Classic Show Report
Sunday 21st August 2022
It was always going to be difficult to beat last year’s Classic Show at The Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum …but in 2022 we did just that!
Jude had organised the 2021 show, but this year, with joint Classic Secretaries Steve Cribbin and Tony Sturridge aboard she was delighted to hand over the reins to them – acting in an advisory role. Tony had previously established contact with Allen Millyard and Steve had made contact with Guy Willison prior to meeting him at the Carol Nash, MSN Motorcycle Show at the ExCel London. At this year’s ‘BMF’ show, we again chatted with Guy who was very keen to join us. In fact, we adopted Guy’s suggestion of creating two new award categories – one for Young Rider (under 25) and one for Best Classic Bike ridden in by a woman. Colin Nicholson of the Darlington Branch created some unique plaques for us, to accompany the winners’ certificates and rosettes.
Steve did the bulk of the organising, liaising with the museum staff, Allen and Guy.
We set up the show the previous afternoon, and later that Saturday evening, founder member of the HOC, Mike Evans joined us for a meal. On the day, before the prize giving, Mike recalled how the club had started some sixty-one years ago.
So on to Sunday 21st – the bikes flooded in – over 500 – with 80 bikes entering the concours, (That’s a 258% increase on last year’s entries), our group of volunteers excelled as they guided concours entrants to their allocated category locations. Before and after judging, Sammy fired up some of his bikes to the crowd’s delight and then took them on a workshop tour.
So much to see – the Honda D Dream 1949 – Honda’s first production motorcycle (as opposed to a bicycle with an engine added) – one of only two, we believe, in the world, the other being in The Honda Collection Hall (Motegi-Machi) in Japan. Thanks go to the Brian Gough and the RC30 club, Dave Thomas and Keith Roberts for bringing their machines along. Honda UK brought three machines, the new NT 1100A, CBR1000RR-R SP 30th Anniversary Fireblade, and Guy Willison’s 5Four CB1000R custom. Guy Willison brought along his CB1100RS 5Four custom and his Wheels and Waves entry, the CMX500 Rebel Street, which you can still cast your vote for at http:/www.hondacustoms.com and Allen Millyard with a wink, by way of a change brought his immaculate Kawasaki Super Six.
Sammy, Allen and Guy put on a sparkling performance for the prize giving as cameras and phones clicked away at the photo opportunities. After such indifferent receptions at some of our recent HOC events it was a joy to deal with the people at Sammy Miller’s who went out of their way to support the event. Through their efforts, everyone went home with a huge smile on their face after what was probably the most successful event the club has staged.
Thanks go to: Sammy Miller and all the staff, in particular Sharon and Emma, Allen Millyard, Guy Willison, Gerry and Hazel (Honda D Dream custodians), Honda UK and Rob their man on the ground, and Mike Evans. All the HOC members who put in so much effort, including Barbara Peace, Graham Gull and Sarah Roberts
A Cracking day out at Sammy Millers for the Honda Owners Club Classic Bike Show.
Great To catch up with friends from the different branches who came along.
Cheers.
Stephen Cribbin.











