About 0830 on Monday 4 May, 18 bikes, mainly triumphs, met Ingrid at the Running Horse, Maidstone. The occasion was the annual ride to Hastings to join thousands of other bikers and meet the Pagan's. The weather was fine and dry although a bit on the chilly side.

We set off on the ride around 0900 and took the A229 through Maidstone down to Hawkhurst, 2nd bike drop off working a treat even though there were non club members in the group. At Hawkhurst we turned left and headed down that lovely road to Sedlescombe. Here we stopped to change leader and tail end Charlie for the last few miles so we could avoid the masses of other bikers that would be using the A21.

We arrived at the seafront just after 1015 and were marshalled to our parking place. Already there were thousands of bikes of all makes and more were arriving by the minute (the estimate for the day was not far off 20,000). After a quick cuppa we went in small groups to meet the Pagan's who were celebrating the May Day Jack-in-the Green traditions.

The Old Town was bustling with spectators and people in all kinds of fancy dress. The drums were beating and the beer flowing (not for us riders). The atmosphere as normal was fantastic with everyone having fun.

Once the parade was over it was time to find a bite to eat so it was a short walk to the fishing end for some of the best food you can get. Bikes were still arriving from every direction. After lunch is was a walk into the new town where you kept bumping into fellow Laguna members. The weather had held despite a little bit of drizzle which made for a dry ride home for all.

If you have never done the May day ride I can recommend it. The ride is pleasant and there is more to see and do other than motorcycles. Everyone is there to enjoy themselves which all goes to make a fun occasion. The ride home is not too far either.

Thanks to Ingrid for organising the run for the second year and Jane for helping with the photos. Have a look there on the web site.

Ian