Tales From The Riverbank November 2017

ride t o

the w a

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i am iron butt l a i c o s g n i gett November 2017

Ed Quarters Well, this edition is the twentieth magazine that I have had the pleasure of putting together for the Chapter. Whilst this takes a little time to produce, it is so satisfying to receive all the great pieces and photos that the Chapter members send, and then try to present it in a manner that I hope the membership will enjoy.

As the year starts to come to a close for the committee, I will be applying to continue this role for a further year. This however should not put anyone off who would like to be part of this magazine from applying. I am looking out for an assistant Editor to help with the production of the magazine. It’s always good to get fresh eyes and new blood involved. If helping out sounds interesting then please come and talk to me to find out more. If this doesn’t interest you at all, feel free to offer to buy me a drink ;-).

Being a small part of the team that helps to bring the Chapter to life is both rewarding and fun. There are so many opportunities to help out in more ways that a title may suggest. For more on these opportunities, please see Nick’s article.

As always, I am looking for articles, photos, etc… for all of you to help put this magazine together. They don’t need to be polished and finely crafted (although a lot of them are). Linda, this month sent me a picture of a dealership in Prague she recently visited. If you have visited a distant dealership and have a suitable photo, why not send it to me for inclusion in a future edition.

I must go now, as although it is still only November, I can hear the distant sound of Christmas panic buying approaching.

Ride safe and have fun!

Andy

ns to: missio .uk u r su b o y d o n h g.org Se svalley k e m g a a th gm .u editor@ at www.tvho d a Or uplo

New Members.

We would like to offer a warm welcome to our new members.

Please make yourselves at home.

Roger Breeds Jason Compagno Greg Fenner Sue Fenner

Inside this issue

November / December Birthdays

Front cover

Ride To The Wall

Page 2

Ed Quarters

Page 4 - 6

Westie Writes

Page 7

The Winter Ball / Blazin' Squad

November

Page 8

Santa Dash

Mike Joiner 29th Sarah MacGregor 29th

December Shorty Boothby 1st Mandy Howells 2nd Lisa Lovelock 4th

Page 9

Windsor Toy Run

Page 10 - 13

Ride To The Wall

Page 14 - 15

Saturday Social

Page 16

TV Times

Page 17

Wanted

Page 18 - 20

White's Words

Page 21 - 27

I am Iron Butt

Page 28

Reading Toy Run

Page 29

Harleyween

Page 30

Poker Run

Page 31

Dealerships of the World

Back cover

Meet the Committee

Julie Woodbridge 6th Don Lawrence 10th Kevin McLoughlin 11th Linda Robson 12th Alan Moss 16th Don Pritchett 21st

Happy Birthday to you all.

The birthdays shown are between Club Nights. If I've missed you or got something wrong, drop the Editor a quick note.

Huge thanks to all who have sent copy in for this month's magazine: Jamie, Fred, CJ, Nick, Chris, Hayley, Linda, Lou, Mark & Lee :-)

Hi all, Well, haven’t we been lucky with the weather recently. Ok we are getting the odd day with some rain, and a bit of early fog, but it seems that we are having much milder temperatures than we might expect normally. Of course, what this means is more opportunity to get out on the scoot! I hope that you have been able to make the most of it, who knows how long it will last.

When I wrote last month, we were about to head out to the National Arboretum to remember our fallen heroes. We rode in great conditions and witnessed yet another moving display of national pride, remembrance and solidarity among the biking community. Chris and Janet Smith laid a wreath on behalf of the Chapter at the Wall. A great day followed by a fun overnight stay nearby for many Chapter Members.

We have now closed the books on the Poker Run for another year. A huge thanks to those who have supported Malc and made the Poker Runs such a roaring success. We are now having to ditch some of the smaller pubs we used to use as we are getting more people along. Our last meet was at the Cricketers, a firm favourite but sadly one of those venues which struggle with our swelling numbers. Results will be announced at the December Club night at Reading Harley Davidson and dates for next year will hit the calendar soon after our planning meeting in December.

I understand that last Club night was a great success and I am so sorry that I could not join you. Sadly, I was somewhat “under the weather”. Thanks to Lee for holding the fort in my absence and for stepping up at such short notice.

