It was that time of the year, and Mike "ya know what I mean" and I rode to Crayford - Mike mounted on the VMax and me on the trusty Sprint. This was to be Mike's last ride of the VMax, as he had already done the deal with Boyer's for a brand new Sprint 1050 in silver; not the preferred colour, but the deal on it was too good to miss, with ABS and lots of extras thrown in for the price of the standard bike.
Outside Steve's was quite a gathering, consisting mainly of Triumphs (with a smattering of, shall we just say, "other" makes). After we'd pulled onto the drive, Steve and Sue welcomed us into the dining room, however, most of the group were sitting in the garden, waiting in anticipation for breakfast which was due to be served shortly. It was a true masterpiece of English cuisine - consisting eight components on the plate, plus tea and coffee, toast or bread & butter, along with all manner of condiments. There were even veggie sausages for the non-carnivores of our group, which was very thoughtful.
After everyone had their fill, it was off to the garage to give the bikes their fill. This turned out to be a fiasco and not as straightforward as one would have expected; one group went to one garage and one group to another. However, thanks to that modern marvel / bloody nuisance, the mobile phone, both groups were quickly reunited. I wonder how we will fare on the German run later in the year (?).
Fortunately, the run to Southend was rather pleasant, if uneventful; though it's a shame about all those cash machines sited by the roadside, masquerading as speed cameras! The parking on Southend front was very well organised, and what a turn out of modern machinery! As usual, there were the custom Harleys with their "hero" type riders (you need to be a hero to ride some of these machines by the looks of the seats - or rather, the lack of them).
After some non-alcoholic refreshment, we took in much of the exotica parked on the front, and then it was back to the bikes and the run home. Ozz and I were the last to return to the bikes, as we took time to admire some of the more sensible machines on display. The only female rider in our group - Jackie/Marlene, nearly had my heart in my mouth when she almost collided with a sports bike after rolling back on the hill when pulling away from the traffic lights. However, she soon managed to regain control of the situation - well done Jackie.
The ride back was also very pleasant. Some of the group roared on ahead - their thirst had obviously got the better of them! Fortunately, for them, regroup took place at the Pied Bull, where the highlights of the day's events were discussed, together with the decision as to when and where the next outing would take place.
Signing off for now. Hopefully, we'll get first impressions from Mike "ya know what I mean" on Triumph ownership now he's got the tee shirt!