The 46th Annual Rally at Bitteswell Ist September
2002
The rally is run by a different member club each year. There
were 157 cycles entered in the program. This number was higher
on the day with late enters to late to be included before the
printing deadline. This number was well up on the 2002 rally at Northleach last year.
The weather was very good, which was a bonus after the poor
summer. The event this year was held over three days, with the
main ride on the Sunday. Friday saw the campsite opened for those
who came with caravans and tents. On the Saturday there was a
cycle jumble at 12pm and later that afternoon a cycle Auction
of vintage cycles and memorabilia. This was followed in the evening
by a video quiz and cycle quiz in the clubhouse.
Sunday was the main day, with the main cycle ride. From very
early morning many cars and vans loaded with vintage cycles came
to Bitteswell from all over the UK and abroad. These vehicles
were then unpacked and the riders started putting on their period
costumes to suit their cycles . All riders then went to the registration
tent to book in and to get their numbers.
The rally started around 10.30am with Lutterworth town crier
welcoming the riders and with the Lutterworth Mayor starting the
rally. The rally is not a race but a pleasant ride. The route
was on this the first of two rides on the Sunday towards Leire
a small village and Dunton Bassett. Quite B roads were chosen
for safety and traffic reasons. The rally also went to Frolworth
and then Ullesthorpe. A stop was made at a village pub as it warm
work cycling on some of these bikes. After a short break the rally
returned to the start.
Dinner was had in the club house which was very good. A second
run was held in the afternoon over a shorter coarse.
During these rides and though out the weekend judges (John
Allen - Joy Reynolds - Morgan Reynolds) judged all the cycles
and the riders. Ten
different cups or shields are awarded to cycles riders or both.
These are given for the most meritorious ride (one pedal hardest
bike ect). Best maintained cycle PRE 1914. Best bike and rider
in costume. Best family turnout. Best Ordinary rider (penny far
thing) Best rider under 16 and bike.Best lady with a pneumatic
tared bike. Best man with a pneumatic tared bike. These are all
judged by judges who go round with clip boards to every bike looking
for parts out of age or not in keeping. All of the cycles were
of a high order and picking the winner is very hard, and this
year was up to a very high standard.