What a great turnout for the first Breakfast Meet in a while. The Catherine Wheel at Henley did a fab job on the day. I saw a lot of smiley faces surrounded by many variations on the great English breakfast. Sadly, I was still a little off my food and so I was unable to partake of the scram, but I was well enough to gather interested parties for a briefing on what is involved in joining our road crew. I was encouraged to see some new faces looking to help out and was very

grateful for the support of members of our existing Roadcrew.

Numbers were down a little this year for the annual mileage registration. It was a nice day and I think some people took full advantage and found far more interesting trips to do. I can’t say I blame them, “.... make hay while the sun shines “. I have managed to catch up with some of you since the day but there is more to do. If you have not supplied your closing mileage yet, please send me a photo of your odometer along with your VIN number and we’ll get you up to date.

Fancy dress was really good, if a little sparse, but there was certainly enough there to turn the heads of passing traffic.

I know that many of you were following the epic adventure playing out with Mark Peck, Alan Moss and Dave Hollis as they did the IRON BUTT 1000 in 24 hours challenge. I was delighted to see that they completed the challenge with almost two hours to spare. Whilst out, Mark and Dave took the opportunity to complete their SECOND Iron Hog challenge, becoming the first to complete two in the same year. A little drama at the end of the second part of the challenge almost scuppered the effort but I am sure you will read about the amazing rescue later in this month’s mag, or next month. The guys did a real great job, they all have charity pages raising money for great causes. Please take a moment to show your support and drop onto their fundraising pages and pledge whatever you can afford. You can find links in the USEFUL LINKS section of the members area of our website.

At the time of writing, many of our Ladies are away in Weymouth on their LOH weekend away. I am sure they are having a great time and we’ll get a report (I suspect heavily edited! LOL) for next month’s mag.

Over the next two Club nights we will be making available nomination forms to join the committee team. Many of you know that each year ALL nominated committee positions become available. The current committee will stand down and any who wish to continue next year will need to reapply.

I have spoken to most of our current committee and I know that we are looking for someone to help with merchandising and some more help with activities as we have a few exciting new projects in the pipeline. I am looking to pass on my Safety Officer role this year and our Treasurer, Colin will not be reapplying. We may be looking for someone to help with our 2018 comms plan (someone with experience and knowledge of making the most of social media). We may want someone to help liaise with our chosen charity and with CJ moving out of the area we will be looking for more photographers and reporters to feed our everhungry magazine content. If you think you can help, please speak to any of the primary officers and make sure you complete a nomination form. Not all of the available positions require you to attend committee meetings but they do require you to enjoy yourself and have fun at the same time as serving the club :-) November 12 - Remembrance Day Ride. Meeting at SportsAble and riding to Rykas where we will be meeting Hogsback Chapter for the two minute silence at 11am. Then a short ride to Shamley Green for a dedicated memorial and wreath laying at the church. This is a very intimate setting to show your support for our fallen heroes. If you have not done this one before, come along and join us.

November 18th - Our first Saturday Social of the winter season. We’ll meet at the Golden Retriever around noon. The pub is near Crowthorne and a great location for lunch and a chinwag.

November 26th - Windsor Toy Run - Meeting at Royal Ascot Racecourse (Car Park 2) from 11am for a 12noon departure. If you can help with marshalling this year please contact Don Wibberley.

December 9th - Thames Valley Massive Christmas Party at the Holiday Inn, Maidenhead. SOLD OUT!!!

December 10th - Reading Toy Run - Joining the Reading Christian Motorcyclists at Foster Wheeler in Reading for a ride to Dr Barnardo's in Wokingham. Thames Valley will again be marshalling the Showcase Cinema Roundabout. Both road crew members and experienced riders can volunteer to help. We almost have enough volunteers but it is great to have a few reserves so if you can help please email safetyofficer@thamesvalleyhog.org.uk February 10th 2018 - Winter Ball - Hogsback, Invicta and Thames Valley are getting together to put on a spectacular winter ball at the Reigate Manor Hotel in Sussex. We will have a live band and Rob Paston providing music. A two-course dinner and all for just £35.

Stay safe people … and have fun!

Nick

Blazin' Squad

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Ride To The Wall (2017) I wanted to take a few moments to pass on my experience at this year’s Ride to the Wall. It was the 10th annual gathering of motorcyclists at the National Memorial Arboretum near Burton on Trent.

