A Classic Weekend at Bristol
HOC at The Bristol Classic Bike Show 24-25th February 2024
From humble beginnings in 1980, the show has grown and evolved into Britain's greatest annual celebration of all that is best about the motorcycles of yesteryear. The event is a magnet for enthusiasts, club members and traders alike – attracting thousands from all over the country and beyond.
This was our second time at Bristol Classic Bike Show and very different from our first.
Last year we had been given a double plot instead of the single one we were expecting and so we had plenty of space to work in.
This year we had a single plot and maybe a few more bikes than we needed.
Because it is a BIKE ENTHUSIASTS show, the bikes specially chosen by Steve Cribbin covered all sizes and eras.
Stage 1 - with still two more bikes to load onto the van
...but they all fitted in - strapped down securely by Charles and Steve...and then we were off!
And after a bit of grunting and wheezing as we unloaded the bikes, the stand was set up
The new backdrop stand maximised our limited space so we could shoehorn in a hospitality table and membership and regalia tables.
This pic was taken 5 mins before opening time
...and this was the scene 10 mins after opening time
It was noticeable that nobody just walked past the stand—they all stopped and pored over and reminisced about their particular favourites.
As a result, we were always inundated with people wanting to talk. Jamie Whittam and Steve Plater stayed for some time talking to Steve about his CBX550F2, also looking at the other bikes and Guy 'Skid' Willison (sporting his HOC Club Beanie Hat) and Sean Sole joined us for a natter and a cup of tea and biscuit. Allen Millyard stopped by for a few minutes when we were really busy,
Many were intrigued by Andy Smith's ME250 1967 Dream ....
or Dave Thomas' CB 450 1968 'Black Bomber'.
...from the 70s Charles Deakin's 500/4 and Jude's 'OTO' 400/4 brought many smiles
Was either of these a starter bike for you?
Steve Cribbin's SS50 gave rise to this much repeated affectionate comment: ''I had one of them—that was my first bike—my mate had an FS1E... oh, the things we got up to etc.etc.''😉
A CB125 Twin 1978 (above) like this one from Andy Smith and the stylish CBX 550F2 1984 represented later years.
Steve Cribbin's CBX550F2 was admired by Steve Plater and Jamie Whitham
For the more exotic there was Andrew Langdon’s (Team Flying Duck Theory) Ragged Edge VT250FD and Dave Thomas’ RC160 Race Replica CB250.
Because this show is for riding enthusiasts there was always a buzz about the stand
Andy Smith who does Classic Dating for the HOC chats with 'Skid' - he does love his HOC Beanie Hat
Sean , Skid and Jude share a cuppa
Charles shares a joke with Steve Plater
Andrew Langdon supported Jude and the club again with Team Flying Duck
We felt it was a success if judged only by the number of people coming to the stand and showing interest in the bikes and the club. We sold 10 memberships over the days and gave out lots of forms so there are now more people aware of the HOC and what it does. Steve and Jude also made contact with members who are willing to show their bikes at some of our shows - excellent news!. It was lovely to see Murray from South Wales and Jo and her crew from Gloucester and a Devon member.
Chloe did a fantastic job keeping everyone's cup filled!
Never ending cups of tea
The ever-friendly Murray joined us from Wales
Thanks as always from Steve and Jude to Charles Deakin, Ian and Lou Jefferson, Andy Smith, Dave Thomas, Sarah and Chloe and Andrew Langdon. Jon
Our next Classic Show is Sat/Sun 13/14th April at Great Malvern and then the big one – our own Classic Show at Sammy Miller’s on 21st July - don't let life pass you by 😉
