Pioneer Run
As seen in BSH issue 506
Now before we go too far there may be some of you who ask what an event predominately
for pre1915 bikes has got to do with the custom bike scene and BSH. Well apart from
the fact me and our bike mad editor always wanting to ride one, these bikes have
a lot more to do with custom bikes than most modern bikes.
The Pioneer run is organised by the Sunbeam MCC and has been going for 86 years,
with only a few years missed for Foot and Mouth outbreak, Covid and a war. I have
been attending for a good 46 years since I got my first bike, and being Epsom born
and bred would start the season with the run which starts on Epsom Downs, for its
45 plus miles to originally Brighton and now the more sedate Shoreham Airport avoiding
the chaos of Brighton.
The run celebrates the pioneer bikes of pre-1915, but in the last couple of years
they have added on Pioneer plus for “newer” bikes built 1915 to 1930 which has increased
the entries and allowed a few passionate riders to continue on their “modern” bikes.
While we may not think it’s that far, some of these contraptions are over 130 years
old, many only a few cc, and need much tinkering on route.
This year I joined them at the halfway, compulsory, tea stop at Leonardslee Gardens
, which provides a fine viewing point. It’s a shame we cannot bring you the smells
of the holding area too or the chatter of English and European riders all telling
tales of the first few miles. And the camaraderie as they help each other out fettling
their machines, sounds very familiar of arriving at any rally really.
I also thought there were a lot more younger riders of these venerable machines,
both male and female which is encouraging. And a lot of period clothing.
So, returning to similarity of pioneers and custom bikes it does seem to be a style
many have created modern customs around. Historically in the early days of motorcycling
mechanics would buy an engine from JAP, Dion or similar and somehow create a machine
around it. They were often made by blacksmiths and in very limited build runs, so
not dissimilar to our makers in shed now. All sorts of materials were used for frames,
forks, tanks and steering. Slowly as manufacturers gained a reputation they would
then crate move and more becoming an established make.
Suspension was an afterthought on many, foot pedals could be any angle and brakes
were often bicycle brakes and chatting to one entrant, she had lost her front brake
early on the run when trying to avoid a van, but as she said it doesn’t matter as
it didn’t do a lot, shoe leather seemed better, she was more worried about the carb
nearly falling off her bike.
There were all sorts of engine configurations to choose from singles to V to fore
and aft cylinders, twins and inline 4s and drive styles from using leather belts,
cogs, chains to shaft drive. Fuel tanks could be positioned anywhere, and most had
to be fed oil while on the move.
It was not until the 1930s that what we consider the normal motorcycle layout with
saddle tanks, rear drive chain, internal oil pumps, foot gear changes etc evolved,
And that didn’t really change until the 1960s with Café racers and Choppers to 980
when everything was covered in plastic and I lost interest in most modern bikes unless
can see an engine.
And while I have been attending many years, there always seems to be something new,
I loved the quirky 3-wheeler called bumblebee but know nothing else about it as owner
not around, to a fab green WW1 Bike and sidecar complete with huge gun on the sidecar.
After a brief stop for many they have their entrance card stamped to prove they had
stopped before heading off to Shoreham. I’m not sure how many made it but there were
several casualties along the route down pulled into laybys and driveways, including
the glorious Wooler, who was removing links from his leather drive belt to get any
type of traction.
It felt so right to be back to March and the whole route is followed by an interesting
selection of supporters. There are several other pioneer style runs around the country,
check out the VMCC and the Sunbeam MCC hold other events which can be found on their
website
3 albums of photos 2 or pioneers, one of others and a video
