Crich Tramway Classic Bike Day July 2017

Our meeting point for the start of the day was at the delightful Castlewood cafe on the A518 Uttoxeter road in Staffordshire.

We met around 9:30 to have breakfast before heading out on the, roughly hour long journey to Crich Tramway Museum in Derbyshire (that was the plan anyway).

Six of the Shenstone members were to attend the event. Our leading lady ‘Sandy’ of our Shenstone Branch had organised it all for us in good time, with one member meeting us at the event.

After having a quick breakfast and a mug of coffee we were ready to go, but unfortunately we were still a man short.  ‘Gary’ on this Commando, had a fuel starvation problem but managed to limp it to the cafe for further inspection.

With the fuel line removed and tap turned on, it soon became apparent it was blocked or an empty tank! (Yes it was suggested). So it was off with the tank and fuel tap to clean it out.

Once sorted we were off towards Ashbourne and through to Carsington waters, a well known local beauty spot followed by beautiful parts of the Peak District towards Wirksworth and Crich itself. With the sun shining and my Norton domi 7 thundering along, I’m smiling happily whilst admiring the beautiful scenery.

Upon arrival we were sticker’d up with a number and directed towards a designated parking place.  “There are some spaces out in front of the Pub” they said. “That will do nicely!” we replied.

Memories came flooding back for me as I hadn’t visited the museum since I were a young lad. I was quite looking forward to having a good look around and having a trip on a vintage Tram.

A variety of beautiful motorcycles were on display from a 1920’s, Flat tanker BSA to late 70’s – 80’s Japanese machines all nicely turned out.  The Vincent/HRD Owners Club had organised the whole classic bike event, they were out in force with an array of fine and increasingly expensive machinery.

The museum itself is well presented with a dedicated team of enthusiasts to keep it all running.  It has a purpose built period village with a cobbled street, pub, old style sweet shop and tram depot all on a disused quarry site.

We sat and had lunch outside the pub before a pleasant ride on a 1930’s Leeds District tram. The Tramway isn’t very long, just under a mile with a journey time of just short half an hour. However well worth the experience and a trip back in time.

Upon entry we were also given a little blue slip to place our vote for the ‘Best in Show’. Naturally most voted for their own machine with a bit of light hearted banter towards the Vincent owners club, fixing the vote in their favour. Perish the thought!..

In the end an immaculate ‘Norvin’ won Best in Show (so at least it’s sort of half Norton), and even more pleasantly a show room condition Norton Dominator won ‘Best British Bike’.

A good time had by all. If you haven’t already visited the Tramway village museum in Crich, then I would highly recommend you do. Your experience could be made even better if you decide to visit on a day with an event such as this.

We then head home, back through the glorious Derbyshire countryside and into our beloved Staffordshire, looking forward to our next outing.

David Harvey

NOC Shenstone Branch