When I got down to Otterspool Way there were quite a few of members waiting opposite in the layby as J&S bike shop has now closed down. There must have being eleven of us by the time we set off along A41 onto M1 till junction 9 and then onto A5 all the way to Milton Keynes. We all rode together at a steady pace and arrived nice and early where we were directed to park at our usual place. They even supplied us with bits of timber for our side stand in case the ground was too soft.
After settling down we made our way to purchase our tickets which entitled us to a voucher for a free hot drink and biscuits. After a quick drink we split up and headed in different direction to look at all the classic cars and motorcycles on display, as well as few trade stands and then on to the main exhibits which is the museum.
I have been here before but still discover few items that I had missed on my last visit. Also the museum tries to add new displays. After a little walk about we made a bee line for more hot drinks and freshly made sandwiches, soups and other food prepared by the volunteers. The sun was trying to break through the clouds and as a result it was getting a little bit warmer.
By the time we headed back we came across more members like Bob, Peter and others. There was a chap dressed up as a Stig walking around and so we naturally had to pose for a photograph. After some more banter and drinks it was time to head back.
Johnny volunteered to kick start Ian’s Classic when the side stand broke and in the process knocked the bike next to him which almost had a domino effect to the rest of the bikes. This could have been very embarrassing situation.
With the day saved we all headed back. Another great day’s club ride.
Vinnie
Brian collected the van on Saturday afternoon so we could load up the night before.
Gerry and Bob had come over from Wales for the weekend so we had plenty of help with loading the van. Judy had been staying the weekend before so she could come to our reunion as well as Brighton Burn-up so it lovely to have help with all the food. Steve arrived very early Sunday morning. We set off in the van with Judy, Gerry and Rob following us behind on their bikes. We had a very smooth ride down and arrived about 7:30am only to find we had not been allocated our usual place there was not enough room for the gazebo, van and the bikes. After a bit of a wobbly and one hour later we were allocated a bit more space after one of the stand had not turned up. So all was well in the end.
This year with Gerry and Rob we had a lot more help with getting the gazebo up and setting out the tables and chairs. It was not long before the food was set out and the kettle boiled as we waited for the members to arrive.
Vinnie arrived with San and Johnny and out came the frying pan. Vinnie started to fry the samosas which he had brought himself. With a little wait all the members started tucking into freshly cooked samosas. They proved to very popular. By lunch more members and friends started to drop in. Laurie, Ian, Gordon, Berry, Max, Dave, Roger, Sue and many others. Steve was kept busy boiling water for teas and coffees. The whole place was buzzing like a bee hive as many bikes roared past our stand.
As it was fast approaching 5pm we stared to pack-up everything into the van before heading towards a local café for dinner. After well-earned dinner we set off back home and arrived quite late. A wonderful day to meet up with so many of our members and just taking in this great atmosphere of the day.
A very tiring and enjoyable day and all well worth it.
Pat
As I had been pre occupied with my extension works and hence not visited club nights or been on the club ride-out. Brian called me to remind me of the upcoming Bee’s club reunion. He mentioned that so many people were away and that the turn out would be lower than past years. I immediately texted the members whose mobile numbers I had to remind them.
Sunday came and the day started slightly overcast. The last time I rode my bike was approximately eight weeks ago so when it came to starting her up it was a struggle. Thank god for my trickle charger that Danny had left plugged in.
When we arrived at the Hilton Hotel, the Busy Bee gazebo was already up and quite a few members had turned up. By this time the sun was breaking through the clouds. We all started chatting with each other and more members started turning up. Before long there was quite a good turnout.
Trophies were handed out for various categories and Pat did her usual raffle to raise money for the club funds. It turned out to be a great day especially with so much rain we have had in recent days and a break for me from the stressful building works. Safe biking and catch you on the next one!
Vinnie
