One week after doing the RTTW, the ‘Fab Five’ (Karen, Neil, Yvonne, Andy and myself) hit the road again, to attend the Hoggin the Bridge 9, a charity run over the Severn Bridge. We decided to make it a two day trip by staying in the Bridge View Travelodge. This was very convenient as it was where the ride was going to start from, before finishing in Chepstow.

Having stayed the night with Karen and Neil, we left late on Saturday morning for the run down south. We took the direct motorway route as we intended stopping at the newly opened Cheltenham H-D shop. We found the shop to be light and well stocked, with the staff friendly and helpful. I thought a long-sleeved t-shirt at £20 was good value for money, being even better when a 10% discount reduced the price to £18. The Travelodge is rather isolated so we booked a taxi to take us to the Plough inn for an evening meal. The food and beer were both excellent.

Sunday morning and we woke to the sound of the early arrivals. Breakfast at the Little Chef and we were ready. The parking area was full by the time we left, with estimates ranging from 1500 to 2000 bikes. The ride started when Leon Haslam, BSB and next year to be WSB star, arrived to take the lead. It was a pleasant ride and parking had been arranged in Chepstow. To take the best advantage of this you have to be at the front of the ride. We walked into town and collected our T-shirts and pins. We would have liked to stop, but it was very crowded, so we returned to the bikes and headed for Gloucester.

We travelled by A roads until we were north of Worcester and then joined the motorway to finish the return journey before it started to rain.

It was an enjoyable weekend with good countryside for riding a bike, especially as the weather stayed dry.

The Sherwood part of this event is the first that I have organised on behalf of the Chapter. I think it is only right that I summarize the beginning of this event and then talk about our participation.

In the National Memorial Arboretum, near Burton-on-Trent, there is an Armed Forces memorial, in the shape of a wall, dedicated to all forces personnel who have lost their lives since the end of World War Two. There are in excess of 16,000 names on the wall.

On the 11^th November 2007, a few Harley Davidson riders attended the first Remembrance service to be held at the National Memorial Arboretum. It was mentioned by the riders that something should be done to mark the event yearly, similar to the ‘Ride for the Wall’ (RFTW) that occurs in the USA, when hundreds of thousands of motorcyclists cross the continent to meet at the Vietnam wall in Arlington Cemetery, Washington DC. Last year, 350,000 motorcycles made the journey!

One of those riders, Martin Dickinson, Director of Nene Valley Chapter, proposed the idea at the next HOG UK Directors meeting in late 2007. There was an overwhelmingly positive response from the meeting and then plans have gone ahead, led by Nene Valley Chapter and keenly supported by the other UK Chapters. The event has become known as the ‘Ride to the Wall’ (RTTW). It was initially for Harley Davidson riders only, but it has now been opened to all motorcycle riders. Each person has paid £5 to register and will receive a RTTW pin and year bar. After expenses, all remaining money will go to help with the upkeep of the Armed Forces Memorial.

The ride will begin from the Moto Services area at Tamworth (M42/A5 junction) at 11am with Chapter flags at the front. The ride will take approximately 30 minutes, arriving at the National Memorial Arboretum at 11.30am. The bikes will park on either side of Millennium Avenue, with the ‘Parade of Flags’ forming a ‘Guard of Honour’. The ceremony will begin at 12.15pm on the steps of the Armed Forces Memorial and last about 15 minutes. It will begin with a Piper, followed by a short service, a minute’s silence, Last Post by a Bugler and then the laying of wreaths. Departures from the Arboretum will be from 1.30pm.

Karen and Neil stayed with us on Friday evening in order to make an early start on Saturday. The five of us (3 bikes) were all ready to leave at 8am, in order to be at the Friendly Farmer for an 8.30am departure. 9 bikes left for a straight forward ride to the services area at Castle Donington, the meeting point for most of the Sherwood members. When we left, it was strange to have 50 bikes following me (the most I’ve had, so far, as lead rider.) A quick run soon had us pulling into the services area at Tamworth, where Yvonne and I were directed to the area for the flag holders and everyone else went to another parking area. Whilst we were waiting, we fitted the flag to the pole and I went to collect our pins. There seemed to be Chapter patches from all over the country and the noise of the bikes entering the area was continuous. A piper playing the bagpipes added to the atmosphere.

