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A trip back in time with the Dorset Classic Scramble Club Report: Lee Davey.Images: Nick Guppy.

The Dorset Classic Scramble Club, which is only in its second year of existence, enjoyed a bumper entry at its Summer Scramble which was held on the 5th August at Lawn, just outside Gillingham, Dorset.

The term “classic” can often be translated into “expensive” and with some of the pre ’65 bikes costing upwards of £10,000 this is certainly true in a number of cases. That said, deep pockets aren’t absolutely necessary should you wish to compete. Some of the Twin-shocks regularly make £5,000, but it’s possible to compete on a bike costing under £1,000.

Now, I have to admit that my only Twin-shock experience before the Summer Scramble was riding a 1981 Maico 490 for a previous feature, so at first my knowledge was pretty limited, but with such an enthusiastic crowd of both organisers and riders, it’s incredibly easy to glean more than a little info.

If you’re concerned that the races are nothing more than a crowd of flat-cap wearing pipe-smokers riding procession-like on dusty old bikes that command large bundles of cash, you’d be seriously wrong – these bikes are ridden, and ridden hard. The racing is surprisingly fast, especially considering how inadequate the drum brakes felt when I rode the 490 Maico and at times is elbow to elbow. Ages for the riders range from 16 to 65 with competitors travelling from as far as France, Cornwall and the North of England.

The entry of 138 classic Scramble machines was then divided into classes dependant on engine size/vintage:Pre 1965 under 350cc and pre 1965 over 350cc. Both of these classes are predominately British four strokes. Pre 1974. As the title suggests, if it’s made before 1974, then you’re in. Most of these bikes are European two strokes. Twin-shock. Bikes which have been built between 1974 and 1982. This class is a mixture of European and Japanese two and four strokes. As this class attracts a good deal of entries, so is further divided into Twin-shock “A”, “B” and “C” with “A” being for the fastest of the Twin-shock pilots.

Obviously the club aims to promote traditional Scrambles on a nationwide scale, but one of its main objectives is to boost the coffers of local charities. Prizes for the riders consist of donated products, with all of the prize money being passed to worthy causes. The Dorset Classic Scramble Club proudly to donated £400 to the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance; the third time this charity has been chosen.

Can’t wait to come along and see just what Scrambling has to offer? The next round of the 2007 series is being held on the 30th September. Further details (nearer to the time) can be found at www.dorsetclassic.com  

The Dorset Classic/Waverly Commercials/Mead Digger Hire Summer Scramble.