Forty years after British seaside resorts were turned upside down by youthful mods and rockers, Southend can expect up to 5,000 bikers to drive in from the North Circular on the Easter Shakedown run. GARY MAC reports

Bikers, up to 5,000 of them, will be heading for Southend seafront on Easter Monday to enjoy a grand get-together.

Forty years on the fights and bad publicity that dogged the rockers (motorbikes) and mods (scooters) are just a distant memory.

But for some, bikers are still seen as a two-wheel menaces that cuts you up on the inside as they roar about looking for a punch-up.

If you're into sweeping, unjust stereotypes then the biker is your man - did I forget to mention that women don't ride bikes, unless being a pillion passenger counts?

If you share this opinion then it might be best to keep away from the seafront on Monday afternoon as enthusiasts drive in on the Shakedown motorcycle run.

The two-wheel trip begins at the legendary Ace Cafe at Stonebridge on London's North Circular, ending on the seafront with a display of classic machines -- Matchless, Nortons, Triumphs, BSAs, current-day favourites and customised trikes.

Bike clubs and individuals are invited to complete the entire run or join the procession along the way.

Organiser and Ace Cafe owner Mark Wilsmore, said: "Judging from last year there'll be bikers from all over the country. In fact we were joined by motorcyclists from France, Belgium, Holland and Germany during the first run, which was held last year."

So why do the bikers do it? "Two images are associated with bikers in this country - the Isle of Man TT race and bank holiday days out to the seaside," says Mark.

"At this time of year bike clubs always hold Easter egg runs, raising funds and delivering eggs to children's hospitals and rest homes."

The bikers heading for Southend are no different, with funds raised going to the Little Haven Hospice at Thundersley.

Special commemorative metal badges in the shape of a heart will be on sale on the seafront on the day, priced £4.

Having gone out with a biker in my misspent youth, I can vouch for them being far more caring and considerate than your average car driver.

If a biker sees another biker in trouble, stranded at the side of the road they will invariably stop.

When was the last time a motorist stopped for you when your car broke down?

So motorists, remember these guys and girls are genuinely caring people who just happen to prefer exposing themselves to the elements on their travels.

A point you may find hard to remember on Monday when you are sitting in the inevitable bank holiday traffic jam with bikes whizzing past either side of you for the Shakedown.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.