Afghan Heroes Ride 2010
14th March 2010
Two Reports for you to read
First, the Spectators Perspective
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What an event this turned out to be, with a few hundred bikes expected to take part but which grew to nearly 15,000 motorcyclists taking part including members of England XIV. I was disappointed that I couldn't ride but hoped that I could capture the day for everyone in photo's.
The day started with a meeting point at Gordano Services where several members turned out and it was nice to see both Glynn and Ruth turn out on their trikes - the first outing this year! It is now surprising how many trikes we have in the Chapter. We were also joined by some riding friends of Taff's and members of the Praetorians.
Once the group had departed, I returned home to collect Tina before heading off to find a good vantage point to see the ride and support our Chapter Members as they ride by. I had originally planned to go to Malmesbury but changed my mind and went to Wootton Bassett (well, where else!) arriving before 12 o/clock and saw the thousands of spectators who had turned out to watch. These included motorcyclist who had already ridden through Wootton Bassett.
It is hard to explain how big this event was, but when we arrived on the High Street, the spectators were about 6 deep as far as the eye could see, with television camera's being ever present. I was very pleased to see the Mayor of Wootton Bassett, Steve Bucknell, standing on the side of the road near to the Memorial and clapping the bikers as they went by. During a respite between the biker groups, he came over to pet 'Buddy' our Springer Spaniel and he in fact told me that I had made the right choice of viewing point. He said the atmosphere was better there .... and he was right. I also saw the Mayors wife, Allison talking to bikers who were watching the proceedings.
The riders from England XIV were due to come through just after mid-day, so we were worried about missing them. But a phone call to Muddy revealed that they were stuck in the middle of thousands of bikers on Hullavington Airfield. We hadn't missed them, and in fact, he didn't expect to leave for at least one to two hours, so plenty of time for a cup of tea and cake in the Town Hall tea rooms. (Excellent cake Muddy!).
Tina and I wondered up and down the High Street soaking up the atmosphere and watching the 
bikes and chatting to various spectators. It was made all the better because of the brilliant sunshine .... someone was definitely looking over us that day! Anything to do with you Reg?
It was during this time, that Tina met the Mayoress, Allison Bucknell and they were soon engaged in deep conversation and what went through my mind was what a wonderful couple and a credit to the town of Wootton Bassett. From the time we arrived, I saw them talking to various people with smiles on their faces. Allison when she saw us leaving, even came over to say goodbye. It is no wonder this town has such a turn out and great respect!
Throughout the afternoon, a great variety of bikes, trikes and scooters went through joined by one or two quad's as well. A couple particularly stuck out in my mind. The first was a motorcycle and side car, where the chair was in fact a bath complete with overhead shower! It looked brilliant, but not sure I would want to ride in the bath! The second was an absolute monster of a trike with a twin rear axle and having an extended middle finger on the wing!
We understood that the motorcyclists were being escorted through the town by police bikers in groups of 500. Wow, what a sight this was and HOW MANY groups came through. It was one of the most amazing sights that I have ever witnessed, and all the bikers were greeted by the sound of clapping spectators.
Another phone call to Muddy found that they were still waiting on the airfield but nearing the front. Both Tina and I did feel for them, as they had no refreshments and the spectators began to thin out as the sky began to cloud over. But the Mayor and Mayoress were still there leading from the front.
Whilst we were waiting Tina managed to spot many other Blue Knights riding through, which was more than I did! Hopefully, I managed to photograph a lot of them, but I had regretted not wearing my blue vest, so that I would stand out in the crowd.
It was 5.20pm when our Chapter finally came through (apart from John Rooke, who came through in the group before the others). We caught sight of Pete leading the way, and followed by the others including our Chaplain, Reg. I was very pleased to see that Ruth was still in the group, as we were concerned about the waiting around, but she and Glynn, looked good on the trikes.
Having watched them go by, we gave it another couple of minutes before we left. Unfortunately, we missed Pat going past and for that we apologise for not waiting for you Pat!
We did pass members of England II in a lay by and I have this memory of Tina leaning out of our car window shouting "Hello Blue Knights" to them as we drove by. Wonderful!
It took us a while to get out of Wootton Bassett, but we didn't care as it was such an experience. Even though we were not on our bike, we felt a part of this memorable event. What a way to show respect for our service personnel and it was astounding how many people were doing just that. Steve Bucknell was absolutely right, the atmosphere was great in the town.
We later heard on the news, that a cheque for £100,000 had been present to the charity "Afghan Heroes" Fantastic!
Well done everyone!
John Cooke
Secretary
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