St. George's day ride out to Westerham, Kent
St George’s day run to Westerham, Kent.
The forecast as at Thursday night for Sunday was rain and lots of it! Plan “B” was being quickly developed!
However, on the day we were greeted by clear, blue skies, dry roads and some 20 intrepid dragon hunters, complete with flags and very shiny chargers met at the dealership for the 10:00 off for a gentle 26 mile stroll cross county to Newlands Corner.
A knight in shining armour on his trusty white steed came to the rescue of a damsel in distress, rescuing her St. George’s flag falling off her bike, some of the riders experienced their first drop off (very successfully); one intrepid knight disappeared only to arrive at Newlands shortly after the rest of us; and there is at least a double fine due for the Lead bike (see the next Hog’s tales) (click on read more to see the rest of the article)
On arrival at Newlands we met up with ca 30 of the Hogsback Chapter and the rest of our party who live over in that part of the countryside and found the parking lot was taken up by the Scooter club with lots of their machines ready for a run in that area. (A couple of the more elderly walkers did give us all a very strange look and carried on walking.)
After bacon rolls and cups of tea or coffee, and the sound of 2 stroke sewing machines fading in the distance, Phil G took on the mantle of leading the next leg to Westerham in Kent to the aptly named George and Dragon pub, where we were greeted by the Aston Martin owners club, a band and the a high street full of well wishers were soaking up the midday sun and admiring the bikes. The Astons got a glance from time to time, only because they were parked in the road! Just kidding. There was the most beautiful 1948 car which was one of the first built and owned by the Brown family for the first 2 years of its life. Have a look in the photos of the day. A red Ferrari did try to get in on the act with lots of engine revving and just didn’t look the part at all.
Following lots good food and company the various packs wended their way back via Box Hill for teas and ice creams and off their different ways back home. Some of us had ridden further than ever before and were all the better for it. Lots of longer rides to come over the summer!
A really great, successful day and thanks to Phil Garner for the organisation of the day and to all of the road crew for the day. Thanks also to Ray and Don W for helping me check the route and to Mike for the photos!