For me, it was a little more straightforward to meet the Thames Valley ride at Warwick Services and so I set off just before 9am. The entire ride to the Arboretum is a little on the dull side as it is mostly motorway riding. It makes sense because of where it is in relation to our area but this particular event is one of the few which is not really about the journey!

It seemed much busier getting into the Arboretum this year than in previous years that I had visited. I was thinking that maybe it was just that many people were arriving at the same time but I very soon came to the conclusion that there were just many more bikers at this year’s event.

The new visitor’s centre and restaurant was finished and was absolutely heaving, as were most of the outside vendor stores. Riders from all walks of life, including many riders who have previously and are still serving in our armed forces. The day was really about them. Much of the day, as I meandered from one area of the

arboretum to another, I continually heard strangers stopping servicemen and women (with medals or uniform adorned) and thanking them for their service. There were many injured veterans at the event, amputees, and service people with disfiguring injuries etc. It seemed that many were very happy to have strangers speak to them, thanking them and sharing stories.

With this my first year as Chapter Director, it was my responsibility to arrange for the memorial poppy wreath for this event. Luckily, my local British Legion had some in stock as I had missed the mail order deadline. Safely tucked in my tour pack on the bike, my next task was to assign the duty of laying the wreath on behalf of the chapter. Chris Smith was my first choice and he was delighted to have been asked and duly accepted.

Prior to the wreath laying, there was a performance of some relevant songs by an accompanied trio on the steps of the memorial followed by a lone bagpipe player.

We were introduced to the founder of Ride to the Wall, Martin Dickinson who made an emotional address to the vast crowd.

One of the Patrons and someone from the Arboretum also made short addresses.

The star performance really had to go to the reverend who conducted a brief and very much multi-faith service from the steps where he prayed for the safety of the riders there on the day, to keep them safe from the wet and gravelly road surfaces, and from “dim-witted drivers� which caused an eruption of laughter in the middle of the very solemn procedures.

Following this, people who had brought wreaths to lay at the wall were invited to come forward and make their presentation. I walked up the steps to The Wall with Chris and Janet in order to take some photos and was moved to see so many of those laying wreaths shedding tears as they did so. A truly powerful experience which will stay with me for a lifetime.

Following the visit to the Arboretum, the Chapter rolled into a very good local inn for an evening meal and an overnight stay. The Cuttle Bridge Inn was a very good stopover with very nice rooms, great food and a really good atmosphere. The price represented great value and the staff there remembered us from previous visits and warmly welcomed us.

If you have not yet been up to this event, please think about joining us next year. If you are a regular you will know how great this event is and will likely be supporting it as often as your calendar allows.

Saturday Social & Road Crew Intro.

A "massive" success for the Thames Valley Massive. Forty four hungry members descended for breakfast on the Catherine Wheel, in Henley, to be followed by a Road Crew meeting. A lovely turn out of bikes as well.

Thursday, 16 November Club Night (closed event) Saturday, 18 - Sunday, 26 November Motorcycle Live Saturday, 18 November Saturday Social

CLUB NIGHTS December 21st January 18th February 15th March 15th April 19th

Sunday, 26 November Windsor Toy Run

MAGAZINE CONTRIBUTION DEADLINES

Sunday, 26 November Alexander Devine Santa Dash

December 7th January 5th February 1st March 1st April 5th

Thursday, 30 November Ace cafe Harley Night (open event) Sunday, 3 December 2018 Calendar Workshop (Road Crew & Trainees) Tuesday, 5 December Committee Night Saturday, 9 December Xmas Party Sunday, 10 December Reading Toy Run Thursday, 21 December Club Night (closed event) Thames Valley HOG Xmas Party Holiday Inn - Maidenhead 9th December Please check the website for the latest on all rides.

Contributions to the magazine.

There are many ways you can help the magazine.

You can email your articles and photos to: editor@thamesvalleyhog.org.uk You can upload your articles and photos direct to the magazine by visiting: www.tvhogmag.uk from your computer or mobile device.

You can upload your photos directly to the magazine from the Chapter's Team App. Members Only - Articles to the Magazine Editor.

White's Words Hi TV Hoggies, I hope your bikes have now been wrapped up. As the weather is starting to turn on us, thought I would share this email I was sent on Winter bike storage.

