It has been a while since my last ride with the club. I had missed the last three club runs due to family commitments or illness. When I got to Otterspool Way Sam and Steve were already waiting. After a little chat Steve went off ahead because he was on his combo. Not long before Brian and Pat turned up. We waited another ten minutes or so before heading off.
Brain took the lead and set off onto M1 up to junction 9 and then on to A5 at a leisurely pace all the way to Milton Keynes Museum. We made good time and arrived quite early. On arrival we were directed to our usual motorcycle parking space. They also provided us with free hot drink plus an additional coupons for a second hot drink.
The museum is run by the volunteers and they always look after us very well. This is such a good event and the museum itself is a fascinating place. We have been coming here as a club for many years. I couldn’t help but notice that there were fewer people than last year. This could be due to the fact that there were other events taking place nearby.
The sun was shining and we all sat and had a chat among ourselves as well as looking around exhibits and museum displays. Pat bought some cake which she shared with all of us. At around three o’clock we decided to head back as Pat and Brian were flying out to the US the next day to go and visit their grandson.
All In all such a wonderful day out. Until the next time ride safe!
Vinnie
What a smashing day as the sun was shining when we left home and arrived approximately 9am at the Hilton Hotel. Started to unload the car and as Judy was staying with us who had travelled from Wales for the Ace Re-Union last week. Ten minutes later Steve arrived on his combo and so with extra pair of hands Busy Bees gazebo was up in no time and the chairs and table were out ready to receive members and general public.
Staff of Hilton Hotel were also busy setting up their tables and filling them up with drinks and snakes. With all that hard work we walked over to hotels snake area for a well-deserved cuppa. In the mean while bikes were turning up and the car park was starting to fill up nicely.
Some of the members would turn up late and those who turned up early had bleary eyes due to the fact we had celebrated Colin’s 60th birthday party the night before. It was a great party and we all enjoyed it very much. Happy Birthday Colin!
There were nine trophies to be won for our bike show and the winners were as follow:-
Best of British 1) BSA owned by Bill
2) Enfield Owned by Robin
3) Trident
Best in Show went to Fred Trott
Best Japanese was 250 Yamaha 250cc belonging to Steve
Beast club member’s bike was Norman Foster
Best Custom went to Dave Martin
Best European was BMW belonging to Bob Norman
And finally
Best American went to Ray
Well done and congratulation to the all the winners!
We were very sorry to hear Vinnie was not well and therefore could not attend the re-union which he was looking forward to. Brian Stokes had travelled all the way from Lowestoft in Norfolk. He is one of our oldest members and he has been making the long trip every year. Well done Brian! Also many thanks to Gordon for bring Ian along as he has had his operation done on his hand.
The day couldn’t have been better as so many members had turned up and the sun was still shining. It makes the whole event more enjoyable and worthwhile. Great day was had by all.
Pat
Steve arrived late Saturday afternoon to help out with the food. Brian had sorted out the gazebo and everything that goes with the setup including tables and chairs. He then went off to pick up the van and on his return we loaded up the van except for the food for obvious reasons.
Come Sunday morning all the food was loaded promptly at 5:00am and by 5:40am we set off for Brighton. The weather was dry although it was trying very hard to rain but at least it was not cold. The journey down was brilliant and we even caught a glimpse of the sunrise before it disappeared quickly behind the clouds.
We arrived in Brighton around 7:00am and the sky was clouded over. Also the winds had picked up which was making our job very difficult to erect the gazebo. We started to think that this was not a good start to the day. The pitch this year was better than last year and with that the gazebo was soon up. George was first to arrive and he helped us with the setting up.
The winds were subsiding and we could even see patches of blue skies. While the kettle was boiling and the chairs and tables were being put out I started unpacking all the food stuff and placing it all on the tables ready for our members. That done we sat down watching first set of bikers arriving around 10:30am. The whole place started getting busier and louder before long. There were less trade stalls then last year but the live band and crowds of people made it exciting.
Geof and Dee had stayed in Brighton the previous night and it was her first time to Brighton. As usual we had a good turn out from Busy Bee members and that’s why we make an extra effort to welcome them and offer food and drinks after their long ride. Unfortunately Vinnie couldn’t make it this year due to family wedding and he was only missed because there were no hot fried samosa’s on the menu. To compensate I made a large lemon drizzle cake and bread pudding which seemed to go down well with everyone.
The weather improved as the day went on and the rain kept away for the rest of the day. Lots of members thanked us for the hospitality and welcome they received at the stand. Soon it was time to pack up and head home. But first we always visit this café on the sea front for our meal before setting for home. We normally leaving Brighton at around 7:00pm so to miss the traffic. Drive back home was one of best for years as there was no traffic and got in at around 8:30pm. What a fantastic day out.
Pat
