'Hercules' Motorcycle Run

How it Started

Article by Geoff Madden - October 5th 2002 

The Hercules Motorcycle Run is dedicated to all motorcyclists, Past and Present, from all walks of life, who are United in one common passion, the love of powered 2-wheelers!” 

It is run as a totally non-profit making event, with all proceeds going to two allocated charities, these being the Solway Aviation Museum and Preesall Fleetwood’s Charity School. 

Although 2002 is the inaugural year for this event, the inspiration for the event goes back 70 years and involves four generations of the same family... 

In 1932, Lodge Madden, of Preesall, took his son Maurice, aged 10, on his 1925 500cc V twin James motorcycle on a trip to visit friends in Carlisle. The James had no pillion seat, so a cushion was hastily added to the rear carrier to comfort poor Maurice from the ruts and potholes that adorned the old A6 route in those days. 

The journey was completed without hiccups, returning safely to Preesall, before dark and the James was bedded down safely in the Cabin with various other motorcycles and bicycles which were in for repair with Lodge who ran a part time repair business and was also the local agent for supplying new Hercules bicycles. 

45 years later, Maurice (DAD) recalled the tale of his trip and (unintentionally) humbled my own “ epic “ an over night ride to Egremont, on a 175cc BSA Bantam. Since then I regarded the Pre-war motorcyclist with the utmost respect, knowing that their stamina, hardiness, knowledge and usage of their motorcycles would put us average weekend bikers to shame. 

Fast-forward 25 years. I am the proud owner of 2 James Captains.  I decided that I would like to re-trace the route taken by granddad and dad on one of the James’s with my son Robert (7) on Pillion. Several people said that they’d like to come as well, and so the run was born. 

Why the “Hercules” run? Well, the event is intended as a fun-day out for all motorcyclists, i.e. a good ride, a destination of interest and a good ride home, and if we can raise a few pounds for charity all the better! 

We have the Hercules Trophy to present to the rider who makes the most “ Herculean” effort to complete the run. This is arrived by a scoring system, based on the following factors:

Age of rider, Age of Machine, Age of Pillion passenger, Mileage to destination and capacity of machine.  

All factors which would, hopefully, have gained a nod of approval from our Motorcycling forebears!

We will also be presenting a number of trophies in various classes of the concourse competition, depending on number of entrants. These will be presented around 3:00 p.m. 

At this stage I would like to make a special mention to our two Benefactors for this event. They are the Carbon Can Company and Raceways Motorcycles of Fleetwood. They have agreed to finance the cost of the trophies and administration, which releases all entry funds to our chosen charities. 

Also, a mention to Steve at STAC racing ( 01253 302364)  for providing the support vehicle, and a big thank-you to the Solway Aviation Museum for making us welcome.

Also, a thank-you to Mrs Trousedale and the Governers of Preesall  Fleetwood`s Charity School for the use of facilities. 

Lastly, fellow motorcyclists, THANK YOU for supporting this event and making it a success. I hope you enjoy your day, and I would appreciate any thoughts or comments you may have.                                               

Yours in Motorcycling

Geoff  Madden
 

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