24th International West Kent Run
August Update (6th August 2008)
(Archive of past Updates)
Thanks
Gymkhana
team of helpers
Next year's
entry form
25th
Anniversary
Many thanks to all of you who made the weekend such a success. We had 434 entries - the largest ever - and with 100 pillion passengers it was a huge event.
Special thanks are due to everyone who helped to keep the site so amazingly clean. When the public dispersed on Sunday afternoon and the campers left on Monday both fields were remarkably clear of litter and rubbish. We thank you very much for that. It is a back-breaking task to walk the fields picking up litter and it was barely necessary this year.
Only 25 riders were unable to turn up to ride and the recovery truck brought back only 8 broken-down machines. This is a remarkably low number, which reflects well on the standard of presentation of your machines (and the cool, damp weather !)
We welcomed 60 new riders and welcomed back 375. Repeat business is the core of the event and we are grateful to you all for your continued support and commitment to the West Kent Run. Many people say it is their favourite event in the calendar and that commitment both from home and abroad is what makes it such a special weekend.
My wife, Alison, my son, James and I all got round this year - in contrast to last year. I tried again on the fabulous NVT Easy Rider moped and only had to strip the carb twice. Alison and James did not have any trouble at all.
We were pleased that the gymkhana was able to go ahead. It has always been a central part of Sunday's activities and, in 24 years we have only had to cancel it once. In spite of the damp grass, everyone rode sensibly and there were no mishaps. We also thank those of you who waited around for the prize-giving. There is nothing worse than trying to give awards to people who are not there.
If you were one of the team of helpers who came down on Wednesday and Thursday to prepare the fields we thank you. Getting started so early made Friday a whole lot easier. Thanks also to those who stayed on or came back after the event to help clear the place up too. Leaving the grounds in good condition is important in trying to ensure we are welcomed back next year.
I have put the new dates onto the relevant pages on this website and shall be very happy to receive your entry for 2009 as soon as you choose to send it. The new tariff will be decided in the New Year but we shall honour the current prices until then. If you are wanting to book a room you are advised to book early as they are likely to go quickly.
Next year is our 25th anniversary. The format is going to remain the same - why alter a format that works ? We are hoping, however to add on or two features to make is a memorable weekend. If you have ideas for the 2009 event please let us know so that we can discuss them. If you have any comment about the 2008 weekend we should also like to hear them. Please do not keep 'complaints' to yourself - if we know about them we have a chance to do something about them. We hope to attract a large number of overseas riders and to beat our previous record of 119. Please pass the message to any overseas Clubs.
Best Wishes from Alan Abrahams and the West Kent Run Committee.
westkentrun@hotmail.com