After last year’s relatively short ride over to Belgium for the Euro Lambretta, this year was the turn of the LCGB to host, so it meant an even shorter ride for the Brits as we all headed to the bright lights of Lincoln.
Originally the Euro was planned and booked to be held at Peterborough Showground, however with only a few months to go, the Showground cancelled all events as they’d sold off parts of the site for redevelopment, sadly a sign of the times.
After all of the organisation, the LCGB team had put into the event this was a massive kick in the danglies. They were faced with trying to find an alternative venue and rearrange everything else needed for the Euro to go ahead and make it a success.
All credit to them as they managed to secure the Lincoln Showground, but had to accept a later date, albeit only by one week, however, they then managed to rearrange everything needed to ensure all the Lambretta family travelling from all over Europe and from around the world, (including Argentina and USA), could meet up, party and have a great weekend.
All roads lead to Lincoln
My journey was a really short blast at just under 100 miles. Work commitments meant I left late so I was riding alone and was able to stretch the legs of my Casa Performance SST as I popped up the A1 and across to Lincoln.
Having set up camp it was time to catch up with mates old and new and also catch up on the wobble juice. My journey may have been short, but it was great to watch the exploits on social media of many who decided to head off on tours beforehand, taking the long way round, but all roads ultimately led to Lincoln.
One of those that had an epic trip was Robert Shaw, AKA Bilko, who is no stranger to these SLUK pages, having featured his previous exploits. He took a wrong turn when he left home in Belfast and found himself riding down to Milan on his DSC tuned cast iron, reed valved 225. The ultimate pilgrimage for a Lambretta enthusiast. He then turned around and rode back uphill to Lincolnshire! Bilko is currently writing about that trip for us so we’ll share it in the next couple of weeks.
Lambretta Servizio
Mentioning DSC, Darren Scott was able to give a sneak peak to those attending the Euro, of a couple of new products that they have been testing in his race bikes for AF Rayspeed (more on those in a separate post tomorrow).
Scotty, Geoff and the team were busy helping out fellow Lambretta riders who needed some of their mechanical expertise. Dean Bennett, being another with an epic trip, having travelled up from Switzerland only to suffer a ring peg that fancied escaping, resulting in Scotty and the Lambretta family tracking down a spare piston to get him back on the road.
The usual LCGB crew were also on hand to assist anyone that needed advice or spannering to keep their pride and joy running. Credit to all those that helped over the weekend, it’s always great to see the camaraderie and effort put into helping fellow Lambretta owners get back on the road.
Smoove & Turrell
The Lincoln Showground is a great venue, everything is available on site and the venue was big enough to host everyone in the main room, the soul room, or the courtyard in between.
Friday night we were treated to a blistering set from those Northern scamps Smoove & Turrell who were followed by some great tunes as the DJs kept everyone entertained.
Both rooms were busy, everyone was certainly up for a party!
Trade area
As part of the ticket, the LCGB organises evening meals and breakfasts, so those feeling fragile on Saturday morning had a chance to try and soak up some ale before the ride out, or a few more hours kip back in their tent.
The Soul room doubled up as the place to collect the excellent goody bags and was also the venue for a number of club and specialist stalls on Saturday daytime, including several legends including Frank Osgerby displaying his legendary fully faired sprinter, alongside another legendary sprinter, Keith Terry. Keith had his full-frame sprinter on display, however, he was mainly there to promote the excellent BSEC – British Scooter Endurance Club which us SLUKers have certainly enjoyed since Keith set it up.
If you fancy a go at scooter racing, it is certainly the best value way to experience it.
Another group of legends gave a talk in the afternoon that had those in attendance listening intently as the Ronald brothers and Bob Wilkinson talked about their memories of racing for Arthur Francis amongst other Lambretta exploits.
Custom show
A large gathering of Lambrettas assembled in the courtyard, ranging from full-blown customs to rustorations and original paint classics through to concourse restorations.
There was certainly something there to get the juices flowing of all Lambretta enthusiasts, whatever tickled your fancy.
Ride out
Outside the courtyard, another large gathering was assembling as they prepared to set off for the ride out. As the ride out snaked out of the Showground they rode past several dealers that had set up stalls and there were more stalls to discover inside the stable blocks.
Dyno time
Tucked round the back was Jon Gilbert with his JG Scooters dyno, doing a great job keeping the crowd entertained whilst raising money for charity and giving feedback to those bringing their scooters for a dyno session.
Feeding time
Back to reality and it was time for everyone to head to the main hall for the dinner. Catering for such a large number of people is always a challenge and there was mixed feedback on the meal (as usual), but everyone was enjoying themselves, especially after several pints.
The trophies were presented and the baton was handed over to the Lambretta Club of France as they prepare to host the Euro Lambretta in 2024.
Bonjour!
Another night of top tunes and the usual laughs and maybe a couple more drinks, before the night drew to a close. Sunday morning and it was time for everyone to head off home. We said our goodbyes and set off. The SST flew home, sitting comfortably at 70 plus on the GPS.
Another excellent Euro Lambretta and all credit and thanks to the LCGB crew that pulled this together last minute.
Roll on Francais in 2024! Ride safe.
Words and photos: Shaun
Rallery
Above you can see loads more photos in Shaun’s ‘Rallery’. Don’t forget, we’ll also be following this article up with some AF Rayspeed news and a first ride on the Chimera Twin.
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