More than £2,000 was raised at The Bell Inn’s 10th annual bike show and meet, which was described as “absolutely brilliant” by organisers.
Around 100 show bikes, ranging from choppers to rats, were on display, as motorbike enthusiasts young and old from around the region gathered at The Bell Inn pub in Kesgrave yesterday.
There were 13 categories in the competitive bike show, as well as real ale, a charity raffle, while two bands performed for free.
The event was organised by the Friends United Motorcycle Club.
Proceeds will be donated equally to The National Association of Bikers with a Disability and the East Anglian Air Ambulance.
Landlady of The Bell Inn, Debbie McCallum, said: “It was absolutely brilliant, with a great turnout throughout the day and a fantastic array of bikes.
“It was a traditional charity bike meet. You didn’t have to pay to get in and people weren’t trying to sell you anything. You could just turn up and have a look around and leave if you wanted, or stay, have a drink, take part in the raffle and listen to the music.
“I went outside at 12pm (the start time) and we were mobbed. There were so many bikes and kids enjoyed seeing them up close. It has become a staple community event – part of the Kesgrave calendar.
“We apologise to neighbours for any inconvenience, but it was a great day which raised a brilliant £2,000 for two charities.”
Sam Jackson, a spokesman for Friends United Motorcycle Club, thanked the pub owners and Kesgrave residents for providing “overwhelming” support.
He said: “There was an amazing array of custom and vintage and classic motorcycles. We had rarities we have never seen before and some blasts from the past.
“A number of bikes won awards, as there is a competitive show. There was a twist at the end: a public vote for ‘best bike’. Overwhelmingly, the public vote went to a tiny, little Monkey Trike. This guy in the 1970s had built it in his shed with three wheels and got it road legal.
“We also had die-hard guys in their 90s on their motorcycles and youngsters aged 16 or 17 getting on their first bike. We had three guys who had travelled from Kent.
“It was the first show of the year for people to give their bikes a MOT and blow the dust off, meet old friends and have a chat. It was a great day.”
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