11am and a whistle indicated it was time to leave. With police riders leading the way our ‘Parade of Flags’ were on their way. All entrances onto the island were blocked so that we had a clear way round and onto the A5. We travelled at a steady 50mph, hoping that the flag would not come off the pole and disappear down the road. It didn’t!! Crowds were on the bridges waving and clapping as we made our way to the A38 and headed for Burton. At the National Memorial Arboretum we lined up the bikes with the flags pointing to the road so that they could be seen by the riders as they came in. As there were far more riders than was originally planned for, it took over an hour for them all to get parked, delaying the service by 30 minutes.

The service was held half way up the steps to the Armed Forces Memorial (Wall). At the beginning two pipers played the bagpipes, followed by a short sermon and a bugler playing ‘The Last Post’. Afterwards, there was a wreath laying ceremony, conducted by a member from each Chapter.

After the ceremony I had arranged for a meal at the John Thompson Inn at Ingleby. So at the arranged 1.30pm, I lead the ride away from the Arboretum and headed to the inn for a carvery lunch. 50 people made the journey, which was a very pleasing number. I hope everyone enjoyed the food and company. I did!!

It was a memorable day and meant a lot of different things to a lot of people. It showed the general public that bikers care and are prepared to put in the time and effort to respect our Armed Forces who, in turn, have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Plans are already under way for next year – RTTW 2 will be on the 10^th October.

MAKE A NOTE AND BE THERE!!

Once again Sherwood Chapter had had ten places auctioned for charity, offering a day riding pillion on a Harley Davidson. This took place on Saturday 20^th September, leaving the Robin Hood H-D shop at 10.30am.

We headed west through Ilkeston and Ashbourne before turning north into the Derbyshire Peak District. Having lost where I was a long way back, we stopped at a pretty little cafe by a river for coffee and cake. On leaving we passed through a long tunnel, which gave everyone the chance to let rip with their exhaust sounds! After another pleasant ride we eventually arrived at the Knockerdown for lunch. That left us with a return journey through Belper and Derby.

The weather had been excellent and glad to say that all the pillion riders enjoyed their experience on the back of a Harley.

Yvonne and I were up early on Saturday, 13^th September, to load the bags onto the bike and be at the grandstand in Lincoln for 9.15am. We had such a good run that we were there far too early, which gave me time to photograph the cathedral in the morning mist.

With Steve leading and me as TEC, we travelled north over the Humber Bridge and, after a coffee stop, arrived in Scarborough for a well earned break. The sun had broken through the clouds and it was very pleasant sitting on the front. Whilst we were here, Jean and Merv joined us, so making the group complete. As we left, the sea mist rolled in, causing it to be quite chilly until we got up onto the moors. Steve took us through Grosmont (North Yorkshire Moors Railway) and close to Heartbeat country. The roads go narrower and steeper, and the sheep closer, but on we went until we stopped for a very nice ice cream. The final run brought us to our overnight stop at the King’s Head in Kirkby Moorside. That is, everyone but Karen, Neil, Yvonne and myself. We were the last to book and we sleeping round the corner in a cottage. This was no hardship as it was very pleasant and we all had a hearty breakfast in the morning.

Having refreshed, it was time to head back to the King’s Head for an evening meal and a few drinks. The locals recommended the Cumberland beer, which, I have to say was very drinkable, even though I kept thinking I was going to get sausages every time I made an order! The meal was excellent and the evening passed very quickly before we were told it was time for bed!

The next morning we crossed the A1 and headed for the South Yorkshire Dales. We passed through Leyburn and Hawes before once again hitting the narrow roads to go ‘over the top’. Working south, we eventually found our way to the A1, before pulling in for fuel and a final rest. Here we said our goodbyes and individuals or small groups left to make their own way home. Yvonne and I joined Mollie, Ed, Jackie and Will for the last ride to Lincoln, via the M62/M18/M180/A15.

It was a superb weekend. Well organised by Steve, and what a group to travel with! A big thank you to everyone who took part!

