ABR MIdlands Rally - thanks one and all
Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2012 9:30 am
Sweat now, for I shall post some pictures up tonight when I get home
Another rally and another big smile on my face, as the kit is loaded and the bike is ready, I’m off down the road again. The weather was of biblical proportions on the ride down, I was unsure upon arrival if I was going to pitch my tent or begin an Ark!
Just the ride into the campsite was an adventure, going forwards but sliding sideways, I was indeed on a fast flowing river crossing but one made of wet grass and mud! Never fight it and keep the sausages away from the front brake, I let the tail come around and then gentle power with a slight bar turn into the drift – easy.
More than a few on road tyres also had the same ‘sailing’ but without the fortunate end that I had – still, the BMW GS does bounce well.
Even with a nail biting ride in and weather that would have a Rain Dance troop getting a Gold medal – ABRers came from far and wide, pitching up a variety of tents.
Diversity is the key to all good events and the ABR Midland had grown in size but had not changed in ethos – Great value for money, excellent people and fun rides.
All makes of bike had come to play, from the 125cc VanVan right up the 1800cc Goldwing (I don’t think he had TKC tread but I could be wrong!). Of course we had all the makes between the ranges also.
But also the people show the diversity of ABR events as we have the ‘Old Sweats’ that have been there and done it, we had a wonderful showing from the ABR Youngbloods pitching up. Rather a few Mr and Mrs Teams came riding in two by two and where would we be without the clowns! Yes, Craigrevo, I’m looking at you. I was pleased to see Father and Daughter team pitch up on a rather snazzy old Ducati!
There really is something for everyone – road rides and trail rides, slow rides and fun rides. Rides that are lead out and rides that people just took on their own and at their own pace. On site at all times was a full and free enduro course! This included the ‘Bog of Death’ and the prize of free beer to any ABR member that could complete it in one. To my knowledge only The Beddows gave it a go – and a damn fine attempt it was too!
Who do you thank?
Everyone makes ABR what it is and everyone is to be thanked – All we do is lay down the basic stock, but it is the riders that make up the spice, the meat and the veg of the oh so flavoursome ABR Stew!
Fortune favours the brave and our Friday storm riding was rewarded with sunshine and blue skies on the Saturday ride outs. Four rides put on by members and many more just took their own sweet time and had a look about.
I would like to personally thank the riders that came on my ride out – humour and easy flow was the order of the day as my satnav just plain spat it’s dummy out and decided that my route order was better served going backwards!
A quick chat with the lads as we came to see Warwick Castle – well, we did see the sign and then all laughed at the 6 quid entry fee – ABOUT TURN!
Off to Kenilworth Castle – not to be deterred by such outlandish fees! Only to find that not only did this RUIN want an entry fee but also a parking fee! My god the Welsh know how to run a castle display (Aberystwyth, wander around free of charge!).
Anyway! We got some long distance pictures and then talked about going the Motorcycle Museum but rapidly came to the conclusion that we should just go and ride our bikes, simple as that! Back roads and twisters, single track and hedgways before searching about 15 miles for a pub that does food!
But a pub was found and a steak and onion baguette was very much appreciated in a rather nice sun trap beer garden. There my day had to end as I was required 140 miles away for a family party, duty bound I set off like a scalded cat.
A slow read of the feedback is always a warming of the heart affair and provides a smile on the face. Indeed, sat around the fire on Friday night, Stella in hand and chair attached to my arse, I was brought to quiet contentment as many people made comment on how much they enjoyed ABR events and how welcome they had been made to feel.
See you all in Scotland!
James
A personal thank you to Eunice (Mrs TreadTrader) for work above and beyond on the days and nights, sorting out the tickets and payments, providing snacks and during the night there was the rubbish collection. The only thing bigger than your constant smile is the size of your heart (yes, I know Dave will be saying it’s your arse).
Another rally and another big smile on my face, as the kit is loaded and the bike is ready, I’m off down the road again. The weather was of biblical proportions on the ride down, I was unsure upon arrival if I was going to pitch my tent or begin an Ark!
Just the ride into the campsite was an adventure, going forwards but sliding sideways, I was indeed on a fast flowing river crossing but one made of wet grass and mud! Never fight it and keep the sausages away from the front brake, I let the tail come around and then gentle power with a slight bar turn into the drift – easy.
More than a few on road tyres also had the same ‘sailing’ but without the fortunate end that I had – still, the BMW GS does bounce well.
Even with a nail biting ride in and weather that would have a Rain Dance troop getting a Gold medal – ABRers came from far and wide, pitching up a variety of tents.
Diversity is the key to all good events and the ABR Midland had grown in size but had not changed in ethos – Great value for money, excellent people and fun rides.
All makes of bike had come to play, from the 125cc VanVan right up the 1800cc Goldwing (I don’t think he had TKC tread but I could be wrong!). Of course we had all the makes between the ranges also.
But also the people show the diversity of ABR events as we have the ‘Old Sweats’ that have been there and done it, we had a wonderful showing from the ABR Youngbloods pitching up. Rather a few Mr and Mrs Teams came riding in two by two and where would we be without the clowns! Yes, Craigrevo, I’m looking at you. I was pleased to see Father and Daughter team pitch up on a rather snazzy old Ducati!
There really is something for everyone – road rides and trail rides, slow rides and fun rides. Rides that are lead out and rides that people just took on their own and at their own pace. On site at all times was a full and free enduro course! This included the ‘Bog of Death’ and the prize of free beer to any ABR member that could complete it in one. To my knowledge only The Beddows gave it a go – and a damn fine attempt it was too!
Who do you thank?
Everyone makes ABR what it is and everyone is to be thanked – All we do is lay down the basic stock, but it is the riders that make up the spice, the meat and the veg of the oh so flavoursome ABR Stew!
Fortune favours the brave and our Friday storm riding was rewarded with sunshine and blue skies on the Saturday ride outs. Four rides put on by members and many more just took their own sweet time and had a look about.
I would like to personally thank the riders that came on my ride out – humour and easy flow was the order of the day as my satnav just plain spat it’s dummy out and decided that my route order was better served going backwards!
A quick chat with the lads as we came to see Warwick Castle – well, we did see the sign and then all laughed at the 6 quid entry fee – ABOUT TURN!
Off to Kenilworth Castle – not to be deterred by such outlandish fees! Only to find that not only did this RUIN want an entry fee but also a parking fee! My god the Welsh know how to run a castle display (Aberystwyth, wander around free of charge!).
Anyway! We got some long distance pictures and then talked about going the Motorcycle Museum but rapidly came to the conclusion that we should just go and ride our bikes, simple as that! Back roads and twisters, single track and hedgways before searching about 15 miles for a pub that does food!
But a pub was found and a steak and onion baguette was very much appreciated in a rather nice sun trap beer garden. There my day had to end as I was required 140 miles away for a family party, duty bound I set off like a scalded cat.
A slow read of the feedback is always a warming of the heart affair and provides a smile on the face. Indeed, sat around the fire on Friday night, Stella in hand and chair attached to my arse, I was brought to quiet contentment as many people made comment on how much they enjoyed ABR events and how welcome they had been made to feel.
See you all in Scotland!
James
A personal thank you to Eunice (Mrs TreadTrader) for work above and beyond on the days and nights, sorting out the tickets and payments, providing snacks and during the night there was the rubbish collection. The only thing bigger than your constant smile is the size of your heart (yes, I know Dave will be saying it’s your arse).