Where is Anna pre-1931 vintage motorcycle run in Northern Belgium, Europe.
TheTimingChest.com paid a visit to Northern Belgium in August 2024. I had no pre-conceptions regarding this event. Of course, I had read the leaflet and had contacted Hans Devos, one of the organisers. But that was just to ask about the booking process.
I set off very early for the ferry from Dover, UK, to France. Once I was on French soil it was only a short 45 minute drive to the event near Middelkerke / Oostende in the North of Belgium.
That afternoon we all enjoyed the short sprint races across a recently cut field just over the road from the venue. The sun shone and bikes were fettled in readiness for the main event on the next day.
Early the next day, the camping field was full of anticipation. Every few moments there was the sound of yet another one of the 140+ pre-1931 motorcycles being started and run around to the main venue entrance where they all lined up.
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The wind and the rain seemed to have little effect in dampening everyone’s enthusiasm. In fact, the heavy rain had turned the motorcycle parking area a little muddy. It reminded me about the event’s name; “Where is Anna?“. It’s a tribute to the story of a WW1 despatch rider. He roamed Northern Belgium in search of his girlfriend, Anna, who had apparently taken refuge in the last unoccupied area within Belgium. This event had many early motorcycles, but two models in particular helped to form an image of the worried despatch rider riding from town to town. There was a little Douglas 2-3/4 H.P and quite a few early Triumphs. Both were used by the military in great numbers.
The Saturday run is a lovely, relaxed, affair. It begins at 08.30 for a briefing. Of course, the briefing was in Belgian, then Dutch (I think) and English. So, if you are considering visiting this event. Fear not. Everyone is very friendly and we all have a common language. By that I mean we all speak “motorcycle”. I find that breaks down any language barriers.
Once the instructions were delivered, we set off on 4 short runs. Each run has a break and we are offered detailed information on a specific event in WW1 by re-enactment actors. You don’t have to listen in, but it’s worth it
The Saturday run ends back where we started and everyone gets involved in an excellent BBQ and after-party.
Where is Anna is an event I will continue to make an annual pilgrimage to. There are a few beach races in the UK and Europe, but this event is so much more than that. It’s relatively small and very welcoming.
I love going to events like this. It gives me a great opportunity to actually meet with some of the people that I have supplied early motorcycle parts to. If you are looking for parts for your pre-1930 motorcycle project, see the current selection of parts here. If you have a Pioneer motorcycle, I occasionally have parts available here.
There are many clubs that you can join, including ones for each motorcycle marque. If you are new to early motorcycles, a good place to start is by joining the Vintage Motorcycle Club.
