Thames Valley UK Chapter Harley Owners Group

Hello all

A massive thank you to Sue and Dave Brown for a great day with an informal ride from Saunderton, with coffees and refreshments and then taking in the Dunstable downs for a drink and and back to the Fisherman's pub for a welcome drink and food.

The band of some 7 bikes set off with Sue becoming an accomplished pillion carrier, with Laura, who is home after her success at University, as her willing victim. Keith had to cut the ride short so left us at Dunstable and we met Bulldog along the way. He thought he was getting his P45, but all was redeemed with Laura going back with him and leaving Sue on her own again!!

An excellent ride with spectacular views and thanks again to Sue and Dave for the day - brilliant.

Cheers all

Dick Turpin Ride To York 2009
23rd and 24th May 2009

The Dick Turpin Ride To York was a idea that I got from doing a similar event on Horseback, with a group of Riders from the British Horse Society Long Distance Team, back in the Seventies, when we did it back then we started at Horseguards in London, and it took a whole week to complete, so how the h*ll, did Dick Turpin do it in a day, or overnight as alleged, (well it's simple - he didn't).

Back to the 2009 attempt, after speaking to Phil Garner "T V Activities Officer back in October 2008 a plan was hatched by the pair of us, we thought to start at The Ace Cafe would be a good idea and to finish in York at The Castle Museum with a photo shoot in Dick Turpin's Cell, which we did with a guide to explain the true story of Dick Turpin, "if you want to know more about him you could always join us next year", Phil is under instruction to come back from the depths of Cornwall to join in next year.

Thoughts of a Toy Run virgin…..

The weather was not promising on the day of the Run, but an hour before I needed to set off for the rendezvous at Maidenhead the clouds parted and the sun started to dry the wet roads. I took that as a good omen for the day ahead and rushed to get the trike ready, adding antlers to the tinsel that I had already adorned it with.

A good number of chapter members were already there when I arrived, and more joined before we all, some 15 or so bikes and trikes, set off for Reading, ably lead by Colin and shepherded by the road crew. The little convoy attracted even more interest than usual from passing motorists, largely because of the Xmas decorations that we were all bedecked with! Lee and Lou eased their car past us on the M4 so that Lou could photograph us all individually, I look forward to seeing those pictures.

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.

A swift internal debate took place at 07:15 on the Sunday morning after realising I had missed the Wamdsad depart but could just make Chieveley, if I hurried, resulted in a swift blatt down the M4 to get to the depart point at 08:30, and to be greeted by a great turnout of our TVHOG members joined by a load of other bikes that did not have the “Harley” logo! Glad I got up!

The cold must have enhanced awareness on the trip down as I spotted the river Thames smooth as a table top with two rowing fours leaving perfect circles where the oars had just left the water, trees changing colours to that wonderful red colour, a “pack” of hot air balloons making their early morning flights and a group of old buses going somewhere for a rally I guess. All this with the sunrise in my rear view mirrors. Exhilarating!

Attached a message from Pete Davies, Director of the Oxford Chapter HOG, for December 5th 2009

Hi chaps,

This year Oxford are "pushing the boat out" for the end of season bash. We have booked the newly refurbished Lambert Arms (www.lambertarms.com) pub/hotel where they have spent upwards of £4,000,000 making the place nice and shiny.

Oxford members have had first refusal on tickets but that runs out in 8 days time and I anticipate there being 20 or so spare tickets so if you, or indeed any other Thames-Valley members, would like to come along then you would be most welcome.

Tickets represent good value at £27.50 (down from £34.95 ) for 3 course festive menu plus disco and rooms are just £75 inc. full English down from £101. As I said our TV brethren would be very welcome should anyone be interested. Best wishes, Pete

I have been in touch with the Castle Museum in York and they would be very pleased to have us back next Spring Bank Holiday May 29th. I will sort out a Parking Waiver so we can park in The Eye Of York again, it is a great spot for photo's.
My plan for next year is to do the event over THREE DAYS.
If you wish to make your own way Home on Sunday that will be ok.

SATURDAY-- Leave Ace Cafe @ 8.00am, take the A1 to Stibbington Diner for Breakfast,
then through Stamford onto A15 up to Lincoln Dealership (I am going to ask Aire Valley to join us at Lincoln, also anyone from Lincoln/ Sherwood for the ride up to York).
From Lincoln follow the A15( Ermine Street a Roman Road) up to the Humber Bridge, then into Beverley.
From Beverley we will go over the Yorkshire Wolds and on into York, to The Castle Museum.
After a visit to the Dick Turpin Exibition (new this year) we will go to the Hotel.

Hi all

Applications for tickets and accomodation is now on the bridgewater site - so be quick

www.bridgewaterhog.co.uk

Cheers all

For those who may not have already heard Kirsty (wife of our safety officer Russell and one of the three intrepid trikers in the chapter) has not been well and is currently undergoing treatment; the whole of the Chapter join me in sending their best wishes to her and wishing her well.

Hello all

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