Wakefield MAG members John, Chaz, Mike & Eddie met at Squires on Sunday 5th December, on a very frosty yet sunny morning around 10:45. Fed and watered, we all piled into Johns motor (it was far too wintry to contemplate going on the bikes) and took the scenic route through Aberford to Hook Moor, then headed towards Towton, past Lotherton Hall, then stayed on the east bound A64, to the A1237 and A1036 Malton Road, and before the Toby pub took a turn sharp left into Hopgrove lane. South for half a mile to a T junction, then left onto Stockton lane, about half a mile to Dean's Garden Centre on the LHS, with a turning on the right for Brockfield Villa and the Craven Collection of Classic Motorcycles.
This was the last chance of 2010 to see all the biker vintage eye candy with my fellow enthusiasts, Pals who had either bought, rode, fell off or rode pillion on these time-less memories from our youth.
Only three pounds fifty to get into the Craven Collection, so it certainly doesn't break the piggy bank. This was one place I had set my heart on visiting, trust us to pick one of the coldest and icy days of the year, not long after the first November early snow, but at least the main roads were passable, and we were thankful we hadn't risked it on the bikes.
Once inside the inner building, you then not only see the machines your father rode in his youth, but a whole world of past social, recreational, transport and racing history: Clothing, Road signs, Army weapons, ex-garage petrol pumps (with the old prices), period containers, Tools, Service manuals, juke boxes ,spare parts, items you and your dad had used in your formative years, old motorcycle magazines, 1970's mint Japanese machines, a BSA winged wheel (like a bolt on motor in the rear wheel with a push bike frame ), 1960's Scooters, Police & Army bikes (as seen on TV), motorcycles and sidecars, Reliant three wheels, bubble cars and the Best collection of Vincents I've ever seen.
The vast majority of the bikes are roadworthy, with many regularly being used in TV series (Heartbeat amongst others) and in Films. The racing bikes are still raced , ask Dick the proprietor about the quick times he reaches on his racing Vincent (a 1/4 mile in 11.15 seconds).
Countless more bikes are all around you, its a golden opportunity, just to reminisce. Our Host made our stay worthwhile with his encyclopedic knowledge of the past and present bikes, which are all on show once a month. Over 250 motorcycles plus a large collection of 1950s and 1960s cars and commercial vehicles.
The Craven Collection is open (Spring to late Autumn), once a month (1st Sunday) Our sincere thanks to the staff at the Craven Collection. Three Pounds and Fifty Pence very well spent.
Post Code for Sat Nav: YO32 9UE. 01904 400493.