Hi Folks,
Well what have we been up to down here in Rotherland then? loads as reported last time several of us were looking forward to the Medieval night at the Robin Hood on the 23rd April, and 14 of us came out well stuffed with the Excellent food that was served and the fine ale`s. Bob,Eric,Brian,Rod,Ed and Oscar enjoyed themselves up in Pembroke for the Welsh Dragon Rat Raid 24th/26th April. They were made very welcome by the organizers and had a very enjoyable weekend.Bob said one of the highlights being a boat trip down the river at Pembroke Docks.
On the 29th April the branch had its first club ride out of the year,Clive led the pack over to the Woolpack at Brooklands via Hawkhurst, sandhurst,Biddingdon,Tenterden, some of our regulars were joined by two more new members Andy Sutton and Airbrush andy`s mate Hedgehog Dave, its seems to be a good year for new members, so far. When we got to the Woolpack we were greeted by Rod and Jayne who were unable to make the ride out in time due to other commitments. Also joining us for the ride out was John and his wife from Staplecross .
The May Day run was well attended this year with an estimated 20,000 bikers decending on Hastings for the annual event, local
Papers said the Police reported no major incidents and praised the motorcyclists on their good behaviour and sensible riding.
Clive led the few early birds of the club up to Locksbottom and came down with the thousands to Hastings, Bob, Chris, BSA Matt,
Debbie, Gemma and Me met up with them when they stopped off at the Little Chef Flimwell. later meeting up at the White Rock
Hotel for a liquid lunch (see pictures of some of the mass of bikes on our website)
On Wednesday 6th May the sun had been shinning all day ,well until i had a ring round to see who fancied a ride before our usual meeting at the Robin Hood, eight of us met at Johns Cross for 7.30 before we set off for the Robin via Heathfield, Burwash, Bodium, we managed to get to the Robin just before it was getting dark, it did turn cold and we had a bit of fog on the way to Heathfield but it did not rain.
Clive,Matt and Roger represented the branch at the Worlds End Rally, 8th/9th/10th May. Roger had great pleasure in phoning me
on the saturday afternoon to report on a pub they had found serving some lovely beer, thanks for that.Good bands, good beer, and a good weekend by the sounds of it.
We had a Black Horse Meeting on 13th May which was well attended, it gave a chance for branch to get together in one room
and disscusses forthcoming events and what the branch is going to be spending money on while the Treasurer was away in the
Lake District having a nostalgia week with Brian and Rod. They took their old bikes up there by van and trailer , Ed joined them riding up on his Suzuki. Speaking to Treas Eric he said they had a brilliant week within an hour of their arrival on the Saturday afternoon they had their bikes unloaded and were blasting round the beautiful country lanes.the weather forecast for the Sunday was for some showers, sleet and snow.their awoke to a fine day, just after they set off on their bikes they met the sleet and the rain cloud kept with them till they stopped for lunch at Lake windermere,after putting their waterproofs on for the afternoons ride back, out came the sun and it stayed out for most of the week. They managed a round of golf while they were there and Eric was pleased to report he won, apparantly as they were self catering they thought they would play their own celebrity cook game and mark each others cooking. Brian came out on top with 28 pts but poor old Rodders only managed 15 pts Perhaps thats why he likes organising the meals out then. Brian was pleased to fine some of his favouite beers being served up there from Jennings brewery, Eric also said he can`t wait to go back up to the Lakes,well he has not long to wait cos he is joining Bob, Clive and myself for the Midsummer Rat Raid on the Lake district on 19th-21st june. On their way back the boys stopped off at the BMF Show at Peterborough picking up more bargains as usual.
The club run to the Six Bells Chiddingly scheduled for the 27th May was brought forward one week as we had to erect the clubs
marquee over at ninfield for the Norsemans MCC Poker run Rally on the 30th May, The run was well attended with 11 bikes following Clive over to the Six Bells. Rodders was a bit unlucky, his clutch cable broke on arriving to the pub, a call to RAC and a new nipple and he was able to ride it home thankfully.
We have a club ride out planned for Wednesday 24th June meeting up with our brothers and sisters at the Medway Branch.
This is the last report before our RABBT RALLY 10th-12th JULY we are looking forward to seeing as many of you that can make it.
Keep up to date with whats on by visiting our website.Summers here so get out on those bikes.that will do for this one.
And remember the grass may be greener on the other side but its just as hard to cut.
The Mowerman
Email - colin@rothertriumphmcc.co.uk