Luckily Arl only wanted half of one of Jo's delicious bacon sarnys, which was just as well as there was only enough for one left. So, a shared sandwich and a cup of tea later, and we were ready to get the 20 bikes, including a brand new and already customised Warrior, on the road. (The twin pipes look so much better than the dustbin Yamaha supply them with.) Also in the pack was Jacqui on her restricted 535 for the first time. This ride could not have been more challenging for her, as it was mainly on gravel strewn B roads, with far too many colour blind Lycra clad cyclists for comfort. Why do they believe they OWN the road???

The route was to take us out through Binfield Heath, Stoke Row, through the woods and up to Nettlebed. From there we would wend our way through Christmas Common and Postcombe to The Three Pigs. Unfortunately, Ian, on his Warrior did not make it past Stoke Row. (see his letter which follows). Fourteen of us (the rest having stopped to help Ian, or were still marking junctions) made it to a nice spot to stop for a few photographs. Unfortunately we were probably a week too early, but there was a good display none the less.  At the Pigs, while some drank others ate, and another insisted on making the owners of classic bikes start them up for her audio pleasure.

The group then went it's various ways. Rynier (our new member who lives the furthest East of any of us), jumped on the M40 for a fast blat back into London, whilst 8 of us headed off to Henley for a meal at the Catherine Wheel, and later to be joined by Dave & Sarah. 

Not the sort of event you would normally associate with rufty tufty bikers, but I think everyone enjoyed the excuse.....after all, it's the ride which is important. So, welcome Ian and Rynier, and welcome back Alan, we all hope you'll all be back soon.

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