83rd Pioneer Run

150 Photos in Gallery

Pioneer Run

What is it?

A motorcycle rally between London and Brighton. Organised by the Sunbeam Motorcycle Club since 1930.

All bikes must be older than 1915

Machines are entered in one of three classes, these being:

Class A – machines built before 1905
Class B – machines built between 1905 and 1909
Class C – for those between 1910 and 1914.

When is it held?

First Sunday in October.

Where?

The start and end points have changed over the years. Currently they leave Tattenham Corner at a site adjacent to Epsom Racecourse and finish at Brighton City Airport (Shoreham)

83rd Pioneer Run

Held 1st October 2023

We made an early start and arrived at Epsom Racecourse in plenty of time to have a good look at these fantastic machines, before the Mayor of Epsom and Ewell signalled the start at precisely 8am. It took all of 45 mins for all the bikes to pass through the starting banner, giving lots of photo opportunities to the large group of onlookers.

The forecast was perfect, despite overcast skies it was to be dry all day, and relatively warm.

We rode after them but it wasn't long before we saw a number of bikes at the side of the road. I was told beforehand by one rider, "You expect a few minor issues to sort out on the road. Otherwise why do it"? I guess the hope is that none of these issues is ride ending, but if it were, there is plenty of backup.

The route took them south onto the A217 a busy dual carriageway, crossing the M25 and dropping into Reigate. I can see why as they make slow progress, many riders choose to wear high visibility jackets and full face helmets - though they do look at odds with their bike. The roads continued to be busy around Gatwick before the route led us towards Handcross. But first came the hill up to Pease Pottage. You don't really get a sense of it in a modern vehicle, it extends for a mile and can be a huge obstacle for some of these bikes. David Cooper was riding with a Minerva Clip on, dating from 1902. "The mountain climb up to Pease Pottage is the worst bit. No clutch or gearbox of any kind, so it runs out of puff if it slows down too much on hills," he told me. Once you reach Handcross the locals were out in good number lining the tight street. This village will come out in force again in a months time for the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run as it will also pass through.

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A mandatory coffee stop was held at Leonardslee Gardens giving members of the public a great opportunity to get up close to these wonderful relics of a bygone century.

A couple of miles south of the village of Cowfold, and the bikes pass a popular biker's café, "The Chalet". It was difficult to find a space to squeeze in our bikes onto the car park. The place was heaving and there was a long queue for breakfasts..... but when it came it was superb.

Bikes were passing the cafe on a regular basis, roared on by bikers sitting out on the many dining tables at this roadside establishment which was once a "Little Chef".

I was grateful to both Jon Stone and Bill Turner for riding down and meeting us there. The conversation flowed so much, I'm not sure Jon witnessed any of the passing bikes. Still there is always next year!

Crowds at The Chalet

Photo Gallery

Please if you recognise yourself get in touch howlbikers@gmail.com, Quote the ID number. Please tell me a bit about yourself (or the rider if not you) and the bike. Would also love to know a little about your experience on the day. Once I've identified you I'll return whatever photos I have.

Jon and Bill headed straight to The Chalet

Andy also had his alarm set for an early start

A1 David Cooper looking resplendent, about to hop on his Quadrant Cyclette see C2

A5 Nick Smith with the 1911 Rudge 500cc, this bike is fitted with a Mabon variable gear with clutch, so is a relatively easy bike to ride (for the time). Owned by Tony Batting since 2008. Nick's late uncle Vincent used to own and ride this machine in the Pioneer Run.

B2 1904 Rover 385cc

B7 1912 Douglas ridden by Julie Diplock, Sunbeam MCC Editor.

C1 1903 Humber

C2 David Cooper on his beautiful 1902 Quadrant Cyclette (Birmingham). Fitted with the Minerva clip on engine, this was state of the art stuff in its day, the frame designed to accommodate the engine.

David explained, "It has surface carburettor. Breathes vapour off the top of the fuel. It uses "SBP2" solvent. It used about 2.4 litres to get to Shoreham (that is about 83mpg). It has lots of levers to play with".

C7 George Smith on his 1914 Triumph 550cc, which is in unrestored condition. George has been a regular competitor on the Pioneer Run for nearly 50 years on a variety of machines.

D7 Peter Ashlee 1910 Humber

Mark Roper riding a 1908 Chater-Lea fitted with a Minerva V twin engine. Mark only got this bike running 2 weeks before the run and was finishing it off the night before! The bike (and rider) made it to Shoreham "in flying colours".

Well done Mark!

C8 Nick Smith (George's son) on the Rudge (see A5)

F2 This 1913 Levis 211cc owned by George Smith. The bike which was restored in the 80's has been owned by the family for 50 years. It has a Roc Two-Speed gearbox but no clutch! Ridden to Brighton City Airport by neighbour and friend Roger Beale.