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!

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 Men’s Cream Tea ride-outs came about this year because of last year’s Ladies Cream Tea ride-outs.  They are usually fairly short ride-outs, starting from Robin Hood H-D at midday on a Saturday, so they are not something I would normally consider, (add 100 miles just to get to and from the shop).  However, this one was after a committee meeting, so as I was already there, I thought I would give it a go.  In decent weather, cloudy but sunny, seven bikes left for a destination unknown.  After a nice run along twisty lanes we eventually arrived at our destination, Naturescape Wild Flower Centre in Langar.  There we sat in the garden and had tea or coffee and a cake!  It was very peaceful and relaxing.  Nice one Martin for bringing us to such a tranquil place.  Now I will have to do something to restore my biker image.  I know – Cruiser night at Cadwell Park!  But that will be another story.

At last I did something I had been talking about for several years – take the tent and equipment in the car and go back for the bike.  This I did on Friday, just finishing the tent and about to go when it became very dark and the wind began to blow.  As usual, this meant only one thing -  rain.  Oh boy did it rain.  I was glad that I was in the car (on the way home) as the water was just rushing across the road.  But then, it was gone as quickly as it had arrived.

Andy and I arrived back at the campsite in the early evening and it was great not having to mess about putting the tent up.  It gave you much more time to chat to people, and go to the social earlier than would normally be the case.  After much socialising, it was time to find the tent and get some sleep.

I was up relatively early and Andy was up relatively late!  He was, however, still ready in time for the ride-out.  After taking a few photographs, and agreeing to pillion Kath as far as the castle because Jeff was on domestic duty, we rode through the grounds of the castle amongst runners who were also making their way to the castle.  In the shadow of the castle we lined up to see Pete (C) and Sam (Y), our organisers of the rally, give a cheque for £3000 to the Air Ambulance representative.  It was time for more photographs!  Andy and I were both acting as marshals, so after a short chat from Pete, the marshals set off behind him, and in advance of the main group, to take up our positions as directed.  It was noticed that La La made a guest appearance as a marshal during this ride-out.  The main group of the ride-out, to the Crown at Tur Langton, was lead by Sam.

The Crown had made the now expected arrangements for a BBQ and a live band.  Both were enjoyed before the main entertainment occurred on the village street.  Now I have seen a few naked bikes in my time, but the riders and pillions as well?  Needless to say the entertainment was all in aid of charity and raised £200.  Well done to all!

The evening was again a big social event with a DJ, live band, raffle, auction best bike winners and busy beaver awards.  There was an excellent atmosphere all evening, with the ‘Houndogs’ rocking the audience to fever pitch.  Brilliant!!  I took even more photographs, and received an invitation to join the ‘Grumpy Old Bastards’.  Wonder why they thought I would fit in with them?

Sunday saw the sun out, which made taking the tent down a pleasant experience for a change.  Yet again it had been a brilliant weekend.  Congratulations to Sam and Pete for all their hard work.

Once again the weather forecast was not good, but at least down a coal mine we would not have to worry about high winds cancelling the operation (see last week’s Anderton Boat Lift report).  Andy’s bike was back from its service, so we were off at 0845 hrs to meet Janet at the Friendly Farmer, then on to the Oak Tree at Mansfield.  17 bikes set off behind Pete (W) to meet others who were waiting at the A617 lay-by near Chesterfield.  In total there were 23 bikes taking part in this ride-out.  The first part of the run to Wakefield was taken by Ian (B), who led us over the same Peak District route used on the Poker Run.  This time, however, the route was wet and greasy, requiring a greater degree of concentration and leaving less time to admire the scenery.  It was then back to Pete to guide us to the colliery, half way between Huddersfield and Wakefield on the A642.

Following its closure in the 1985, Caphouse Colliery was converted into the Yorkshire Mining Museum in 1988 and gained National status in 1995.  Now known as the National Coal Mining Museum for England, the only deep shaft coal mining museum in England, it has restored buildings, gallery area, small shop, cafe and an organised underground tour.  Once there were over 100 coal mines in Yorkshire alone, but now there are only 5 in the whole of the country.  In the shop we were divided into two groups and taken to get a hard hat and lamp in preparation for the free trip underground.  Our volunteer guide was excellent, keeping us entertained throughout the tour with information about mining in general and his own personal experiences.  The main shaft cage took us 140 meters below ground, and then it was a rectangular walk of about 700 meters through displays demonstrating how mining developed over a period of nearly 200 years.

Back on the surface and it was clear that there had been heavy rain while we were underground, so it was time to ‘hit’ the cafe.  As it was near to their closing time, the only hot food available was a chip buttie.  So it was chip butties all round!  By the time we had eaten and it was time to leave, the sun was out drying the bikes (and helmets for those who had chosen to leave them on their bikes!)

As it was getting late, it was decided to us the M1 for a direct route home.  People left the ride as necessary; my path taking me via Mansfield and Newark.  I had a really great time as I enjoy both riding and visiting examples of our industrial heritage.  A big thank you to Pete for organising this trip.