Morecambe Bus Rally – May 2023
It’s been a while since we’ve been able to visit the Morecambe Bus Rally or the Morecambe Vintage Bus Day to give it its correct name. The last time we were there was the Ribble 100 Rally and we had a great time. So when Ian suggested going back how could I say no. I mean sun, sand and classic buses!
We set off early to drive over. Cameras packed and batteries charged. It’s a lovely drive over the moors to the west coast and soon enough we were parking the car. We headed straight to the football stadium where the main rally was happening. I set up by the entrance and filmed some of the buses that were already running the event services. The entrance is a great spot for this as you get them arriving and also leaving. The downside if of course everytone else has the same idea, but who can blame any of us for that.
The Bus Line Ups
After a little while I headed round towards the stadium car park area where the rest of the buses were parked up and filmed them. Then came the inevitable need to wander some more while on the phone trying to find Ian. He’d gone inside to look at the stalls and talk to the people running the Ribble Enthusiasts Club stand about joining as a member. (I believe he sent his form off when we got home). Soon enough we met up by the entrance and it was time for some bus rides.
Riding on the Buses
I always let Ian choose which buses we ride on for the event services. He’s much better at remembering which ones we’ve already been on at other events. Soon enough we were getting on board and asking for permission to film the ride. Most drivers are normally happy for me to film, but I feel it’s only polite to check. Fortunately, all 3 of the drivers at Morecambe were fine with it.
We started off on ERN 700, a Leyland Royal, from the football stadium to the Winter Gardens on the seafront promenade. By this time tummies were rumbling and we decided to get some food and set watching the sea (is it still the sea inside the bay?). Then it was onto a Leyland Titan, RCK 920, for a ride further along the promenade before swapping onto a Leyland Atlantean, NRN 586, to head back to the stadium.
Meeting up with other Enthusiasts.
One of the lovely things about rallies is that you get to meet up with other enthusiasts and catch up. This rally was no different and it’s something we’ve both missed in the last few years with the lockdowns.
So how would I sum up the day? Seaside, sun, classic buses and I even got an ice cream. Roll on next year!
Rally Videos
