Sunbeamers’ Welsh Week

What could be better than a week’s scenic riding in unspoilt countryside aboard a pre-1940 classic motorcycle, sidecar or three-wheeler?

I’ll give you a clue, not a lot, and here’s an example that you may struggle to resist. Run by the Sunbeam Motor Cycle Club (best known for the Pioneer Run, of course), the Welsh Week runs from June 20 to June 27, is open to members and non-members alike, and is based around lodge accommodation (there’s also a campsite) with all meals provided.

This long-standing event, first run in 1984, attracts a wide variety of machines, and is famed for its wonderful riding roads, beautiful scenery and friendly and social atmosphere.

Each day will involve a new route, adding a variety of views and fantastic quiet roads, known in general for their good surfaces.

Arrival is on the Saturday afternoon, allowing entrants to unload, settle in and socialise, before an evening meal. The event starts with a briefing on Sunday morning after breakfast, ready for the first ride out, usually around midday.

For the rest of the week, the days start with a full breakfast and a short briefing of the day’s route with paper route cards and a packed lunch provided.

The aim is to gather for the start of the day’s riding by around 10am (full day routes are 80-100 miles), and routes are chosen to include a mid-morning coffee break, moving on through the day to a lunch stop in an interesting setting.

The afternoon is spent riding back towards base with an optional tea/pub stop, in time for a little bike fettling (if required!), and a wash and brush up for the riders ready for the evening meal. After dinner, the licensed clubroom stays open for socialising and tall stories!

Wednesday is a ‘free’ day, where you can explore the area on your own or just have a rest.

There is an optional guided run out on the Wednesday as well for those interested, as always containing fantastic scenery, and likely stopping at a pub for lunch. The last run takes place on Friday, and entrants leave on Saturday after breakfast.

The club is proposing to make one day suitable for veteran bikes, so you could take two bikes, a vintage and a veteran, if you’re lucky enough to own, or have access to, such machines.

Recovery and extensive workshop facilities are available, with secure overnight parking for your bikes.

Accommodation is in shared, well-equipped comfortable lodges providing modern facilities, while there is also camping for tents, caravans and motorhomes available with showers, washrooms and toilets, as well as electrical hook-up.

A full breakfast, packed lunch and two-course evening meal are provided each day, with an entry fee of £26 for Sunbeam MCC members (£29 for non-members), with board and accommodation (including meals) from £260 per person, and camping/caravanning (including meals) for £230 per person.

For more details and entry form please contact Jack Kemp at [email protected] or 07876 597697.

Read more News and Features in the March 2020 issue of Old Bike Mart – on sale now!