The weather was quite good as I made my way to meet up with whoever was at the Centurion. As it turned out, we had seven bikes, but as 7 o’clock arrived there were none of the usual road captains present. Having been on the Poachers Scout & Guide ride, however, I had come prepared with a map, so I took the lead with Andy as TEC. The light goes quickly now, so we took the direct route round the by-pass, then on to the A15, A631, B1398 and finally left into Willoughton.

The Stirrup Inn car park was full with bikes, but we all managed to get in somewhere. This is a good pub as it is still one of the few to offer Mild!! Most do not know what you are talking about when you ask for a Mild shandy. I’ve waited a long time to renew that taste.

Finally, a warm welcome to John, whom I met for the first time.

Sorry, there are no pictures this year, but you will find a few with the 2006 report!

This was the big one – our own Chapter rally at Woodland Waters, Ancaster. Getting there early, I spent most of Friday helping out on the gate, checking in those that had pre-booked and taking money off those that had made a late decision to come. We closed just after 9pm and went for a drink and to see what the band was like. Not good!

Saturday morning and I had a chance to have a look around the stalls before it was time for the ride-out. This year we went to the Aviation Museum in East Kirkby to see the Lancaster bomber. A very good turnout of 168 bikes made it to the museum and there were many who took advantage of refreshments in the Naafi. As well as the Lancaster, the museum houses a two-seater Spitfire, several old WWII vehicles, a Dambusters bouncing bomb, hundreds of photographs and many other articles of interest.

Marshalling duties over and it was time to get the rally T-shirt before grabbing the camera and going off in search of anything interesting to photograph. Yvonne joined a number of other ladies in their pink hats for the Breast Cancer shoot and Andy went off to take part in the games activities.

Before we knew it, it was time to get dressed in our medieval costumes. Check out the pictures, but the jester wins! The night went very quickly with a good band and disco, prize presentations, superb fireworks and plenty of food and drink.

Sunday was clear up day and passed without mishap! An excellent rally, the best Sherwood I’ve been to so far.

This was an unusual ride-out for several reasons. The Chapter had organised two rides over the weekend to the Ace Cafe and their Harley-Davidson 105^th Anniversary day. One left on the Saturday, stayed overnight at the Travelodge, and returned on Sunday, whilst the second travelled there and back on the Sunday. As it happened, Yvonne, Andy and I were spending a few days with Sonya, our daughter, and her partner Mike in Amesbury, Wiltshire. Andy had a ticket for the Reading Festival (Metallica were headlining on the Sunday), and Yvonne was quite happy to stay at home, so Sonya took the opportunity to ride pillion with me. As a result, we did not accompany either of the rides, but made our own way to the Ace Cafe via the A303, M3, M25, M40, A40 and North Circular, a distance of about 80 miles. Our first stop was for petrol at the Sommerfield Services in Amesbury (just of the A303). As soon as I lifted the nozzle a metallic voice said:

‘Would the customer at pump 4 please remove his helmet?’

This was me in my normal open-faced helmet! Fortunately, I was not too low on fuel, so I returned the nozzle, we got on the bike and left, showing the attendant exactly what I thought of him and Sommerfield’s stupid discriminatory rule. As it so happened, the following week there was a letter in the MCN from someone else who had had the same problem at another Sommerfield garage.

Bikers unite and boycott Sommerfield until they change their pathetic ways!!!!

Moan over, now back to the story. As we had made an early start, we arrived at the Ace when it was quite and easy to park. After a drink and a look around the shop (patch bought for Andy), the overnighters from the Chapter started to arrive, and were rather surprised to see us there. A pleasant time was spent chatting and looking at the bikes. For some reason, I got talked into joining the rest of the Chapter on the first part of their return journey, a ride to the Stratstone H-D shop in Walthamstow.

Unfortunately, no sooner had we left when the Sunday group arrived, so we never actually met! Considering it was London, the ride to the H-D shop was not too bad. We made good time and the sun kept trying to break from behind the dark clouds. The shop was OK, but there was nothing to interest me, so with no Yvonne, I didn’t spend any money!!

