Destination Triumph Washington RAT Pack

Goodwood Breakfast Club ride out

2012-03-06T12:41:00.001-08:00

Tax Free Sunday, Sunday 4th March 2012

Well what a shocking morning it was weather wise !

Fareham had planned to meet us at Goodwood, but called off at 7.45 am on the morning due to shocking weather down their way, and it was heading for us.

I turned up at Washington expecting to be the only one to be there, and i was.

I still rode the normal route we take to Goodwood via, Storrington, Parham, Pulborough, Stopham, Fittleworth, Duncton and Halnaker.

Interesting is probably the best way of describing the conditions.

Anyway, i arrive at Goodwood to see a few hard core motor nuts and boy was it wet there.

Hoping for better weather next month !

First Thursday of the month ride out

2012-03-06T12:18:00.000-08:00

The Limeburners at Adversane, Thursday 1st March 2012

So after having to cancel our February first Thursday ride this was our first ride of the year.

A nice turn out with the clocks not having changed yet of 7 on 5 bikes.

Once again cracking hospitality and welcome from Chip's staff at the Limeburners.

A good evening with banter, tales and story telling.

Great company, and good to see new faces all the time.

Heres to a cracking 2012 for us.

Inter RAT Pack Bowling Night

2012-03-06T12:06:00.000-08:00

Destination Triumph Fareham RAT Pack v Washington RAT Pack
Bedhampton AMF, Saturday 18th Febuary 2012

So the long awaited and anticipated rematch ! And what a cracker !

8 bowlers from Washington and 13 bowlers from Fareham slogging it out over one game for the Trophy and the Wooden spoon.

As with the first match in November 2011, due to uneven numbers of players we decided to use the average score system for each team again.

But unlike November it wasnt close !

Fareham (The reigning Wooden Spoon holders and home team) scoring an average of 88

Washington (The reigning Trophy holders and away team) scoring and average of 117

So thats 2 v 0 to Washington then !

Highest score on the night of 168 for me and my new unqie bowling style, but it seems to be working !

After the post match photo and the awarding/retention of the Trophy and Wooden Spoon most of us headed to the Rusty Cutter Beefeater for a meal and to continue the banter.

Thanks to all those that came along and took part, a great night with great friends and fellow bikers. Especially good to see new faces joining the Packs all the time.

Here's to the next match and the start of the riding season !

First Thursday of the month ride out

2012-03-06T12:05:00.000-08:00

The Frankland Arms, Washington, Thursday 2nd February 2012

Sadly i had to cancel this meeting at short notice due to illness.

But the 2012 calendar was launched. And is now available in the Washington dealership in hard copy or by following the Washington RAT Club tabs at www.destinationtriumph.co.uk

Heres to a good, fun years riding !

Christmas Meal

2011-12-21T03:32:00.000-08:00

The Frankland Arms, Washington, Saturday 17th December 2011

Thanks to all that attended our first ''new era'' Rat Pack Christmas meal at the Frankland Arms, Washington Village.

Also thanks to Chris and her team at the pub for the great food, drink and hospitality, even if i did forget what i had ordered !

It was nice to spend a social evening with friends and fellow Triumph owners in this busy period for us all leading up to the Christmas holidays.

Thanks also to Owain from the dealership for representing the staff for the first time.

I would like to thank the dealer staff for their support and help during this year, and the gifts were much appreciated.

Here's to 2012 !

Inter RAT Pack Bowling Night

2011-11-23T12:35:00.000-08:00

Destination Triumph Washington RAT Pack v Fareham RAT Pack
Chichester Lakeside Superbowl, Saturday 19th November 2011

Our first RAT Pack bowling night was a real cracker !

9 bowlers from Washington and 10 bowlers from Fareham slogging it out over one game for the Trophy and the Wooden spoon.

Great to see George and Carole from the Isle of Wight joining us to bowl for the Fareham pack.

With uneven numbers of players due to some team members dropping out we decided to settle the match on the average score for each team. And boy did that make it close !

Washington winning by just 0.9 points !

