Since retirement, we have really enjoyed having less responsibility on a Sunday. We have been to walk round Castle Acre, we have sat in the garden with our books...and last Sunday after church we went to an "Italian Bike and Car Day" down at Old Buckenham. It appears that the owners of the Ox&Plough pub on the green host a bike meet most Tuesday evenings.
Occasionally they put on a bigger event. It was a blisteringly hot afternoon, and the chrome and polished paintwork gleamed [as did the pride on the owners' faces]
Not all of the 600 vehicles were cars or 'regular' motorbikes - there were some huge three-wheeled beasts- and some cute little scooters. I was quite taken with a red scooter painted with the Liverpool Fab Four. The pillion on the huge green one looked very comfortable. They say that the great American knitter Elizabeth Zimmerman used to ride pillion behind her husband and knit at the same time - maybe if Bob had a bike like this, I might manage a few rows of stocking stitch. But what if I dropped the ball of yarn halfway up the M11? Or if he braked suddenly, poked him with a needle? Too risky imho
We had a lovely time looking at the bikes, deciding which we liked [or didn't] We noticed that the majority of the expensive, highly chromed beasts were owned by blokes aged 50+. In the car section, there were some immaculately dressed folk in Alfas, Ferraris etc - but bikers were divided between those in new fancy leathers, and old guys in teeshirts and jeans with wild grey hair and flowing [or weirdly plaited] beards. But the atmosphere was so good and people were so friendly. I love community activities like this.
We got home in time for Bob to enjoy the Grand Prix on TV
I found a video on YouTube - if you like bikes, you may enjoy this [if not, ignore it!]
This reminds me of how much we enjoyed being members of a bike club and also how much we miss it. You need a good income to be able to afford a motorcycle as a hobby, or a classic car/old car/sports car, which is why most people who have them are decidedly mature. I also think that driving around in a nice new lease car with all the gadgets and gizmos is seen as more cool by youngsters these days.
ReplyDeleteI agree totally with both points - maintaining a bike or car like that takes commitment of both time and money. And yes, youngsters do seem to prefer the lease route.
DeleteSounds like you had a really good afternoon, Angela. :)
ReplyDeleteEvery Tuesday and the fish and chip van attends.
ReplyDeleteThank you, very useful information - always good to know about availability of f&c!
DeleteThat looks a very entertaining way to spend a day. Does Bob miss his bike?
ReplyDeleteSometimes we both do!
DeleteGlad to hear that leathers were being worn! I've seen so many youngsters out riding this week in shorts and t-shirt, it terrifies me. ATGATT doesn't seem to be cool in either sense but the alternative is worse :-( I'm very glad my brother is sensible and always kitted out thoroughly in all weathers.
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