Circulates throughout the world Established 1903

International West Kent Run 7-8 August

In 2010, as in recent years, the event centred on The Friars, a Carmelite Priory by the ancient town of Aylesford, where there is accommodation, camping facilities and a large field for the Run’s open day. Within easy reach of the Channel ports, it was no surprise that the 350-limited entry had attracted some 70 riders from overseas, many of whom enter enthusiastically into the spirit of the event.

As usual, there were rare and unusual bikes to be seen, but one remarkable entry this year was Øyvind Liberg, he was the first rider from Norway to attend and his 1912 Humber was the oldest bike.

The gathering begins on the Wednesday, with social events and runs-out on the Thursday, Friday as well as the post-weekend Monday. The main run takes place on the Saturday. Each year, new routes of up to 100 miles take riders around different parts of the host county.

Sunday is an ‘at-home’ day, where activities are confined to the Priory grounds, but include the concours competition, a jumble and a gymkhana for the more extrovert. There is an exhibition of competition machines and this year’s main guest of honour was former BSA-Triumph works rider Ron Chandler.