Fleet Classic Bike Show – 02/05/2016

The usual gang gathered at Denham ready for the annual jaunt to the Lion’s club of Fleet show.  I arrived to be greeted by several members reminding me of my eventful ride of the previous year. Just because I lost half my exhaust and suffered poor running due to a blocked tank vent!  Luckily this year’s run turned out to be un-eventful.

I took up my usual position towards the rear with Steve and Ian to keep an eye on me. We take the same route every year so it’s no trouble if you do get detached from the main party. The road works on the short stretch of M3 that we use were a bit tedious but the 50mph average speed suited me fine. We had been advised that the meeting point had been altered for this year but it was sign-posted so we all met up O.K.
Those of us who had pre-entered, signed on and got our entry number, route card and enamel badge. Time for an egg and bacon roll and cup of coffee.

The riders for the run in the country start to depart about 11.30 .The organisers like to stagger the bikes leaving so that we do not form a big mass on the road. The weather was still set fair and the first half run of about 30 miles to the lunch stop was very enjoyable. We soon all met up at the pub for lunch and liquid refreshment. The weather forecast had been for rain from the West at about 4.00 p.m. so I thought it prudent to start back to Fleet a bit earlier than usual.

I had a bit of concern as the sign- posted route deviated from previous years and took us into Hartley Witney. I began to imagine some practical joker had been along and messed around with the signs! Luckily all was O.K. and we got back to the start.
I had a quick check to see how many raffle prizes I had won ( guess) and said farewell to the others explaining I was hoping to dodge the forecast rain.
Un-eventful run back beating the short shower by about half an hour.
Good day out with the gang.

Laurie.

Classic Motor Show – Old Warden Aerodrome 03/04/2016

As there was no planned club run this coming Sunday we looked up at “What’s on” section of our website and came across this meet called “Classic Motor Show at Old Warden Aerodrome”. Once decided we informed all the regular club night attendees of this pending run.

Meet Danny half between my place and his at 9:30 then made our way to Otterspool Way where Sam & Chris were already waiting. Not long before Pat and Brian turned up. We waited till 10 am in case anyone turned up but was not to be. Few of the members were talking about making their own way there especially when they lived not too far from the venue.

Brian led the way by setting of along A41 then on to A1/M in the direction Hatfield and on toward Henlow then a left at Biggleswade to Old Warden. The journey took about an hour and soon we were making our way through the front gates passing a long line of cars and suddenly we saw young Bob at front. After paying the entry fees we went to park up.

We made a bee line to the restaurant for a well-deserved cuppa! Despite the weather not being as warm as it should have been there was a good turnout. There were lots of club stands displaying classic British and vintage cars, hot rod and custom American cars. There were the usual Trade stands and we even got to see model air crafts flying display.

As we were walking about we bumped into even more members. The sun was trying to break through the clouds throughout the day which was very pleasant. We went back and forth to the restaurant for more hot drinks and a spot of lunch.

Alas it was time to head back the same way before it started raining. We all had a lovely day out with a 100 mile round trip.

Vinnie

Paws & Claws Run 20-12-2015

This has been always a special club run not only because it’s the last club run but also it is for such a worthy course. I believe Busy Bee and Linda Wilsmore from the Ace Café have been supporting this particular animal home for over 15 years.

The format for the day is as follows:-

We meet at the Ace Café for 10am and wait for everyone to bring food and presents for the animals. Then around 11am a member of staff arrive with a small van from the Mayhew Animal Home to pick up the donations.

We pose for a quick photo shoot in front of the Ace café before jumping on our bikes and heading off to the animal home.

The Mayhew in not too far from the Ace. They are based at Trenmar Gardens, Kensal Green. NW10 6BJ. Tel: 020 8962 8000. This is a very short ride to the Mayhew.

We park up outside the home and immediately we are greeted by the staff. All the snacks together with hot and cold beverages are laid out on the table. All the staff are so friendly and welcoming.

After a quick snack we are invited in small groups to take a tour of their fantastic facilities. We are also given an opportunities to see at all the animals. All the staff are aware of each and every animal in their facility with regards to why they are there and what treatment they are receiving.

This year we were also given a tour of the operating theatre as it was recently refurbished. I was amassed to see so much equipment and medicine required. They also provide and educate owners and offer many treatments free of charge or at a substantially reduced cost.

After everyone has a good look around we go back to the main reception for more drinks. Here Pat presented a cheque for £120 on behalf of the Busy Bee Club. We would like to say thank you to Steve-V, Ian, Chris, Pat & Brian, Steve-E, Johnny and everyone for their generosity.

And most of all to the staff of the Mayhew Animal Home for their total dedication and what a fantastic job they are doing with such limited funds.

Have a Wonderful Christmas and see you in the New Year!

Vinnie

Christmas Toy Run 13-12-2015

The years past quicker and quicker must be something to do with getting older. Here we go again down the motorway on drizzly dark morning wondering many will turn up today need not have worried when I got to the Ace there were lots of father Christmases and Elvis plus snowmen on bikes ready to go. Big Ron was once again at the helm after his last year’s speech stating that “this was his last year”. Well done Ron!

The Unity Support Riders were in abundance. I spoke to one of them who told me that he had ridden all the way from Bournemouth that morning. Fantastic effort by the whole group. Set off to St. Mary’s Paddington being very careful on greasy roads and the ride was accident free.

At the hospital parked right at the end of the road and slowly walked back to the hospital main entrance. As I arrived the van was already leaving the hospital.

Just made it to Royal Brompton and Harefield who were prepared and expecting us and passes smoothly. Next was St. Thomas’s which is always a nice ride and they are always please to see us. This is a very rewarding day out with lots of banter and pedestrians waving at us.

Then the big group returned to the Ace where prizes were given for best costumes. Thanks to the unity riders for their effort and everybody for coming. Journey home was not a pleasant one as there was drizzle and motorway spray which made the vision bad but soon I was back home. A nice feeling making it all worthwhile. Paws & Clews Run left now before Christmas. Ride safe all of you

PS. Have just read through and realised that I had not mentioned the other Busy Bee rider today our chairman Brian who has always made back to the Ace first. I was second, don’t have to wait too long for lunch that way.

Ian

 

Busy Bee Annual Christmas Party 28-11-2015

Last Saturday we had our annual Busy Bee Christmas Party and what a success it was too. As usual Pat, Brian and Steve did the shopping, prepared the food and transported it to the venue. They then laid the food on the table for all of us to enjoy on the night. The display was truly comparable to a 5 star establishment.
Our regular band called “Cruisin & Mooses” played Rock n Roll music for the members to dance the night away. Some of the members commented that the band was not too loud this year and therefore every one enjoyed the music even more. I think the selection of right kind music also played a big part.
Well done to Carol for selling the most raffle tickets even though Brian’s name kept popping up. There were lots of prizes up for grabs.
On behalf of the committee we would like to thank each and every one of you for turning up and supporting your club and hope you all had a lovely time.
And finally, as usual a big thank you to Pat, Brain and Steve for clocking on so many hours of overtime at this and other club functions throughout the year.
Before you put your bikes away for the winter months and plug that trickle charger of yours there are three more club runs.

Wishing you all “A Very Merry Christmas & A Wonderful New Year” !!!

Keep on biking, stay warm and look after yourselves through the winter months.
Vinnie