Fareham scoring 924 with an average of 92.4

Washington scoring 842 with an average of 93.5

After the post match photos and the awarding of the Trophy and Wooden Spoon most of us headed for Frankie and Benny's for a meal and to continue the banter.

Thanks to all those that came along and took part, a great night with great friends and fellow bikers.

Nice to see Linda bowling and representing the Destination Triumph dealership staff.

Here's to the next match !

I think there will be plenty of practise games taking place before the rematch !

http://www.lakeside-superbowl.co.uk/index.php

Goodwood Breakfast Club ride out

2011-11-06T10:58:00.000-08:00

Five Today, and Four-Wheel-Drives Sunday, 6th November 2011

Today marked the 5th birthday of the Goodwood Breakfast Club meetings. The vehicles on show where probably the best and widest ranging that i have ever seen at these meetings.

Also nice to meet Lord March and briefly speak while he and his team handed out the birthday cake.

Five of us left the dealership at 9am on our usual route to Goodwood through Storrington, Parham, Pulborough, Stopham, Fittleworth, Duncton and Halnaker.

It was cold but dry for us if a little blustery. Beautiful to see all the late autumn colours of the West Sussex countryside on our ride with the occasional glimpse of the sun low in the sky setting the autumn colours off.

Sadly we lost John Francis to a rear puncture en route. But he was rescued and returned home safely with his bike.

Great to meet up with Duncan Travis who used to to ride with us before selling his Daytona 675. Also great to see Bob and Carol Parker out on their Tiger 800 after Bob's recent accident.

My highlights had to be the Rat Hot rods, Pick ups and the little girl motoring around in her little 2 stroke AC Cobra, with a leather and sheep skin jacket and leather driving gloves to complete the look.

Thanks to all for coming along and the support.

http://www.goodwood.co.uk/motorsport/latest-news/articles/2011-breakfast-club-themes-and-date.aspx

First Thursday of the month ride out

2011-11-06T09:46:00.000-08:00

The Limeburners at Adversane, 3rd November 2011

With the clocks having changed the Sunday before and the poor weather the turn out for this ride was a complete unknown. Myself, John Francis, Andy and Zak Stocker had a nice ride out to the Limeburners. The very wet and blustery day cleared for a couple of hours for us in the evening for our ride to the pub and then most of the way home before the rain returned.

Another lovely meal and social gathering at the Limeburners with Trevor and Heather Peters, Martin and Chris Parish and Andy Farwell-Cooke joining us at the pub by car.

A pleasant evening spent with the usual mix of good food and drink, story telling and banter amongst fellow bikers/friends.

Thanks to all that came along, also ''Chip'' the Landlords staff and Roy at Destination Triumph Washington for staying on at work for us to have access to the dealership.

http://www.fullers.co.uk/rte.asp?id=4&itemid=166&task=View

British Superbikes Brands Hatch

2011-10-10T07:36:00.000-07:00

Sunday 9th October 2011

Well what a fantastic day this was !

6 of us on the ride to Brands Hatch from Washington for the final meeting and Showdown of the BSB season.

Mike and 3 of his Fareham pack joined Myself and John Francis after some confusion with Gary and his mate over timing meant he was unable to ride with us and made his own way to Brands.

A fantastic days racing culminating in seeing Tommy Hill take the BSB 2011 title on the last corner from John Hopkins by just 0.006sec, which is about a front wheel length.

http://www.britishsuperbike.com/bsbtv-popup.aspx?videoId=37111

While the Metzeler National Superstock 1000 Race was red flagged and 2 riders air lifted to hospital after accidents on the opening lap and then again just after the end of a safety car period for the first lap incident. Speedy recovery's for to John Crockford, Freddy Pett, Marshal Neill and Richard Cooper.

Follow their progress and more news at

www.britishsuperbike.com

Race 3 highlights BSB highlights, THE SHOWDOWN !

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mzt6g212xzw

Thanks to those that came along, another top day at the races, here's to more in 2012

First Thursday of the month ride out

2011-10-10T06:45:00.000-07:00

The Limeburners at Adversane, 6th October 2011

The poor light and autumn weather are heading in now on the evening rides.

Good to see John Francis with new tyres on his America, and Andy Stocker with his partner on their America for this ride.

