When I heard that Iggy and Andy were organising another Scooter Expo I couldn’t contain my excitement. The first Scooter Expo was way back in 2019 (check it out here) and since then not only have we had a global pandemic but a ton of shiny new custom scooters have been built.
Lee had his own lockdown project on the go, although strictly speaking it started some 7 years ago, and if it hadn’t been for Covid it still might not be finished! We applied for it to be chosen for Expo 2023 and were over the moon when we were invited to come up to Alfreton again.
Luckily the weather was better than last time and we drove up from the south coast on the Saturday, to set up in advance. When we arrived at Alfreton Leisure Centre there were already some great scooters parked up outside.
Sweet Harmony
I immediately made a beeline for Emma Wilson’s Sweet Harmony and introduced myself as I had major FOMO not seeing it at Scarborough – it just looked incredible, and even more so in the Scootering Magazine feature. Nothing beats seeing it in real life though, looking at the finer details in person, as well as hearing Emma talking about the project and some of the smaller details which went into it.
I even sat on the seat briefly just to see how (un)comfortable it is! It’s not even easy to get on and off the stand due to the position of the crown where the front of the seat would usually be!
World Freakshow
It was a relief to finally unveil Lee’s project, World Freakshow (the jury seems to be out on whether it’s one, two or three words – I’m going for two!), named after a Levellers single.
Lee bought a 2002 standard PX125 and proceeded to get the angle grinder out to chop off most of the frame. He then took it to Wayne Clark, a fellow scooterist at Oddrods Customs, to extend it and fit the fork neck for the original 1970s Harley Springer forks.
When the bodywork was finished Lee took it to Colin Fitzgerald at Garage Artwerks for the paint, and got some custom parts made by Keith at K2 Customs. The engine is a 225 Pinasco and it has a 26mm carb and Revolver exhaust. The engine and shock have been moved over by 10mm to accommodate the SIP fat rear tyre.
Lots of shiny scooters
Where do I begin with some of the other scooters there? Check out my Instagram for videos of the day and photos here.
I think I’ll just feature a ‘few’ here and then you can see the full gallery at the bottom of this post. These are in chronological order rather than any particular one being my favourite; to me they’re like children – how can you pick a favourite?!
Lammie Chops
Here are some of the other scooters parked up outside, including a couple of Lambretta choppers – Paul Muirhead’s Dead Man’s Shoes and Rob Wilde’s Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
Dead Man’s Shoes
Paul Muirhead’s Lambretta chop – was nice to see it in the sun!
Texas Chainsaw Massacre
Rob Wilde has owned this Lammie chop since the 90s and decided to rebuild it during lockdown. It’s got a 186 Imola engine and as he’s always loved the Texas Chainsaw Massacre film he decided that would be the theme – despite it scaring the bejesus out of him when he saw it as a kid! Percy Badbrush took care of the paint, which is a candy green vreeble, and the murals. Rob bought the DVD of the film for research as he probably hasn’t seen it for 35 years but is too scared to watch it again!
Puddin’
Setting up in Hall 1
Once the bigger hall opened we were all able to set up. Lee was in position #1 and it was hard to even get it in as it’s just so long! Luckily he negotiated the door eventually and then down the ramp and into position. As more scooters arrived I darted about getting some early photos.
Tommy
The Damned
Breaking Rocks
Rhapsody and Blues Reprise
John Barnett’s Rhapsody and Blues Reprise, formerly owned by the late Pete Robinson, legendary engraver. It still looks as good as ever.
Over Rising
Terry Walters’ Charlatans themed Vespa, Over Rising.
Hot Wheels
It was the first time I’ve seen Disco Daz’s Hot Wheels in person and it’s really lovely!
Dream Stealer
So Many Sides Of You
Pandemonium Device AKA ’21’
Scooter Expo 2 – the main event
Right, so I think I’ll just cut to the chase because I’m not even scratching the surface trying to summarise the scooters on display. If you want to see them all then check out the gallery at the bottom!
We ended up staying in the Premier Inn, having checked into the Boundary but driven out by a noisy private party outside our bedroom window. Luckily the Premier Inn had a family room so we packed up and drove there instead, and thank goodness it was nice and quiet.
In the morning we went to Wetherspoons for breakfast and then headed straight for the leisure centre for a final polish.
The doors opened at 10am and there was a massive queue outside, and it was so nice to have sunny weather rather than the torrential rain we had in 2019.
What was so nice was seeing so many people we knew, with punters from all over the country. From fellow south coasters like Tori and Dean Percival to proper northerners and contingents from Scotland and Wales.
It was a chance for me to meet one of my best clients in person for the first time too. Jon Betts, aka JB Fabrication, makes some amazing car, motorbike and scooter bits, as well as home furnishings and I set up his website and online store during lockdown. .
Daz and Louise were manning the Crusader stall, selling the biggest collection of patches I’ve ever seen! They had hundreds, from past rallies and events, so it was a great chance to complete your collection if you missed out on getting one at the time.
We walked into town for some food at lunchtime, getting a few bits from Tesco. There were scooters buzzing around everywhere, coming and going all the time. I have to say that if you can bear to wait until the afternoon for a visit then you get the best access to look at the scooters. Many people by then were chatting outside, where bar and food stalls were providing refreshments.
I missed the talks by Norrie Kerr and Mike Hayman, which was a shame, but there was just too much chatting to be done with people we don’t see nearly enough of.
Slacker the Pinstriper
What was really cool was seeing Slacker the Pinstriper in action, painting some signwriting on a scooter in the show.
Dave Dickinson
And once again, Dave Dickinson was demonstrating his airbrushing skills. Tori was transfixed, and said she could watch him all day. It’s amazing how he builds up the design, layer by layer, colour by colour. I can’t believe I didn’t get a ‘before’ photo, or even one of him in action. Just a video, which I’ll post on Insta. This is the finished design though.
Presentation
At the end of the day Andy took to the mike and handed out a couple of trophies, chosen by the keynote speakers.
Norrie Kerr chose Best Vespa which went to Pandemonium Device, although owner Neil had already left the building so couldn’t collect in person. Mike Hayman chose Best Lambretta with the trophy going to the owner of Brown Sugar.
Time to pack up
As people were packing up their scooters and wheeling them out, I took the opportunity to get photos of them, with their scoots.
You can spot some non-owners in their too, like me on Norrie’s racer! (if you’re offered the chance to sit on an iconic scooter then you say yes don’t you?!)
It had been a brilliant day, and we are grateful to organisers Iggy and Andy for curating such an incredible custom show. We also appreciate all their helpers, without whom it wouldn’t have been possible. Finally, to all the scooter owners who polished and transported their pride and joy across the country to Alfreton.
And then it was time to hit the road, in our case the M1 south, for the journey back to the south coast. We said our goodbyes to friends old and new, and packed everything up. I’m already looking forward to Scooter Expo 3 😉
Gallery
Here is my full Scooter Expo 2 gallery. Videos of many of these are on my Instagram profile too.
