You can read all about it here, thanks to our resident reporter, Graham C Pinder….

Me and Sue rode down on the Friday, we met up with Bob and Jackie Summers at Truck stop services on the M6 southbound at around 12:30 pm. and tried to get into McDonalds for some lunch but it was chocker, so we went into the Truck stop diner and had a real truckers’ feast instead. We then set off for our Hotel in Mold, The Beaufort Park. On the way there we got peppered with everything that the weather could chuck at us, intense rain, sleet, hail, you name it, we got it thrown in our faces.
We arrived safely, but very wet, around a half hour later and then got sorted with our rooms and stashed our wet bike gear to dry.

That afternoon was spent in the bar area where we had a few drinks and a good natter with some old friends from our club, G.W.N.W. and some friends from other Goldwing Clubs that had begun to arrive. Then it was time to get ready for dinner, which was held in a special room with all the other Gold wingers from various regions.
Saturday morning came and a hearty breakfast was had by all, then it was time to saddle up and ride into Chester City centre. When we got there, we were shown to one of the three locations for the static display of our bikes; we got the spot right in front of the City Hall.

We then all had a good wander round the streets, bumped into lots of other Gold wing Folk from our club and others along the way, checked out all the other bikes on display, some of the girls did a bit of retail therapy, and we had a nice coffee and a sumptuous cake. The weather was a mixture of rain and sunshine throughout the day but this didn’t really spoil it in any big way.

We then all rode back to the hotel for an early dinner and then back into Chester for the Light Parade mustering area.
As we all got ready to line up, it was estimated that there was over a hundred bikes and trikes there, which was quite good considering that it was the first event of this kind to be held in Chester. Jim and Chandra were up there near the front, just after the leading trikes,

Jim had a celebrity pillion passenger, ‘Owen’ the builder from Coronation Street. There was our Ted there as well, with his skeleton head on, Graham Coleman and Jean on their new 2012 model, Jimmy and Daphne, Dave and Tonia , Bill, Nigel and Joanne Mackintosh etc. etc. and many more besides.
The parade started at around 8:15 and we started to depart from the car park, the police motorcycle marshals did a brilliant job of stopping the traffic at all the traffic lights and roundabouts, the public seemed to like what they were seeing along the way and there were waves and cheers as we passed through the more populated areas of the City Centre. We did the circuit twice before the parade was split into those who were entering the best lit bike competition and those who were carrying on back to their accommodation.
We all got back to the hotel nice and dry, as the weather had kept off with the rain for the parade, which pleased everyone. After stowing the bikes under their covers on the hotel car park, it was a quick change and then back to the lounge area for drinkies and chatter with friends once again.
Everyone said that they had enjoyed it and that they would do it all again, so here’s to Southport now and another good parade.
After another hearty breakfast on Sunday morning, some of us rode home while some others linked up with some members from Goldwings North Wales and had a ride to the new J&S Accessories store near to Northwhich to bag a load of greatly reduced Goldwing goodies.

Traditionally it takes place on the Sunday immediately preceding Easter. The 2012 Wirral Egg Run will be no exception, taking place on Sunday 1st April. Several thousand participants are expected to take part in the event.

Participants gather on motorcycles at New Brighton and ride a 20 mile pre-determined route to Clatterbridge hospital. Once there, they deliver their Easter eggs for children in Wirral. Whilst the donation and delivery of Easter eggs forms the core iconic tradition of the Egg Run, the more significant aspect is now the delivery by participants of cash donations to the Wirral Egg Run charity.

Spectators line the route and can also contribute their donations. Official Wirral Egg Run collectors are present at New Brighton, Clatterbridge and along the route. Separate fund raising events are held across the Wirral, co-ordinated under the auspices of The Wirral Egg Run Committee.

See their website for full details.

A fabulous event and a cracking (sorry!) good day into the bargain! We meet on the East Lancs Road in the first lay-by on the left, having turned off the M6 at J23 and heading for Liverpool. Please be there and ready to leave by 09:00, as this is a very popular event and likely to be extremely busy if the weather’s good.

Their website gives all the details of the events and shows which they have planned for this year and is well worth a look.

As they have previously been let down by other bike clubs in the past, let’s get as many of us there as possible on Sunday, and show them just how it’s done!

The Thundersprint is one of the biggest events of its kind in Europe. If you are reading this and have no idea what The Thundersprint is about let me direct you to their wonderful website which explains everything you would possibly want to know. After visiting the site, clear the dates in your diary and sit back and wait for May 13th.

