Bad Wabbits Shindig
It doesn’t seem as though its only 15 years that the Bad Wabbits have been holding
their Shindig, as I seem to have been going for ages, but then my memory plays tricks
at the best of times. It’s now in its third year at the current location and it seems
as though it’s become a spiritual home. The one main thing to recall this is not
exactly a bike show but a party and charity show with added bikes. it always has
had a great friendly vibe.
I arrived what I thought was very early, the event not starting for an hour but already
the field was filling up, mainly then with Bad Wabbits bikes. But it wasn’t that
long before others arrived, all filtering down through the short access path. Rose
and team were doing a great job relieving folk of their donation for charity, which
this year was guide dogs. I was also impressed as they have moved into modern age
with a card reader.
After a grey morning the sun came out big time and I was glad to blag some sun cream
, though still got a bit pink. And for those aficionados there was not 1 but 2 ice
cream vans on site, I had to product test both.
Being at a social club, there were many locals attending and children, and there
were activities all around the field, and randomly a plant stall. Though most of
the bikers seemed to find comfortable places to sit and enjoy a drink and natter,
to a point I do not think there was a chair left in the bar.
While there may not have been as many traditional choppers as at other shows, there
were still some cool bikes including a one kick panther and sidecar which won best
rat bike, a lovely triton which got best classic and best in show. It was nice that
owners rode up for trophies, I’m not sure quite the criteria for judging, but as
no scooters on site, chris and his bandit rat won best scooter, he seemed pleased.
There was also a prize for best beard, of which there were many possible folk, but
reverend got that in the end.
I don’t know what the collective noun is for a group of Hayabusa, but I don’t think
I’ve ever seen so many in a row, all a bit tricked out. I’m not totally sure a street
Hayabusa needs nitros, but then why not. Bike of the day for me had to be the panther
it was so wonderfully tatty but a true workhorse.
During the afternoon they had their regular singer, who is fun, then later in evening
after the show the Wabbits and those camping over party with several other bands,
and fire dancers.
Next year the event will either be on 1st or 3rd Saturday of June, watch this space.
