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 13th 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 17th 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 28th 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 10th to
12th 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 15th July. We
were expecting to have our archery day again on 18th, 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 26th is off for this
year. Hopefully this event will be
re-instated next year.
AUGUST
On 9th, 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 16th,
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 27th. 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 5th 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.