Here we are again, another new year dawns. 2015 was interesting but not as great a biking year as we had hoped. That's not to say it wasn't good, but as so often happens for most of us, it just didn't go quite to plan. So here we are, the first day of a new year. What have you got planned for the coming months ?
As bikers of 'a certain age' a lot of the usual biker activities don't really hit the spot anymore. Instead of the greasy spoon for a cup of mediocre coffee, a more comfortable place that serves a good cup of coffee is preferable. Instead of racetrack like routes a more scenic, sweeping road is more fun. You know what I mean, don't deny it, you do the same thing.
What to do then. I have a few ideas...
Last year we ventured into the world of touring and had enormous fun. The trips we made were all short, generally long weekends, and all within the UK. What we learnt was that there are some wonderful roads and beautiful places to visit without having to leave the country or spend days and weeks away from home. Some of the places we visited were made really special by the people we met and the outstanding hospitality we received. 2016 will most definitely hold more of the same and we will venture further afield. Wales, The Lake District and maybe even Scotland are all on the cards with wonderful routes and recommendations readily available from bike magazines such as Ride. If you haven't already I highly recommend you give it a go, it's great fun.
Motorcycle racing is incredibly exciting and we are spoils for choice in the UK. The season starts in March with meetings up and down the country every weekend. British Super Bikes (BSB) is one of the best racing series in the world and it's all ours. I have been before and can highly recommend a visit. The racing is fast, furious and exciting, oh yes the company is pretty good as well. After last years fantastic series the 2016 series promises to be even better. Give it a go, there's something for everybody.
Another thing on the bucket list is to go to a rally. This is something we've always wanted to do but never quite made it so this year it is a must. As a MAG member I feel duty bound to attend one of the fund raising events run for the benefit of MAG so we are looking at The Farmyard or Stormin the Castle rallies. I'm really very excited about the prospect of this trip, it's a venture into the unknown but with a bunch of likeminded friends it's practically guaranteed to be a fun and successful weekend.
Another relatively regular charity run for us is the Ride To The Wall (RTTW). Bikers are the most giving and generous group of people you could wish to meet and when that spirit is combined with a charity that supports the armed forces it's an unbeatable combination. RTTW supports the National Memorial Arboretum and is the most moving event you will ever attend. Around 10,000 bikes turn up with going on for 20,000 people. Many are serving or former servicemen along with civilians like ourselves come to pay tribute to our fallen servicemen of all branches and conflicts. There's nothing quite as moving as seeing thousands of hairy bikers with tears in their eyes stood in silence remembering fallen comrades. If you ever had any doubts that your support is appreciated by serving servicemen try reading the comments left on the RTTW website or Facebook page.
These are a few things we intend to get involved in this coming year. What will you be doing ? Leave a comment and share your ideas. We might even meet somewhere on the road. Whatever you decide to do, we wish you a very happy and eventful biking 2016. Ride safe.
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