Diamond Day at the Ace Cafe

Roof and myself decided it was perfect weather for a run up to the cafe, and except for the heat, traffic and bikes that wont filter it was. Now my old FJ does not like getting stuck in traffic - it overheats really badly - so keeping it moving is important, so if you ride a motorbike and you can't or won't filter Get out of the fucking way!!! This idiot on a narrow Harley just sat in front of me and about 5 other bikes on the north circular, he had plenty of chances to move out of our way, we all wanted to get through, but he just sat there, I shouted and sounded my horn and he ignored me, then this other dude pulled up along side me on another Harley and said "Harley riders, bunch of twats, eh!" cheers mate, that made me laugh and calmed me down, hope you had a safe journey back to Worcester Park! Then a car driver saw what was happening, he made some room and waved me through on the inside, well done that man, although I think he might have been worried that the bike was going to explode, cos there was quite a bit of smoke coming from the top of the engine… must get that rocker cover seal sorted.

Hot and a bit bothered we finally arrived at the Ace and well worth the trip, some really nice bikes and people there, grabbed a big breakfast and our luck went downhill again when we ran into Yoda (who ran over my foot with his bloody wheelchair) and Fayji, both far better photographers than me… so I let Roof take most of the shots!

As the day went on more and more people turned up, I hadn't noticed before but there are more and more girls riding Harleys, personaly I would not have thought as a Harley as weapon of choice for girls, but what do I know?

Some really interesting bikes with good engineering made for some good photographs with us getting a bit carried away doing the old 'reflections in polished cases bit' sorry but I like those shots! With lively characters and great weather that just turned the day into one of those idylic moments. My personal preference is for Brit iron and there were some stunning examples of what you can do with a Brit, I really liked the gold flat‑track style Bonnie and what I believe was a Royal Enfield engined chop.

Lots of good quality jap stuff as well, I particually liked a really nice simple Kwacker chop, the fact that it was not overdone made it stand out for me, there was also some very good artwork, the Betty Boop and the Union Jack ones were superb.

The incredible diversity of the styles and type of bikes meant that there was something that appealed to everyone, even an old fogey like me! Although I often wonder what the manufacturers make of what people do to their products, do they feel insulted? or do they say "Why didn't we think of that!"

Again personal preference, but I'm not sure I like this trend for massive back tyres. I don't feel it looks good, that may be down to me liking old styles or the fact I have crap taste (Roof buys my clothes, otherwise I would look like a tramp!) I also prefer a bike to be useable and don't think I'd get on with something that radical. I'm not knocking the people who make them, we need inovation and variety to keep interest and to move the scene on, I just think they are art and pretty to look at, although I'm sure someone will email and tell me that he 'rides everyday in all weathers…' on his outrageous hog.

We had to leave before the prizes were sorted and reluctantly made our way home across town, before Yoda realised I had let his tyres down…, a touch of sunstroke meant that I must remember a hat next time… The NCC put on a goodshow, defo see you next year!