On arrival at the Prescott Hill Climb venue the genteel splendour of an exclusive golf club is brought to mind. The events at the Prescott Bike Festival however were far from genteel when an invasion of greasy bikers invaded this hallowed spot. Ok I'm exaggerating, your average latter day rocker has much more in common with the golfing set than with the cafe inhabiting leatherbacks of the 60s. The Bugatti Owners Club (UK) have owned the hill climb site since 1937. At that time Bugattis were cutting edge technology. The current club president, Earl Howe, was active at the very beginning and is no doubt still running his Type 57 up the hill on occasions.
The attendant crop of motorsports enthusiasts on this day were running a huge variety of of machinery. Classics, homebuilds, modern exotica and bikes seemingly dragged from the back of a very dark shed. The combatants took to the line in turn and on a signal from the starter fired their chosen machine away and up the hill. I must say that the height of starting drama varied somewhat, there were those that given the signal to procede seemed reluctant to move. After proper consideration they lurched off the line at a pace more suited to a nice Sunday ride out. At one stage the occasionally expectant crowd became aware of the whine of what sounded suspiciously like a jet turbine. Seeing nothing skywards attention was refocused on a billowing cloud engulfing the start line. Emerging from the centre of this cloud was a jet powered bike.
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| Didn't yer mum say smokin's bad for you |
The day meanered on, the peace of the cotswold countryside being interrupted by the wailing, thudding, chugging, popping and banging of machinery being coaxed up the hill. Some made it in style. some experienced the ignomy of defeat and many others had a grand day out.
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| 5 litre madness from Alan Millyard |
None of the runs were timed, it was purely an opportunity to thrash your chosen steed along a short piece of obstacle free tarmac, just for the fun of it. A refreshingly rule free event enjoyed in pleasant like minded company and attended by warm, early spring sunshine.
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| Nervous anticipation in the collecting area |
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| Cunning stunts from Dave Coates |
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| Zef Eisenberg's turbine powered Madmax |
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| My favourite Tony Hudson's replica RC163 |
Thoroughly recommended
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