A large crowd gathered at Coppet Hall beach centre on Saturday (September 21) to view the machines and see the riders away for the annual 64th Saundersfoot road event competition. The competition was run by the West South Wales section of the Vintage motorcycle club.

The Section would like to take this opportunity to express their grateful thanks to Hean Castle Estates and staff for their wonderful help in hosting this event.

A good selection of British machines was entered, along with bikes from Germany, Italy, Japan and numerous French engined three wheeler’s. Harley Davidson, all spanning the years between 1912 to 1994 also tok part.

Quite a few female riders/drivers with passengers and pillions were taking part. The drivers would have been told which route to follow by their passengers.

The competitors who came from many parts of the country left the start line at 10.00am at one minute intervals. Heading out through Wisemans Bridge on a wonderful scenic route of 70 miles throughout Pembrokeshire set by Linda Challis and probably the first lady member to undertake this task.

The first checkpoint was encountered early on between Kilgetty farm and Templeton, before heading out around Blackpool mill. The next checkpoint and Coffee stop was at Slebech park.

Then it was on through the Rhos to Merlins Bridge and Freystrop ending up at the one hour lunchtime checkpoint at Milford marina.

The afternoon route took the riders to Black Bridge, Mastlebridge then into Church Road with a great view of the Cleddau estuary, through Pembroke then further on down into Manorbier bay. Then the country lanes around Manorbier Newton and carefully over the level crossing and to the next checkpoint just off the Ridgeway.

Only 9 miles left now for the competitors via East Williamston before they reached the finish with one there wheeler and a solo not making it back due to breakdowns on route.

The Sunday morning Concours D’ Elegance display and spectators was down on numbers from the previous day due to the forecast which was true to form with very heavy showers. But it did not deter the lucky ones who went away with their awards.

Mr Ian Botham general manager at the Vintage motorcycle club’s head office who was also a competitor this weekend presented the awards one of which he won himself. The Best post war machine with his 1958 BSA Golden flash.

Morgan Thomas received best Veteran and youngest rider awards, other West South Wales members who won awards in their class was David Jones (Vintage), Andy Macdougall (post vintage), Conrad Hill (Classic) and Tony Brinsden runner up. First time entrant Pete Baker was best (WSW machine) with his 1926 Douglas. Also Anthony Rees first time entrant on a 1966 Triumph Thunderbird, which has been in his family for over 47 years and was also a former Carmarthen police bike received the Wyndham Rees Midway motors cup.

Pembrokeshire awards went to Simon Hammersley (Vintage) Alistair Devall (Post vintage) Dave Evans (post war) Alan Davies runner up.

Bill and Jean Phelps won the distance ridden award in their three wheeler arriving on Thursday in the lovely sunshine. But leaving Sunday in heavy rain at least they would keep their feet dry on the way home to South Wales if nothing else.

Last years winner Susie Weekes won the Most Meritorious Award. John Webb’s trials Yamaha outfit with his granddaughter on board was most interesting machine judged.

Another first timer Johnathan Apsee went home with the best three wheeler award. Richard Williams and Angelo Conti were Runner up in their classes of Vintage and Post war.

Thanks also go to Hean Castle estates who generously waived their car park hire fee to be donated to the Air Ambulance.A very good weekend was enjoyed by everyone despite the rain on Sunday morning, West South Wales section would like to say special thanks to everybody involved doing what they did to make this once again successful event take place.

We look forward to seeing you all again here September 2020.