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Grampian Motorcycle Convention – Alford
A bit of a change from racing, Digby Brown asked if we would attend the Grampian Motorcycle Convention at Alford as part of the sponsor display. The weather through the week had been disastrous with Moray being hit with considerable flooding, bridge washed out and roads closed. We thought it might be prudent to phone on Friday night to make sure it was still on. Robbie Allan one of the main organisers was quite up beat and said there was no problem and to head on down. So on Saturday afternoon we gathered the troops and headed down the A96 for a change.
It was a tortuous route winding south east from Huntly but we finally made it. Rod Mitchell phoned right on cue as we arrived in the Grampian Motor Museum car park. He re-routed us into the park just in time to figure out the Digby Brown sponsors area. To get into the park involved crossing the miniature railway line and it would have been helpful if Jen had noticed a small train circulating on said railway. Thankfully, Lorraine in the passenger seat noticed it and averted a major rail disaster.
The next slight problem was how to get the lorry up on to sponsor’s hill. It was quite a steep little bank and with the big overhang of the lorry beyond the rear wheels there was little chance of her getting up there – but we tried and re-profiled the track a little with the back bumper! Plan B was to park round the corner on the flat. Robbie wanted us close into the trees so they did a little tree surgery to accommodate the height of the box. With a bit of nifty reversing one wheel was cautiously pulled forward on to the grass. With the aforementioned bad weather this was quite far enough. The wheel started to sink in as soon as it touched the greenery. Plan C Robbie kindly diverted the moped racers and gave over a perfect piece of tarmac for the truck and awning. We had to leave enough room for a lovely old double decker to vacate the garage which complicated things a bit further. Robbie hadn’t quite expected the lorry and awning to be quite so big! We got sorted out in the end and Rhys, Neil, Lorraine and Grant quickly helped to get the awning up before tea.
Saturday evening was spent making the sidecar sparkle. Next morning we put her out on display and as soon as the gates opened the place was mobbed. I guess the first dry, sunny day in over a week had to help but I reckon most people arrived on a motorcycle. We had to go out on track at 12 to do some display laps alongside Sammi Tasker and Jodi Chalk, two up and coming female racers also sponsored by Digby Brown. The oval track was quite tight for the sidecar but Kerr managed to give it a short blast up the straights to give the crowd an idea of what it was all about. A quick interview with Brenda Mitchell of Digby Brown then back to the lorry. We had a busy afternoon with what looked like more kids in the sidecar than were on the bouncy castle. We had a bit of a giggle as Alan Shand dressed up in a rather classic set of leathers and pudding bowl helmet and split window goggles to go out on a BSA. Must admit it rather suited him.
We also got the chance to catch up with Neil Miller, our engine man and Richard, who was in the spinal unit with Kerr. We also had a rather famous face take an interest, perhaps Jim is planning a career move from solos. I belive he has had a stint as driver and passenger.
One more trip on track after the moped racing, super motads and purple helmets and the event was over. We packed up in double quick time and got some assistance from Mary as to an alternative, shorter route back to the A96, still a bit twisty though! Thanks Mary.
It was a great day out and we understand that around 10,000 people attended. I’m sure most of them came to have a look at the sidecar. Now we have a weekend off to prepare for East Fortune.
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