Hello folks. I am pleased to report that despite fairly atrocious weather, the Kent branch has been busy with various ride outs and social get togethers. Early in January, we teamed up with the Essex and North London branches and 18 of us visited Hastings. The weather was reasonably good so we had a good run there with a fish and chips lunch and a decent ride home. On 19th January, we ventured out on a Winter’s Trail despite the temperature hovering at around six degrees. A group of us left Maidstone services with Mike-O leading together with Mike-G, Les, John-A, Dave and Kimberley. We made our way across country to Bewl Water, a large lake and reservoir used for lots of family activities. The site has a very nice restaurant overlooking the lake and we stopped awhile for a warm-up and a welcome cup of coffee. After we had found our fingers again, we made our way down the A21 to John’s Cross just outside of Battle where we stopped at the 1066 café, well known to bikers in the Kent and Sussex area. Lunch was taken here and we sat and had another warm up. It was a nice gentle day out and even the weather improved as the day went on. On 7th February, a large group of us went to the Dogs at Sittingbourne (greyhounds that is). This has become a regular event in our social calendar; we book a few tables for a three course meal and make a few bets. Most of us lose a small amount of money, but it’s a fun evening with lots of banter and laughs. On 16 February, we were going to visit the MCN Bike Show at ExCel but it was the weekend of the first storm. The weather was awful so the ride was cancelled, more to do with the expected strong winds than the rain. However, several members attended on the Friday and I was there with MAG on their stand. A few of us went out on 23rd February and headed to The Butchers Hook, a bikers café in Heathfield which has taken over from Wesson’s (Ogri) café in nearby Horan. Unfortunately one of our group got a puncture and had to await a recovery truck to get him home. In late February, Roland from the Essex branch arranged a trip to RAF Marham Aviation Heritage Centre near King’s Lynne. If you have not already been, it is worth a visit. Admission is free, but donations are welcomed. A good day out which was rather spoilt by a challenging ride home in poor conditions. Due to the various storms over the past few weekends, we have had to cancel some of the planned rides at short notice. At this time of year we tend to use A roads and B roads and avoid the small country lanes due to the rubbish of shingle, mud and potholes etc. strewn all over the tarmac. Our roads really ain’t getting any better! Looking ahead the year, we have a full calendar of events, kicking off in April with a quiz night organised by our popular Quiz Master Mike-O, with invited guests, the MAG North Kent. Another 10-pin bowling evening is coming up soon, plus lots of rides and visits to other places of interest. Roland is planning a trip to France in May and we have already booked a week long stay in Paignton in September arranged by Pauline and John, taking in a visit to Dartmoor Prison Museum. Hopefully, they will let us all out! We are a friendly group of bikers and welcome new members to join us at our regular meetings. The Kent branch meet at The Tudor Rose, Sittingbourne on the first and third Mondays of the month. From April to September, our third meeting will be replaced by evening ride outs for a fish & chip supper, a curry or other gastronomic delights such as jellied eels! Happy and Safe Riding Mike-G
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