Not only do you get to watch all manner of weird, exotic and wonderful bikes racing against the clock, but can also enjoy wandering around the town itself and the numerous trade stands offereing goodies at sometimes ridiculously cheap prices.

In my opinion the day isn’t long enough and can quite easily be made into a a full weekend affair if you choose to attend the Bike Show held on the 12th as well. If the hairs on the back of your neck don’t respond to the sights, smells and sounds of the day then your not into motorcycles.

Full details can be found on http://www.goldwings.org.uk/, where you can also find details of our very own Southport event later this year.

Both events promise to be a great time for Wingers, so go and check them out where you’ll find full details of both events.

Please note the stipulation that we cannot use horns or sirens on the parade itself – the Police are ok with our lights, but will take action against anyone making a racket!

The dates for 2012 parade are 21st -23rd September and the venue for the weekend is the Prince of Wales Hotel right in the middle of town on Lord Street. The accommodation package is an amazingly good deal with rooms costing £77.50 per person for Friday and Saturday nights (two nights) and include your breakfast and evening meals. Single rooms are also the same price. Wingers can extend the weekend break and add further nights to the package at £30.00 per person per night. How good is that. Ring Maria Broderick at the Hotel on 01704 536 688 and book your accommodation, quoting booking code GOPR2109.

The usual format of parade and best lit bike competition will take place along with a static display during the day. There are still a couple of locations to be finalised but the Police and Marshalling is already arranged with the full support of the Council. All we need now is the weather. Trust Jeff has got that sorted also.

Short notice run out for this Sunday

If the weather holds out Frank Goodman plans a ride out to the Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Show at Stafford County Show Ground. Gates open on Sunday at 9:00 am until 5:00pm. With hundreds of trade and autojumble stalls selling all items motorcycle related from complete motorcycles, spares, accessories and literature/memorabilia you are almost certain to find whatever you need. Come see the plethora of motorcycles on display. With nearly 1000 of the best loved motorcycles on display in the clubs and private entries you are bound to see something truly inspirational.

Ring Frankie G first on Saturday evening on Mobile 07949 811 319 to make sure the run out is going ahead. Meeting point will be Poplar 2000 Services junction 20 M6 leaving at 9:30 am prompt.

Following on from the lively discussions at this mornings meeting, I have spoken to Dave Turvey, (Chairman, Goldwings North Wales) and have established the following

Unfortunately, the date for the LLP this year has already been agreed with the Council and the other parties concerned and as such, can’t be altered. Had the date for RTTW been known prior, then the Organisers would have selected an alternative, but this wasn’t possible as the RTTW date was only announced after the LLP details were finalised.

The idea of alternating a Light Parade between Goldwings North Wales (Llandudno) and Goldwings North West (Southport or Morecambe) was proposed, as suggested at this morning’s meeting, and was very warmly welcomed by Dave. He had already had a similar suggestion proposed and felt that this could be a mutually beneficial arrangement for both clubs, offering a change of venue and also giving each team of Organisers more time in which to prepare.

So, the good news appears to be that the Southport Light Parade may become a reality – but remember that Jeff will need help and support from his fellow club members, so start having a think about rolling up your sleeves and pitching in to make it happen!

This is an event which we normally attend, and usually provides a wide selection of vehicles and entertainment to enjoy. This year, however, entry is by registration, and we have been very fortunate to have been given the chance to attend as a club for a very nominal fee. To register and obtain a pass, I need your registration number details.

Although some of you did supply your registration numbers to me at the last meeting, I really need to know numbers (and bike reg’s) by the end of next week. So if you haven’t already, can you please let me know either by posting here or at the club barbeque whether you want to come along for a sunny day out by the seaside!

And, don’t forget that we’re always looking out for new things to get involved with, so if you’ve an idea for a run out or event, let us know!

Hi All, You should all be aware that there is a static display to be held at ASDA Queensferry from 10am onwards until about 3.-3.30pm -Please show up during the day and and if you can come for the whole day. ASDA do allow us to use their subsidised canteen and you can get cheap lunch as well as drinks if you want during the day. A good area has been set aside for us as well as a covered area allocated if raining.

Ian,

If any of your members from GNWest are looking for a ride on the Saturday please call and see us  – we are only 1/2 hour from Chrome Crazy day.

Dave T

Looking at their excellent website, it appears that this is in aid of the Tickled Pink charity which, as you probably know, is a major supporter of research into breast cancer.

And, if we’re down that way already, why not?