On leaving, we followed everyone back to the M25 and then made our own way back to the M3 and Amesbury. It was a good day out, with Sonya really enjoying the ride as she does not get many chances since she left the family home.

This was another early rise because the M1 Tibshelf Services northbound was the starting point.   Yvonne and I left home at 0730 hrs in order to meet Jackie and Will at the Friendly Farmer.  Peter (B) was due to meet us there but then rang to say he was going directly to Tibshelf.  Mollie and Ed were also a possible arrival but this did not happen.  As we prepared to leave, Del and Dai passed and pulled in, so making a trio of bikes.  On arrival at the Mansfield by-pass we filled up at the Shell garage opposite the Sherwood pub and left with 15 minutes to get to Tibshelf.  On a Sunday morning with very little traffic that should have been no problem.  However, we had not counted on every traffic light being on red, and there was a hell of a lot of them!  Consequently, we arrived at Tibshelf five minutes late, and after a steady cruise round the car parks it was obvious that they had gone!

“Catch them at the second pick-up (next services)” said Will, so the chase was on.  As we rode along the M1 (at the speed limit of course) I was thinking about the information Ian had put on the website.  I remembered that it said the second pick-up was a ‘roll through’ with anyone simply joining on as they rode through the Service area.  Not much chance of making any time there then!  As expected, no one was there when we arrived, so off we went again, heading north.  We were up past Wakefield when I noticed Dai charging up.  “Have you got a map?” he asked at speed.  I always carry an A5 size map in the pannier so I pulled off at the next exit so that we could sort something out.  I could remember that the first stop was at Ilkley and then along the Wharfdale valley for Bolton Abbey and Hawes, but after that it was the highest pub in GB for lunch and nothing else!  Fortunately, Ilkley was on my small map so we could look for a route.  As we needed to pass the Leeds Bradford airport, Dai’s idea was to follow those signs to get round Leeds and then pick up the A65 for Ilkley.  This we did successfully, stopping at the first petrol station in Ilkley.  On leaving, we were passing through Ilkley when an eagle-eyed Del spotted some Harleys in Booth’s car park.  A quick turn around, and once inside the car park, we could recognise that the bikes belonged to Sherwood riders.  We had caught them!!

After a quick cup of coffee we were off again, but now in the middle of ten other bikes.  Time to relax – not!  As usual, Ian’s route was up and down and round and round.  The scenery was beautiful, at least what I could see of it as my eyes were kept mainly on the road!  Bananaman reckoned that his back wheel slid on one of the many cattle grids we passed over, but I think he had been careless and let a banana skin fall.  Just before reaching Tan Hill Inn, the highest pub in Great Britain, we had to negotiate two of the sharpest and most inclined bends I’ve seen for a long time.  On the way down were a large group of Aire Valley Chapter riders who had been held by Dai in order that we could get up first.  Many of them and a few of us made it Pimms time; but they declined (TV advert 1).

Tan Hill is a bit bleak but they do have good widow frames and doors (TV advert 2).  Inside the pub is as you would expect, but when you walk through to the back there is a large barn type room giving plenty of space for a group of riders.  A nice lunch and a drink refreshed everyone enough to line up for the obligatory ‘team photo’.  A friendly biker offered to take the shot so that I could get on one for a change.  Cheers mate.  That is, until I checked it.  Nice picture of his helmet on the floor, but not of us.  Check the group photograph and you will see who is missing (as usual).
Once off the ‘top’, the weather became quite warm, so when we pulled in for petrol at Marsham, most of us took the opportunity to remove a few clothes, (but not as many as some did at the Beaver!)  On leaving the garage I was behind Peter (B).  After a while there appeared to be something odd about his bike but I couldn’t put my finger on it.  A little time after and a tap on the shoulder from Yvonne with “There’s no number plate on that bike in front” solved my problem.  It must have come off on the ride from the inn to the garage because photographic evidence proved that it was still on at the inn car park!  Peter is having no luck at the moment (remember Cadwell Park).  The last section riding together was on to Ripon, then the A1M, leaving at exit 42 to get to the Squires Biker Cafe.  This was the end point of the ride although anyone who wished to could follow Ian back to Tibshelf Services.  So, after the usual farewells, individuals or small groups left to make their own way home.  The three original bikes at the Friendly Farmer started together and finished together, riding down the A1 before turning towards Lincoln on the A57.

