Eighth ride to the Bakewell bike museum.
A few of us took a ride thorugh Derbyshire top the museum at Bakewell to see a collection of vintage motorcycles they have there and then road through the countryside ending up in Ashbourne
Go to the Gallery for the pictures.
Ninth ride to Hinckley Church for a blessing.
This was the first of its kind over this neck of the woods and we were joined by other bike clubs such as the Christian Motorcycle club. Doug Thompson (SCOT 1) needs special recognition for his ride from Hamilton near Glasgow to this event and returned home the same day -must be in excess of 800 miles at least!! Well done thanks for coming. The Vicar was also well impressed by the attendance as there were upward of 30 bikes, riders and a few extrra pillions as well as the local congregation. Go to the Gallery for the pictures.
Ride 10 The Continental cruise.
5 bikers and 2 pillions made their way through France the Alps and Italy to the Rally in Croatia taking in various sights including snow blocked roads and diversions through the tunnels. Afterwards some headed back home whilst others headed off to Vienna for Austria 1's International Rally. During the two weeks several thousand miles were travelled over 10 countries visited and many old friends and news ones were met. Go to the Gallery for the pictures
Ride 11. The call of the Garda.
4 bikers and 3 pillions, some having just returned from the above ride out kept on going to catch the ferry to Eire for Ireland 1's first tour of their beautiful country. Again a grreat time was had and brilliant roads made the tour interesting if not challenging with the weather being unkind as well it did not deter many of the international riders, from America to Norway and even from down under....yes an Australian was there too. Go to the Gallery for the pictures.
Ride 12. Flesh eaters gather.
This was more of a social do at Duggies gathered round a BBQ in the rain watching red meat sizzle and washed down by beer and wine. I'm sure not all off them turned up by car.
Ride 13. Rutland rattles.
Only 3 bikers and their pillions turned up for this one but nevertheless the food at the White Horse at Empingham was as good as ever and the sun setting over Rutland Water was a sight not to be missed.
Ride 14 Hog roast.
No this was not a Harley group being toasted but England XI had organised a party in the Barn with a hog roast to feed the troops the night before the UK COPS Lawride. Jill and Gunner represented our Chapter and met up with an old Friend Ludo from Belgium. Lots of money was raised and beer and other stuff from our Belgian friends was drunk.
See the Photos here http://www.blueknightsengx1.co.uk/html/2007_law_ride.html
Ride 15. UKCOPS Lawride 2007.
This was an excellent ride again. Meeting up at Staffs Road policing HQ were upward of 100 motorcycles and assorted vintage cars from the Metpol. We rode in convoy to the Arboretum where the National service for fallen officers was held. This was yet again an emotional moment where officer remembered colleagues they once worked with and paid tribute to their bravery and honour. Photos can be seen from the following links;-
http://www.bkengland4.org.uk/PastEvents/Blue%20Knights%ae%20England%20IV%20Past%20Events%20Gallery/Top/default.htm
http://www.ukcops.org/pics/index.php?cat=5
Ride 16. Gunthorpe grinding.
About 13 bikes and 6 pillions met up and rode to the wharf at Gunthorpe on the River Trent where they had an unusual service at one of the local hostelries where the salad took 1½ hours to be delivered. Nevertheless the company present made the wait less grinding than it was and another good evening on country lanes was had.
Ride 17. The Bard beckons.
It was suggested that knight’s from around the Country descend upon Shakespeare's domain and so 7 bikers and 2 pillions of our Chapter met up with several Chapters from the North, East, West and South to enjoy a hot day in what was the week previous under water! Another ride out on some fast roads and minor unclassified lanes made the ride interesting. After sustenance and local entertainment the Chapters departed going their separate ways.
Ride 18. Knights in the Belvoir.
A pub with a campsite under the shadow of Belvoir Castle was the venue for this weekend. It was great for the roads and scenery, great for the weather and better for those that attended and made the event what it was.
Here’s what someone had to say about the weekend.
Carol and I would like to just say to all the Knights who attended this event, A big thanks for making us so welcome. We both really felt that we were part of a big family. A big thanks, also, to Jill and Alan for bestowing upon us, the honour of allowing us to officially be part of your chapter, which is not a bad thing, because at least this way, we are able to place messages to you all, like this one, on your open forum!!
The weekend was fantastic, hope you will run it again. You have a great chapter with quality people and we will most certainly be watching to see if we can get out with you all again!
Good luck with the Lakes trip, loved to have gone, however, I am required to perform duty over that weekend!
We will be thinking about you all!
Take care, friends, 'till we meet again, Ride With Pride!
