http://clanbcretford.zoomshare.com/3.shtml Clan BC Retford: BLOG Fri, 15 Aug 2008 07:44:47 -0500 http://clanbcretford.zoomshare.com/3.shtml/adb66df5352d6868ba7c7e120c5b17af_48a57a3f.writeback Fri, 15 Aug 2008 07:44:47 -0500 Friday dawned wet and drizzly -- typical, every time you want to go somewhere on your bike it chucks it down.... Guess I should be used to it now after nearly 20 years of not being able to count on the weather despite the promise of global warming (or perhaps because of it!) Having planned this weekend for over a month none of the Clan were prepared to let a little rain dampen their spirits. By 10am the weather had cleared into warm sunshine and we all headed for the rally that afternoon in a three pronged attack. Wayne and Fay left the Bulldog Bash (too crowded, too muddy and too noisy) and headed up from the South. Kiwi, in a vain attempt to get the furthest travelled, had headed to Liverpool that morning and approached from the West while El Pres headed in from the East. Pres was first on the scene having only got lost the once and soon had the Clan camping area marked out and the beers in. Wayne arrived shortly after followed by Kiwi who'd managed 260 miles that day but was beaten to the furthest travelled by someone from Bath. We soon joined Ken and Nick (from Jo-Jo's Customs) in the bar and set about the serious task of supping ale. Ken and Nick were soon surrounded by a bunch of local girls who were quick to put on an impromptu singing and dancing show in an effort to win the prize of 50p up for grabs. After seeing that the competition wasn't up to much Fay quickly barged her way to the front and let rip with a fine song to claim first prize! The rest of the evening was taken up with the usual banter with most people giving us a wide berth due to the raucous laughter and general piss taking that abounds when the Clan gets together. Saturday broke fine but dark clouds were bearing in from the West so, with the ride out abandoned, we hit the local supermarket for a few takeouts and made it back to the tents as the heavens opened. A number of tinnys and a lot of laughter later we emerged and made our way to the reception tent with the now traditional bottle of port. That emptied, we headed to the bar for a game of snooker and spent the next few hours trying desperately to pot big balls in small pockets at stupidly long ranges. Lee (the rally virgin) arrived about 7 and we quickly got him set up and in the bar to enjoy the night's entertainment. Many beers later the band kicked off and being the party people we are we just had to put in an appearance. The dance floor was completely empty (although the band didn't seem too bad after 10 pints) and Kiwi was soon up dancing to the consternation of the locals -- "we don't do things like that round 'ere" - seemed to be the feeling but once the music starts you can't keep a good man down (or Kiwi for that matter!). One fervent band groupie seemed to think the El Pres was ripping the band (doesn't sound like him at all does it?) and almost started something but was quickly put in his place with a few well chosen words. It all quietened down when the band finished and just one couple were left on the dance floor (all over each other and yes we have the photos to prove it -- you know who you are...). We finished the night off with a coffee and a chat to the local HDRCGB region members in the reception tent and headed for bed, worse for wear but having had another good weekend. Big thanks to Annie and her team for a well organised rally in super surroundings, thanks to Fay for providing non- stop entertaining chatter and all I can say is bring on Baildon. They should be getting used to us by now!! http://clanbcretford.zoomshare.com/3.shtml/1193ce81ccf987f2fa7797520517b6e2_48a0b0cd.writeback Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:36:13 -0500 HD East Mids photos are now in the album pages - a blog to follow when it all becomes clear again... Go on - what are you waiting for??? http://clanbcretford.zoomshare.com/3.shtml/cc5e0f5fe6f133abf7df1dc081bb1f90_488cc317.writeback Sun, 27 Jul 2008 13:48:55 -0500 The East Midlands HDRCGB Region 10 2008 Summer Rally is on the: 8th-10th August By popular demand, we are going back to 'Lumb Farm' on the B6179 at Marehay, Ripley, Derbyshire - Entrance opposite Marehay Garage. There's great camping, a very late bar. There will be a live band on Saturday night (ZEPHYR) and the DJ will provide music all weekend. As always there will trophies to be won and home cooked food available all day from Breakfast til Supper. Tea and Coffee will be available whenever you want it in the entrance marquee. If the previous five years are anything to go by, a great time should be had by all at this brilliant venue. WHO.S UP FOR IT http://clanbcretford.zoomshare.com/3.shtml/47a6df363a96a2a68746a89fdbd607a7_48879734.writeback Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:40:20 -0500 CLUB MEETING THIS SUNDAY AT THE OLD SUN RETFORD MEET 12 OCLOCK PROMT [KIWI] ANYBODY FANCY A RIDE OUT COME ALONG WE ARE GOING TO SEE THE SHERIFFS GANG NEAR LINCOLN THEN