NORWICH CAMPING WEEKEND 2007

The last weekend in July saw us attending the Norwich Section's Camping weekend for the third year running. This event has become a "must do" for us as it is such a friendly, layed back event. It's a real familly event with several couples both riding and some even taking the kids along with them.

We arrived late afternoon on Friday and set the caravan and awning up before heading into nearby Attleborough for a meal. For those who indulge, Bob and Cynthia do a Fish and Chips delivery from the local town. We returned later in the evening and joined the rest of the campers for a social evening around the bar.

On Saturday the main run took place, a ride out to Ely via scenic roads passing Denver Sluice. The run organisers must have friends in high places as they had arranged for us to be allowed to park in the Cathedral grounds. We had a walk around Ely admiring the Cathedral from various angles, ate our sandwiches sitting in the sun and then returned to the camp site by another scenic and almost traffic free route.

Saturday evening and the barbecue was in full swing along with the bar. A section member brought along an Anzani engined "Cycle Pacer" which created a lot of interest. When he started the massive engine the crowd grew even larger although most kept a discrete distance from the minimal exhaust pipes.

Sunday morning and a shorter run with a coffee stop at Richard's house. Many envious comments were made about Richard's extremely well equipped workshop. He has a taste for unusual motorcycles with an "All States" and an MZ opposed twin among his collection.

Sunday lunch and the barbecue was fired up again followed by a motorcycle Gymkhana with limbo, slow riding and moving tennis balls from traffic cones into buckets while riding along.

We stayed over for Sunday evening with several others, some were heading down to the West Kent International ready for the next weekend.

Many thanks to Norwich Section for organising such an enjoyable event, save us a space for next year please!

Saturday morning and the camping field has filled up.

Saturday run was to Ely with parking in the cathedral grounds.

Ely Cathedral is an impressive building.

The route sheet said turn left through the arch - are you sure we are allowed to park in there?

"His" Norton..

  and "Her" Tiger Cub

Some of the 37 bikes on the run parked in a neat row.

Royal Enfield outfit has been around for a while.

Saturday evening - bar and barbecue in full swing.

Bob in charge of the barbeque as usual.

"His" Ariel with "Her" BSA, both  immaculate.

Anzani engined "Cycle Pacer" drew a crowd when it started. up.

Sunday run and a coffee stop at Richard's house.

  Flat tank Triumph

Rudge carried the bare necessities.

Tidy Ariel Arrow.

Velocette in touring trim

Triumph with "Thruxton" modifications, also seen at "1000 Bikes"

Douglas is a regular at this event.

Lomax 3 wheeler added variety to the event.

Coffee stop host Richard's New Imperial, this was his first bike and he is still riding it..

Richard owns some very rare machines, this is an "All States", a Puch split single re-badged and sold by Sear's Catalogue.

Another of Richard's rarities - an MZ opposed twin 2 stroke.

Nice old Velocette being used as it was meant to be.