It had been an excellent day out, having everything from a chase, to good company, brilliant scenery and weather that got better as the day progressed.  An unlucky number for some, but the ‘Baker’s Dozen’ of bikes on this ride-out were the lucky ones (that’s 13 for anyone who does not know Mr Baker).  Thank you to everyone, especially Ian for another spectacular ride.

This was the day when 16 bikes and 23 members of the Sherwood Chapter rode out to meet about 8,000 youngsters attending the Poacher 2008 Lincolnshire Scout and Guide International Camp.  One of our members, Janet, has one foot in each camp (no pun intended – not!) so to speak, and it was her idea that a group of Harley bikers might turn up, unannounced at the camp, to give the youngsters a noisy surprise.

Our Lincoln leader, Jeff, took us up Tritton Road (past the new Harley dealership) and onto Silver Street.  We always seem to go that way!  Wonder if it is because there are a lot of big shop windows that reflect shiny things (chrome) very well?  It was then up Lindum Hill and round by the cathedral, before hitting the A15 and a quick burst to the Lincolnshire Showground where the camp was being held.

With quotes like ‘It’s only 5 mph on camp’ and ‘Please don’t hit (run over)any of the kids’ ringing in our ears, we rode into town, sorry, camp.  At the sound of rolling thunder (well, as best as 16 Harleys can make), kids came running from all directions.  As a teacher of 30+ years I was having wicked thoughts – ‘Hit them, with this many I can’t miss.  Revenge will be sweet!’  Then I came out of my dream!  I have to admit, however, that I did manage to hit a lot of them, but only with ‘high fives’!  It was at this point that I began thinking that Janet must have got lost (I am making no suggestions about map readers here) because by my count we must have gone round the camp at least twice!  Then at last we pulled in and parked up.  Someone must have had a sat nav with them because amongst all of these tents and kids, we still managed to find a bar selling alcoholic drinks (and funny coloured drinking vessels).  Cheers everybody!

As the sun faded over the horizon, we made our way out of the camp, again accompanied by many ‘high fives’.  I expect Janet’s emotions were mixed – well pleased with the response of both the kids and the riders, but also relief at having fulfilled the operation with no mishaps.  Speaking for the ‘Fells’, we all thoroughly enjoyed it.  What shall we do next?  Anyone got any good ideas?

Please note that the photographs accompanying this article are thanks to Peter B.

The LBN we had all been waiting for has finally arrived – let loose on Cadwell Park race track!  Andy met up with Jeff in Branston then both proceeded to Horncastle where they were met by Will and myself.  A short run took the four us to the track where there we a lot of bikes parked in the car park.

We found where we had to register, then took our bikes to be tested for excessive noise.  This should be fun, I thought, thinking about Andy and Jeff’s exhaust systems.  The young lady doing the test put the detector near the end of an exhaust and told Andy to give it half throttle.  Half throttle my a**e, it was barely off tick over!!!  But he got away with it, which did not go unnoticed by Jeff, so he did the same and also passed.  My exhaust is so much quieter, so I put my throttle on a quarter, and probably still didn’t register.  We were given a brief chat by our ‘guide’ leader and rolled onto the track.  We completed three laps at a moderate speed, staying in formation and behind our guide.  We were not allowed to ‘push it’ so the only way to ‘get a feel’ was to lag behind the one in front of you and then catch up at a higher speed.  Even so, the maximum I managed was 70mph.  The main image, for me, was how narrow the track was and then remembering how fast the BSB riders went round the circuit.  Frightening!!

Once off the track we visited the office where they had computer photographs taken whilst you were circulating.  We had to have them!  Outside we bumped into Steve who had just arrived.  He was heading for the track.  Near the refreshment area we ran into Paul and Peter (B).  Paul was on his older machine and would not be taking to the track.  I felt so sorry for Peter, as he wanted to ride but was not allowed to because he had forgotten his driving license!

It had been a brilliant evening.  What did surprise me was how few Chapter members turned up.  They missed a unique experience.