Afghan Heroes
"Ride of Respect"
3rd April 2011
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Following the huge success of last years ride through Wootton Bassett, organised to raise money for the Afghan Heroes charity, this years event was again set for Mothers Day. It is likely to be the last as nearbye RAF Lyneham is set to cease to be the base to which the bodies of troops killed in Afghanistan are repatriated. The residents of now Royal Wootton Bassett have taken it upon themselves to turn out to show their respect to the all too frequent courteges as they passed through from RAF Lyneham, the Royal naming an acknowledgment of their caring actions.
As last year a 10000 bike limit was set by the organisers to ensure that the event was manageable and this year the same number was set and quickly booked up, England XIV representatives amongst them.
Following earlier showers, a fine Sunday morning saw Cookie, Muddy and myself meet for breakfast at Gordano Services, Bristol, where we were unexpectedly joined by Paul Nesbit-Bell and Hardy Hussain. Ed Meacham was booked in but had to give way to last minute illness. President Pete also had to cancel at the last minute as he had to return to his friends in Spain to help the family. Ruth and Glynn Kettleborough were also attending but earlier, as they had volunteered to carry injured service personnel on their trikes. I’m sure they will update us on how their ride went.
(Webmasters Note: The expected injured military personnel did not show, so Ruth & Glynn did not have anyone to carry. They were disappointed)
Travelling M5 North then M4 East to junction 17 our group exited and made our way to RAF Hullavington, which was reached with no trouble. The staggered arrival times seemed to be working and on site marshalling was also efficient. They had clearly learned lessons from last year. The massed thousands of bikes was an impressive site (and sound) with every bike imagineable appearing to be present as well as a few scooters. Riders from all over the country and many differing groups and organisations were represented, including Blue Knights from England II and Scotland III. There were no doubt others but in such a huge crowd…..
Bikes were marshalled into groups of about a thousand, with gaps between, to await their departure time. Our group arrived at just before 1100 and eventually left at 1300. A bit better than last years 4 hour wait, although toilets and fast food improved the conditions for all. Luckily, the weather remained fine despite dark clouds passing by and the temperature was reasonable. Residents in the villages en-route to Wootton Bassett again turned out in great numbers to show their support, waving, clapping and holding signs, the kids reaching out to touch hands with passing riders. Some had clearly been there for hours, with garden chairs etc set up. Even occupants in vehicles waiting at junctions for ages whilst the bike convoys passed, waved and sounded their horns. Real respect.
The culmination in Wootton Bassett itself was just as inspiring as last year, with the main street packed with people waving and cheering.
All too soon it was over and we were heading for home but happy in the thought that so many had turned up to show their respect and a vast amount of money raised for the Charity.
Only later did the weather deteriorate (for me at least) and I passed through several miles of torrential rain on the M5 but the FJR is not bad in such conditions as long as you keep moving! I didn’t even need to put on waterproof trousers over my leather jeans. The weird Torbay weather greeted me upon my return – blue sky and sun. Best it had been all day and I was dry by the time I got home.
Pat Sturman
Chapter Editor
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