Page 10 - Flaming Cauldron – Issue 64

ACC ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER

Riders’ year 2024

Another year gone by, hard to believe it’s already people and fortunately another dry one this year.
October 2024. Here we go with the annual bikers Trust me when I say we appreciate a dry one as
write up. Now things are settling down with riders in our group come from places such as South
global illness that’s allowed bike events to happen and North Wales, Dorset, Hampshire, Yorkshire
again including Moto GP, British Suber bikes, and beyond. Many of us were watching the weather
NW200, Isle of Man TT and many more. These forecast and as the week went on it dried up. Lucky
are mentioned as many go to support these events. for us as on the Tuesday this week the NMA was
Personally, my annual one is the Aberdare Road under water. Parking and riding motorcycles on a
Racers. Local and cheap yet entertaining. muddy field is not an enjoyable experience as we
Many of us riders are now out more and more are on road bikes not dirt bikes. This year as always
and enjoying riding wherever and whenever we can. was another great day to pay respect to the fallen,
For some it’s their only form of working transport, see old friends, make new acquaintances, reminisce,
others it’s a weekend thing. To me and a few talk drivel, put the world to rights etc, sure you
others the bikes don’t sit there and get dusty they get the drift. I suppose it’s like any other military
get used, but each to their own. The first ride of reunion really but on bikes. This year’s RTTW is
the year is always dodgy for many as shall we say the 17th annual event and has so far raised £1.6
a little rusty from the winter break and having to million for the charity and to help maintain the
get used to the bikes again. Wet weather is never arboretum. A credit to those who have attended
the best conditions to ride in and unfortunately over the years, those they set it up and those who
for many the rain has made it difficult to get out. organize the event.
It’s not been a great year as far as summers goes This year’s role of honour of attendance from
so riding for a few has taken a back seat. To make those whose names were given or noted in no
it even worse with drivers using mobiles and not order was Nick Storer, Henry Ready, Paul Chalk,
seeing us when we are out! Various riders are out Chris Reay, Mike East, Ian Plumb, Andy Main,
with their appropriate motorcycle clubs, groups or John Preston, Baz Bushnell, Mark Humphreys,
organizations riding to various places of the UK Gareth Black, Tony Smith, Peter Sofley, Brian
and Europe or solo riding for pleasure. All part of Waymont. And very importantly it would be
a big brother and sisterhood that keeps us out and rude not to mention their wives or girlfriends
about and, occasionally, out of trouble, but out on who attended and took the photo as they do every
There was a fly past this
the bikes enjoying the views, the fresh air or for the year. Missing from the picture was Andy Hilton.
year by a solo Lancaster
joy of just riding the bikes for no particular reason. bomber was at the end Unfortunately, as always, we get a few of our own
No matter what size or age of bike or rider its pure of the day. A great sight that are unable to attend through either work or
enjoyment, freedom and peace. to see and an honour illness. Hopefully see you next year gents.
As always, the main event or annual pilgrimage to see them as always. As always I will say it, this event is open to all
Something that was
depending on views is to the RTTW (Ride to bikers or not. Many come by car, there is sufficient
not sure to happening
The Wall) at the NMA near Litchfield. This parking and a bus service to and from the car park.
considering they lost one
is a remembrance service like no other but on of their own pilots this RTTW asks for a voluntary donation of £10 to
motorbikes. This year was over 5589 bikes 7608 year. RIP attend. Again, its voluntary so no pressure to cough
PAGE 10 SECRETARY@ACCASSOCIATION.ORG | WWW.ACCASSOCIATION.ORG