Hi Folks,
On 30th May some of the Branch members took part in the Norsemans MCC eighty odd mile poker run, starting off at The Winchelsea Lodge with a healthy breakfast then stopping at various points including Beachy Head on their way to Ninfield for the rally in the evening. It was reported that a large amount of money was raised for charity, so well done to them. Rick said it was a very successful weekend and thanks Em for driving him and his van home because he was unable to keep his eyes open on the Sunday morning after packing up the marquee. It was either tiredness or the effects of the amount of alcohol that he had consumed. (I think we know which one it was) Also thanks to the branch members who helped with the erection of the marquee and taking it down.
On the same weekend various members attended the BMF Gems Show at Detling and picked up a few bargains. Some of the branch rode up to the Ace Café Triumph Bike day on 14th June, that some being Airbrush Andy, Hedgehog Dave, Clive, Matt and Roger. A good day out was had by all.
The Club had an official meeting on 17th June at The Robin Hood to mainly discuss the preparation for the forthcoming Rabbit Rally. The meeting was very well attended by members, including a couple of new members. Welcome to Nigel from Cranbrook and Frank from somewhere else, sorry I did not catch where you were from mate, but good to see you. We also had a visit from our friends from the Bexley Branch, returning the best branch turnout shield ready to give out at The Rabbit Rally. Thanks for returning it and sorry that we were a bit busy to chat more due to our meeting. Hopefully we will see then again at the rally.
The next morning Bob, Clive, Mike and myself met at the Little Chef, Flimwell and set off for the Rat Raid in the Lake District via Shrewsbury for an overnight stop. On the way we stopped off at an aviation museum at Moreton on the Marsh. When arriving at Shrewsbury after a quick freshen up we got a taxi into town and soon found a good pub for food, and about 10 beers on we did think about going clubbing but as there were no lap dancing clubs we decided to go back to the Travelodge and get some sleep ready for the next part of our trip.
Friday morning we made our way to the Lakes, arriving at our destination, the Petterdale Hotel. After unpacking we were soon out on the bikes having an explore round, stopping at Pooley Bridge for afternoon tea. On the way back to the hotel Mike the bike had a little incident , so we have now named one of the corners Cramps Corner. Luckily the only damage was a broken foot rest. When back at the hotel Mike the Mechanic soon replaced the damaged one with one of the rear ones. On the Saturday morning we joined one of the three planned ride outs. About 25 of us were led on a 100 mile trip over various passes across the region. It was well worth the trip up there, the scenery was spectacular, the weather got better as the day got on. Unfortunately a couple of the other chaps did the Cramp manoeuvre but were still able to carry on. A new member Nigel was also up there, he rode up with the Laguna Rat Pack.
On the Saturday evening after our meal Brian and Liz came and found us. They were on their way to Scotland for their hols, but had stopped over the night, staying just down the road. As the hotel was a bit busy we wandered down to the village local and had a very enjoyable evening, met up with a couple of Geordie Girls who were also staying in our hotel , very entertaining , made sure my hotel room was locked that night. Then on the Sunday after a nice healthy breakfast we made our way home. Mike stayed with us for part of the return journey before turning off the M6 heading for Rotherham via the famous Snake Pass across the Penines from Glossop to Worksop by the side of the Lady Bower reservoir. He later said it was brilliant, bright sunshine, well worth the detour. Bob, Clive and me made it home by 6pm, had 3 stops, 8 hrs, 370 miles, a long day but a fantastic weekend, covering 900 miles.
By the time you read this the 2009 Rabbit Rally would have been and gone. Hopefully it was a good one, I will report next time. There is a planned ride out to The Swan at Wittersham on 29th July , a very popular Camra Local Branch pub of the year winner many times, well worth a visit. Congratulations to Eric on picking up 2nd prize for his Royal Wedding Bonnie at a recent Lyons charity ride over at Eastbourne. A lot of the branch members have been working hard on getting their old bikes ready for the forthcoming Bonneville Bash at Gaydon. Looks like there will be a good club turnout.
Well that’s it for this time.
Ride safe
The Mowerman
Email - colin@rothertriumphmcc.co.uk