37th IWKR

International West Kent Run   

What is it?

A biking festival over four days for riders and passengers of  2 or 3 wheeled historic vehicles.

When is it held?

The first weekend in August every year. 

Where?

Held at The Friary in the beautiful village of Aylesford, Kent which stands on the River Medway.

Accomodation

A large camping field for tents, caravans or motorhomes. They also offer some rooms in The Priory.

Saturday dawned and there was a distinct change to the weather, The BBC had warned of a deep low depression area and storm Antoni. Whilst the south west may have felt the brunt, it lashed it down for most of the day before, during and long after our ride in the Kent countryside. 

But nothing was going to knock the smile off of my face. Not even the sight of Lyn at the side of the road,  whilst an unmarked police car provided a safety bubble from passing juggernauts. The very friendly police officer requested the bike be pushed to a place of refuge approximately 800 metres away. The bike had earlier lost power and stalled on this very busy road, just two miles from the start.  Apologies to the line of traffic that were delayed that morning. Once safely away from passing traffic Charles quickly pinpointed the problem. The choke was still engaged!  He quickly worked to remove the plug, give it a wipe over, put it back, then with just a  tickle of  the carbs  he kicked it over and away it went. The bike ran beautifully for the rest of the day.

The rain was incessant and water quickly seeped through everywhere, visibility was awful as my glasses were continuously fogging up.  There was even rain water on the inside of my visor to contend with, as if the exterior of the visor wasn't enough to deal with.

But somehow the sight of hundreds of bikes, many from the 1920's & 30's  lifted the spirits...that and the excellent refreshment stops. 

Finally the run was complete and the job of drying out my gear started. I can look back at the run and consider it a great experience. it will live long in many people's memories.

Sunday...... Display Day

Fortunately the weather was in stark contrast to Saturday. The sun shone, things were beginning to dry out and there was a carnival atmosphere in camp.

It really is a great day out, We were joined by HOWLers Jon Stone, Jude Brown, Jeff Dober and Graham Buckton. It is a great chance for the public to get to see the fantastic bikes which are displayed in a concours area. There is also an autojumble and an avenue of stalls where clubs can promote themselves and display their bikes. But for me the most enjoyable aspect has to be....gymkhana.

I am delighted to say that the HOC was well represented. Keith Roberts with his passenger Jon Stone did a magnificent job and would have a clear round but for some help by the judge at the limbo riding. Their effort with the chicken was a masterclass.

One guy rode his 1923 AJS. He was hoping to compete in his period bowler hat. 21st century health and safety meant he was required to wear a full face helmet....did look a bit odd.

There were scores of interesting bikes that arrived on the public day. This shed built motorcycle named "Radial Nerve" due to its 7 cylinder rotary engine was ingenious, yet completely bonkers. Well done to its creator.