72nd Pioneer Run - 2010 |
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 No doubt the excellent almost summer weather on the Saturday contributed to the thousands who turned out of bed early on Sunday (14th March) to watch the 72nd running of the Sunbeam Club’s Pioneer Run. Not only were Epsom Downs covered with bikes from before 8.00am when the first machine led the 300 plus entrants away, but all roads to Brighton were just a stream of ancient and modern machines all enjoying the excellent riding weather.The Pioneer Run is traditionally seen by most veteran, vintage and classic enthusiasts in the south-east as the start of the riding season and this year was no exception. Many new restorations were given their first serious shakedown outing by owners, ancient and modern. It is no idle boast by the organising Sunbeam Club that event is the biggest gathering of Veterans to be seen in one event anywhere in the world. The machines, all manufactured before the 31st December 1914 are definitive examples of the models that graced the roads at the turn of the last century thanks to a vigorous vetting by the club with reference to period documentation before a Pioneer Certificate is issued allowing them to take part. A look around the various two and three-wheeled machines that vary for oily-rag to concourse condition will show that there is really nothing new in a modern bike showroom. From water-cooling to disc brakes it has all been done before! Although the event is nothing more than a gentle ride down to the coast, some of the machinery can show a remarkable turn of speed as many did this year, surprising some modern bike riders! Some of course did not make it due to the fragility of parts, but the vast majority ended up enjoying the sun and entertaining the crowds with a superb display on Madeira Drive where the speed trials are normally held. Although there are quite a few awards, most riders are just happy to make a trouble-free run and collect their finishers awards. It is one of those events that no matter how many times you see it there is always some thing new to look at as well as it being a great social gathering where old friends meet each year. If you missed this years run, make a date in diary for mid March 2011 and see that heritage for yourself! Article by Ian Kerr
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