1. Top off the tank After putting some fresh fuel in the tank, add the recommended amount of fuel stabilizer to keep the gas from deteriorating and leaving a brown layer of muck on your carburettor’s parts. Turn that baby on and let it run for a few minutes so the treated fuel can cycle through.

2. Fill up your fluids Double-check your bike’s brake, clutch, and coolant fluids, replacing or refilling if necessary. Remember to always use the type and amount of fluid recommended by your motorcycle’s manufacturer. You can also drain all of your motorcycle’s fluids entirely and then refill them when you’re ready to ride again.

If you live in a place where temperatures frequently reach sub-zero, check your bike’s antifreeze to prevent engine freezing. Lube up the throttle, kickstand, shifter, and clutch cables to prevent moisture accumulation and rust (but be careful not to get lube on the tires).

3. Oust old oil Over time, a running engine’s oil transitions from a clean, golden fluid to dirty, black muck. The contaminants in old oil can corrode engine parts and do some serious damage over the course of a few months. Change the oil and filter plug before storing your ride to avoid a sticky situation later on.

4. Conserve your battery’s charge Some newer motorcycles experience a slight battery drain (even when the ignition’s off) in order to maintain things like your clock and radio presets. You can remove the battery from your bike altogether and trickle charge it all winter. Or, if you prefer to keep things in one package, you can store your bike with a fullycharged battery. If you choose the latter, just give the battery a charge once a month while it’s not being used.

5. Tend to your tires If you can store your bike with the tires off the ground, that’s great. Taking the

weight off your wheels is the ideal way to avoid flat spots or uneven wear. But, if you don’t have the right setup for that, you’re not out of luck. Fill your tires to the maximum recommended volume, place your ride on its centre stand, and remember to rotate the front tire once a week to keep the flat spots away.

6. Wax on, rust off The metal on your motorcycle tends to accumulate moisture, which can cause rust if your bike is left unattended for an extended period. Washing, thoroughly drying, and then waxing your ride before putting it away for the winter will prevent corrosion and other damage.

Spray your exhaust pipes with WD-40 to keep moisture and rust away. For extra protection, stuff a clean towel or some crumpled up plastic bags into the intake and exhaust pipes to keep water and critters out.

7. Pick a place for your ride to rest Sunlight can damage leather and cause paint to fade, so if you have a window in your garage, try to park your motorcycle in a cool, dark corner. Go a step further with a fitted, breathable cover that’ll prevent dings and scratches and protect your motorcycle from dust, grime, and moisture.

Kick back and relax until spring If you’ve followed these motorcycle storage tips, there’s no doubt your ride will be ready to go in the spring!

Alternatively, you can keep it out and ride through the Winter months and join us for the two Toy Runs.

We are looking for volunteers to help with both Windsor and Reading Toy Runs.

You do not need to member off the road crew for this. Please sign up at club night or come and see me. These are now becoming one off the biggest winter charity events amongst the whole biking community. And we always end up back at a pub!

Nick is still collecting your finished mileage for this year. If you missed us at the Dealership please send us all your details with a photo of your finished mileage. It’s not about how many miles you have done, but how many members we have on the programme, and our combined mileage as a chapter. So please help us, as it all counts.

Things to look forward to over the next few months: Our Chapter Christmas Club night which will be held at Reading H-D with our famous Christmas hamper. Look out for those amazing deals in the Dealership. Christmas jumpers are a must!!!

All of the Chapter Christmas Party tickets have now been sold.

If you missed out, you must have been asleep.., but don’t fear as we still have events going on over the Christmas break.

Please watch our calendar as it fills up over the next few weeks with club events, such as a Chapter Bowling night, Curry Night and Chinese night. We are also looking into a London Christmas Market night, on the South Bank, with a blast through town to see the lights. Please wrap up warm for this one.

If you were lucky enough to get a Chapter Christmas ticket for the Holiday Inn then we hope you will join us, as we get there nice an early for a Christmas swim in the pool and pre-drinks at the bar....

Committee 2018 Committee forms will be available at this month Club night and December Club night. If you would like to put your head on the block, please feel free to fill in a form.... Only joking. We are always looking for new ideas to help the club move along, so if you have always thought you could spare some time or have an interest in helping us, then please see me or Nick.

On that note, I would like to thank the committee of 2017 in all your help towards making our club a great place to be. I hope we will continue to see your support into the New Year. I have enjoyed seeing the mags, all the activities, watching our membership grow. And seeing the Ladies joining in on Chapter events. We have had good feedback from our members.

