VMCC Manx Rally - 25 to 30 August 2012

This popular Rally has evolved over many years to appeal to a wide cross section of VMCC members on the Isle of Man along with overseas guests. It boasts a winning mix of demonstration parades, road runs and social events. The bikes are not static museum pieces but a living, rolling cavalcade of motorcycle history spanning many decades. Most makes of machine are represented, from AJS to Zundapp.

For the 2010 event, wholly organised by the VMCC Isle of Man section, we enjoyed wall to wall sunshine that made for an event that will long be remembered and talked about by those riding the 219 machines that entered the Rally. The event included 2 social runs, a timed run, a closed roads parade, the VMCC Festival of Jurby, a BBQ, an evening in Castletown and a gala dinner.

This popular Rally has evolved over many years to appeal to a wide cross section of VMCC members on the Isle of Man along with overseas guests. It boasts a winning mix of demonstration parades, road runs and social events. The bikes are not static museum pieces but a living, rolling cavalcade of motorcycle history spanning many decades. Most makes of machine are represented, from AJS to Zundapp.

It is estimated that over 12,000 visitors flocked to the VMCC Festival of Jurby. Taking advantage of the sunny weather it seemed as though every motorcyclist on the Island made the effort to get to Jurby. Joining the parades were some 80 BSA Gold Stars, Manx Grand Prix Past Masters, including Nick Jeffries, Sammy Miller, Ivan and Graeme Rhodes, Malc Wheeler, and John Kidson and also some parades by the MGP Riders Association with many current and past MGP Riders taking part on iconic racing machines. Of particular interest was an outing for the Manx entered TT Electric machine that came third at this year’s TT, ridden at Jurby by Nick Jeffries.

One marquee was given over to Italian road/race machines. A fantastic collection of 54 machines were on display. Some were provided by local members and others from various sources including the Sammy Miller Museum and the Robert White Collection. Other marquees housed displays from the Milntown Collection of vintage and classic machines and also the Sheard Collection including the Tom Sheard TT winning machine, the first Manxman to win a TT. The priceless Manx Grand Prix Trophies were on also on display.

There was plenty of family entertainment with vintage buses, steam wagons, car clubs and vintage tractors all proving very popular as well as kiddies rides, small car boot sale and food court.

The event was not just about riding motorbikes. On Monday evening a BBQ was laid on at the A.R.E. Classic Bike Museum, where 330 entrants and visitors sat down to an evening of good food and good entertainment. On Tuesday evening there was a meet in Castletown Square for a concours and display of machines. The Commissioners had erected a stage and a jazz band entertained a large number of visitors and entrants. During a break Sammy Miller played his own kind of music by starting up the bi-cylindrical Guzzi and his Gilera, much to the delight of the crowds. The inner man was well looked after with a fish and chip supper. On Thursday evening 220 people attended the Gala Dinner at the Villa Marina. The evening included a prize presentation with winners receiving their awards not only from Nick Jeffries but also Sammy Miller.

Click on a thumbnail below to view a larger image. If you would like to see more about the event, including approximately 600 photographs follow the link at the bottom of the page to the VMCC Isle of Man Section website.

Pictures from the 2010 VMCC MGP Rally