Very Best Wishes To You All,
Carol, Dave, Bonnie and Robbie.
Many thanks to everyone who were able to attend the Knights in the Belvoir camping week-end, excellent location, excellent weather and excellent company. 25 Blue Knights attended the week-end from 3 Chapters.This will hopefully be an annual event for those who like camping, real ale and superb roads.
Again the photos can be seen in the Gallery.
Ride 19 The Great Escape aka The Lake Brake.
This was a weekend in the Lake District - and Nationals Parks of Britain. It also took in the Derbyshire Peak District on the way up via Snakes Pass and also the Yorkshire Dales on the return leg. The trip up was in lovely dry weather taking in some of Derbyshire’s un-ridden back roads to the Peaks and then the infamous Snake Pas where many an accident has claimed many lives. Now its speed limit is down to 50mph and we got stuck behind a truck anyway with white lines and oncoming traffic preventing progress. Regardless we got to Brackenkclose at the head of Wast Water in Wasdale safely and enjoyed the trip across Birker and Ulpha Fells. Bunk style accommodation was a first for a few but they were inspired by what would have been a stupendous view had it not been for the inclement weather that brought low cloud drizzle and wet air for the next couple of days. This meant a reluctant ride out on the Saturday meaning we had to take shelter in the local pub and drink their beautiful locally brewed ale. Then we were drummed out by Tommo and taken to an old Viking church where there was a rehearsal for an immanent chapter wedding, before led up a track of a small hill back to the base with much grumblings from unfit members, you'd never think they were police officers!! Sunday was no better but we had top mount our stallions of steel and ride back this time over several Lakeland passes and lakeside valleys to the first stop on the doorstep of the Yorkshire Dales at Kirby Lonsdale an infamous biker’s lay-by with a superb chuck wagon selling grub and teas, much needed. Through the Dales to the A1 where we split up and headed home down the dual & triple carriage ways home. If it wasn't for the weather it would have been the best weekend yet.Ce La Vie. Regardless what photo's can be seen here
Ride 20 - London Calling
This was a site seeing whistle stop tour of London organised by Gunner with a photo opportunity outside the Premiers Den Number 10, a bit like the White House but made of brick, and in London. It has a Bobby posted at the front door who was more than happy to snap a load of photo's for us as he had nothing else to do and appreciated the task and company that day. The PM was away which made this possible. The weather typically was nice and sunny.
Ride 21 The Poker Ride
We organised a Poker run for all and sundry to take part in but although many said they would attend they had cried off and never showed, probably because the unexpected good weather we had. Regardless we managed to raise £135 from the BBQ for UKCOPS from those who did attend. Thanks to all those who attended.
Ride 22 The Smelly Feat ride
Unfortunately it was the last evening ride out for a while as it is now to dark to run any more evening run outs into the distance. For those that got there, they were well impressed with the setting, a 17th Century Coach house The Bell Inn at Stilton where Stilton Cheese was born Yee har! I now live in the one of the villages that is licenced to make that "smelly salty stuff" and eat tonnes of it with a pickle onion or two, all washed down with Port. We were lucky that they reserved a table for us as well, as they weren't going to - so that was a welcome surprise. The food and the beer was marvellous. Paul you missed a chance for a great Real Ale. I personally enjoyed the ride back which made a change to do it in the dark as I frequent that route during the daylight hours normally, lovely roads with tight tucks and sweeping bends, a great route to build your confidence on, do them right you could get a knee down even on a cruiser!! Well a Road Star Warrior anyway.
Tonite inspired me to instigate a new award "The Flat Tyre Award" or "The Piston Broke Award" and the first nomination has to go to Dave Emmins who for reasons known only to himself went to the Stilton Cheese P/H at Somerby as that’s the only Stilton he knows about!!! He'd even told the landlord that upward of 15 bikers were to descend upon his establishment and order a load of grub!! On your bike we were at the Bell Inn Dave!!
Sadly on Al Flavells only ride out this year with us, his mate (a second nomination for the above award) had a immobiliser problem with his Harley and he couldn't get away from Manton. A quick call to Sycamores and he got the code to input but the Mast we had met near was blocking the signal (cheers Ian) so he ended up pushing his bike down the road so he could get it de-immobilised. He and Al ended up at the White Horse in Empingham instead, the venue for a previous ride out that does great grub.
I have to confess that I did take the wrong turn on this ride and went down the A43 before realising I wanted the A47 and found a safe layby to do an about turn on in order to get back to the junction where I made the c*ck up, do I qualify for the Flat Tyre or Piston Broke Award for that??