I have now left the website to Robin, and I believe we will see some new ideas coming our way soon. The photo galleries look amazing. A big thank you to all the helpers in the background that make this Chapter work so well. Well done to Nick to steering us through his first year as our Director. I'm looking forward to next year already.

Last, but not least, a big well done to all our members in helping us support the club in all we do.

As Assistant Director, I have been busy working in the background on some big Chapter projects that I am sure you will all find out very soon.

So enough of my dribble for now...

Cheers

Lee White Assistant Director, Thames Valley HOG

"I am Iron Butt" - Crazy Ass II (Part One) Zen and the Art of Long Distance Riding There's nothing quite like the building anticipation of an important ride to keep you awake at night. And, sure enough this was no exception. In fact, worse than any I had done before. This time, it was my planning on the table. With Dave Hollis I had picked-out and agreed a route a couple of months before. I then found and identified the petrol stops we would need. And agreed the hotel stop. And planned for the second day too. I had plugged-in what I would hope to be enough waypoints so the Harley sat nav would stick to the route we wanted. Bought enough drink and snacks to feed a small army. Printed forms and documents. Talked endlessly with Dave and Alan about our plans. Would it all be enough? What had I forgotten? What would we do if something went wrong? These and 1,000 other questions racing through my mind. I wished for sleep. It didn't come.

Soon enough, daylight was streaming through the curtains to herald a new day.

Our day. 7:00pm that evening we should be on the road. Last minute chatter with the guys confirmed we were all in good spirits. A few last-minute posts on Facebook to confirm our status. A reminder of the charities we are riding for.

We're all set.

Alan had the largest distance to cover to meet-up at Guildford HD and we agreed he would come to mine for a rest before we headed-off. Little did anyone anticipate just how bad his journey would be around the M25 Friday afternoon. Instead of arriving at 4:00pm it was over an hour later before Alan finally arrived, having filtered through heavy traffic most of the way. A new question arose - would our start time need to be pushed-back?

Forcing such thoughts to the back of the mind, we picked-up a chippy, caught-up on some news and Alan sat down off the bike for all of 5 minutes. And then we were in the saddle and on our way. Arriving Guildford HD around 18:40 we had just enough time to say high to Dave and his partner Gem. We ensured the Iron Butt (IB) witness forms were completed with mileages and signatures and the Iron Hog (IH) clapperboard picture had been taken. It’s here that we should note that it’s a tradition of the IH to make the clapperboard photos as light-hearted and frivolous as possible. Alan had the bright idea of making us stand in a Karate-Kid “crane” stance. Being slightly off-kilter, Dave and I thought this was a magic idea and we followed it throughout. So, if you look at our dealership clapperboard photos and wonder why 3 blokes are standing oddly on one leg apiece – we can thank Alan!

With the photos and paperwork completed we each boarded our trusty steeds.

With Dave taking lead, we peeled-out of the dealership… and entered the garage right next door. In what was to become an all too familiar routine we had to each fill-up and grab the printed receipt. And always check to ensure we had a proper location, the date and preferably a time too (time mandatory for the first and last receipts). For both the IB and IH, those receipts are the true proofs of where we had been and how long it had taken us. Whoever got to the till first had the honour of confirming the details to the rest of the party. No doubt an odd sight to other shoppers to watch 2 or 3 grown men in heavy biking gear pouring over the minutiae of a small chit of seemingly worthless paper. How little did they know what value it held for us!

With our bikes full of the required go-go juice and receipts safely stashed we headed-out for the M25. Next stop Maidstone HD. Should only take just over an hour. Ha! Best laid plans! We were met with heavy traffic in places and soon split-up. Dave and Alan out front making quicker progress filtering than yours truly. Knowing where we had to meet it wasn't a problem. What was a challenge was the last roundabout to the dealership. Good old Harley sat nav likes to leave the prompts for the direction right to the last second. Yep. Missed the turn.

Funny the 3 of us taking all slightly different routes to meet at the dealers for the last .7 miles! It was here I was greeted upon opening my right pannier to a rather soggy pile of clapperboard forms. Further inspection revealed a water bottle had cracked and soaked the forms. Note to self: do not leave forms in bag with water bottles unless in plastic folder! Using the neon signs of the dealership I managed to find a blank form with just enough dry whitespace to complete the details and get the obligatory picture. Discarding the bottle, I re-packed the remaining forms as best I could in the vain hope they would dry out some time before Edinburgh.

