Every year there is a toy run from Bottesford up to Grantham and hundreds of bikes turn out. It's usually a mix of winter hacks, strange things you haven't seen since the Nineties (bikes and riders!), cruisers and tourers. This one was no different.
My other half recently bought a Kawasaki Versys, which has been named 'Waffle' after it's waffley engine characteristics, so I nabbed that and he got his Triumph Sprint ST out, complete with it's heated grips, the git! Off to Asda to grab some toys, then hit the road. It's nice to be out for a ride, no matter what the weather, but the frosty air nipping at my neck is making me shiver! Little Waffle is superb though, giving loads of feedback and inspiring confidence on the slippy roads. Guinea Pig is safely tucked in the top box, now accompanied by a cuddly Lion and Zebra to be dropped off for the kids :-) We soon reach Bottesford, round the corner and see the bikes spilling out of the pub carpark onto the surrounding lanes.
The run out is slow and steady, in close company with a Goldwing, complete with two Santa's taking up the saddle and the stereo blaring out Christmas tunes! People come out of their houses to stand at the side of the road and wave as we pass and even the car drivers, who's journey's we've interrupted, can't help but smile and wave as they patiently wait for us to all ride by :-) The BMF have got several people out marshalling, blocking off junctions and roundabouts so we don't get split up. We're towards the back of the group and the sight of hundreds of bikes filling the road in front of us is quite something.
Pulling into the carpark, the Police have sent a few bikes out to shepherd us in safely. I hand one of them Guinea Pig and after looking confused, he accepts him, asking 'Does he bite?'.
Inside the hall, we get cups of tea and mince pies from the Salvation Army, who are collecting the toys. The hall gets full up very quickly with cold bikers clutching pressies.
There are members of various groups wearing their patches, alongside scooter riders and 'Power Rangers', still in their matching one piece leathers with a fleece chucked on top. It's great to see so many people making the effort, especially with a warm bed being so inviting on such a typical British, winter day.
Luckily for me, the slow ride on the Triumph has made Tony's wrists ache and he wants Waffle to ride home. That means I get the heated grips, yes! The big Trumpet weighs a ton after the little Kwak, but it's super comfy, stupidly fast and I've got warm hands, bliss!
Guinea Pig is off to his next keeper now...visiting more men in uniform :-) Looking forward to his next story, check back soon.