A nice little 20 minute ride to the Limeburners at Adversane for a natter and catch up with friends while sampling the hospitality, food and drink at Chip the landlords lovely little pub.

Good time spent there and then another ride back to Worthing via Washington.

Here's to next spring !

http://www.fullers.co.uk/rte.asp?id=4&itemid=166&task=View

Goodwood Breakfast Club ride out

2011-10-05T12:12:00.000-07:00

Anything But The Car Sunday, 2nd October 2011

When i first saw the calendar for the Breakfast Club meetings i thought it was crazy to have a meeting primarily for bikes in October. How wrong could i be ! It was boiling hot !

A nice turn out of a dozen of us enjoyed a bracing ride in the autumn morning air through Storrington, Parham, Pulborough, Stopham, Fittleworth, Duncton and Halnaker to Goodwood.

Thanks to the owner of the dog that was roaming around in the road into Storrington that seemed intent on getting itself run over and made the start of the ride entertaining for me at the lead, Darren behind me and the next couple of bikes after him. Fortunately we were all OK, the blog could have been very different for this ride if not.

Once at Goodwood we saw some cracking bikes and other interesting vehicles in the beautiful weather and settings while meeting up with some fellow biker pals.

A few of us stopped off at Bury Hill (Whiteways) on the way back to the Washington dealership for a natter and a brew.

Another great Sunday at the Breakfast Club was had by all.

http://www.goodwood.co.uk/motorsport/latest-news/articles/2011-breakfast-club-themes-and-date.aspx

MAG EU Protest Ride

2011-09-26T12:44:00.000-07:00

Sunday 25th September 2011

A superb turn out at Destination Triumph Washington for this MAG EU Protest ride.
Nice that the dealership and Washington RAT Pack could support Simon Frampton, locally from the Brighton MAG.
I would say there was in excess of 150 bikes from Destination Triumph Washington and the Sandhill Lane start point opposite DTW on the A283 that took part on this ride.
You may have seen coverage on the National and local news of these MAG rides, but visit the Mag and bbc links below for more info.
Thanks to all for your support.
Thanks Also to Sharon our Photographer for the pictures again, splendid job.

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bbc.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fuk-england-humber-15054057&h=ZAQDdj9TNAQDHlvUMWvIzgbvAgxE30PPMLH5GdnWj5HGhGQ

www.mag-uk.org/

Ride It Right (Haslemere Fire Station)

2011-09-26T12:43:00.000-07:00

Sunday 18th September 2011

RIDE IT RIGHT

Not a great turn out for this ride but we have had a lot on this month so to be expected frankly.
And the weather forecast wasn't good!
Bob West and i enjoyed a ride out into the sticks to the Fire Station at Haslemere (Surrey)where we meet Mike and the Fareham Pack.
After a wander about the stands etc we (Fareham and Washington) set off for a ride down through Surrey, into West Sussex on the A272 to Loomies Cafe at West Meon, Hampshire for a brew and a natter.
We then went our separate ways home, Bob and i enjoying the A272 back to Petworth and i think Mike and the Fareham guys may have got a bit wet judging by the sky as we left Loomies!
Another nice ride and social gathering was enjoyed.

www.rideitright.org.uk/home.asp

www.loomies.co.uk/

Ace Cafe Reunion, Brighton Burn Up

2011-09-26T12:39:00.000-07:00

Sunday 11th September 2011

A nice turn out for this ride. Sadly Mike from Fareham couldn't make this one but we saw over half a dozen of the Fareham pack join us at the Washington dealership and nice to see George and Carole from the Isle of Wight too.

And for the first time we had a couple joining us from the Bramley (Guildford) dealership, Thanks to Simon for riding to Washington with them especially as he was unable to join us on the ride to Brighton.
Bramley are seeking someone to take up a leader role for it's new pack as Mike and i do for for Fareham and Washington dealerships. If you are interested or know of someone who may be please drop me or the Bramley dealership a line. Mike and i are only to happy to assist and support anyone who takes the role on. Come and be the Leader of a Pack !

