One of the points of focus for me last year, when I had my stroke was to do the Ace Toy Run and Southend Shakedown. Well second outing attained! Here I am bowling down the M1 with Barry not far behind on his Fire blade. Feeling great and thinking what a lucky bugger I am and what power motorcycling gives to me. It keeps you alert and switched on. Just to ride a bike never mind the other side of it with all the many friends you make along the way. Turning into Otterspool Way there was a good many of the gang waiting. A great feeling we set off quickly and found a position to ride. I ended up just behind Rogers Pan European, our combined exhaust note made a very potent noise especially riding through the M25 tunnels. A good ride down and found parking not too bad as it had not filled up yet.
The amount of bikes was eventually greater then I have seen for many years. We all trooped down to Pebbles One and had a coffee. Steve and I retired to the jellied eel stall. I got a bit carried away and had two bowls. I am afraid that being only one and half hours away from fish ‘n’ chips time I got a bit greedy. After stuffing it all down us we did our wander about bit. I usually meet a lot of my original mates at this time. But none were there not many riders in the old rockers gear. I suppose we have all got old! It was almost 3 O’clock and was quite cold by now. I was glad to get back on the bike for home. The ride up to the M25 was quite manic considering most of A127 was congested. I don’t know how these bikes were under passing me at very high speeds. Cutting in and out of the cars, filtering between me and the two cars. I was already filtering. Bloody madmen. I was pleased to get on the M25. Little wonder that motorbikes have such a bad press. Anyway nice ride home put the bike away and Barry came round for a beer. Another great day!
