Red Nose 1979

Have you ever heard of a rally called the Red Nose Rally? If you are familiar with the British rally scene, the answer is probably yes. For our international readers, however, it will likely be something of a discovery.

To briefly set the scene, this event was organised in the late 1970s by the Roadriders MCC, a club based in Crewe, Cheshire.

A group photo of the Roadriders MCC of Crewe at a rally

From the badges I have come across so far, it would appear that at least three editions were held: the first in 1978, followed by further events in 1979 and 1980.

While recently going through my archives, I came across a scanned press clipping from a British specialist publication covering the second edition in 1979.

This document was apparently shared online by a rally enthusiast named Trevor Keane. He deserves warm thanks for making it available, as it allows us today to learn more about this particular event.

Unfortunately, the name of the journalist who wrote the original article is not mentioned.

Let us now move to the heart of the matter by letting him speak through his own words:

- Jean-Francois Helias

It's the rocky horror blow

First the weather did its best to discourage anyone from turning out, then gale-force winds threatened to blow everyone away at the second Red Nose Rally.

A rocky slope on Mow Cop was again the camp site for the Roadriders (Crewe) MCC event.

Several tents fell victim to the wind, but there was the marquee to offer shelter.

After entertaining some 400 people at the open rally last year, the organisers were prepared for more than the 185 who braved the elements to attend. About 50 pre-booked but failed to turn up.

There was an extra big marquee this time containing top class catering and a massive beer supply which was hardly touched!

There were bangers and beans and a drink for arrivals, followed by sherry and mince pies. Very civilised.

On Saturday night there was a choice between staying in the marquee and trying to make a dent in the beer mountain or taking a route march to the nearest pub which would serve rallyists. Some nearby pubs preferred to do without the trade.

The oldest machine at the Red Nose was this 1935 350cc Velocette belonging to Mike Hamilton. This was his first time at the rally -he usually attends Velo Owners Club events and he came from Manchester. The bike was well protected fromt the weathe by grease on all the alloy and chrome and was until recently in everyday use.

The pile of railway sleepers which made the bonfire burn well with a gale underneath it. Not often you see horizontal flames.

Sunday dawned fine and clear with half of Cheshire stretching away from the site - a view worth

There were the odd silly games, including throwing a very heavy discus, which was won by Dave Rowlatt.

Awards included one for the best rallying machine fitted with the best extras for the job. Winner was Toff from Bristol, the man behind the new Shaftdrivers club, with his custom painted Gold Wing.

Toff with his custom-painted Gold Wing. He took a tankard award for the best rallying machine.

Roadriders' chairman, John Hancock said the rally had gone well - it was just a pity the weather had been rather rough and that more people did not turn up.

Knightriders featured twice on the list of awards - one member, Steve Toomey took the Long Distance with 295 miles, and the club took the club award.

Roadriders chairman John Hancock, pictured here at the Notted Bear Rally in 1977.

Alison Manley of the Cotswold and Dales MCC who rode a GS400, took the ladies award.

And the small bike award was shared by two moped riders from Liverpool and the Comet MCC Phil Brimble and S. Bostock.

- Trevor Keane