Thoughts on my first run-out

During dark and stormy nights the glorious 14th led by the fearless and valiant Steve (not to be confused with lesser mortals), assisted ably by Anne planned their agenda for world domination in 2001.

Iron steeds were polished and Conchos tied, Steve even looked at a map, leathers were tried on and promises to diet made again.

Covert messages were sent out by secret agent Helga, the communications officer to ensure the troops were ready. The date for the first sortie was set as April 8th, and we were to head off to a mystical place called "The Ogri Cafe". This however is in East Sussex a land ruled by section 15, however Steve told us that they still speak English and the tea is still drinkable.

Thus on the 8th the troops assembled at boxhill.........

 16 bikes assembled with riders to match, Steve looked magnificent in his red leather mini skirt and patent leather thigh boots , anne was a little miffed at Steve raiding her wardrobe.

 And so at 10.30 the mighty 14th left the car park , with the man in the white coat holding all traffic for us (how many years has that guy been there??)

 This magnificent phalanx made its way down the A24, via horsham and on to the A272, a road i had yet to travel, although littered with potholes as all roads seem to be at the moment it was a fine road to ride. the current Mrs T and i soon found a code for potholes i would be hit once for a minor bump,twice for a larger one and thumped viciously and sworn at for huge ones, thank goodness for no intercom.

 It was as we neared Heathfield which was close to the destination that the fun began, anne who was leading pulled over as it was realised Steve and Hank had gone missing, it transpired that they had been playing on a local roundabout when Ian and Jacky departed and then the dynamic duo became confused. Undaunted the 13 remainers waited, wiggled bums, smoked and wondered briefly "wheres that Steve got to now?".

Deciding eventually to move on we than found out they were already at the cafe. Missing one turning it did not take us long to reach them and then the queueing began. the Ogri cafe (which is besides Wessons bike clothing shop, High Street, Horham,East Sussex , [closed mondays]) is rather jolly. But also very busy on a sunday

The Burger we had was good though and not at a bad price , the coffee also came in decent sized mugs. Once you had queued for ages the service however is reasonable quick. The actual shop is well stocked and had a good range of gear as well as all the Ogri merchandise. it is also said Paul Sample occassionally appears as well suitable fed and watered we regrouped at a nearby garage to return.we had a great ride back and were enjoying it so much we almost followed Anne home.

The total runout was about 100miles and we were very impressed with our Dragstar as it was far more comfortabe than even my old XV750SE. I thought the organisation was also superb and i can hardly wait until the Hastings run (once more into centre 15's land).

Lets remember not to tell Michael Fish so we can have another perfect riding day.

But more importantly roll on September 9th when the first annual S&SL Poohsticks championship will be held. Remember as the battle cry goes "Today South London and Surrey, Tommorrow Penge???"

     ian