The SMaRT collective started in 2016 as a group of friends from the Portsmouth area who couldn’t make the traditional Wednesday night rideout so decided to meet on a Thursday instead. These rides became really popular so they formed a group, set up a Facebook page and co-ordinated rides and events for anyone who wanted to join in.
A Saturday breakfast run was added to the calendar and the SMaRT gang attended other scooter events across the south of England. SMaRT stands for Scooter Meet and Ride Times and although Sean Mason isn’t an elected leader, he tends to organise a lot of their events, with help from other members of the group.
SMaRT organised their first alldayer at the Hampshire Rose pub in Waterlooville in order to support Rowans Hospice, which is a charity close to many of their hearts. They are currently on a major fundraising drive and as many of the SMaRT group have had friends and family using their facilities it seemed like the ideal charity to benefit from this new event.
I think it’s fair to say that the day was a massive success. The evening do sold out well in advance, and at the time of writing they have raised over £10,000 but with further donations to add to the tally the final total will be much higher.
Surviving Storm Hannah
I was determined to attend the SMaRT alldayer but was worried by the forecast of heavy rain in the days leading up to Saturday. Luckily, as the big day arrived, the BBC weather app was predicting sunny intervals but warnings of Storm Hannah were all over the news and the subject of varous Facebook chats between our gang of Detours (and husbands). I thought the safest option was to go two-up on the GTS, with me providing ‘ballast’ on the back of Lee, but even on the ride to our meeting point in Chichester we were buffeted by gusty winds which made my heart jump.
We made it there in one piece though, meeting up with Mark, Putt and Snowy on his ever-changing Vespa. The newest incarnation is inspired by a recent trip to Vietnam, and has a taxi theme!
We all then set off on the short ride to Waterlooville, avoiding the A roads to try and reduce the effects of the 45mph wind. I’d memorised the route, so we led the way, but luckily when Putt overtook and zoomed off in the wrong direction Mark was able to catch him and steer him back onto the right road!
SMaRT Alldayer at the Hampshire Rose
The venue for the alldayer was a local pub, and it was ideal as it was nice and big with a decent-sized car park which could just about accommodate the 130-odd scooters who were in attendance.
All scooters were eligible for the custom show, with a few nice machines parked right in front of the pub in pole position for punters to see.
One of the nicest scooters was this custom Vespa with a Hammer Horror theme. It had tons of chrome and engraving, including the engine casing. The murals were great too, and the theme worked really well.
There were plenty of other tasty scooters on display.
We grabbed some lunch from the burger van and Snowy and Putt then conspired to show me their new party trick, which I captured for posterity (and Putt’s new Facebook profile pic) – Popeye Putt!
Charity haircut
One of the fundraising ideas was for a charity haircut. I was there to see Rob Gulliver donate his long pony tail to the Little Princess Trust, which raised over £1400 alone. It was too much for his wife who shed a few tears when his long locks were transformed into a grade 4 crop!
Another group member, Gordon White, is a regular fundraiser for the Rowans and went bald for the cause today.
SMaRT custom show results
Landlord’s Choice :
Homage to Armandos, T5 Mk 1, owned by Sean Mason
Best Vespa :
Twisted Attraction, Vespa with sidecar, owned by Richard Hall
Best Lambretta :
Lambretta LI, owned by Nigel Cleveley
Best Vintage :
Lambretta Series 2, owned by Chris Chaffe
Rowans Choice :
Wasp, Vespa PX
Best Custom :
Hammer Horror, T5 Mk 1, owned and built by Jason Terry
The day was a massive success and the grand total raised brought tears to the eyes of the Rowans representatives who were present. Sean Mason commented “We are all amazed at how well attended it was and wish to thank all those who have dug deep and donated. To organise an event like this has been a brilliant experience. We attract scooterists from West Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire, and welcome anyone to feel free and pop along to join us for a ride.”.
Although I couldn’t stay long, it was really nice to support the SMaRT alldayer and catch up with friends. Thanks also to those who said hello and follow this website, it’s always nice to chat about the old days!