- 2011 Run Review - Updated 6-11-11
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On Friday, the day before the run, the ‘reliable’ weather forecasters had predicted torrents of rain for Saturday. As it turned out in the morning there was fog which although never lifting completely, did allow the sun to break through at times, and the temperature stayed quite mild. Despite the weather forecast and the fog, we still had around 165 bikes turn up for the run. We also had a very good turnout by the Mayors office, including the King’s Lynn Mayor Colin Sampson, the Mayoress Susan Sampson, the Deputy Mayor Liz Watson, and several members of staff, two of whom also became impromptu marshals. The Mayor, Mayoress and Deputy Mayor were thankfully kitted out in bike gear by C & A’s.
At 1:30pm the marshals began to leave the car park to take up their allotted positions en-route, and a couple of minutes later, the bikes began to leave. The convoy headed south this year towards Downham Market, then left onto the A1122 to Swaffham. At the junction with the A47, another left turn towards King’s Lynn. At Hardwick it was straight over the flyover, then down to the Pullover Roundabout (where the A17 meets the A47) and a right turn. One more right turn put the convoy on the Clenchwarton Road approaching the old bridge. This was our re-group point before entering King’s Lynn, and it allowed all the marshals to go from the back of the convoy to the front safely and head for more positions in King's Lynn.
The convoy then headed into Lynn via Southgates Roundabout, London Road, Milfleet, Boal Quay, South Quay, Purfleet and Queen Street. We had hoped to be able to go onto Tuesday Market Place but unfortunately time was not on our side. The majority of the bikes managed to enter the Town Hall car park through the main gates, carefully managed by the Town Hall Wardens, while the rest of us parked at the back of the car park through Baker Lane.
Once safely in the car park, all the riders headed up to the Stone Room in the Town Hall when a very large amount of food was handed over, and free tea and coffee was gratefully received from the cadets working in there.
Many thanks go to everyone who worked to make the day so special. From everyone from the town hall, (who seem to be getting more and more involved each year), to everybody who braved the November weather to donate so much food, to our 3 impromptu chauffeurs. A special thanks go to all the marshals who once again did an wonderful job in getting eveyone around safely and quickly
This year our marshals team were boosted by two bikes from ServNorfolk, (they normally transport blood between hospitals), who fitted in well and really enjoyed it.
Next years run is due to take place on saturday 10th November, 2012.
Hope to see you all there!
Pikey
About 165 bikes attended the 17th Mayors Appeal Run, despite weather forecasts of torrential rain. As it happened the rain never came but we did have fog, but even that lifted at times to allow the sun to break through. See the "2011 Run Review" section for full details.