Thames Valley UK Chapter Harley Owners Group

Saturday 10th October RTTW 2 2009

I awoke with a shock as the Alarmed beeped at some un-godly hour and as I looked out of the window at the dark damp morning the only comfort I could draw from was the fact that I knew that I wasn’t the only one, in fact I was one of over 5,000 all preparing to do the same thing, join up and ride together to the Wall in honour of our fallen heroes.

As I pulled my bike out of the garage the damp misty air immediately condensed onto the cold metal and it soaking wet in seconds. I fired it up and set off to Braywick Services for the first of 3 pick-up points. On arrival at the service station I could see everyone standing to attention each beside their own petrol pump all waiting for the power to be reconnected so we could pump gas. Finally one by one the pumps started up and we filled up ready to roll.

Phil gave the usual briefing outlining the order of the day and then borrowed Dons yellow jacket ready to take the lead. After a quick photo shoot (never that quick when Don is behind the camera, I think his must have the only clock-work camera in the world ? we set off via wet country lanes to “H’s” for the second rolling pick-up where we collected another 2 bikes.

Mean while, just as early, over at Handy Cross near High Wycombe the other half of our Ride-Out were assembling. From here they were lead by Bulldog to the services on the A43 / M40 where they awaited for our expected 8am arrival.

As we pulled into the services to join them we were greeted with the usual banter “What kept you? Oh you decided to turn up then?” you know, the usual stuff ?

A quick re-fuel, and a visit to the loo for many and then we prepared to set off.

Our instructions and route was fairly straight forward, due to time scales imposed on us by the organisers we had to hotfoot it up the Motorway asap in order to arrive at the assembly point, Drayton Manor Theme Park, before 10am.

On our blast up the motorway we overtook several groups of riders and were in turn also overtaken by others, it seemed that the whole world was on two wheels this morning and all heading the same way. The motorway blast was fast and furious and Phil was taking no prisoners in his quest to get us there on time. As we pulled off the motorway and onto the final approach road we quickly pulled into a lay-by to regroup and check everyone was accounted for and it was great to see the whole pack pull up, in formation without delay and Tony our tail man grinning from ear to ear at a job well done.

As we pulled into Drayton Manor, Don and Spud broke away into the special area set out for the Flag Bearers and one or two of our group (still a little sleepy maybe) promptly followed ? We won’t name names in case they get fined ? The rest of us lined up into the carefully organised lanes and switched off our engines and stood in awe looking at the Thousands of bikes already assembled there.

After a short period of waiting, just time for a walk to the coffee area for a quick drink and back and then we could hear the distant rumble of Harleys starting up at the far end of the field. They began to file passed two abreast for ages and ages and still the field seemed full!! Finally we began to zip up our jackets and pull on our crash helmets in readiness as the lines of parked motorcycles began to peel away like a woolly jumper slowly unravelling itself. Now it was our turn.

The whole dispersal of the parking lot was so carefully organised and controlled to perfection and the remaining 11 mile route was clearly marshalled at every turn and crossing. Hundreds of people lined the route waving and cheering us on, it must have been an awesome site just standing beside the road as mile after mile of motorcycles filed past.

The reception at the National Memorial was just as well organised and we were directed to parking areas laid out in readiness. By now it was gone 1 o’clock and most of us were hungry, luckily there was plenty of food available, from sandwiches and burgers to full roast dinners if you wanted.

The services began with a solo bag-piper (bag-pipest?) and then Martin Dickinson addressed the crowd and thanked everyone for making his dream and this event come alive. Following this was a short service from a Biker priest and also an Army General who thanked us for our support and told us how much it meant to those still fighting overseas to know we stood behind them .

Then the releasing of the Doves before the really fantastic fly past by a WW2 Spitfire, this came out of the sun and made 3 fly-pasts before tipping its wings in a low salute and disappearing as fast at it arrived. Then the emotional laying of wreaths along with the last post played by a solitary bugler. We were all asked to come back again next year and to each bring a friend along in support, that would make 12,000 bikes and to be honest I can actually see that happening.

We then re-grouped ready for the ride to the Silverstone Harley Davidson dealership lead again by Phil but this time tailed by Clive who decided to stop in the middle of the busy road and put on his yellow jacket to the amusement of the rest of us? Here a few of us queued for ages for a lukewarm cup of tea only to find out later that the rest had found a bar with beer around the back ? Still the girl in the Tea wagon was gorgeous and took our minds of the wait ?

From here we split up and went our separate ways, some staying on for the Bar B Que I think? Clive took the lead on a mad blast to the M40 and an even madder blast once on it. My poor old bike hasn’t been ridden so fast for so long and was still wheezing at home in the garage some hours later ?

It was a great day, the weather stayed dry throughout and I can’t wait for RTTW 3.
YSL