Page 14 - Flaming Cauldron – Issue 62

ACC ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER
Riders’ year 2023 By Nick Storer
With no apologies once again, I get to do a small
write up on the events for the ACC/RLC riders’
group and their year of motorcycling happiness.
Another year gone and quite an eventful year for
many. Up’s and down’s with the weather this year,
but us being us, we rode somewhere anyway. April
arrived and many get their bikes from under the
covers to start the riding time, some others, either
need their bikes as main transport or are mad
enough to ride all year round.
The main event or annual pilgrimage is the
RTTW (Ride To The Wall) at the NMA near
Litchfield. This is a remembrance service like no
other but on motorbikes (around 7000 bikes, final
Carpark A, other carparks
number not yet in at time of writing this) and the
just a full but too many to
odd car, cyclist, or bus! The event is run and organ- put on here
ised by volunteers www.rttw.org and this year for
once was a dry one, yes, dry, no wet weather gear
needed, sun was out, sunscreen needed, bikes were
out in abundance.
RTTW is the one unique motorcycling event
within the UK which gives serving, veteran, and
just about every other motorcyclist an opportunity
to gather at this place of remembrance. Once there
they pay their respects to our fallen Service men and
women, catch up from the last time we met, remi-
nisce life which is commonly known as chat drivel,
A few of the better- always, we get a few of our own that are unable to
looking ones from RTTW
Nick Storer, Henry Ready
and Ian Plumb
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over the past and maybe plan the future events over
coffee and maybe a cake or bacon sandwich.
Once again at the RTTW we were honoured
with a fly past by a Spitfire at low level. An amazing
sight and sound to behold as it made a few loops
of the NMA and as leaving; a tipping of its wings.
This year’s role of honour of attendance from
those who names were given or noted was Nick
Storer, Henry Ready, Paul Chalk, Chris Reay, Ian
Plumb, Andy Main, Keith Powell, Mark Hodges,
Kev Irvine. Not in the pic but there were Phil
Trask, John Preston, Paul Bushnell, Zak Goodwin.
And very importantly not forgetting some of their
wives or girlfriends who also attended and took
the photo as they do every year. Unfortunately, as
attend, this year names sadly are Mark Humphreys,
William Gloucester and Mark Beadle all fell victim
to this list. Hopefully see you next year gents?
Each year I get asked what it’s about and who
can attend so for those un-aware and no, I once
again make no apology for mentioned this each
year with this year being no exception. This event
is open to all bikers or not. It asks for a voluntary
donation of £10 to attend. Again, its voluntary so
SECRETARY@ACCASSOCIATION.ORG | WWW.ACCASSOCIATION.ORG SECRETARY@ACCASSOCIATION.ORG | WWW.ACCASSOCIATION.ORG
ACC ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER
you don’t have to cough up a John Preston flying the 2500-mile through France and Spain round trip sup-
flag on his bike at RTTW
tenner. Register before the ported with ibrobrufin. A hot 12 days and saw many
event or on arrival or don’t its lovely sites and places. The weather was amazing so
your choice. If you haven’t been made it more enjoyable, bit hot at times though.
there or to RTTW it is a site Aberdare Road racers 22th/ 23th July, located
like no other. www.rttw.org, in the Aberdare town park is the home the UK’s
registration will be open from shortest road race circuit where the spectators are
a date yet to be set in April. no more than 5m from the track. To say this year
was a wet one was an understatement. Fair play
And two of the not so
good looking, Andy Main to the racers who raced in bad conditions and the
and Paul Cheater with spectators who braved it. Hope 2024 the weather is
their biker jackets, two of better. www.aberdare-park-road-races.co.uk.
the regular attendies and
supporters of RTTW every RIDE TO THE WALL POEM
year no matter what the
weather. 1.
Ride to the wall my boys, ride to the wall,
Again at this time of year answer the call,
Come and remember those who gave all,
Come on your mean machines,
Large, medium or small
Other events for the year And ride to the Wall.
Various riders out with their appropriate MC’s 2.
and MCC’s riding to various places of the UK and
Europe or solo riding for pleasure. All part of a big Ride Kawasaki or B.M.W.,
brother and sister hood that keeps us out of trouble Ducati or Harley, old or real new,
and out on the bikes enjoying the views, the fresh Suzuki, Aprilia or Norton will do,
air or for the joy of just riding the bikes no matter Come in your thousands,
what size or age or bike oh and rider. Flags, yes, and passengers too,
Wearing red, white and blue.
Mark Hodges having a
good weekend at Thruxton 3.
with the vintage Japanese From the far reaches, from hillside and town,
Motorcycle club 12th/13th Up from southern seaside and Scotland come down,
August. Fortunately a Come in your leathers or wearing a gown,
dry one and keeping the
Gather to share,
vintage scene alive on well
maintained and preserved Remember those who’ve passed down,
motorcycles. Come here to reverence and honour the Crown
4.
Ride to the wall my boys, bring your respect,
Andy Main been out riding with new friends
Spread the word wide we must never reject
and flying the badge with the “Black Mafia”(3rd But remember their sacrifice, be circumspect,
Battalion Green Jackets bike club). Andy was a Share with each other there at the wall,
Support Coy Chef in the 70’s has stayed in touch Each year forever answer the call,
with many of them. And with your fallen brothers always connect.
Chris Reay (the prof) 22nd/23rd July and his
5.
lady attended a AAVMCC (all Arms Veterans
Take all our love, and our respect too
Motorcycle Club) weekend and yep he got very
From we who can’t be at the wall there with you,
wet. He did a few rides to various places with the
Thanks we do offer for all they have done,
club an enjoying life doing it.
The courage in danger, the laughter, the fun,
Nick Storer, a 12-day ride with the Motorcycle
We’ll be standing with you, our hearts full and true.
club to the club world party in Spain, a casual
Mike East enjoying a trip Our friends, we salute you, the strong and the brave,
to the Isle of man and 6.
lucky enough to be close
to the action at the Manx Accept our grateful thanks from beyond the grave,
classic TT on August 26th. Now we stand in your place, guarding the land,
The TT circuit is the largest Uplifting the banner just as was planned,
and most famous street
Making sure our service is as good as you gave.
circuit in the world. 33
miles around the circuit. Harry Page 2018 (updated October 2023)
And no that’s not him on
the bike. That’s him on the “Absent Friends”
right with his new friend
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