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RTTW 2010 Report – Graham & Sue

Bob — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 21:46:55 +0000

Ride To the Wall 2010 Sue and I left home at 7:25 am and headed down to the rendezvous point at Knutsford Services. As we arrived at the services car park at around 8:15, there were already lots of bikes of all makes and sizes parked up in groups, the Harley Davidson’s though, to be fair, were in the majority. We scanned the car park for any sign of a Goldwing or two and then noticed Phil Bowker and his shiny black 1800 trike parked up in the distance. As we headed to-wards him, we saw that he was not alone, but John and Maureen with their shiny silver 1800 were parked alongside, so we too parked up and made it a grand sum of three GWNW bikes. As we got nattering, we were speculating as to how many more bikes from GWNW would arrive before it was time for us to move off and head down the motorway to the RTTW mustering area at Drayton Manor Theme park. As the time for us to leave was quickly approaching, Jim Cretney and Tracy rode up and made four bikes, enough now to stop us being intimidated by the two hundred Harley Davidson’s which surrounded us. 8:30 came and went, still no more GWNW bikes, so, at 8:50 we departed the services and headed down to Drayton Manor with Phil leading us, we had been told by some other bikers that the M6 Toll was free for bikes today for the Ride to the Wall so we decided to ride it and see, only to be told it was not true when we arrived at the toll booth at the other end boo ! and Phil got charged the tariff for a car, double boo ! We finally arrived at Drayton Manor at around 10:10 and were Marshalled along the parking area along with all the other 8,000 or so bikes. It was then time for a butty and a drink after we had all dismounted and took in the sheer numbers of bikes already parked up on the area. We got chatting to a few other wingers and also other riders from all over the place, as one does, and then awaited the start of the Ride to the Wall at 11:00. It was around 12:20 when our turn came to be allowed out of the mustering area and along the road to-wards the Arboretum Memorial, the streets were lined with people waiving and cheering us on, similar to the Wirral Egg Run and then we finally arrived at our destination and were Marshalled into an overspill parking area about 400 yards past the Arboretum along with several hundred other bikes. We all dismounted and started to walk back to the Memorial, a toilet now being the prime destination for nearly all of us. As we got into the Memorial grounds there were already a few thousand people milling round, a military band was playing and as we walked into the crowds, Maurine noticed that John and Phil were not with the rest of us. We tried to find Phil, all dressed in Black, complete with black bandanna, in a crowd of several thousand others all dressed in black and gave up, it was only when we spotted John with his high vis yellow panels that we noticed Phil was standing next to him, problem sorted. There was a speech made by a high ranking army officer, who thanked us all for coming and supporting all our brave troops who were on active service in Afghanistan and Iraq, and for paying our homage to the fallen heroes who didn’t come back home, it was very moving indeed and made us very humble. There was then a short service and prayers for the dead and wounded soldiers, sailors and airmen, the last post was then played by a lone bugler and we all stood in silence. This was then followed by a short speech by the wife of the Commanding Officer of the forces serving in Afghanistan telling us how much it meant to the troops out there and that our support was very much appreciated by them all. We were informed that the day’s proceedings were being videoed and transmitted to the troops out there the same day. After all this, it was time to grab another quick butty and drink and leave the car park and head for home. Phil led us and took us on a nice way back, avoiding the M6 and taking us through some lovely countryside, to-wards Derby and then through Ashbourne and Buxton, up to Stockport and then we all went our separate ways to our respective homes. It was a good day out; weather was fine, very humbling, very moving.

Your Club needs YOU!

Ian — Thu, 06 May 2010 16:00:19 +0000

Don’t forget………if you’ve been somewhere on the ‘Wing, to a show, event or somewhere just plain nice, we need to know about it!

Don’t think you have to be David Bailey, or even Shakespeare – just a few lines or photos (or, better still, both!) to let the rest of us share in the good times and to let the world in general see what a good time we have in GWNW.

So, get those photos and stories in to Bob and enjoy seeing your name in lights (well, on the Website anyway)

How are we doing?………..

Ian — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:42:00 +0000

At the risk of being accused of self-congratulations, we thought that it was time to give you an update on the state of the club so far………..

