On this page : Treasure Hunt, Picnic ride, T3 racing, Derby trip, Brooklands, Easter Egg run.

Treasure Hunt, 5/9/2010

On a bright and sunny Sunday morning five bikes and one car arrived at Dunorlan Park, Tunbridge Wells for the start of this years treasure hunt. The ladies didn't ride but still wanted to take part so good on them. After a quick briefing three teams got to work solving the clues and working out what they thought would be the shortest route round the course.

The route took the teams from the park to Groombidge and then onto Sheffield Park railway station so they could enjoy the lovely countryside of the Ashdown Forest. From there the route took them to Ardingly and Weirwood reservoir before going back into the forest again for more stunning views and then a ride to Penshurst for tea at the end. Of course Julie and I took the short cuts so we could see the teams in action and take a few pictures.

The teams did not find navigation too difficult once they had tuned into the way of thinking however some of the questions proved more challenging. I don't think the lorry parked outside the bakers shop helped!

Over tea the distance travelled was calculated. Sue and Jackie in the car travelled 65 miles in all putting them out of the of the running. Alan, Richard and Dave had travelled 48.5 miles not bad as the shortest route was 47.5 miles. Sadly they got two clues wrong. Rohan, Linda, Sharon and Clive took 50 miles but only got one clue wrong so they were pronounced the winners and received the bag of sweets.

The combination of using the grey cells a little bit and navigation though wonderful countryside made the day a real pleasure for all. For those who couldn't make it there will be another next year, I may even do it in France but that will need working out.
Ian

Picnic ride 15/08/2010

A lovely bright sunny sunday saw 12 bikes turn up at Laguna Maidstone for the start of this years picnic ride. We left the shop and headed out of town along the Tunbridge Road before turning left towards Yalding and then down to Horsmonden. From there it was onto the pretty village of Lamberhurst and then onto Mayfield. A short ride along the A267 and a few turns took the ride down to East Hoathly. The lanes then got a bit narrower and twisty before we ended up at our destination, Arlington Resoviour.

Bikes unloaded with all types of food and drink we all headed for the picnic area by the waterside. After consuming lunch the annual bowls game got on the way.the winners being Julie and I again (more pressure for next year). Once ice creams from the shop were eaten most of the group went on the hour long walk around the reservoir. A treat was in store as the Battle of Brittain flight for Eastbourne air show circled above us.

All in all a really good ride enjoyed by all and a nice social day.
Ian

T3 Racing at Brands 25/7/ 2010

Thought we would get to Brands nice an early to catch all the races in the BMCRC-MRO Championship, and the 2 Triple 3 races.

Though it rained as we headed off to Brands Hatch, by the time we arrived and parked up, the sun had started to break through.
So much for an early start! In the qualifying race for the F1 & F2 side cars, and after a loud bang! A sidecar dropped it's oil on the track from coopers straight right round to Clark Curve.

After attempts to start the first race of the day, the BMRC Rookie 1000's, then the first of the T3 races, Marshall's & riders decided that the track was still unsafe and needed more attention. So racing was delayed until after an early lunch!

Now 12.30pm finally racing got on the way. There were 2 T3 races. One just after lunch and the other tagged on to the timetable as the last race of the day. The young 19-year-old Stephanie Waddelow (Flossy34) who Laguna sponsor in the T3 was not participating in today's races. Steph is still recovering from her badly injured broken finger collected in an earlier meet. Although her bike was in action, ridden by another rider. Steph is hoping to be back riding for the BSB meet at Brands on the 8th August.

They managed to get through the timetable of 23 races. Races include the Sidecars, Yamaha Past Masters, Two-stroke GP classic series, Power bikes & MRO stock 1000, Rookie's 600 & 1000 races. Not too many fallers & no bad injuries. It was a brilliant day. Apart from meeting up with one other Rat member, Jerry & co, we had to converse with strangers! Where were you guys? Did anyone else go? Have posted a few pic's on the website.
Chrissy.

