Here we go again! Start of the riding session and the very first club run of the year. Only the bravest of the brave turned up as it was very cold.
Last year this particular run was three weeks later and as a result the weather was so warm that we striped down to our T-Shirts and I remember Bob falling asleep on the beach.
This ride was special to me for two reasons. # 1. Because it was the first club run of the year and # 2. My last ride was to Canvey Island back in November 2014. Since Christmas my bike had been parked in Danny’s garage for following reasons, as I will explain below. (Thank you Danny! For letting me store my bike whilst the works was being carried out).
I had problems with my battery which got swapped two weeks before the warranty ran out. Over Christmas we had our hedge removed from the side of the house and replaced with panel & post fencing. This also involved extending the side of my garage where the hedge used to be and installing roller shutters. Leaky roof had to be replaced at the same time. The only works left outstanding now was to replace aluminum windows and French doors as well as insulate and plaster the insides.
Last Saturday I drove up to Danny’s to pick up my bike. I plugged the new battery to my trickle charger night before. Installed the battery and to my surprise she started up almost straight away even though she had been standing still for three months. Drove her back to my garage ready for the morning jaunt to the coast.
Got up Sunday morning and the sun was shining. Went to fuel-up and quick check on the tire pressure then onwards to join Steve E, Sam and Johnny at the bottom of Long Lane. Now there were four of us and so made our way to Denham to meet the rest of the gang. Pat, Brian, Steve V and Big Dave were waiting.
As there was no sign of others we set off towards Ryka’s for our usual quick stop for hot drinks. We lost Big Dave along the way between Denham and Ryka’s. He was undecided and so we did not wait for him. We then set off to Brighton. The weather was getting quite cold and it was turning overcast. For a change there was no road works along the way and we made good time to Brighton. However, as we approached the town Centre there was light traffic and small amount of road works. This year we parked up at the top and walked down to Madeira Drive. We looked at all the classic bikes parked and couldn’t help to notice that there were fewer vehicles then last year. As we were walking towards our usual spot for fish ‘n’ chips we bumped into Bob. We couldn’t believe that he made this journey by himself especially when it was so cold. Well done Bobby!!!
As we got up to walk towards the pier Johnny noticed bright blue paint marks on the back legs of my leather trousers. They must have painted the benches and did not warn us. I did not make a fuss as I knew it would come off with a bit of white spirit. As we were walking along the pier Steve E decided to indulge in fresh doughnuts which he was kind enough to share with us and Pat bought Humbug Rocks. Johnny, Sam and Steve E then decided to go and look for jellied eels. Alas it was time to head back and Johnny, Steve E and Sam rode home whilst we made our way back to Ryka’s for a quick stop. As we walked over to get our hot drinks we bumped into good old Bob again. After a quick drink we headed back home. Safe riding and catch you on the next one!
