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.

A Guide to touring in France - There are two new rules which come in to force from 1st July 2012 –

• The French require all riders of bikes above 125cc to wear at least 150 square cms (23 square inches) of high visibility reflective material on the back of their jackets. There is a 68 Euro on the spot fine and talk of 2 points on your licence for not adhering to this.
• All riders need to carry a breathalyser kit – 11 Euro fine from November for not having one. The legal drink drive limit in France is 50mg per 100ml of blood (UK is 80mg per 100ml). Single-use breathalyser kits will satisfy the requirement. The kits cost between £1 and £2 and will be available at ferry and tunnel terminals for crossing to France.
Anyone driving in France is already required to carry a warning triangle and a fluorescent safety vest and motorcyclist should carry spare bulbs. UK motorcyclists must display a GB plate.
It is proposed to ban motorcycles and scooters manufactured before 2004 from French city centres – machines could be immobilised and issued with a fine of 65 Euros, payable on the spot – no official date has yet been announced.
There is also the possibility you may get fined if caught using Sat Nav/IPhone, which warn of speed traps/cameras and possible confiscation of the device.
Be warned, travelling through France could damage your wallet!!
VIVE LA FRANCE!!

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.

Regular winner Bill Squires in the Legion with Jeff and Graham

This image was taken at the hugely successful Llandudno Light Parade, what you are seeing is the Winners Cup, awarded to “Llandudnos favorite Goldwing” as voted for by the people and visitors of Llandudno. I believe it was won by Graham Brookfield on this occasion. Congratulations to him.

Now away you go and be as inventive as you like.

Stuart will be leading a ride out to Knutsford Honda on Saturday 2nd April, leaving from The Norman Jepson Hotel at 9:15 and and planning a decent run over to the Chrome Crazy show at Knutsford arriving around 11:00 ish.

Knutsford Honda, The Federation’s main sponsor, is hosting one of its famous Chrome Crazy Weekends on 2-3rd April. The usual Crazy Discounts will apply with Chrome Goodies galore on display. Dont miss this opportunity to freshen up your wing for the coming season. Knutsford Honda are on the A50 just a few miles east of Junction 20 of the M6, about half way to its junction with the A556.

So, could all those of you interested please let us know at the next meeting, or if you can’t make it, via the comments section on this post. The sooner they know if enough people will come, then the better chance they have to make it happen.

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!

There will be a run out to Knutsford Honda after the club meeting on Sunday.

Federation sponsor Knutsford Honda are holding another of their successful “Chrome Crazy” weekends at their main Honda dealership in High Legh, Knutsford. They promise major reductions of up to 25% off prices from all the main accessory suppliers of Goldwing goodies, plus a selection of GoldWings to purchase if your feeling really flushed. No doubt there will be coffee and tea available and the traditional burger van on hand for refreshments.

Here is a google map link for directions to RAF Woodvale plus the route to our camping area by the runway. It may be useful for those members on their first visit.

Make your own way to RAF Woodvale. Remember you must have an entry pass for your exhibit. No pass no entry.

The ever popular RAF Woodvale Rally will take place on 7-8th August 2010. The rally provides a weekend of entertainment for the whole family and we know that our visitors have special interests and come to see the models, aeroplanes, cars and other mainstream exhibits but many of you come for just a great weekends entertainment. To make it a memorable weekend we bring to-gether the best that we can to make the weekend something that you will enjoy.

Goldwings North West has a club area set aside each year alongside many other specialist motorcycle owners clubs. Many of our members choosing to camp over the weekend, enjoying the usually good weather and having a good time late into the evening, making it one of the best events of the year. You must book well in advance for a camping and exhibiting permit. You wont be disappointed. Entry Form Download available here. Please note there is a £5.00 camping fee this year which is a charitable donation.