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If my calculations are correct, this year was the 27 th annual BBQ which came
into being after the centenary President’s ride in 1989 and the following year
when we had a 2nd President’s ride. They were so enjoyable, riding with old
clubmates from my early years that I wanted them to continue. Max was one
of those, and when he sadly passed away in 1998 the ride was dedicated to
him.

In all those years we have had only one ‘wet one’, and this year, with all the
glorious weather we have experienced it was a bit of a blow when checking the
weather forecast. Still we, Alan Rowe, Mick Valentine, Mick Jones, his mate
Alistair (they travelled up from Basingstoke), and myself had a steady ride
of 28 miles (with cafe stop) and got around dry!
However, when the BBQ was lit it was time for the rain to start, and only two
brave souls (excluding me!) used this outside facility, the rest availed
themselves of our oven and hob and another pleasant afternoon was spent
with old friends.

The others in attendance, Mary Dods, Geoff & Vi Sinnett, who brought
Barbara Waller with them. Dave & Moira and Pat & Lennie Brown, Jean Rowe
and Val Skelton, (thanks Dave and Moira for bringing Val down), also my mate
Mick Cooper (Old Kent C C that was!) along with his son and daughter in law.
Thus making a total 19, as I haven’t mentioned Lyn who put in a lot of hard
work and ensured I got my ‘annual’ bread pudding which originally started as
a joke, for Max’s birthday on the 23rd July and hers on the 24 th, many years
ago.

As is traditional, ‘Le Tour’ was viewed on TV as it makes its way into Paris.
We may be less vocal with no ‘Cav’ to shout for, but the emotion shown by
Geraint Thomas more than made up for it, long may he reign.

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