Wirral Egg Run 2008 - Marshalling the 5000
Added on Thursday, March 20th, 2008 by Carole Nash Editor
Wirral Egg Run 2008 - local residents line the streets
The Wirral Egg Run has been going for some years now and has proved one of the most popular events in the North-West, attracting riders from as far away as Manchester, North Wales and Shropshire.
It had been some 10-12 years since I had been along, but the only big change was the destination, with Clatterbridge Hospital replacing Arrowe Park. The meeting point was still the same on New Brighton prom, and at 10 am there must have been some three thousand bikes already lined up.
It was one of those mornings where most of my biking life history was parked up, or rode past me; CD175 Honda’s, 400 Four’s, VFR’s, Tiger 900’s, GS1000 Suzuki’s, there were bikes of all ages and sizes there, scooters, trikes, the lot. It was great to see many bikers in fancy dress, and although regular readers will know I usually attend such events dressed in some elaborate costume, I was fairly restrained that day with stick-on bunny whiskers, whilst Anne sported Playgirl type ears on her Arai.
All credit to those who dressed in entire bunny/chick outfits, and one girl who wore a basque and fishnets, to raise more money for the Jellybean appeal - it was a bit chilly that day, otherwise I would have ‘Lily Savaged’ myself up too…
The run got underway at 11am and a slow convoy inched its way off the seafront. There were riders on everything from 50cc mopeds to 2.3 litre Rocket III machines, with a few bikes overheating as the parade became stalled at various junctions and negotiated the dozens of parked bikes/vehicles along the route. I have to say that the Police and Marshall’s did a great job of keeping us moving along, but those who wanted to wait for their mates/have a fag, might have been considerate enough to park out of everyone else’s way.
Once we found our way to Clatterbridge I made a donation to the Jellybean Appeal, which is a charity that provides practical help and support for kids with disabilities, who need hospital treatment. It’s those extra helping hands which can make a big difference if you are less than able-bodied, so it is a truly good cause. Also happy to see many people simply donating cash rather than over-packaged, ridiculously expensive and, let’s face it, pretty useless to a sick child, Easter Eggs.
It was good to see local bike related businesses like Seabank Motorcycles, Marriotts, Bill Smiths, Mal Kirwan and Carole Nash Insurance supporting the event too.
Many riders headed home after making it to Clatterbridge, but some went to The Tap bikers pub in Eastham. There was live music at the Hotel California in Birkenhead I believe, whilst the Cottage Loaf pub also had a ‘Bikers Welcome’ sign outside too.
All good to see, but I wonder if Wirral Council could set aside some hard standing on the New Brighton prom, where a mini bike show could be held, with the egg run taking place at 12 noon, rather than 11 am - plus donations welcome at New Brighton seafront for those who don’t want to make the entire run. I think it would make the day run smoother, reduce the traffic congestion for local people and get more local biking/catering businesses involved in making the day even better. Might even raise more money for the Jellybean appeal.
Top fun day out, my Triumph didn’t boil its engine, and great to see so many local residents lining the streets, cheering us bikers on. More at;
www.wirraleggrun.co.uk
Pro’s:
Fantastic turn out of bikes, well marshalled run
Con’s:
Would be handy to have a mini bike show as well