OFF TO NEW HARLEY SHOP ANY MORE INFO EMAIL ME OR BLOG AND ILL GET BACK..EL PRES http://clanbcretford.zoomshare.com/3.shtml/ba6b4ab16c63d9a38eaa2dc38d3312c1_4884e072.writeback Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:16:02 -0500 WELL I PACKED THE IRON HORSE AND HEADED OFF ALONE TO RAINY DAZE RALLY EVERYBODY ELSE HAD MORE IMPORTANT THINGS TO DO ,WALL PAPERING ,IRONING ,DOG WALKING AND ANY THING ELSE THEY CAN THINK OF EXCEPT KIWI OF COURSE HE HAD PRE ARRANGED DANCING LESSONS IN NEWCASTLE. IT WAS A GOOD WEEKEND GOT LOST ONLY THREE TIMES ON THE WAY AND IT STILL WASN,T MY FAULT YOU WONT BE SURPRISED TO HEAR , ON ARRIVAL I WAS MADE MOST WELCOME BY KEV THE DWARF BUT DONT TELL HIM I DONT THINK HE KNOWS ,DRINKS FLOWED BAND PLAYED AND FUN WAS HAD ALL IN ALL A VERY GOOD WEEKEND IF ANYBODY EVER FANCIES A WEEKEND AWAY GIVE ME A SHOUT MOST RALLYS HAVE ELECTRIC FOR YOUR IRONING OR ANY OTHER CHORES YOU MAY HAVE OR IF YOU LIKE SIT IN YOUR BACK GARDEN AND ADMIRE YOUR BIKE ENJOY........THE LONE RIDER EL PRES http://clanbcretford.zoomshare.com/3.shtml/ae2a4a50ac4facb72091129bf834aceb_487276f1.writeback Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:05:05 -0500 The forecast was for rain Saturday AND Sunday but Friday was beautiful and with 100 miles of A1 to travel, El Pres and Kiwi packed up their ponies, incl. wet weather gear and full face helmets, and hit the road with that warm feeling that comes from knowing that a good time is going to be had no matter what the weather throws at you. 65 miles up the A1 and a stop at some services gave us the chance to stretch the legs and down a cold one each pre-packed by El Pres. We got chatting to another a biker on his way to Whitley Bay for a rally and sharing a stella in the sun with him, swapped rally stories and biking escapades 'til the tarmac beckoned again. We shocked ourselves by finding the campsite straight away in Hurnlow and were met by Hover and Old Bill bemoaning the fact that Elton John was playing a concert on the Saturday night less then two miles away but happy to issue us with ear plugs if we felt the need!! Fees paid we polished off the rest of the Stella's, got the tents up and headed for the bar in search of unsuspecting people to torment in the way that only the Clan does (well, El Pres anyway!) We were soon chatting to Clare and her two lads and then caught up with Sally and Geoff who we'd seen at Horncastle, before we hooked up with Bob and Brenda who warmed to El Pres straight away. The night passed in a blur of beer and VRBs and all too soon the bar closed and it was away to the tents to visit the land of Nod. Next morning breakfast was followed by a trip into Darlington to see the sights and a hearty lunch. The rain was lashing down which meant one thing - the offer of £1.25/ pint was too good to pass up and we sat in a bar in the Market Square and waited 'til the rain eased. Back at the campsite El Pres produced the customary bottle of port which, to the merriment of others in the marquee, we sat and drank before heading to the bar. Sitting with Bob and Brenda again we passed the afternoon and early evening in fits of laughter while happily polishing off large amounts of beer. A quickly eaten curry was followed by more beer and a prolonged chat with Mark who is about to emigrate down under (bon voyage mon ami!) We all had each other in stiches with various stories until the band got going. They are a superb 9 piece soul band called Atlantic Soul Messengers and highly recommended they are too. The dance floor was packed all night and the Clan were right there busting moves with the best of them 'til the end. A last couple of drinks in the bar with the band and an invite to their Richmond festival gig finished the night off perfectly before we headed to bed, well the worse for wear. Sunday morning broke fine and after breakfast we managed to get packed up before the clouds gathered. Amidst invites to future rallys we said goodbye to the many new friends we'd made and headed south with El Pres' words "it'll not rain today..." in our ears. Well Mr Fish - it lashed it down until Doncaster but we didn't mind a bit - the weekend will go down as right up there with the best of them for fun, laughter and hangovers. Cheers Pres and I can't wait for the next one. Lumb Farm anyone??? You rest of you don't know what your missing... http://clanbcretford.zoomshare.com/3.shtml/38e0901815678ffb9efbfe184b28dd02_48694148.writeback Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:25:44 -0500 Three of us enjoyed a steady ride out to Smithy's pub in Ashfield (The Rose and Crown) and a pleasant place it is to with a large sun deck and amiable atmoshere. Steve and Nicki were pleased to see old friends from Retford and an hour was whiled away chatting in the sun and watching a couple of the local dogs get friendly... With black clouds on the horizon we headed west daring the rain gods to do their worst to which they soon obliged but not before we'd found shelter in Harley World's showroom where we marvelled at the sheer cost of the shiny bits on offer! After 30 minutes or so of rain the sun broke