Pre Season Frontier

Greeted at the door of this legendary venue by smiling faces and the smell of fine cuisine (well, Bubs burger van!) expectations for the long awaited YSA Pre Season Custom Show and Parts Fair were high for us. And we were not going to be disappointed!

Through the door and I am already on my way to the YSA Points championship with 150 on my new Members Card ably added by Solly in his little fish tank in the main reception, and my £3 is handed over to the girls on the door willingly. First stop is the YSA Stall and I treat myself to a tee shirt (another 10 points), and have a good look at the YSA Smallframe Racer that's up for grabs in this years prize draw. Nice looking tool for a fiver indeed, but I'm afraid its not really my cup of tea. Got to have a punt at that though, eh?!

Into the main room and there are a number of stalls purveying everything from helmets and leathers to the usual myriad of "tat" and parts. I was particularly fascinated with the new LML 4 Stroke machine on display ath the Buzz Solomoto stall. I have heard a fair bit about this scooter and will be putting my name down for a test ride when the 150 arrives later in spring. I was also captivated by the photography of Phil Deakin from Rotherham which was on display in the foyer, and may be investing in a few of his prints at a later date.

Next for a browse around the custom show. I have to say at this point I was disappointed by the number of machines on display, if not the quality. Maybe down to some not yet being finished for the season? Well - I picked out a few I wouldn't have minded in my shed - well all of them actually! In particular I fell in love with two very different Scooters - "Off its Head" a beautifully crafted Vespa Cutdown with some ingenious and original touches, and a stunning accesorised SX200. The other machines of note were the outrageous "Menace" which again showed masses of ingenuity, and the fantastic "Easy Rider" chop. It has to be said that there were a fantastic number of Scooters outside in the car park more than capable of holding their own in this show - punters take heed - have a go in october!

Music was a pleasure, and before long the dancing competitions kicked off - bit slow to start, but once a few anthems were played the floor filled (3 o clock in the afternoon?) This was followed by a live appearance from DC Fontana with some excellent "tight" performances of some classics, including "54-46" which I thought was a different and brillant version with female vocal.

On to the Custom show Results, and presentation of prizes, some of which I missed as I was in convo with a mate I hadnt seen for a while. However I understand that the prizes were:

CUSTOM SHOW

BEST IN SHOW - DEADLY WEB

BEST STANDARD LAMBRETTA - SX200

BEST STANDARD VESPA - PRIMAVERA (SUE, SBSC)

BEST CUSTOM LAMBRETTA - RAT FINK

BEST CUSTOM VESPA - FAITHFUL FRIEND

BEST MOD STYLE - SX 200 (GRAHAM, MUTTS NUTS SC)

BEST CHOP/CUTDOWN - (DEADLY WEB)

BEST RAT/ODDITY - LAMBRO (MARK, WAKEFIELD)

BEST AUTO - HARRY POTHEAD (NANA, YSA)

DANCING

SKA - SPEN VALLEY MEMBER

SOUL - JOE BURNSIDE/LAD WITH SX200 (TIE)

All in all this had been a great day out for just £3. But we hadn't finished yet - we were off to the Old Gifted and Fat SC/Beat Authority do at Bar Deco just along the road. First time for some "Indian refreshments" (Quite a choice in Batley!) and a natter about the days events. We would have liked to have seen a few more dealer stalls - but hey....

The evening saw Deco nicely packed with like minded folks and some great tunes being spun by Chinky, Tidsy and Liquidator. Reasonably priced ale was a bonus - but yeah, a great end to a great day.

Thanks to all concerned - see you in York!