This story starts with an oily rag being wiped over the old chief and the battery being charged in case of having to show that she could actually start. Left in the garage and ready to load in the morning, so I thought! However 11pm Saturday night just starting to drop off, when Claudia says to me, “ I hope you are not contemplating loading that bike first thing tomorrow morning and waking the street”. Obviously not so I got up and loaded the chief in the van ready for take off the next morning. The only drawback to this was I didn’t sleep a wink and lay listening to every noise in case of a burglary.

Ron arrives at 7am and off we set off in anticipation to visit the famous Brooklands for the first time. After stopping at Fleet for ‘The Big One’ including extra sausage, we arrived at 9am. The man on the gate hadn’t seen any Indians but I spotted Mike and Sybil underneath the wings of a plane – not literally though! Ron suddenly got all excited after spotting a khaki van thinking something military was going on. “It’s not a Second World War model” I exclaimed, “No but it is green”, Ron replied. It was Pete and Anita in their transit circa 1990.

Unloaded the chief and parked up against the other shiny specimens. It was good to see everyone again after the excellent Christmas get together.

It was really good to wander around the paddock and look at the old Brooklands racers, including a very nice Power Plus. The test hill tried some old smoky bikes which gave off a wonderful smell of burning clutch plates and oil. There was plenty to see during the day, including a 1940’s house, old jet engines on display, bi planes, Concorde, historic racing cars, jumble and trade stands. Oh and I nearly forget a Bar!!

I bumped into Ian Hatton who was riding an old Zenith racer and side car. Apparently it was the original test bike for Zenith. “Sounds great Ian”, I shouted, “worth much?”
“Yeah about £140k” he replied casually.

Walked around and met up with many Indian rider members who I recognised just but the names evaded me, as usual. My apologies to them!  Most said they would be going to Norfolk for the Rally which I am looking forward to. Met a new member, Lee who had brought with him his lovely 101 scout.

Finished the afternoon by enjoying tea and cake – thanks Sacha!! And a photo shoot, of course by Anita alongside the Brooklands stone sign – one for the scrapbook and a day to remember.

Tim Hanscombe      

Ron Pier