There’s a long association between the Veteran Vespa Club and Ron Daley’s, so when we heard that their summer rally was to be held a few miles away, we had to call in.
We like to think that our new showroom shows who we are; proud to be part of the modern Vespa scene but with a genuine fondness for the brand’s heritage. With a history that goes back to 1958, and as one of the UK’s largest stockists of parts for the Vespa PX, the Veteran Vespa Club (VVC) is very close to hearts.
Founded in 1964 with the aim of safeguarding, documenting and cherishing the early generation of Vespa scooters, today the club caters for all geared two-stroke Vespas; up to and including the PX. Throughout the year the club hosts a number of events both in the UK and further afield. What sets VVC rallies apart from many others is that, although there’s definitely a social aspect to their events, the emphasis is on riding. Each rally involves ride-outs that take in the local countryside and a gymkhana, with field events that test a rider’s mastery of their machine and make competitors eligible for the exclusive 'Competition Rider' cog badge.
This year the summer event was held in Wakefield, a few miles from our showroom. When club Chair, Chris, asked if we’d like to get involved, along with Scooter Centre, we were only too happy to contribute some 80th anniversary souvenirs for the goody-bag.
The rally was based at Sandal Rugby Club, an ideal venue that offers plenty of space for camping, a club room, space for the gymkhana and also happens to be next door to a pub!
Coalfield Capers
On Friday, attendees were treated to the first of two ride outs, ‘The Great Coalfield Caper’. This route, devised by Steve Spanners explored the local countryside by taking a trip around, what was once, the Great Yorkshire Coalfield. Anyone who was worried that this would be a grim ride around a post-industrial landscape soon had any fears put to rest as the convoy wound its way around some beautiful countryside.
With stops at locations such as Selby Abbey, Sherburn Aero Club and a very enjoyable afternoon tea at Digby’s cafe the participants returned to the Rugby Club via Sandal Castle.
Something different
On Saturday, a shorter ride out was planned, this time the industrial themed route passed through the location of films such as ‘Brassed Off’, before pausing for a brew at MB Scooters. Although very much a Lambretta specialist, Mark has an eclectic collection of vehicles on display at his workshop. These proved to be an interesting diversion from the usual Vespa theme before, once again, the convoy made its way back to the Rugby Club for the gymkhana and concours d’elegance.
Hitting the gym-khana
At one time a gymkhana, or field trial, was the core element of any scooter rally, but although it’s faded from most programmes, it’s become something of a highlight at any VVC events. Admittedly health and safety may have seen the ‘ring of fire’ become the ‘circle of crepe paper’, but the course is still a challenge of both rider and machine. Though, notably, Michael Daley held back from competing- maybe next year?
This year the trophies all went back to Ireland, with Graham Ferguson sweeping the board.
A Saturday social closed off the event but for many the highlight was seeing veteran Vespa Club Member Spike Edwards reunited with his former steed; the well known (and highly modified) former Thames Valley Display team Vespa 92L2. Although he chose his own route, not only did Spike ride the gymkhana course he did so in his full Thames Valley Display Team uniform. Truly a sight that will remain long in the memories of those privileged to witness it.
If you fancy something different this year, and ride a geared Vespa, there are still events planned for this year. For more information on those, and the club in general visit its website: www.veteranvespaclub.com
The club would like to thank Ron Daley’s, MB Developments and Sandal Rugby Club for their support in hosting the rally. All images are courtesy of Veteran Vespa Club members.
