Two years running I have been to this show, after a gap of 2 or 3 years. Its a minor highlight in a tedious winter month. Even quite early on the Friday it was heaving with people. The demographic is clear: the great majority of attenders are middle aged men. I’d say there is 5 – 10% women. And a few families with small kids who climb all over the bikes. There are always a small number of the injured, either with their wrists in a brace or with crutches or in wheelchairs. Every year I wonder what the stories are behind these more serious injuries.

The bikes, of course are beautiful and shiny and great fun to swing a leg over.

But mostly they are there to admire. Some, like the BMW R1200GS Adventure (huge already) up on a plinth higher than all the other Beamers.

Or there is the chrome Norton in a glass case.

There is always masses of stuff you can buy. I never know whether there are really any bargains to be had but the market creates lots of excitement.

My journey there is always fun too. From Bankside I took the Thames Clipper up to the O2 then caught the Emirates air line

over the Thames with its stunning view and commentary about the history of invention and the Lea Valley.