After all, it was still a way off yet.

As we were "turning a corner", in IB language (a change of direction), we had to make the first en route petrol stop next to the dealership. Only Google had lied. The one next to Maidstone HD isn't truly 24 hours. It was shut. Second note to self: when planning petrol stops and relying on 24-hour opening, phone ahead and double-check.

Google isn’t infallible! A quick look-up on the sat nav showed a supermarket on our way back the motorway. Vital minutes lost. But, at least we weren't really going out of our way.

It was about this point it felt it was turning colder. A petrol stop afforded the chance to don the rain-suit to act as a wind-cheat. So far, the weather had been kind. Praying it would stay that way. And, with the bikes full again, receipts duly logged and to the beat of 3 Harley engines, we motored for the M25. By now the traffic had thinned considerably. Time to make some progress. Soon enough the M11 beckoned and we turned north for the long run to Edinburgh. Only to be met with flashing signs: M11 closed Junction 13-14.

Oh goody.

This is where our evening fun really started. Onthe-fly plan - head for the A14 instead. Follow the diversions and weave our way through heavy traffic, very slow in places with artics trying to negotiate small, tight roundabouts. Forever the sat nav, in dulcet tones, playing my favourite tune "Route Recalculation!". Finally, we reached the A14. The slip road, closed! Argh! Push that repeat button, "Route Recalculation!". So, we double-back and finally caught the A1.

Northward again. Not our properly planned route, but good enough. And with an hour lost.

More good progress being made though, punctuated with petrol stops, until we reached Scotch Corner. And then more roadworks. By this time the traffic had all but disappeared and for much of the run we saw only the odd car here, the odd lorry there. Soon enough we started over the border and eventually to a lovely twisty road. Only it would have been if the 4 candle-power headlight hadn't been just 4 candles! Here Alan gained the nickname "leaf blower". The roads, still dry, were strewn with fallen leaves. His big-radius pipes didn't just make a lovely noise with soundwaves reverberating from the hedges and trees. With the down swept stance, the heavy exhaust pulses were perfect for blowing those very leaves up in big plumes for the following rider. A phenomenal sight at 3:00am on unlit roads especially where the trees from opposing sides touched over our heads to produce a tunnel effect for what little light we shared. The first of many sights I wish I could have caught on camera.

Soon enough the bends started to straighten and the little villages giving way to the outer suburbs of Edinburgh. In the distance, the moon was beginning to lower itself from the night sky onto the rooftops; backlit with an unearthly orange glow from a sun that was still some hours from rising itself. For a brief moment on that run into Edinburgh one could be forgiven for thinking it would be daylight soon.

Stopping at the HD dealer would put pay to any such notion. Pitch black except for the street lighting, a check of the clock revealed it was only 4:20am. By golly, we had made-up the hour or more we lost with the earlier detours and we were back in front by around 15 mins.

Edinburgh HD afforded us some funny time for the photos and with the clapperboard complete it was time to make our exit and try and beat the weather that had been forecast to creep-in from the east. Taking a twisty route (Dave's sat nav apparently doesn't understand the meaning of “straight road�) we headed south for the M6. Just before joining the motorway, we stopped for petrol and a coffee break. A welcome respite from the miles and a chance for our heads to think about something other than routes and roads. Still in good spirits we could still crack the odd joke and take the mickey. It was here that Alan noted that Scotland is a dark place. Especially at night! Not

sure if the vending machine dropped something else in his coffee?!

Having managed to leave the proper north behind, largely still dry, the Pennines were to become the start of the proper wet. Around Kendal the weather turned somewhere between rain and then dense fog. When the roads finally dropped from the elevation of the peaks, it turned drier and then clear soon enough. But, it wasn't until 8:00am we saw any glimmer of daylight. By then It was truly beginning to feel like the ride of the endless night. Fortunately, each petrol stop - approximately 150 miles apart to cater for the Dyna’s limited range - provided just the break that was needed to help keep us more alert, share a few quick words of encouragement, confirm we’re all OK, strengthen the bond of friendship and comradeship. And take a little pressure off our backsides!