In total about 25 bikes for the ride to Madeira Drive, Brighton and great to see some new faces joining the pack's.

For the large part the weather did us proud with just a couple of passing brief showers.

A good time spent by all at the event with a pleasant ride there. It is so difficult to keep all the bikes together at this type of event when the Marshall's get involved. But we all meet up at some point during the day for a natter and a brew or two.

Thanks to all that attended and helped out, and again thanks to Sharon and Iain for the photo's, even if they did chicken out and car it to the event !

www.ace-cafe-london.com/

Bulldog Run 2011, Sussex British Motorcycle Owners Club

2011-09-05T13:22:00.000-07:00

Sunday 4th September 2011
The annual SBMOC Bulldog run started from the Washington dealership this year. A fantastic turn out of old and new British bikes from many of the British bike names of the past and present.
The run was raising money for the Camilla Botnar Foundation.
Some of our pack members did join the ride but sadly i couldn't. Sadly the weather did let them down somewhat as it started to rain as the bikes pulled out of Washington at 11am.

From all at Destination Triumph Washington RAT Pack and dealer staff, great to see you and we look forward to linking up again in the future.
www.sbmoc.vpweb.co.uk

Isle of Wight ride out

2011-09-05T12:05:00.000-07:00

Saturday 3rd September 2011

The sun's out for us at last !
Just myself and Martin Parish with Chrissy Parish as Martin's pillion for this ride.
We set off from the Washington dealership on a nice if a little pacey ride to the ferry at Gunwharf Quays where we meet Mike and the Fareham Pack, collected our tickets and then straight on the ferry. Just time for a coffee and a chat with the guy's and girls on the ferry also meeting Chris Linney, his daughter and Dexter the dog who were off for a day out on the island in Chris's MG. Then back to the bikes and off to meet George and Carole for the ride to Shanklin to meet the Wight RATS and the Performance Triumph Pack from Swindon. All told about 34 bikes. We then split into two groups for the ride outs. A lovely 1 hour 40 minute ride in the country lanes of the northeast, east, south and centre of the island before a superb lunch stop at the Dairyman's Daughter pub in Arreton www.thedairymansdaughter.com

After a superb lunch it was time to get back on the bikes to do the rest of the centre, south and west of the island before an afternoon tea stop at Fort Victoria.

www.fortvictoria.co.uk

Back on the bikes and on to Cowes for a stop off and too see 4 cruise liners including Independence of the Sea head off out into the Solent and beyond from Southampton.
Another photo call, then it was time for goodbyes and see you all soons before we headed for the ferry home.

Thanks to all that came along and special thanks to George and Carole for a great day out.

www.wightlink.co.uk

First Thursday of the month ride out

2011-09-05T11:28:00.000-07:00

The Limeburners Adversane, 1st September 2011

A nice mild if a little cloudy evening for us for the ride out this month.
8 of us from the dealership with Tony and Jackie Giles meeting us at the pub.Great to have Glen riding with us again from the dealership out as far as Petworth before heading home for domestic duties.
Also great to see the Parish's (Martin, Chrissy and Matt) on Matt's birthday and with good news regarding his licence.
We enjoyed a good ride out from Washington through Storrington, Amberley, Houghton, Bury, Coldwaltham, Pulborough, Stopham, Fittleworth, Petworth and Wisborough Green to the Limeburners.
Once again great service and welcome from Chip the landlords team, and lovely food and atmosphere as usual.
Another nice social evening with friends and fellow bikers.

http://www.fullers.co.uk/rte.asp?id=4&itemid=166&task=View

Goodwood Breakfast Club ride out

2011-08-31T12:58:00.000-07:00

Pre 1966 Sunday, 7th August 2011

Another nice turn out for this ride to the Goodwood Breakfast club. The weather did look a little threatening at some points on the ride to Goodwood through Storrington, Pulborough, Stopham, Fittleworth, Duncton and Halnaker. But we hardly got wet at all and somehow dodged the worst of the heavy showers. But no such thing as bad weather for riding, just inappropriate clothing, Isn't that right Darren?
Another superb display of vehicles laid on by the team of Lord March from the pre 1966 era.
Thanks to those that came along and special thanks to Sharon for the photos.
Oh and see if you can spot the old Stig amongst us!

