Rugby is a quiet, unassuming town in the middle of leafy Warwickshire; almost the geological centre of Britain. The county offers many tourist attractions, some noisy – Long Marston Drag Racing - and others less so – Warwick Castle, Stratford-on-Avon, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, the River Leam, Coventry Cathedral, etc.
Rugby’s greatest claim to fame is Rugby School, famous for William Webb Ellis who ran with the ball during a football match, and in so doing, invented the game of Rugby Football. Rugby is also famed for having links with the plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament way back in 1605, Rugby Radio Station – once important in relaying radio signals to shipping, and housing the Atomic Clock, Sir Frank Whittle – inventor and designer of the jet engine, and in once being a major transport junction - railway and canal, and now has a triangle of important junctions on the motorways. Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal also has its terminus there.

Rugby School

Two years ago, Rugby was host to the first Sheene Run, a one-day event organised by the ACU as a tribute to Barry Sheene, MBE – THE name in motorcycle racing to almost everyone, who had sadly died in March 2003. Originally planned to mark the 100th Anniversary of the ACU, it quickly changed its name following the shock demise of Barry. The 2003 event attracted a crowd of 15,000, raising nearly £16,000 for CLIC and brought the name of Rugby to the fore as a motorcycling friendly town.

2003 pic

A failed attempt was made to run the event again the following year, failing due to lack of sponsorship, but in the later months of 2004, the ACU applied to Rugby Council for co-operation toward hosting the event for 2005. Rugby Council finally backed the ACU providing £20,000 funding with the condition that money raised be donated to Mencap.

In March 2005, a local newspaper announced the return of the Sheene Run and then everything went quiet until May. A further news announcement containing the date of 3rd July was printed and days off were booked. Although the press had been quiet, the ACU had been very busy indeed. A new website had been produced, containing all details of the event, advance ticket sales and camping details, with the site being updated regularly with news on new attractions and bikes as they became available (http:// www.thesheenerun.com.). Baz and I had been given press passes to cover the event yet again. We all hoped for a fine day, the week prior had been dismally wet.

First to arrive

Arriving early to park the bike in the secure multi-storey car park (usually restricted to cars only), ours was the first bike there. From there we had to attend the VIP area to pick up our passes and pack containing route map, timetable and Media bib, complete with special wristbands which would allow us access to all areas. We met other members of the press and the ACU Press Officer, Brian George before departing to walk the route. On the way we witnessed the preparation of the display stands and much noise ensued from different areas as bikes were coaxed into life. The sounds and smells were marvellous as early as 8am on a Sunday morning in an otherwise deserted town centre. The one-mile circuit route had been fenced off and all roads into town had been closed around 4am that morning, a mammoth undertaking in itself. Numerous bikes arrived at the approach roads, most of which had taken part in the National Rally, trying to find their control point, which was in the local Sport Centre. They would gather there and would become the first cavalcade through the town opening the event at 10.30am. Other groups of bikes also were shepherded to their allotted places.

Setting Up

We spotted many stalls and stands in the erection process on our slow amble through the town we both know extremely well, knowing it would change beyond recognition in the few hours time. We chatted to a few owners of the race bikes and compared performances with the knowledgeable. Slowly the cloudy sky brightened promising a fine day, and by the time the compere, Martin Bennett, had announced the total road closure into town, the sun had begun to shine.

Town Centre officially closed to traffic

First onto the route were the now weary National Rally participants who did a lap of honour, opening the show with a roar and cheers, followed by a mixed cavalcade of bikes from differing clubs and enthusiastic bikers from all over the country. Entry to this cavalcade closed two weeks before the event, you have to be quick to be included.

National Rally entrants opened the event

Spectators were slow arriving, but this year’s event started earlier and had much more packed into it. On a Sunday, people like a leisurely breakfast after a lie-in, so only crazy people like us were up and about. But by mid afternoon, the streets of Rugby were packed with spectators, baking under a midsummer sun! Apart from stall traders, local businesses and pubs had also opened for the day, most reporting good sales. There were no reported incidences – the only blemish to an otherwise superb day was due to one display bike veering off course during one cavalcade into the crowd. The barrier did its job and although a few spectators were shocked and shaken, no one was seriously injured.

Spectators lined the streets

The highlight of the show was Kevin Carmichael, World Champion Stunt Rider, who gave a performance unlike any other. Having a unique venue and an extensive crowd, he could display his skills often. He had three slots timed throughout the day, giving him ample time to thrill the crowds with new tricks. Although the thoroughfare through town curves and is typical of a well-used high street in a town, he used it extensively. The road was too uneven for most of his stunts, but he entertained regardless, modifying his routine to suit.

Meeting Kevin Carmichael

Kevin's Art Work (or graffiti)

The cavalcades were almost constant, consisting of clubs, solo marque and race bikes, some of which were originally owned or ridden by Barry Sheene. The speed limits were held in total disregard throughout the day, including the police themselves! In our opinion, the best cavalcade consisted of race replicas, which followed the Sheene bikes; all bikes used being genuine or replicas of Isle of Man TT and Goodwood races. The sound and smells these machines generated were evocative of racetracks everywhere.

Bikes from the Goodwood Era

Amongst the bikes on display and/or ridden during the day were two of Barry’s machines flown in from Australia. He had taken them with him when he emigrated, and Stephanie had granted permission for their return and restoration. They were hurriedly prepared for their appearance at the Sheene Run, ridden by Mick Grant and Steve Parrish, and will eventually go on display at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu.

Steve Parrish and Mick Grant

In areas around the cavalcade route were various stalls and displays. In the park were the Xtreme Trials display for the second year, thrilling the crowds with their riding, and static displays of Goldwings and various others, glinting in the sunlight. The National Rally bikes were also on display, while their owners enjoyed the rest of the day.

Xtreme Trials Display

The compere kept the whole day moving, interviewing many of the riders, the famous and members of the crowd, while behind him on the stage were various bands and singers to entertain. At times he struggled to be heard, particularly when one of Rugby’s own bands, Attica were playing. Most of the bikes were corralled in various paddocks around the town. If you had purchased a wristband, these could be viewed close-up when not running. There were the Sheene bikes (of course), the Brooklands display and the race replicas. There was a break mid-afternoon for an auction, among the lots were framed photos of Barry Sheene, Brands Hatch tickets, and a HRD Vincent.

Auction

Around the middle of the afternoon, I had to return home on the bike with the youngest lad, as he had had enough – the whole day had defeated him. On exit from the secured bike park, a steward approached and asked to be shown the bike key and for me to restart the engine. A simple but effective deterrent to bike theft – I was very impressed! On return, I parked in almost the same spot and rejoined the throng.
It was wonderful to meet up with old friends, some of which I had not seen since the last event, and to make new friends who I look forward to meeting again next time.
A final thanks has to be made to the ACU and its staff for organising an excellent day, all the sponsors of the event and to Rugby Council for allowing it to happen.

All pictures and text are copyright to the owners:-

Liz Green

Ian Green

ACU (by consent)

© RIYAN Productions

www.famousgrouse.com