Sometimes the best events to go along to are the ones that are the most informal reckons Keith Fryer.

Words and pics Gorgeous Keith Fryer

The start line, headed up by Allen Riches on his 1952 Sunbeam S8.

Organised by the East Sussex Section of the VMCC, the 'Bo Peep Picnic & Cavalcade' was blessed with brilliant sunshine, the hottest day of the year so far, and Sussex claimed top spot at a sun-kissed 80-degrees fahrenheit.

The setting was a narrow road that runs through Bo Peep farm and up the side of Bostal Hill, on the Firle Estate, in East Sussex. From the top, you had magnificent views over the South Downs and Weald, and at the bottom, a line-up of 49 riders keen to pit their skills against the clock.

I should point out that it's described as a 'period style social gathering', a test of machine control, balance and time regularity and not a 'fastest one' race up the hill.

Machine control tested the rider's ability to negotiate a series of obstacles similar to the part one CBT motorcycle test. The regularity aspect checked your ability to match your times riding up the hill, in a processional manner, over a number of runs and a braking test at the top involved a stop and restart for those equipped to do so. But was it good fun? Without a doubt!

Secretary of the meeting was Phil Hooker, he's organised the meeting these past four years, reviving the event started about 20 years ago by Tom Snow and Dick Mann. It's also known as the 'Snow-Mann Test Day', the irony of which was not lost on me as we sweltered in the afternoon heat.

The event ran like clockwork, thanks to the efforts of the volunteers from the East Sussex Section of the VMCCC and the timekeeping crew provided by the Vincent Owners’ Club. Phil's thanks go to all involved for their support and to Mr JR Hecks of Bo Peep farm.

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