One question I often hear is "how come the "Grub's Up" Ride-out Captian Tommo is so slim??" Answers on a post Card to..................
The truth of the matter is "I burn it off in Nervous energy keeping you lot satisfied" ... LOL.:-)
Ride 23 Breast Cancer awareness Ride
This event was a HUGE success. The day was planned in two halves.The first half being a full days riding,(180 miles) where riders could peel away or join us along the route as they pleased. The route was a figure of 'eight'to symbolise a pair of ladies boobs!! and our chapter number. All bikes were decorated in pink ribbons, ladies bras and pink fluffy decorations. The riders too wore
pink including the local Harley Club wearing pink ladies knickers!!
The second half of the day was the 'social' event in the evening at 'The Vic Bikers Pub' in Coalville, where we were entertained by two 'Live' bands until 1am. The bands were awesome, they really put the final polish on the days events.
56 bikes assembled at Leics Police HQ. where tea/coffee was made available upon arrival. Many local bike clubs had seen our posters in the many motorcycle outlets. We had various bikes join us from side cars, to a 1934 AJS!! which kept up too!! After a welcome address,safety brief, and detailed instructions on how the second man drop off worked!! I broke the news to those
present that I had managed to secure two suprises for them. We had been successful in arranging one lap of Donington Park Race Circuit and three laps of Mallory Park Race Circuit during the morning loop of the ride both venues were kept as a surprise til the day.
The first loop took us through the city onto some 'B' and unclassified roads for our first tea stop at a lovely pub, The Blue Bell. The bikers soon picked up on how the second man drop off worked, this was the talking point for most of the morning!! all beng impressed on how it worked. The landlady kindly threw a nice donation into our bucket as we were leaving, the collecting bucket was closely guarded by Jill all day!!
After the laps around the two race tracks we stopped for dinner. I understand to ride around both race circuits in one day has never been achieved before so those present have one up on most riders and Valentino Rossi !!
After lunch we refuelled and rode to the second leg of the journey to Rutland, we rode along the M1 to make some progress and catch up on lost time (55 folks eating and refuelling took longer than I had planned - debrief point here LOL!!) The group stayed together for the whole mornings ride of a distance of 79 miles. Everyone worked well no bikes were lost and everyone rode for each other. Most riders then left the event leaving just 11 bikes for the second loop. As we came off the M1, one junction was not marked sending 3 bikers into the oblivion known as Leicester!! one rider who marked the next junction waited for an eternity (well done Jill) where the lost riders found her and we all continued on our way. We rode to the South of the county into Rutland and around Rutland Water just as it was getting dark. On the return phase to Leicester it began raining but did not dampen the riders spirits.
Most riders from during the day returned to 'The Vic' where over a few pints and we all spoke about the days events and shared stories.
The ride made £345, the social event made £132 and we made a further £57 from selling pins. This made a total of £534 for Breast Cancer Research from this event which hs been given
to Joyce James at CMC to add to her money she has raised.
Ride 24 Op Santa Ride
OP SANTA SELLY OAK MILITARY HOSPITAL 6th DEC 07
On Thursday 6 Dec members of the Chapter rode to Selly Oak Military Hospital in Birmingham to deliver some Christmas Cheer to the Injured service personnel and nursing staff.As the hospital is operational we were restricted to numbers, however we invited along local members of the Royal British Legion Riders Branch. 47 parcels were collected by Chapter and work colleagues which was an excellent result. 155 parcels were delivered in total. This was an excellent result. 25 riders rode in convoy from their various start point where we all met at Bournville Lane Police Station. We took a marked bike from Leicestershire too. The West Midlands Police were excellent hosts providing drinks, mince pies and a six bike escort.
A superb effort in supporting our HM Forces. The Chapter continues to ‘Ride with Pride’
Ride 25 Toy Story II
14 bikes met up at HQ for a soup starter bfore wrapping back up against the cold. We were joined by two of our very new welcomed members Tony & Wendy. Then we rode off to Shepshed to be greeted by the overwhelming welcome of STEPS. The boys and girls faces at seeing our Santa arrive Triumphantly on his Trophy was a joy to remind us what Christmas is all about. A few photo's and a couple of sit on the bikes were had before Santa went inside to distribute the presents to the children. Mince pies and tea then we said our good byes and headed off some home others to the Noodle bar in Loughborough for a bite to eat before departing. Another success to boot. For those that couldn't make it may have heard our Santa give his pre -recorded interview with Leicester Sound.
