Demob Run 2018
2018 Scottish DeMob Run
On the 27th May more than 20 riders and supporters of the Auld Reekie Edinburgh (ARE) sections 'DeMob' Run for pre 1950's motorcycles gathered at the Bo’ness and Kinneil Heritage Railway on the outskirts of the picturesque small town of Bo’ness overlooking the River Forth. Bright sunshine cleared the early morning harr as the riders arrived giving spectacular views overlooking the river. Some machines arrived under their own steam(sic) with others having been transported from further afield and were now being readied for the road. Always good to catch up with pals, to see recently completed projects or to admire a latest acquisition.
John Spacey, the Station Master was happy for us to take a group photo on the platform with Lorne Campbell's unrestored 1947 Royal Enfield J2 which nicely linked the event with the location. Also in the photo, for the train spotters amongst you and behind the assembled group, is a 1951 165hp Ruston & Hornsby Diesel 'Shunter' - which is the oldest working example of that design left in the world.
For ARE's first major run of the year thanks go to George and Jane Plumb who had devised a route travelling south east taking in quiet back roads through West Lothian's undulating countryside. Its pastures full of sheep, cattle and their recent newborns all basking in glorious sunshine. Proving it still possible to find virtually traffic free and well surfaced motorcycling roads within short distances of major population centres.
Skirting the commuter towns of Linlithgow and Livingston fine examples from the makers of AJS, BMW, Brough, BSA, Matchless, Norton, Royal Enfield, Rudge, Velocette and Vincent HRD passed through quaint villages and settlements, past lochs and reservoirs on their way to the lunch stop in the South Lanarkshire market town of Biggar. Famous for, amongst other attractions, it’s Gas Works dating from 1839, a Puppet Theatre and the Albion Museum.
Motorcycling gremlins afflicted an Ariel and a Sunbeam not far from the start but both riders and machines returned to base none the worse and will no doubt be back out to play in time for the next outing.
Having enjoyed an open air lunch those not staying to wander around the nearby VW Enthusiasts Rally with an ice cream returned to Bo’ness via a circular route to retrieve motorcycle transport. The remainder making their own way home through some of southern Scotland’s most scenic roads. Motorcycling at its very best!
On the 27th May more than 20 riders and supporters of the Auld Reekie Edinburgh (ARE) sections 'DeMob' Run for pre 1950's motorcycles gathered at the Bo’ness and Kinneil Heritage Railway on the outskirts of the picturesque small town of Bo’ness overlooking the River Forth. Bright sunshine cleared the early morning harr as the riders arrived giving spectacular views overlooking the river. Some machines arrived under their own steam(sic) with others having been transported from further afield and were now being readied for the road. Always good to catch up with pals, to see recently completed projects or to admire a latest acquisition.
John Spacey, the Station Master was happy for us to take a group photo on the platform with Lorne Campbell's unrestored 1947 Royal Enfield J2 which nicely linked the event with the location. Also in the photo, for the train spotters amongst you and behind the assembled group, is a 1951 165hp Ruston & Hornsby Diesel 'Shunter' - which is the oldest working example of that design left in the world.
For ARE's first major run of the year thanks go to George and Jane Plumb who had devised a route travelling south east taking in quiet back roads through West Lothian's undulating countryside. Its pastures full of sheep, cattle and their recent newborns all basking in glorious sunshine. Proving it still possible to find virtually traffic free and well surfaced motorcycling roads within short distances of major population centres.
Skirting the commuter towns of Linlithgow and Livingston fine examples from the makers of AJS, BMW, Brough, BSA, Matchless, Norton, Royal Enfield, Rudge, Velocette and Vincent HRD passed through quaint villages and settlements, past lochs and reservoirs on their way to the lunch stop in the South Lanarkshire market town of Biggar. Famous for, amongst other attractions, it’s Gas Works dating from 1839, a Puppet Theatre and the Albion Museum.
Motorcycling gremlins afflicted an Ariel and a Sunbeam not far from the start but both riders and machines returned to base none the worse and will no doubt be back out to play in time for the next outing.
Having enjoyed an open air lunch those not staying to wander around the nearby VW Enthusiasts Rally with an ice cream returned to Bo’ness via a circular route to retrieve motorcycle transport. The remainder making their own way home through some of southern Scotland’s most scenic roads. Motorcycling at its very best!