Whitley Road Safety Run

Whitley Road Safety Run - 1st August 2021 - Lower Whitley Village Hall

With luck the new date for the release of lockdown will give us the opportunity to run this years Whitley Run in something of a usual format. Starting in its usual location of Lower Whitley Village Hall, nr Warrington this year will be the 50th running of the Whitley and coincides with the 75th Anniversary of the VMCC. A chance for a double celebration. Suitable for any class of VMCC eligible machines there will be awards in a number of classes as set out on the regulations available on the link on the right.

As usual the focus for the day is on having fun and the good camaraderie enjoyed at our events. Entries will be accepted on the day. the first bike will be away at 11.00am. A gentle route around Cheshire, lunch stop and then back to the village hall, tea and biscuits and the results.

Weather has been organised in advance and we look forward to seeing you all on the day.

Regulations available here or contact vmcccats@gmail.com

Whitley Road Safety Run - 2nd August 2020 - Lower Whitley Village Hall

CANCELLED CANCELLED CANCELLED CANCELLED CANCELLED CANCELLED CANCELLED

Whitley Road Safety Run -Sunday 4th August 2019

The 4^th August 2019 saw the Cheshire Cats Section running the 48^th consecutive Whitley Road Safety Run. The morning started with bright sunshine and despite the gloomy weather predictions on the BBC, the rain and thunder storms never materialised – a bit like Michael Fish in reverse! 32 riders ignored the impending deluge, came out to support the event and were treated to a beautiful ride in the warm sunshine round 60 miles of minor lanes around mid and north Cheshire – some of them familiar, some of them still surprising the more local members. A variety of questions were asked prior to the start and at check points around the course, based on Highway Code and vintage/classic motorcycle knowledge, with marks gained for every correct answer.

Whitley 2019

It was good to welcome VMCC members from surrounding sections – its always a pleasure to meet old friends and new and see the variety of machines that attend. As is the common trend with club runs of this sort the bikes are coming predominantly from the later class of machine. The route for the Whitley follows the types of roads that are eminently suitable for older machines as well as more powerful later machines and we hope that we can encourage some of the Veteran, Vintage and Post Vintage bikes that have attended the Whitley over the past years.

This years route took in 30 miles in the morning, heading out through Acton Bridge, Kingsley, Delamere, Utkinton and on to Alvanley for a warm welcome and lunch at The White Lion. Riders report that the food was first class and promptly served.

Another 30 miles in the afternoon and back to the village hall, meandering round some more country roads, delivering the riders for refreshments and prize giving. Tea drunk, biscuits consumed and trophies awarded riders drifted away at the end of another wonderful day out on two wheels (sadly not three wheels this year – something to rectify next time!). Thank you to everyone who participated, a big thank you to the volunteers who manned the check points and an especially big thank you to the ladies in the kitchen keeping the refreshments flowing.

Whitley Road Safety Run - Results 2019

Best Performance any class (The Cyril Taylor Trophy)

This year won by our very own Section Treasurer - Phil Green on his 1993 Yamaha 250cc

Best performance by a Veteran machine (The Chester Cup)

Unfortunately there were no entries in this class and it was not awarded. Great opportunity for you next year if you have a veteran – not much competition!

Best performance by a Vintage machine (Majorie Cottle Trophy)

The winner was Cheshire and North Wales Section member Derek Burns, I think for the first time, but not the first time for the bike. Derek was riding a 1925 Norton Model 18, purchased from local member Keith Elson who has collected this trophy many times on this bike in the past.

Runner-up – John Drabble 1929 Norton Model 19

Best performance by a Post Vintage Machine.

Manchester and High Peak Section member Ian Coburn took this one on his recently restored 1939 BSA M21.

This was the only bike in this class so no runner up. Another opportunity for someone next year!

Best performance by a Post War

Keith Elson swapped his usual ride and won this one on his 1954 BSA B31.

Runner-up was Cheshire Cats Committee member and one of the organisers of the Goostrey Run (2^nd September 2019) – Malcolm Ross on his 1953 Triumph T100

Best performance by a Post 1960

Regular entrant David Barlow won this one on his 1974 Honda 550.

Runner-up Jim Stevenson on a 1968 Triumph Trophy 250

Best performance by a Classic machine

Awarded to Cheshire Cats member John Coxon on a 1989 Yamaha 225

Runner-up Malcolm Carnegie on a 1979 BMW R100

Best performance by a Belt Drive machine (D.R. Carlton Trophy)

Not Awarded

Best performance by a Veteran or Vintage Sunbeam (J Clegg Trophy)

Not Awarded

Best performance by a Sidecar or Three-Wheeler (W.J.Elson Trophy)

Unfortunately no sidecars or threewheelrs entered this year so this award was not presented.

Best performance by a Veteran or Vintage Triumph (Colin Makin Trophy)

Not Awarded

Best performance by a machine under 300cc (F West-Oram Trophy)

Visting from North of the Manchester Ship Canal, Keith Latheron and his wife won this on a 1959 Royal Enfield Crusader Sports. Looking forward to welcoming you both back next year.

Best performance by a 2 Stroke machine (The Ivor Smart Shield)

Two years on the run! – he's making a habit of it. Bernie Horrigan on a 1967 Yamaha Big Bloater.

Best performance by a Section team of three riders (John Rhodes Trophy)

After uncounted years trying a Cheshire Cats team has eventually risen to the challenge and bagged the team award. Phil Green, Bob Moon and Bob Gallagher were this years worthy recipients.

The 48th Whitley Road Safety Run - Sunday 4th August 2019

The Whitley run is a pleasant 50 to 60 mile Road Safety Rally in the heart of the Cheshire countryside on mostly minor roads with glorious scenery and no difficult hills. Starting from Lower Whitley Village Hall, near Warrington, the route is particularly suitable for Vintage and Veteran bikes or lower capacity machines. Lunch stop at a local hostelry and back to the village hall for refreshments and results. There are awards in classes for the whole spectrum of vintage and classic bikes although the emphasis for the day is on enjoyment and camaraderie. Regulations and entry forms available from the Secretary of the meeting or from the links below

Classes

Veteran : Manufactured prior to 31.12.1914

Vintage : Manufactured between 01.01.1915 and 31.12.1930

Post Vintage : Manufactured between 01.01.1931 and 31.12.1945

Post War : Manufactured between 01.01.1946 and 31.12.1960

Post 1960 : Manufactured between 01.01.1961 and 31.12.1974

Classic : Manufactured between 01.01.1975 and 31.12.1994

A trophy will be awarded for the first in each class.