On the 1st February 2009, the very first meeting of what was to become Goldwings North West took place at the Swallow Hotel. Forty-seven people attended, which did come as somewhat of a very pleasant surprise, as just like with anything new, you’re never quite sure how it’s going to be received. Various things were decided at the meeting, such as our new name, club officers, fees and the way forward, and the meeting finally closed with a positive outlook to the future and the first ‘real’ meeting date in place. The concept of a Goldwing Federation of independant clubs was introduced and warmly received by the audience.

All we then had to do was wait and see…………..

Our first ‘official’ meeting took place on March 1st, and since then, I am extremely happy to report that our membership has grown steadily month on month and currently stands at a total of 41 memberships. This may not sound like a lot, but you need to remember:

One membership does not equal one person, as the membership is per bike, and not per individual.

Therefore, our actual number of members, even if you assume that 25% of memberships are solo riders, is around the 70 mark.

Given that memberships only became available from March this year, this equates to a joining rate of 5 memberships per month, i.e., one per week and this is continuing at present.

Members come from a widespread geographical area, from the Isle of Man in the West to Manchester in the East, from Cumbria in the North to Warrington in the South (apologies to anyone who feels they’re further North/South, etc, but I’m rubbish at geography!).

Our members own the complete range of Goldwings, from the earliest to the newest, with Solos, Trikes and Sidecars all admirably represented.

And, to put the cherry on the cake, as it were, we’re a club of doers – members organise events, runs out and always turn out in force at whatever events we choose to support, rather than the burdens always falling to a willing few. We’ve been to great events, like the Ride To The Wall in October and have a brilliant Anniversary Dinner to look forwards to in the New Year. We, in conjunction with Goldwings North Wales, staged the hugely successful BLP in 2009.

In short, then, our club has grown from strength to strength in a matter of months, a process which many other clubs have struggled for years to achieve. We’re providing Wingers with a club that they want, without politics and where friendship, Wings and above all, FUN are the priorities. We have a healthy and growing membership and the prospects of an even better year ahead.

Me, I can’t wait!

RTTW 2010- Ride to the Wall

Bob — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:04:31 +0000

Jeff Thornton is unable to make the run on Saturday and offers his entry pass to the event. Give him a call.

Meeting at Knutsford Services M6 southbound between J18 & 19 for an 8:30 AM start. Please have a full tank for the day.

The “Ride to the Wall” event is an opportunity for all bikers to pay their respects to those who have lost their lives in conflict’s since the second world war. The event takes place at the National Memorial Arboretum near Burton. The whole day is a moving experience and a worthwhile event. Monies raised are used in the upkeep and running of the National Memorial. For further details visit the official website. Last years RTTW was the second of its kind and managed to attract over 5000 bikers from all makes and clubs. Meeting point and times to be announced nearer the day.

Ride to the Wall RTTW 2009

Bob — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 09:27:26 +0000

National Memorial

An excellent report written by Ian Duxbury can be found on Stuarts GoldWing blog with images from the day in the RTTW gallery and also at GoldWing’s North Wales event gallery.

RTTW 2009 is a fund raising event in aid of the National Memorial Arboretum, taking place on Saturday October 10th.

Located in the heart of the country within the National Forest near Lichfield, the National Memorial Arboretum comprises 150 acres of trees and memorials devoted to the concept of Remembrance. It is the home of the Armed Forces Memorial, a striking and emotive structure that gives recognition and thanks for those who have died whilst on duty or as a result of terrorist action since the Second World War and acknowledges the enduring sacrifice of those who mourn their loss.Ride To The Wall is supported by motorcyclist throughout the UK and this year 5000 + bikers are expected to ride into the Memorial to show their support. You can register for the ride and make a donation here.

We will meet at Knutsford Services on the M6 southbound at 8:00 am, leaving at 8:15 am. There is likely to be several other bike clubs at this meeting place so we should have plenty of company and a great ride down to Drayton Manor Park to muster with other bikers. The ride in to the Arboretum is scheduled to leave at around 11:00 am, taking approx 30 Min’s. There will be service of remembrance at 1:30 pm and a fly by at approx 1:55 pm. From the forum and Internet chatter this sounds like it will be an awesome day. Lets have a good turn out from Goldwings North West. Spread the word.