Leicestershire & Rutland England VIII Chapter
On Wednesday 7th Feb four Knights and a guest, a Fazer, a Warrior, a Pan and two Varadero's braved the cold weather on a glorious sunny day for a ride around the County taking in Market Bosworth, Shepshed, Melton, Oakham, Uppingham and lastly Market Harborough some 86 miles approx later. sorry about the photo forgot the camera so had to use the phone instead. The roads were fine albeit in places where the road hadn't seen the sun there were still some frosty edges, but a bowl of soup kept the cold weather out, also Al had a heated vest on, but he is retired! as did his guest.
The weekend of the 23/25th February saw 5 of us heading off to a log cabin in the Snowdonia national park. The patrol left HQ about 1.30pm on Friday and endured wet and dry weather as they headed west. They got to Trawsfynnydd just as the light was failing, the last stretch was on some awful road that desperately needs re-tarmacing. Never the less once we got ourselves and the cabin warmed up it was off to the pub for a cow and a sermon from the Rev James. The next morning saw Tomo feeling the worst for the previous nights sins, The Rev James making him see the light "Alleluya". As the day didn't look as if it was to improve the patrol donned their partially dried out gear and set off South and West to Barmouth, Harlech and Beddgelert on not only wet roads but either petrol or diesel covered bends which meant having to ride with extra care let alone pride. After a warming bowl of soup it was off to Betwys-y-Coed and a bit of shopping, Jill even got her hands on a big cock (see captions link) then back South through the mirk to the cabin. after showering and changing it was off to the pub, again! to see not only Scotland getting beat but also England then Wales. St David didn't come to the rescue neither cos it ran out as had the Rev James needless to say, so the evening finished on a drier sober note. The next day saw us scoff what was left for breakfast and pack up, loading the bearers with our kit and heading South and East this time to Welshpool on better roads. The sun came out for a while, only for a while and the rain came down with a vengance. So we only got a few piccies, all in all about 410 wet miles were completed. Click for the photo's.
First ride out around Leicestershire
Second ride out to Snowdonia
Third ride out to Stratford
A good Sunday Ride out to Stratford Upon Avon was had by all. With it being so close to us it made for a half days outing on the bikes.13 people on 11 bikes including Ed & Keith Boam from Eng VI made up the convoy. Tommo made it as far syston but his Divvy sprung a small oil leak, sohe limped back home, hope its nothing terminal Tommo.The Majority met at HQ for 10am and rode South to Hinckley LPU to join Doug/Sandra Jill and I.
We left Hinckley on the 'B' roads the B578 avoiding the road works on the A5/M69 island, where we crossed the A5 onto the B4114 and into Warwickshire, passing the Axe & Compass Island. We then joined the B4065 into Ansty where we joined 'Route 46' the A46 around Coventry and onto Warwick. We avoided the M69 but could not avoid the A46, after joining the A439
we arrived at Stratford around midday. We parked up at the Motorcycle Park which has just been built where some bike bays are equipped with ground anchors, Well Done Stratford Upon Avon Council.
We said farewell to John Measures who had to leave to get back to Leicester to fine tune his daughters wedding arrangements. Well Done John. We then walked around Stratford, after feeding the ducks & Swans with what appeared to be 2 loaves of bread we adjourned for dinner. After lunch we sat by the river soaking up the sun rays. Ed and Keith left us just prior to dinner to head up North to Notts, thanks for your company both.
We then headed back along the A422 into Ettington on the Fosse Way, where we turned left onto the B4455. We followed the Fosse Way all the way to the A5 which is called 'Highcross' where an old Roman Pillar is situated. Those riders living to the East of the City, Phil, Larry and Alan left us at Stretton Under Fosse to join the B4027 to Lutterworth. The remainder of us returned to FHQ where we did a starburst in all directions at Everards Island, Many Thanks to Andy Travis for performing Tail End Charlie, many thanks to everyone who was able to join in on todays ride. The weather was kind to us too.
We practised our 'second man' drop off which worked well. Jill and I completed just under 90 miles, those living in the City and to the East
would have ridden a few more. Don't ask Jill what was attached to her trousers on the way to Stratford !!
 | Posing by the Theatres |
|
 | Al Wright at Hinckley |
|
 | Ay up me ducks |
|
 | Ed Murray at Hinckley |
|
 | Posing by the River Avon |
|
Forth ride out to Hunstanton
Fifth ride out to the Ace.
8 bikes and 9 people went
Breakfast cobs at Holbeach, however the car park was a bit to behold with Nicole panicking over the gravel (something to do with her short legs!!!) and me and john cursing the dust Good breakfast cobs however the bacon came in rare or well well done. Lovely ride along the open Linconshire/Norfolk roads then a 17 mile "filter" to Hunstanton from Kings Lynn
Hunstanton front was heaving on the front so we had to go in the bus park with the hundreds of other bikes and the buses god knows what the "blue rinse" tours thought of webby's "blue knights" striptease (photos available) Then onto the front and base camp was established then it was T and donoughts.
