On the 16th of February 2007 the Colchester Classic Motor Cycle Club took a trip to the National Motor Cycle Museum. Originally the idea was for a 39-seat coach to be filled with members and any spaces left over to be offered to friend's etc. Unfortunately the 39'er wasn't available that day so we had to put up with a 90-seat double-decker with aircon, reclining seats, toilet, video etc. This provided more space for friends so in the end the club members where out numbered. The coach was kindly and well driven by Lyndon a CCMCC member whom had taken the day off work to do the deed, well done! And navigation by Perry  - we'll leave it there!

We all arrived at the meeting point for a 0700 start and got under way at about quarter past. Unfortunately Pete Long the main organiser for this trip couldn't make it due to his wife being poorly - we all hope she makes a quick recovery. So the collecting of the fares was a little disorganised with Keith having brought no change, no collecting box and not even his glasses so he could see the list of participants, but we got there in the end. Then due to a major pile up on the A120 a nice scenic diversion was taken through little villages before joining the main road again  - all adding to the time of course. Keith provided the entertainment with DVD's of old motorcycles  - what else!

Lyden had sussed a nice little truck stop about 2/3 of the way there so we stopped for some breaky (before Keith started eating the passengers). Suitably refreshed (stuffed) we rejoined the coach and about an hour later arrived at the museum. We made are way to the reception, Keith couldn't find the cheque and had lost the correspondence letter I give him but after a little negotiation we and had our entrance tokens and slowly made our own way around the wonderful exhibits. Strange they weren't expecting us, as I had contacted the Museum regarding our visit on numerous occasions with many emails flying to and forth.

The 5 halls displayed a wide range of fine machinery dating way back to the turn of the century and some even further. There was a small display of the view you would have got just after the fire of 2003 showing some destroyed bikes lying in ashes. Fortunately the rest of the museum was filled with some not so sad looking examples with a large number of them having being damaged in the fire now restored (again) and looking rather handsome. We had plenty of time to view all the exhibits, which was a relief to some that thought that there'd get there just in time to turn around and go home. Most made use of the canteen, which I was informed was very reasonable but unfortunately no bar was open which may or may not have been a good thing. The gift shop looked like it was doing a roaring trade with most of us buying at least some small memento of the visit.

We left at 16:30 sharp, the journey home went well and making much better time then the trip there mainly due to not having to stop (toilet on board remember) and not taking any more excursions with the re-runs of the mornings DVD's helping time pass quickly by putting you to sleep .

I think everyone enjoyed what turned out to a nice cheap day out. The next one may be to the Sammy Miller Museum, which is well worth a visit.  Below are some pictures of the day.

Ride Safely
~ Stephen ~