So now I'm placing a GB sticker onto the back of my bike now and thinking of all the problems with the bike I've had over the past season.  This bike can't let me down during my first trip abroad!!! 

 

We arrived at Mr Kipling's house with plenty of time to spare.  VSOC member after VSOC member turned up and before we know it 'The Cod Father' Mr Kipling nipped off to the local chippy and came back with approximately 18 portions of cod and chips.  We all tucked in and all of a sudden it was time to saddle up and head for Harwich ferry port.  It's such a good feeling to ride with you guys and gals knowing that we have a great weekend ahead of us, just across the water.

 

We arrived at Harwich in good time and Barry allocated the cabin and boarding passes.  He explained that our bikes would be lashed to the car deck.  Thankfully, the weather meant that the straps weren't put under too much stress during our crossing.  After Brian and I had found our cabin.  We dumped off our stuff and headed for the bar.  We all chatted in and around the bar and the excitement grew.

 

The crossing was comfortable and I hope I didn't disturb Brian too much with my heavy breathing, don't ask!!!!

 

I only had three pints the night before but I did have a slight headache on the morning of 'THE RIDE FROM HELL' Dutch style....

 

Di, Barry and I were waiting for a lift to the car deck which e must have walked miles to find.  Up, down left and right.  The lift door opened numerous times and we saw the same people crammed into it.  In the mean time my guts were saying "Dan, prepare for punishment"

 

Di to the left of me Barry to right, here I am vomiting in the middle of you!!!!  How embarrassed was I????  Sorry Di and Baz!  It was great to leave the ferry. As I had been sick I thought that I would be fine for the ride to the site, how wrong was I ??!!  Every time we stopped I yacked!!  I rode up close to Badger in case I needed to signal him to stop and indeed I did.  To make matters worse, as we left the last stop, the heavens opened and many of us were caught without waterproofs, NIGHTMARE!!

 

Thanks to Badger we found the site and were grateful to put our tents up and chill out.  Luckily Barry had some Ibuprofen for me and I was out like a light.  

 

Friday night at the bar:  The food Camping De Hei put on was divine!!  On the subject of Camping De Hei...the facilities were excellent.  They even had a spin dryer!! 
It's always great to meet yet more VSOC members not forgetting the VSCN.  It was also great to meet Badger's friend Sam (Diesel), from Holland.  His knowledge and advice was second to none. 

Picture this:  Our Centre Rep, Baz, having a pole dance with a couple of ladies;  That's what 'black pig' can do to some!!!  Where's mine??!!

 

Saturday, fine weather followed an uncertain start to the day.  Keith and Sandra had an uncomfortable night with a leaky tent.  They had thought of finding a B&B for Saturday night.  Luckily they didn't need it as the weather improved.  Colin and Di decided to stay behind while the rest of us including Paul 'the B'stard' and Chrissie, nipped off to Germany.  Badger lead and Diesel was the rear marker.  The roads in this part of the world are great and in such good condition.  We had a lovely lunch in Germany over looking the 'Rhine'.

 

The barbeque on Saturday night was great, the food: awesome!!  They had a live band that occasionally generated a ripple of applause!!!!!

 

The weather for the ride back from the camp site to Hoek was blissful.  A great end to a great weekend.  We were all keen to get home so after filling up in Harwich, we nailed it home. 

Dan