by Roy
The Devitt MCN Festival of Motorcycling took place at the Peterborough Showground. I had planned to be there for both days however I went on Sunday only. Entering the showground, I looked into the hall where Silverstone Auctions were busy; they had a hall full of bikes to sell and plenty of people waiting to bid.
Close by was the area that was set aside for ride outs, lots of motorcycle makers had bikes that you can ride on the road in groups these were very popular all day. BSA had a stand for their new Goldstar model, one attraction was an outfit on display quite a lot of people looked at this.
Eventually I found the Fed stand Ted had told me where it was, it was nice to catch up with the guys again, I was told that the show was smaller this year than last.
Chris and I first rode our solos here in the late 80’s, the show was much bigger then with 70,000 people coming in over the weekend. Watsonian / Squire had stands at this time, and I got to sit in one of their outfits and thought I must get another outfit again.
Well done to Ted and Linda for running the Fed stand, they did a great job. I had a nice talk with them and Dickie and Helen and Dave of F2 motorcycles and a couple more guys whose names I have forgotten.
This is still a lively show with music on both days, I enquired “what was the music like last night” LOUD was the reply. There is so much to see here, the Wall of Death was very busy all day. Plenty of club stands including the Hedingham club, Dirt track racing, stunt shows, free style motorcross and loads of top name brands of bikes on display. Lots of trade stands and riding gear for sale at very reasonable prices.
We were lucky it was lovely and warm Sunday afternoon, apparently Saturday morning was pretty cold.
Now for the bad news, this is the end of the line for this venue, the land has been sold off for housing. Nobody seems to know where the show will be held next year. We will have to wait and see!
Roy did suffer a little incident but Roy is OK, unlike the rear wheel of his Can-am.
Can-am rear wheel after hitting half a log at 35 mph, expensive!!!