of 11.00am, 254 machines with their 350 riders and pillion passengers, were 'flagged' away by Lion President Sue. They made their way passing Pevensey Castle, initially built by the Romans and the nearby church built by William the Conqueror in 1080 and a little later, by kind permission of the owners, the Bikes entered the grounds of Herstmonceux Castle to pass the moated 15th century fortress.
Some Riders opted for the shorter 54 mile route to avoid some of the hills and some took the 60 mile route. The shorter route missed the long Netherfield Hill, but at the cost of missing Battle High Street with its period houses and unique character. The halfway break took place at the suitably placed White Hart at Netherfield, and the ride continued south to enjoy the scenic and winding roads across the Seven Sisters, the South Downs and Beachy Head before the descent down to Eastbourne sea front and the finish. Now back on the Western Lawns the entrants enjoyed the lunch pack provided by the Lions with the valued help of wives and partners. Then at 3.00pm and with the help of The Mayor of Eastbourne Councillor Greg Szanto, The Mayoress and Lion President Sue Durham, trophies were awarded for the category winners and runners up.
SEE BELOW FOR RESULTS AND PICTURES
During the afternoon other important results were declared. First was the 'Guess the number of Balloons in a VW Beetle' competition run by "The Demelza Hospice Care for Children" and then The Lions 'Grand Summer Draw' took place with a number of Cash and other prizes.The Grand Draw together with other Lions Fund Raising events was in support of The Sussex Air Ambulance and enabled the club to donate the sum of £4,200 to that very worthy cause.
Class A - Pre 1939
1st place - Steve Marks - 1920 Henderson 1301cc
Runner up - Tom Snow - 1938 Norton 40M 350cc
Class B - 1940 - 1949
1st place - Cliff Ellis - 1944 - Ariel W/NG 350cc
Runner up - Roger Burgess - 1949 - BSA Twin Star 500cc
Class C - 1950 - 1962
1st place - Gary Bannister - 1951 Sunbeam S7 500cc
Runner up - Adrian Filmer - 1950 Vincent Rapide 1000cc
Class D - 1963 - 1976
1st place - Keith Webb - 1972 Laverda SF 750cc
Runner up - Andy Gates - 1969 Triumph TR6 650cc
Class E - 1977 - 1990
1st place - Gary Bristow - 1981 Honda CBX 1047cc
Runner up - Mark Jordan - 1979 Ducati Darma 900cc
Class F - 1991 - Onwards
1st place - Graham Ross - 2006 Harley Davidson Fatboy 1584cc
Runner up - Peter Cheyney - 2008 Yamaha Royal Star Touring 1300cc
Special Awards
Eastbourne Lions 'Presidents Fancy' - Stuart Pugh 1975 Motto Guzzi
R.E. Allen Award - John Harris - 1960 Triumph 3TA
Best Harley Davidson Award - Graham Ross - 2006 Harley Davidson Fatboy
Oldest Rider Award - David Fletcher - 1957 Velocette LE


Membership
If you wish to know more about the Lions or would like to consider becoming a member telephone: Lion CYRIL PESKETT T: 01323 723883. Email: coopercott@aol.com









