Isle of Wight Run
Saturday 15th - Sunday 16th September 2007





Early on Saturday morning Triumph's, and a few other makes, from across Kent converged on Clacket Lane Service Station for an eight thirty meet. A total of nineteen bikes met for the run to the Island. After a chilly start the temperature improved making for a good run down. Promptly at nine the bikes left in groups allowing for riders to travel at their own pace to the first stop, 'The Devils Punch Bowl' on the A3.
All re-grouped at the Punch Bowl and after some much need refreshment (and topping up of the brown sauce) continued on to Portsmouth in groups for the twelve thirty ferry to Fishbourne. Traffic outside Portsmouth was on the heavy side due to road works but we all made good progress even the 1970's Bonnie with an electrical problem. By the time we had arrived at the port the sun was out causing layers of clothing to be shed. The crossing was fine and although quick enabled us to have some more refreshment and a chat.

After regrouping we left Fishbourne as a pack for the ride to our B&B's in Sandown. Once there we went our separate ways to book in and relax. Alan Burns had arranged for the group to eat at the Folly Inn on the other side of the Island that night so a rest was required, well for some a cold drink on the beach! At a quarter to seven those going boarded the two mini buses for the short trip.

The group photo taken outside before we entered the pub for more refreshment only this time we could have alcohol! The pub was busy due to its riverside location and lots of 'boaty' people. We were told to order food early as there would be a long queue later. Having filled our four reserved tables the menu was perused and choices made, it was time to order. The manager was right, it was only eight fifteen and the queue was massive taking an hour to get to the counter. The wait over the food arrived in a very short time and we tucked in. There was no need to top the sauce up as supplies will now last a year although a surprise was to come the next day.

Nine o'clock came and the live music started over the other side but due to the numbers in the pub it could hardly be heard. One of the group returned from the bar saying people were dancing on the tables. Not to miss out several of the RAT's wondered over to have a look. Sure enough a whole section of the pub was full of people dancing on the floor, chairs and tables. Well it would have been rude not to join in (thankfully there are not many photos)! The mini buses arrived at eleven thirty and we all made our way back for some well earned sleep.




The next day we got up bright and early, some with aches and pains from too much dancing, and went for breakfast. Having woken up we all met outside one B&B to be collected by a member of the Wight RAT's. From there we were taken a short distance to their meeting place at a Roman Villa. They had done us proud by not only hanging up the official RAT's banner but also there own, unfortunate name for a motorcycle dealer Dave Death. Time for refreshment as we waited for other RAT groups to arrive from Wiltshire, Dorset and other places.
As you would expect as others arrived their mounts were viewed with interest. One of the many ST riders drew more attention than others due to him having a black plastic RAT with illuminated eyes on his top box.
One of our group was asked if they had looked in their glasses case that morning. They hadn't so got it out only to find a 'Reserved' label inside, um.. Where had they seen that before?

All assembled, their were a lot of us by now, a short welcome speech was given before an official photo call by the local press. We were then divided into three groups for the first of two rides. A Wight RAT member escorted us and a few others in the first group. Second man drop off or lay off as they called it was essential as nobody had a clue where we were going. A gentle ride took us along lovely country lanes passing through Brading, Bembridge and many more delightful villages before ending up at Shanklin for lunch. Somebody must have taken a direct route as the official RAT's banner was now hanging over the pub.

Lunch over it was time for the second ride of the day. This ride was to take us from one side of the Island to the other but not by any direct route. The roads of Ventnor were steep and full of hairpins whilst the road across the 'moor' was narrow bumpy and full of gravel. Surely nobody used this road. The thirty odd bikes must have been a sight for the local farmer.

Leaving the moors we dropped down to somewhere and avoiding the many cyclists, picked the coast road to Freshwater. After a steep climb up the hill with breath taking views we again dropped down into Yarmouth where the ride ended after some sixty odd miles. The weather had held up until this point but we were in for a light shower now. More refreshment followed and as that was the end for most of the group, goodbyes were said and tracks made home.

The weekend was great, good riding, good scenery and good friends and shows the ethos of the RAT packs across the country. Thanks must go to Andrew Welling (Wight RAT's), Chrissy and Alan for all their organisation and hard work.

Ian