Pouring rain drastically reduces participation in 26th Exmoor Run

Time was when we’d ride our motorcycles day in, day out, all year long, no matter what the weather threw at us – but how times have changed!

Although 105 riders pre-entered the 26th Exmoor Run of Sunday, August 12, teeming rain meant that only 29 of them turned up at the start, although a further six did register on the day. How reflective is this of the recent correspondence in OBM about reduced numbers taking part in such enjoyable road runs!

While road conditions were far from ideal, especially on Exmoor, it had brightened up by lunchtime and those who did take up the challenge thoroughly enjoyed the day.

The event was tinged with sadness at the passing, only a short time before the run, of Doug Linton, founder of both the organising Taunton Classic Motorcycle Club and the Exmoor Run itself.

‘One Last Ride’ was the inscription at the back of Doug’s coffin that could be read by the riders of the 16 motorcycles that followed.

This year the awards were changed to reflect the more modern classics now taking part, with small trophies that can be retained by the winners replacing the shields and other large items that had to be retrieved for re-presentation each year.

Read more and view more images in the September 2018 issue of OBM – on sale now!