The event was an annual run between Fore Street to Land’s End and back. A popular event in the 1920s and 1930s, but long since abandoned.
It was very well supported and took place on Good Friday, starting in Fore Street at 6.30am. It was a tradition for the riders to pose for photographers just before the start and there was always a large array of well-wishers to see them on the way.
‘It is interesting to note that the riders in those days were members of the business community and generally included such personalities as Ernie Stinchombe, Harry Newman, Bill Hain, Sid Hain, Fred Tenby, George Gunn (of Gunns the fuel firm) and Messrs Luxton, Downs, S Horne, Bill Backway, Yeo, Woods, Hoskins, Hawkins and Spencer.
‘As a round trip, it would take some 12 hours back about 6:30 pm. The riders would be tired but happy and love to “roar” in.
There was of course not a crash helmet in sight, but it is interesting to note that the sober suited members of the business community were not dressed like a motorcycle riders of today!
Pictured in the background is the Red Lion Temperance Hotel which now is the entrance to the ‘Red Lion Shopping Village’.
