I am pleased to announce (and no less proud not to say relieved) that my 1928 Flyer successfully completed the VMCC Coventry to Brighton run this weekend. This was the first year in many that Scotts were represented and by two entries – Neil Levings’ beautifully restored 1938 Flyer being the other.
This was also the first real run for my bike for some years and frantic efforts to prepare it meant that it left the start with only a few miles testing undergone. The trip down on Saturday passed without any serious problems save for broken Kick start (again) which necessitated pits-style racing bump starts throughout. Thanks to Neil for a push at the start in Coventry. Lack of a radiator overflow pipe and minor leaks from the radiator resulted in a coating of rust for my right foot and most of the bike so that we arrived in Brighton looking more like we had crossed the Ghobi desert than the 160 odd miles of A and B roads. When we stopped off at lunch time I had a pint and the bike had a pint and a half!
The return trip was also uneventful in the breakdown stakes but the trailer waiting (by prior arrangement) in Henley-on-Thames could not have been more welcomed. When I was tempted to unload the bike for the final few miles from Coventry to home, the leaks had developed into serious emissions from the head gasket. Back to the workshop by trailer for a tired but contented old lady who had surprised all of the riders of the thumpers with her turn of speed and agility!
Many thanks to all those who helped with preparation of the bike by advice and hands-on work.
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