through again and bellys rumbling, we headed for a well known chain of burger vendors and were soon tucking into deli wraps and icecream. The sun had dried off the roads which meant for a warm ride home with plenty of time left to get busy with much needed soap and water in preparation for the rally in Darlington next weekend. Cheers guys and hopefully a few more will brave the potential rain and the wrath of their wives and turn out for next months ride out. Watch this space... http://clanbcretford.zoomshare.com/3.shtml/100b0e27fffaab7d58904eede2e692f2_4851157d.writeback Thu, 12 Jun 2008 07:24:29 -0500 HDRCGB North East Rally - Darlington - 4th to 6th July in the grounds of a manor house, disco Friday, band Saturday - £10 for the weekend. Anyone interested, give me a call for more details or visit the HDRCGB website. CCO.The 9th North East region rally will be taking place on July 4th to 6th at Hurworth-on-Tees near Darlington. The venue is Hurworth Grange Community centre with camping in the grounds of Hurworth Grange. Friday night will be disco and Saturday night is disco and an excellent band. £10 to members and £12 to non-members. ..... More details from; Chris 01325 255279 Andy 07803 886172 http://clanbcretford.zoomshare.com/3.shtml/8a2ac16312630f64aab4b28e071c63ff_484da436.writeback Mon, 09 Jun 2008 16:44:22 -0500 The rain had held off all Friday but sure as nails - come 4pm Friday arvo - down it came in buckets. "Are we still going?" came the call - "Craig reckons it's not raining over Lincoln way..." "We'll give it a chance to blow over and make a run for it then...." "You got it, what do ya say, about 7?" "7 it is then" 7 came and the rain had stopped so El Pres, Mags and Kiwi loaded up and headed for Dunham Bridge. Toll paid we headed out into Lincolnshire and into the rain so, as soon as we'd past the Gatso, we gave the ponies their head and soon after broke through into the dry. We cruised steadily to the campsite and arrived with time to get the tents up before the rain caught up with us again. El Pres has to be congratulated as we didn't get lost once - another milestone reached in his intrepid leadership. Tents up, we were straight into the bar and were soon blowing the froth of a few and catching up with old aquaintances and making new friends in true Clan tradition. A steady nights drinking followed, including a venture into see Chris' (from Le Rock) band which by all accounts has improved no end on previous experiences. Mags braved the dance floor for a short period before it was back to the tents around 2am with hopes of a fine Saturday and plans afoot to enjoy a steady ride out for some food before hitting the bar again. We awoke to a steady drizzle punctuated with short downpours - Mags dutifully got the coffees in and we followed that up with a most appreciated full english in the bar. A quick tour around the site and more coffee was followed by waiting in the tents willing the cloud cover to break and the promised "scorchio" to begin. By half one we abandoned all hope of a ride out and hit the bar with a vengeance proceeding to dent the landlords stock of John Smiths and Carling. Within a couple of hours Jubba and Marie together with Craig and Rachel arrived, all a little damp but glad they'd made the effort. Their tents erected we were soon back in the bar boshing pints and having a laugh with Cap'n Smurf and Paul. The frivolities got too much for Mags who had to go for a lie down and the thought of the tent was too much for Craig and Rachel and they slipped away for some us time - shame Marie found the camera and followed them (check out the album photos!!) Craig later reappeared but Rachel was not feeling well (what had you been feeding her Craig?) and elected to remain in their tent. Mags reappeared briefly but had soon had enough and she to abandoned the party for the land of nod. Craig disappeared shortly after and the remainder of us enjoyed the rest of the night and a most excellent band - "20th Century Boy". Sunday morning arrived bright and clear, shame the same couldn't be said about our heads, but coffee and a wash followed by more coffee and breakfast soon had us feeling more lively and the sun soon dried off the tents and raised our spirits. We packed up amidst the usual banter that follows a good night on the ale and each of us enjoyed a steady ride home at our own pace in the glorious English sunshine. A big thanks to you all for making my birthday weekend memorable. Cheers for the HD beach towel El Pres (and family) and to the rest of you - where's me f*****g presents? http://clanbcretford.zoomshare.com/3.shtml/ff788f637385ee6344beef6db23639a9_4839a39d.writeback Sun, 25 May 2008 12:36:29 -0500 GRUMPY OLD BASTARDS & HDRCGB LINCS 2008 SUMMER PARTY 6/7/8TH JUNE 2008 £10 ON THE GATE At Horncastle Golf Club Twin Lakes, Shearmans Wath, West Ashby, Lincs, LN9 5PP Camping, live bands &disco, restaurant, mobile food van, Late bars, Saturday ride-out, stalls, etc. Electric hook up limited availability (£5 per night) Ring golf club on 01507 526800 or John 01205 280807 Find map at http://www.horncastlegolfclub.co.uk/