There were quite a few events in May, so lots to tell you about.  I understand the three section camping weekend at Sixpenny Handley was good as usual, even though a bit cold and wet on the Saturday night.   I wasn’t able to attend, but from information I have gleaned, I think there were 4 members from Southern Section at the event.  The following weekend, 12 of us went to The East Dart Hotel in Dartmoor for a great couple of days.  Five bikes with 9 people met up on route, and we met the other 3 attendees at the hotel.  The ride down for us was lovely, with a nice stop for lunch at on the way. We just had a bit of rain the last hour of riding, but with the lovely hot drying room at the hotel, our gear was soon ready to wear again.  Erica came across from Plymouth, and also got a bit wet on her journey.  We were given a lovely welcome by Paul and Rosie, the hotel owners, and their hospitality during our stay was second to none, comfortable rooms, good food and real ale on tap, all the makings of a good weekend.  On Saturday the bikes were mounted and moved from the undercover parking to assemble at the front of the hotel.  We had an enjoyable ride to Looe in the sunshine (yes, the sun decided to show itself).  We had an enjoyable three hours wondering around Looe, helping the local economy by sampling the Cornish Pasties and Cream Teas, and dodging the seagulls.  On arrival back at the hotel some of us went for a walk by the 13^th century Clapper Bridge along the East Dart River, and popped in to the visitor centre.  Sunday morning, and we said goodbye to two couples who were visiting family, and 8 of us enjoyed the ride home.  We stopped at The Coach and Horses in Winterbourne Abbas, where, in Southern Section tradition, we enjoyed a lovely Sunday lunch.  We all said our goodbyes and made our way home.  Thanks to Mike Cross for organising this weekend.  It was the first one he has done for our Section, and hopefully will not be the last.  On the Sunday we were coming home, some of our other members were heading to The Ace Café for the BMW day.  Chris said it was busy as usual.  They did not manage to sign up any news members, but three, although not our section, were going to join when they got home.  Dean sent me a write up on the Ride of Respect on 17^th May.

‘Thirteen members attended the Ride of Respect.  Fortunately, for me, only 9 of the section members and not the thousands attending the event accepted the offer of starting from my house with a bacon butty and a brew to help us through the day.  Leaving Tidworth at 09.30hrs we rode up to The Pit Stop, just off the M4 to meet the other 4 members before heading off to Hullavington Airfield for our arrival slot at 11.00hrs.  Once congregated on the airfield we managed another drink (never turn down the chance of a brew) before departing in the last group at 12.30.  This last group, due to the vast numbers attending and the timings slipping slightly, contained everybody who was left on the airfield (estimated 1500 bikes).  We did get parted just prior to the start but managed to regroup.  Having a large Royal Engineers flag flying from my bike helped and acted as a marker for us all keep together.  The ride this year was back to its original route which took us through Royal Wooten Bassett (RWB).  Again the locals came out in strength to show support and clap us along the way.  Banners were flying and people of all ages cheering and high fiving.  This did cause the odd bike to do a bit of a wobble in front of us.  The end of the ride took us into the RWB Academy where music, food and merchandise stalls were all at hand.  After a quick walk round and an appreciation of the size of the queue for food, Noel and Ann very kindly offered us a brew and cake back at their house just 10 minutes away, and 10 of us accepted the offer.  A big ‘thank you’ to Ann who supplied us with, what everyone agreed, was the best carrot cake and banana cake we had ever eaten.  All in all it was a great day out for a very worthy cause, with friends old and new.  I am already looking forward to next year.’  I haven’t had any feedback from Nigel about the 3 Country Inn camping, but I expect it was good as usual.  I know he was expecting quite a few members to attend.

Now, if you get this journal early, don’t forget Paul Bateman’s run on 28^th June.  Meet at Newlands Corner for a departure at 10.30 for a run to Kent. 

JULY

The Hogroast, a non BMW event is being held in Andover on the first weekend of the month.  I have never been, but I know it is very popular and details are on the website.  We have Nick and Sarah’s camping weekend 10^th to 12^th but please contact Nick on 07775 702265 to book your place.  This is always a great weekend in a lovely part of the country.  You can even talk to the resident Alpacas.  As Jack’s fish and chip shop in Bagshot is still open (there were rumours it was going to close) we will be meeting there at 18.00hrs for dinner on 15^th July.  We were expecting to have our archery day again on 18^th, but unfortunately, there is a problem with the venue and we are now trying to find another suitable date. I will update you when I know more.  Also, due to Chippy going on a well-earned holiday, the Clay Pigeon shoot on 26^th is off for this year.  Hopefully this event will be re-instated next year.

AUGUST

On 9^th, if you want to go on Nick’s run, meet at 10.00hrs at Bahnstormer, Alton for a run to Woodhenge and Amesbury.  The aim is to be back at Alton at 16.00hrs.  On 16^th, there is a choice.  The Popham Mega Meet is on at Popham Airfield, and there is the Brackley Motorcycle festival.  All details on website as usual.  Erica is going to Shoreham Airfield to see the Avro Vulcan.  If you fancy joining her, contact her for details.  I know she has already bought her ticket!  Now, I hope I do not have to remind you about the last weekend of August and Our National.  Jim Lepley has told us that bookings are going really well, so please come along and support us.   It is a lot of work to run this event, so we really want it to be a success. 

SEPTEMBER

This month is looking quite quiet.  I think we are all expecting that we are going to need a long rest after the National weekend!!  The only listed event is Dave Wright’s Forge Day on 27^th.   This is always a really interesting day so if you want to come along ring Dave on 01428 684902.

Now looking even further forward, we have booked a venue for our Christmas Dinner.  It will be at The North Hants Golf Club in Fleet on Saturday 5^th December.  It is very close to Fleet Station, and there is a Premier Inn really close and a Travel Lodge a little bit further away.  I know Chris Tite has already booked his room at the Premier Inn for £35.00.  Please keep the date free, and there will be more details to follow.

Well, I think that is enough waffle from me for now.  Have fun and stay safe.