Entertainment was provided by the local gospel choir much to webby's disapproval Trev manage to pull "miss Hunstanton" (1945!!!)
Chips by courtesy of Mr Measures. 17 mile filter back to Kings Lynn then A47 back towards Leicester and a stop at a non existent "little chef" that Al thought was there!! However he redeemed himself with a stop at "Manuel's' Brothers Cafe"
Excellent trip back before everyone started to divert off on their separate ways
Nice to see everyone enjoy themselves and a welcome to Nicole and Dave on their first ride out
Go to the Gallery for the photo's
Many thanks to those who were able to attend the St.Georges Day Ride today. There was a slight change of plan in the destination of the ride. Once we all gathered at HQ, the five bikes decided to ride to the Ace Cafe and soak up the atmosphere in the Capital. What a great day for a bike ride, the sun was shining, the roads were empty and the company superb.
The first halt was at Towcester where we spent some time looking at the American metal. Jill and Steve had to surgically removed from the dealership!!
The next temporary halt was at the excellent 'Super Suasage Machine' cafe for a bikers brunch just down the A5. This has to be the cheapest cafe for suasage and bacon butties!!
We then headed down into the smoke and absorbed the atmosphere at the Ace. Even the traffic on the North Circular was minimal with a pleasant ride into the bikers cafe the 'Ace'
The traffic heading North on the M1 was quite bad all the way from Junc 9 down to junc 6 so we decided to head back North via another route.
Whilst down at the Ace we saw a nice tattooist nearby which looked worth a recce (see photo's for the result!!!) Dont ask......
After some sunbathing and yet more food and tea!! we headed home via the A40, and the A413 all the way back to Towcester, ( What a great road, the A413 is excellent, it winds its way through Amersham, Wendover, Aylesbury, Buckingham, up to Towcester, (well done Al for finding it on the map!!)
A great day, the bikes were displayed with the Cross of St.George so it was Mission accomplished. 210 miles in sunny empty roads, result......
Sixth Ride Out - Chapters Three....
 | Meeting at Madisons |
|
 | What a glorious day |
|
 | I need Tea |
|
 | I'll have a number 75!! |
|
 | Noodle for foodle |
|
 | Madisons meeting |
|
 | Presentations |
|
 | Giz us one! |
|
 | Presidents three |
|
We had a meeting with Eng 1 & V in April at Madisons, a biker friendly diner that ha slive music etc in the evenings and GRUB all day in Matlock and escorted them back to "Luga-BA-Ruga" for more nosh. It was enjoyed by all! The company was great Trev, Tom and all their Chapter members are great to chat to, eat and drink with, and a great bunch to ride with.
As we brought them back into Leics we passed some historic sites including Kedlestone Hall & Swarkestone bridge. Then is too the ol' White Swan aptly renamed the Noodle bar for noodles.. Actually no one order the Foo Kin fried rice (N0 75).. yes it's on the menu trust me! Don't know why perhaps they didn't trust the chef??
Wemade sur ethey were out of the County by sunset by escorting them to Ashbourne in "bandit County" Derbyshire at the end of the day albeit a few renegades disappeared East from Loughboro' to Rutland Water for an ice cream and relaxing lay down next to the Lake to see the sunset.......
Its great to know that we belong to such a vast family and enjoy each others company, Long live Blue Knights. No matter what, no matter who, they are always there for you!
Seventh ride - round the Vale
 | Belvoir castle |
|
 | My white Knight |
|
 | If I didn't have a bike |
|
Not a lot of piccs here for you to enjoy as Gunner and I spent more time riding around taking in the scenery . The only thing worth mentioning was a view from a potential rally site a camp next to the Dirty Duck pub (see above - no not the E-Type- alas) !! on the cards watch this space, and the cream of my dream - an E-Type (my Achille's heel, along with stockings - suspenders.............) anyone got 30 grand they can lend us? This was found at the garage next to the Roman Cafe which does great scoff. As you can see it was a glorious day out. About another 170 miles covered and enlightening villages and countryside into the bargain. An update to this ride out is that we did have a weekend in th e shadow of Belvoir Castle a great one as it transpired. The Roman Cafe is no developing the site to allowing bikers to Camp and live bands etc and they will be restoruing classic bikes and not cars next door... Alas no one lent me the £0 grand so sadly (whimper) I never got my White Knight!! Well there is still my commutation in 8 (as of 2007) years.
