I just parked the V50 at Van der Valk in Wieringerwerf. And in no time I'm standing at the catering square on the Brinkweg next to José Bil. Together with her husband Piet, she is one of the founders of Wieringerwerf op Wielen, the event where, strangely enough, I only attend for the first time. After two corona years, it is back on the map, and a phenomenon that is now deeply rooted in the Kop van Noord-Holland. I last saw José and Piet thirty years ago, but this feels like yesterday. Especially when José says: “I'll get you a beer, nice”.
It does me a lot of good. I am back in the Wieringermeerdorp, where I lived with my parents and my sister for a number of years. I immediately recognize that fine, unpretentious, cozy atmosphere that fits so well in this environment. And I see that Wieringerwerf on Wheels gives a huge kick to my old spot and the wide periphery. Piet and José, together with a number of founders, are a very important factor for the liveliness. As they have been for the social base of Wieringerwerf and the surrounding area since 1975. Then they became the owners of the Marianne Bar, a phenomenon in the Noordkop where I drank my first beer in 1985. They are now retired, but they are fully engaged in life. I think it is wonderful to talk to Piet and José again after years and to meet other old acquaintances. It feels as if time has stood still.
My sister Saskia, my brother-in-law Ronald and my classic-crazy cousin Niels join in. We are curious what Wieringerwerf op Wielen has to offer this year. That's a lot, a lot. This is a great event that offers everything. Tractors, motorcycles, trucks, mopeds, trikes and of course the classic cars are a beautiful addition to history. They are the epicenter of a large and really fantastically organized event that runs smoothly on wheels. There is a food square with ditto trucks, there are live bands, the BMX world champion shows his tricks, the youngest youth has been thought of, there are various demonstrations. There is a miniature stall, where I buy a cool Fiat 124 Abarth in 1:43 scale for a bargain price. And there is much more. There is something for everyone. And that says a lot, because it is teeming with people.
On to the Lelypark, which offers suitable space for all kinds of classics. How nice: we meet the couple Reus from Venhuizen. I met these pure Simca and Talbot adepts a few months earlier in Kockengen during the 104-Samba jubilee, and now they are just around the corner, in Wieringerwerf. With the metallic green Simca 1006 SR, a beautiful late version from the long-running 1000 series. I ask André Reus if my nephew can sit behind the wheel of the sympathetic French car for a while. “Of course”, he says and a little later he patiently explains to Niels how everything works in little Simca. I'm sure Niels will never forget it. In fact, after the summer holidays Niels will also go on a report to Venhuizen, he lives around the corner and is just as fond of classics as his uncle.
It's a lovely afternoon. And time flies, the four is quickly in the clock. The pictures have been taken. Sas, Ronald and Niels return home quietly, but I stay for a while to blend in with the crowd, there on that large terrace. The Marianne Bar once bordered on this, but that role has now been taken over by Bij de Buren. Wieringerwerf's living room is run by Martine. She is the daughter of Piet and José. The former hair salon has become a great catering facility, which is located right next to the former Marianne Bar. Right, at the neighbors due.
Today, the glass is more than half full for everyone, especially on the very cozy catering square where everything is already well organized. Without catering, nobody in the Wieringermeer will thrive, and you notice that. The wonderful need to let the blond foamy beer flow comes out unpolished today, the atmosphere is wonderful. I like it- that one beer from Jose close to coke. Very simple, I still have a bit to do with the V50. But I enjoy. From the live music, from that wonderful casual atmosphere. And the reunion with old friends, with whom the old-fashioned click again. With whom I have fun, but also have nice conversations. They do not accept the remaining consumption tokens, because: “you will come here again† Sure! But now it's time to head north again. I first drive to my father in Julianadorp. After this I go back to Leeuwarden, captivated by the beautiful impressions of the day.
I have visited many great events at home and abroad, but I rarely saw such a well-oiled machine as on June 26, 2022. It was right on all sides, that's how you put a nice village on the map, and that is really something to be very proud of. Thanks to Wieringerwerf op Wielen, my sister and I greeted the beautiful history in all respects. This meant a lot to us. We came home. In an unparalleled way.
For many more photos from the event, visit the Facebook page of Wieringerwerf op Wielen† You will find hundreds of beautiful images, made by Rien Hoekenga.
Hopefully I'll meet you next Saturday at the oldtimer show in Sint Nicolaasga
Where are the motorcycles oldtimers and classics , not invited ??
Dear Pierre.
Below the photo gallery of the story is the link to the Facebook page of Wieringwerf op Wielen. There you will find many photos of classic and modern motorcycles.
where is the v50 then?