The British Invasion

Salutations from the Swamps of Sedgefield

- Jan Minnaar

The British Motorcycle Association Annual Gathering is one of those bike phenomena that evolved way back when a bunch of enthusiasts got together to celebrate British machinery, their joy of biking, a beaut location, and the company of their good mates. And then it just sorta got outta hand and carried on into perpetuity.

It all started when two good biker mates Darryl Moresby-White (Velocettes in PE) and Keith Johnson (Triumphs in CT) agreed to hit the road and meet every year somewhere between Slaapstad and the Windy City. And guess where halfway is? It’s at that magic lagooned dorp of Knysna. So they formed the British Motorcycle Association. Which has an Annual Gathering. And that’s it. Nothing more. Been Gathering since 1982. Yes that’s 36 years Priscilla.

The Gathering has no formal structure. No committees, no fees, no bands, no prize giveaways, no sponsors, no stalls. And no Priscilla .. no Beertent. Hey, stop that snivelling. Rather it has traditions. Always happens a bit after Xmas when the weather’s balmy and accommodation is cheaper. Riding the bikes is encouraged. It’s always just three days, and it’s for previous attendees and friends only. And only old British bikes allowed. But as we all got a bit more ‘senior’ modern Brits appeared. And recently it’s been opened to any Nationality Classic. And also with the progress of the years Darryl and Keith have relinquished the reins to Engineering Consultant Thys v Rooyen from Hermanus (Triumph Tiger 1050) who tips the word to the punters every year.

The three day Gathering kicks off with a welcome braai Friday night, a breakfast run out to Buffalo Bay Saturday morning, then a lunch at Knysna waterfront where the bikes are paraded for a couple of hours, which is followed by a big get together in the evening. Sunday everyone goes home.