Classic Bikes and Scooters

Beautiful summer sunshine and some famous names – BSA, Norton, Harley Davidson, Vespa, Lambretta and Elvis. That’s right white jumpsuit, flared pants 70s Elvis was there to entertain the crowds. Tempting as it was to sketch him in action, it was ‘the kings of the road’, not ‘the King’ that had brought me to ‘the 4th Annual Sowerby Bridge Classic Bike and Scooter Show’.

It was my first visit to this popular event organised by the Sowerby Bridge Rotary Club and the vehicles on display were amazing, a true testament to the hard work and dedication of their owners. I could have spent days there sketching, but as the event only lasts a matter of hours I had to be selective.

These are three dream machines that caught my eye.

The first is an NSU (the German Lambretta), which I spotted in the car park. Its owner gave me the lowdown on its history and the work he’d carried out.

The second was this fab 1952 BSA Bantam in army green, with basket. Its proud owner won a prize which luckily he was still there to receive at the end of the day. The announcer said this was due to the fact that someone (me!) was sketching the bike, so he couldn’t leave.

The third sketch was of this unusual Heinkel Tourer which won two prizes for its owner Alan.

Overall a great day sketching some amazing bikes and scooters. Not always easy in a crowded and confined space. I’m definitely putting this event in my calendar for next year.