Peak District Weekend 14th - 16th May 2010

The meeting point for the ride up to Chesterfield was at Thurrock Services. Leaving at 10.30am. Alan Burns had put together a scenic route to lead the group, with Tony Little following as tail end Charlie. All went well until Alan's bike decided to brake down around Great Dunmow. (A damaged coil prevented him from carrying on and resulted in a ride back home on the back of a low loader!) For those of us who know Alan Burns! This was just a set back, as you will find out as you read on.
Tony took over the lead and led the group safely up to the Ibis Chesterfield South, which was to be our base for the weekend. Keith & I arrived a little later, after a delayed start.
We had some new faces, members; join us for the weekend, which was great to see. Also, four members from Woods Abergele Rats from Wales, which including Bill & Pat Deacon (Woods Pack leader) came to supporting Tony & Janet's event. Also Alan's wife Susan came up in her car after work.
Tony & Janet had reserved tables in the 'Treble Bob' pub & restaurant, next to the hotel, for dinner to be served at 8.00pm. A Diamond Club menu was on offer for those who had reached the young age of '50' or over. 2 course dinner for only £5.99 (It was amazing how many members were suddenly not shy in coming forward announcing their age!! Even those who hadn't reached 50!
All became qualified for the Diamond Club discount!)
Just as it came time to order our food, a loud cheer went up as Alan Burns walked into the restaurant. (A 'swift' journey up the motorway from home on his ST meant he arrived just in time to join us.)
After a hearty breakfast Saturday morning, Tony led the nineteen bikes over to the Triumph World dealers in Chesterfield, where we were greeted, on arrival, by the manager Paul and four members of their Rat pack.
Paul had kindly offer his services and that of his pack members to Tony to be our hosts for the day. They had put together a route and led us around the beautiful country the Derbyshire dales had to offer. On arrival back at the shop, they laid on a spread of Tea & Coffee, Homemade Blackwell tarts, Coconut Slices & Cheesy scones. We were also offered their concessionary Rat discount of 10%. Which prompted A few Triumph World T-Shirts to be purchased and I believe a deal is being done as I write for a new Triumph Thunderbird!!
A big thank you needs to be given to all at Triumph World for their hospitality & warm welcome that they gave us. We invited the guys back Saturday evening to show our appreciation.
Sunday morning, a few left for home straight after breakfast, while those who were left were taken into Matlock by Tony. Matlock, a beautiful Derbyshire Town, is a favourite meeting place for bikers. (A great opportunity to hand out a few promotional Raid Fliers, which we did!)
Members then split into small groups to take their preferred journey home.
The weather had been kind to us all over the weekend, though heavy rain caught up with some as we reached the M25.
All arrived home safely, though after breaking down in the services at Gravesend, I finished my journey being carried home on a recovery truck.
This did not dampen what was a fantastic weekend!
This was Tony & Janet's first organised event for us Rats, assisted by Alan and his routes. Everyone agreed what a fantastic job they did & what a great weekend they had. What a great turnout with 19 bikes & around 30 people attending. You should be very proud of yourselves. Many thanks
ChrissyBx
Rat Coordinator.

Brooklands Ride - Sunday 18th April.

The weather did us proud! Not only did the sun come out, but also hundreds of bikers! A mass of bikes gathered at Brooklands Motor Museum for their Spring Motorcycling gathering. Jay had managed secure us some display parking for the Laguna Triumph bikes. Well done Jay & Elaine.

For those who may not know, Brooklands had the first purpose-built motor circuit, constructed at Weybridge, Surrey by Hugh Locke King back in 1907. It was the birthplace of British Motor sport and Aviation, the home of Concorde and the site of many engineering and technological achievements throughout eight decades of the 20th century. The museum displays a wide range of Brooklands-related motoring & aviation exhibits. It's displays are housed in three areas, The Motoring village, The Test Hill & the Track and Aircraft & Aviation.

Bikes old & new were lined up & parked in every space they could find on the grounds of Brooklands yesterday for visitors to admire, some in awe at how the older machines were still ridden. The Test Hill at Brooklands was in use with machines, including a 1907 500cc Triumph Roadster testing to see if they could make it to the top of the 1 in 5 hill. Some did, some didn't, and some just about made it with the crowd urging their very determined riders on. Oil dripped from their machines, Smoke filled the air from the exhaust. Had to been seen.

Also you could volunteer to ride a pushbike up the steep hill. (I'm sorry to report though that no member from the Rats offered to take up the challenge!). With so much to see, members split off in small groups, meeting up throughout the day enjoying a cuppa in the glorious sunshine and to share they experiences. (Someone always find something, which you missed!)

Members headed off for home at their will. Four were left, (Steve, Jackie, Keith & myself) and as the sun was still shining down, we decided to take a leisurely route home through the Surry lanes to top off what was a fantastic day out.
Many thanks to Jay & Elaine for organising this ride.

ChrissyBx

Whistable easter Egg ride - Sunday 28th March.

After a long cold winter a lovely spring day arrived for the annual egg ride to Canterbury. Sadly only a few bikes turned up at the shop but they were joined by a few others at Whitstable, perhaps the clocks going forward took its toll. Off the ride went along the A20 to Charring then onto Canterbury and then 'Errinies Plaice'

After brunch (and leaving a Garden of England poster) the ride went down into Whistable and joined a few hundred other bikes in the car park. Number here were well below normal but as time went on more and more rode in. The local press descended on Chrissy's bike as it was one of the few decorated and took a group photo for the paper (we seem it get in it every year!).

By the time the ride left there must have been 800 bikes which is closer to normal and a lot of Easter eggs. The route was the normal one along the coast to Herne Bay and into Canterbury. Hundreds lined to streets to support the ride by waving and clapping the riders, who of course waved back and sounded their horns.

The eggs and toys delivered to the center and a welcome cuppa taken it was time to go home. Thanks to Chrissy for organising our part of the ride.