Classic Mechanics Show, Stafford, October 2008
Two years ago we started this thing with four of our own bikes, a borrowed RGV, some secondhand plastic floor tiles and a
couple of hastily printed vinyl banners. We thought it might be a one-off but our vague hope was that we'd eventually
reach the point where we could pick and choose people to bring bikes along and simply turn up and take all the
credit ! Actually, that's almost the case now, but I still find myself having to hire a van just so I can bring along
the black backdrop, three lighting units and the raised display platform (newly built for this show). What would be
really nice is if the show organisers recognised the effort we put in and allocated us a bigger stand in one of the main
halls, rather than shove us in the very far corner where a lot of people never actually visit...
With Kevin Schwantz being the official guest of honour at this show, we decided to switch tack slightly and see if we could
put together an all-Suzuki line-up. Obviously we needed some Pepsi and Lucky Strike paintjobs and Nigel and Justin
offered their VJ22-model RGV250's accordingly. We wanted to show the evolution of the RG line so we were very happy
to get Rob's original MK.1 250 Gamma at one end and Nick's stunning VJ23 at the other. Robin's lovely VJ22M and
Andy's RG500 complemented those nicely, it was just a shame we couldn't add a Mk.3 Gamma and VJ21 too. Oh, and we
took our Gags along too, in case you were bored of two-strokes !
On arrival at the venue, our hearts sank as we realised that the pitch we'd been allocated was even worse than expected,
and a big step down from the previous two years. Luckily, complaining to the organiser did the trick and he switched
us to a much better stand across the aisle where the intended exhibitors hadn't yet arrived. Oh the guilt...
The stand was quickly set up and the bikes started to trickle in one by one. Hopefully you agree that it's the best
display so far, helped by moving the usual 'clutter' to a small satellite stand a few feet away. Another innovation
this time was the deliberate selling of T-shirts and stickers, items normally reserved for the generous volunteers who
bring their bikes along. They didn't exactly fly off the shelves, but money was seen to exchange hands more than
once. If you want something yourself, contact us via this site.
First thing Saturday morning, we took the opportunity to wander the autojumble hoping for bargains and those elusive rare
parts. At the far end of the site, my phone rang and I answered it to hear "Kevin Schwantz is on our stand, shall I
take a photo ?" ! Christ, yes, stick a pen in his hand and get him to autograph all the bikes too ! We legged
it back to the stand to find the 1993 500cc World Champion wandering away with a free (!) Diff'rent Strokers T-shirt
clutched in his hand and some very happy RGV owners admiring fresh scribbles on their immaculate paintwork.
After that, anything would be a bit of an anticlimax, but the whole weekend went well with plenty of familiar faces popping
by to say hello and lots of interest from new people too. Of course, we didn't win any awards for our stand but a
few respected people said we ought to have done so at least we're getting some recognition. Andy's RG500 did win
Best 1980's Bike overall though so we'll take credit for that instead.
Thanks to Justin, Nick, Robin, Nigel, Rob and Andy for volunteering their bikes and especially to Garry for making it all
happen so easily. Thanks to Sara, Chell and Nick for their hard work on the stand and of course to Kev (as I call
him now we're best mates) for making everyone's weekend. Next time it could be you...
