The Motor Cycling Club staged a run of some 100 miles in 1903 from Marble Arch to The Barn, Market Harborough, home of vice-president Edward Kennard JP, who gave them a damned fine lunch.
The Motor Cycle reported:
“Most of the riders were splendidly mounted on high-powered machines. Werners were much in evidence. Mr Van Hooydonk bestrode one of his now celebrated bicycles, fitted with forecarriage and a 2½hp Minerva motor.
The new Clyde, 2¾hp Simms engine, made a brave show at hills, and under the skilful guidance of the vice-president well maintained its reputation for speed and power.”
The Motor also reported on the event:
“On Saturday, April 25th, about 15 members assembled at the Marble Arch at 2.45. The weather conditions prevailing at the start were perfect, the sun shining, and just a gentle breeze blowing. So much attraction did the machines create that the officials of the park came to the conclusion that the machines and their owners constituted ‘an unlawful assembly’, with dangerous intent, and as such requested them to move on beyond the precincts.
Several other members joined the party at Barnet, and at 4 o’clock a start was again made for Dunstable, via St. Albans. Tea was taken at The Saracen’s Head, Dunstable. Mr. Kennard said that he was delighted to entertain the club, and hoped it would be an annual visit. He regretted that, owing to the long journey hack to London, the members could only stay for a few hours.
Edward Kennard. (There’s always one…)
A start back was made at 3.15 but the weather conditions went from bad to worse, and beyond Dunstable towards London, the roads were rapidly becoming seas of mud; this. coupled with a pitch dark night and a blinding rain, the return home was a marked contrast to the outward journey. No mishap occurred throughout the run, but minor incidents, such as punctures, were plentiful.”