As time progressed, so the traffic around us got heavier and not before long we turned across North Wales. By now the sun was shining and somehow, we seemed right with the world. The sun wouldn't last for long though. Dave and his twisty roads. Twisty roads up hills and back into the murky clouds. Another note to self: when agreeing A-roads, don’t assume they will be dual carriageways! Respite was given in the form of a breakfast in Newtown. It may not have been much, but welcome it was and it was about this time we compared "helmet hair". Not the thing you probably want to be best known for, but it would seem that mine was a particularly amusing ridge and furrow hairstyle – likened to the stripe pattern of a badger’s coat. Fortunately, I brought my cap!

Threading our way through Wales, we reach Swansea HD. The end is in sight! The last legs now. Still on time. Fortunately, the dealership has a cafe - not for the drinks, but the newspaper we had collectively forgotten to pick-up so we could take the clapperboard photo! A quick look around the dealership as it was the first that had been open to us. Quite impressive. And then back on the road heading for Plymouth.

M4, then M5. Traffic flowing nicely, but a brisk breeze had gotten up and making the run a little blustery. Massive tailbacks in the opposite direction heading for Bristol.

Mile after mile we pushed on, amazed at the amassed traffic halted just over the Armco.

We finally stopped for petrol and a cheeky burger. We had made enough time we could afford a brief respite from the wind and ride. With our bodies filled and the tanks brimmed, it was the last 70 miles or so to Plymouth. Fearing we'd finally reach tailbacks and heavy traffic we need not have worried. It was a clear run to the dealership.

Arriving tired, but elated, especially when we realised we'd got there around 5:00pm. Result! Still open! Pictures, little celebration dance, fist-bumps and cheer all round. Nearly forgot the paperwork! A quick chat with a lovely lady, Holly, inside and she soon came out to check the mileages and sign the forms. Would seem appropriate we all bought something and the receipt - all lovely and detailed - was just what we needed to provide our last evidence.

Laughing and joking we finally

embarked for the last couple of miles to the hotel.

Unpacking the bikes in the car park we joked not to lay down and would meet in the foyer for beers and food at 6:15pm. Yep, I made the mistake of being ready too early. In hindsight I should have gone straight to the bar. I didn't. I laid down. Thirty mins passed with no recollection and didn't hear a Dave knocking to get me up. I was properly tired. Yet another note: heed your friend’s advice!

When I did finally come down, I was greeted by two equally tired, but incredibly happy guys with a beer. We talked and joked and eventually ordered some food.

And more beer. All too soon it was over having shared various jokes and stories and an early night (for us) beckoned.

Sleep came more easily that it did before. I don’t recall my head hitting that pillow.

Awaking the next morning we were all pumped, ready earlier than we had agreed and Dave had spotted a good place for breakfast. A little wet and drizzle, but nothing bad. Felt like a good day. Little did we know how our fortune was about to turn.

We joined the A38 and headed out eastward, Dave leading with me in the middle and Alan bringing up the rear. Only a few miles into the journey and Dave started to look at his bike. Slowed gently at first and then more quickly before turning on the indicator to pull over. Something clearly not right.

To be continued...

Harleyween

Poker Run The last poker night of 2017 was enjoyed by all at the Cricketers, Littlewick Green.

The food, and the company made for a lovely evening.

Dealerships of the World In the first of a new occasional series we find Linda exploring Prague. Linda tells me that Bike Fest is there next year from the 5th-8th July (Prague, not the Dealership).

2017 Officers & Committee

PRIMARY OFFICERS

Nick West Director

Lee White Colin Wilkins Assistant Director Treasurer

COMMITTEE & SUPPORTING OFFICERS CLUB VENUE Grenadier Guards Club Maidenhead Rd, Windsor, Berks, SL4 5EY

Louise White Ladies of Harley

Robin Sasson Webmaster

Malcolm Poulter Activities

Sue Moyler Secretary

Andy Tunley Editor

Ann Tunley Jones Merchandise

Don Wibberley Activities

Sue Knight Historian

Chris Smith Membership

Linda Friend Photographer

Mike Wilson Dealer Principal

Third Thursday of every month 7:30pm

Chris Earley Photographer

Adrian Lightfoot Dealer Rep

Email any committee member at (position held)@thamesvalleyhog.org.uk https://www.facebook.com/ thamesvalleyhog.org.uk