Robbers & Runways

13th April 2025

Well not only the first C&F ride of the season but also my first as a Road Captain. The route had been checked and triple checked, coffee and lunch stop checked out, all we needed now was the weather to hold. As my first ride I thought we would try a new venue which began at Beaconsfield Services, M40. Arrived at the start early to find several riders already there. Chris Dodds and I began completing the signing in forms for 55 people, excellent start to the season.

The theme Robbers & runways took us out through great roads of Bucks & Berks to the site of the great train robbery, it was great to be able to lead 52 Harley’s out to the first part of the theme. The second part, the runways, our whole journey took us past some disused and operational airfields. It is important to note in this 80th Anniversary of VE day year, that some 15,000 US-air crew lost their lives in training alone, flying was a dangerous business even without people trying to shoot you down. We shall forever remember and be grateful. We carried on our journey through the beautiful countryside to the Betsey Wynne, our coffee stop, they really rolled out the welcome mat to us, exclusive parking area, chap to help guide everyone in, great stuff.

This was followed by some more great flowing roads to lunch. All riders were at the top of their game, no sign of ring rust here, very impressive.

At the fuel stop, as we were ready to go, the very kind Police Officers said wait one, jumped in their marked car, put on the blues and twos and blocked the road for us all to safely emerge from the petrol station, a big thank you to them.

Towards the finish and lunch, a few drops of rain did spoil the enthusiasm, again the hardworking people at the Gate in Bryant’s Bottom put on a wonderful lunch.

A few thank you’s to finish off if I may. A big thank you all for turning out. To Konrad and the Meridan Chapter for joining us. Well done and thank you to all of our members who helped the ride flow on the day by diligently marking the drop-off points I placed you in, this really does make the difference in terms of keeping everyone together as a group, especially as some of the sections were 4 & 5 miles long. A particular thanks to Chris Dodd for last man duties, great job keeping 52 bikes moving. Turabi for boundless enthusiasm and great pictures capturing the day perfectly. Johnners, Rob Warr and Konrad for supporting the ride with their Road Captain duties, what a great team!

John Moran - C&F Road Captain

 

Photographs courtesy of Turabi Ay - C&F Photographer