Gathering Of The ClansGathering Of The ClansNot too late to bed Sat night, not too much beer, set the alarm, can't
sleep all night, looking forwards to the annual Gathering of the
Clans.
7-30am, looks bright, maybe the weather forecast is right.
We opt
for jeans and jacket, it will be alright, absolutely froze my nuts off in the
fog down the M1.
Met Rick, Harry & Ros in the layby, said a quick hello
and set off to Rod & Cathy's for an early bite to eat.
After about 10
miles the fog melted away, and the lovely warm sunshine started to warm the
air. Got to Rods and we spent many a happy minute walking round his Birthday
present, a Wildstar, beat the hell out of the socks I got.
Picked up a new
couple, Steve and Jan, maybe new members? and we had a lovely ride down to
Sixfields, what a day.
When we eventually got to Northampton Town Football
Ground, the number of bikes in the car park was staggering, there seemed to be
hundreds, a later pretty much official count, thanks Malc & Chris, made the
total to be 72 bikes, with quite a few being 2 up, around 130 Lost Rider
Members, any other centres out there with this kind of turnout?
The sun by
now was scorching, not been this nice in April for many a year.
How nice is
it to wander around so many folks knowing just about all of them, great turn
out people.
The ride out went without any serious incident, not so for the
poor Ducatti rider, who had dropped his bike on a tight bend in a 30mph limit.
Some of the prettiest villages had the windows rattled by 70 odd bikes weaving
their way across Northants and Leicestershire.
On the whole the group
managed to stay together pretty well, and with a well timed re-group stop, and
numb arse rubbing session, some folks had ridden a long way, we all reached the
end with little fuss and within 10 minutes of each other.
Good to see Trev
and the Lincolnshire members at The Durham Ox, another 8 bikes, up to 80 now,
looked impressive in the car park.
Some took a picnic, some had the carvery,
some just a drink and a natter, it was a great start to the season. Lots of new
things appearing on peoples bikes, many new additions, and quite a few new
faces, good to see everyone so up-beat about the coming months.
I made some
new friends today, hope you did too, lets do it again, soon.
Terry
