Manky Monkey Motors

Sunday 22nd March 2020

SMCC 81st Pioneer Run for pre 1915 motorcycles – Epson to Brighton.

The Pioneer Run continues to be the world’s largest gathering of veteran (pre-1915) machines with annually well over 370 entries going from Epsom Downs race course to Brighton. (info from SMCC website)

By definition, many Pioneer machines are somewhat rudimentary (saying that, a few are amazingly advanced!), brakes can be somewhat ‘basic’, some machines do not have a clutch, those with a clutch are likely to be hand-change for gear selection, ignition systems are likely to have a manual advance/retard, the carburetion is likely to have the air mixture operated by a handlebar lever alongside the throttle lever, final drive may well by belt, engine oiling is likely to be the rider operating a manual oil pump.

For the 2020 event, the SMCC (Sunbeam Motorcycle Club), the organisers of the Pioneer Run since 1930, have a new finishing location, namely Brighton City Airport (BN43 5FF), as opposed to the traditional Madeira Drive.
This change has come about following the running of the previously revised latter-part of the route which allowed a safer approach to Madeira Drive, but in practice  proved frustrating, particularly to riders of clutchless machines as there was a combination of traffic lights and heavy albeit slow moving traffic.
The finish at the airport offers what is described as ample parking, display areas and on site catering.
There’s also intention to introduce a check point at Leonardslee Gardens Coffee Stop.


Links

http://sunbeam-mcc.co.uk/

http://sunbeam-mcc.co.uk/81st-pioneer-run-22-march-2020-2/

http://sunbeam-mcc.co.uk/events/the-pioneer-run/

http://sunbeam-mcc.co.uk/events/event/pioneer-run/

https://www.facebook.com/SunbeamMotorCycleClub/



Some footage

From the 2016 event
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luComtFB-XQ

and 1961
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LkafqpcZ2Q

and 1955
http://www.britishpathe.com/video/motor-news-pioneer-motorcycle-rally/query/pioneer+brighton

and 1950
http://www.britishpathe.com/video/old-motor-cycles/query/pioneer+brighton


To quote the Pathe News commentator from 1950 "it's a grand day out for all concerned"

Three wheelers too.............

Early in the morning before the 7am start burning off a bit of excess oil..............  ::)

Excelsior.

As the adage goes – “its only original once”

Swiss Moto Reve V-twin (note BSA chain ring)

In-line 4-cylinder shaft-drive Belgian FN.

The starting technique is to have the machine on is rear stand so the wheel if off the ground, select the correct gear, have the timing lever, throttle lever and air lever in their “right” positions, then spin the wheel by hand – Robert’s your father’s brother!

I've always wanted to see the Pioneer Run but the time of year always put me off.  Don't know why I never thought of going in the car, but going in the van would be great and an excellent photo opportunity.  I'll make a note of the date!

IMHO its worth making the effort to be at the start before the first machines set off as it gives a chance to wander around and see the machines being made ready, and then watching them set off.

Its worth noting too that it can sometimes be a wee bit chilly that early in March, esp around 06.30!!!!


The SMCC have recently introduced (in addition) a shorter Summer Pioneer Run in August – check web for details.

The SMCC (Sunbeam Motorcycle Club) is a club open to all makes of pre 1940 motorcycles, and is considered by some/many (?) who own such machines, to be preferable to the other main club for motorcycles over 25 years of age.............

Bounce

Looks like 81st annual Pioneer run is still going ahead.


https://www.facebook.com/SunbeamMotorCycleClub/

http://sunbeam-mcc.co.uk/

CANCELLED

The Sunbeam Motorcycle Club have announced today (16th) that the 2020 Pioneer Run has been cancelled.

http://sunbeam-mcc.co.uk/cancellation-of-the-81st-pioneer-run/

:(