http://www.goodwood.co.uk/motorsport/latest-news/articles/2011-breakfast-club-themes-and-date.aspx

First Thursday of the month ride out

2011-08-05T01:40:00.000-07:00

Bury Hill and The Country Inn at Bepton, 4th August 2011

Another great ride out for the first Thursday of the month. The weather was a bit of a downer again. It rained hard for most of the day which put some people off of a ride out into the country side.
Never the less 5 of us from the Washington dealership enjoyed a ride out to meet Mike and the Fareham pack at Bury Hill before we all headed off through Cocking, Fittleworth, Petworth, Midhurst and then into Bepton.
The first time we had visited The Country Inn at Bepton http://www.thecountryinn.co.uk/
A great little country pub, great food, atmosphere, garden etc. We where about half an hour late getting to them but they did us proud and a friendly welcome was received.
Total 15 bikes, great ride out and company, here's to the next one.

Sammy Miller Museum ''Big Triumph Ride In''

2011-08-01T13:26:00.000-07:00

Sunday 31st July 2011

What a fantastic day! The weather was fantastic, and another superb turn out of 26 bikes from Washington, then picking up Bob West en route on the Chichester bypass, then a further 8 from the Washington pack meeting us at the Delme Arms with Mike and his Fareham pack. A total of around 65 bikes from the two packs.
So off we headed to meet the other twelve packs at the Holmsley rendezvous point. I lead off with Mike then dropped off on the M27 to see the back markers before heading off back to Mike at the lead. Fantastic to see our pack members in a group like that.
Then on the A31 we turned off down into Burley and onto Holmsley, so many ponies around this year, I've never seen so many in the forest before. May be they knew we were coming! I even had a couple make a b line for my hand guards and mirrors.
What a sight at the rendezvous Chris Finch of Bevans Cardiff was expecting around 150 bikes for this ride. I am sure it was pretty close to 300. We saw 12 RAT Packs and a small group from Holland.
At 11.30am Chris lead us all off on the 5 mile ride to Sammy's museum. The pack leaders bikes were marshaled into the courtyard for display and photos.
A superb museum of motor cycles and their history in beautiful surroundings for us all to enjoy. Also a bite to eat and a drink while socialising with like minded folk.
Great to see Sammy and hear him make a short speech, a real character and a motor cycle legend.
Thanks to all those that joined us, i hope you had a good time and that Graham gets the Speedmaster sorted soon after we lost him on the M27 with a break down.
A special thanks to Sharon Webster (the new Official Washington RAT Pack Photographer).
Hope to see you all again soon, and thanks for the support.

http://www.sammymiller.co.uk/

Also on this ride out we and the Fareham packs unveiled and used our new banners for the first time.

Rolls Royce factory tour ride out

2011-08-01T13:08:00.000-07:00

Sunday 24th July 2011

Well this was always going to be a big one and the sun finally returned for us on this ride out.
This was a huge ride out for us and the biggest i have organised yet. I had been trying to get us a visit to Rolls Royce for a while and then the chance came up for us to join Piston Heads on their 3rd annual Sunday Service visit.
We had 59 bikes with 73 riders and pillions for this ride with 3 lucky passengers joining my brother (driver) in the escorting Rolls Royce Ghost from the Goodwood motor circuit into the grounds of the factory.
Piston heads had 400 cars at the factory for their visit and our bikes made a great compliment to them in the summer sunshine.
We all had the chance to stroll the grounds while viewing the superb bikes and cars on display before a tour in the splendid factory to see where the beautiful Phantom's and Ghost's are built with the opportunity to get a rare insight behind the scenes of this the only Rolls Royce Car assembly factory in the world.
Also the chance to sample the legendary Rolls Royce breakfast baps.
We played our part in raising £3049 for the Luke Cory Trust on the day as well.
A huge thank you to Andrew Ball and David Silk from Rolls Royce for making this visit possible, also to my brother Robert for driving the Ghost and chauffeuring 3 of our guests and getting a few more of you a ride or a seat in the beautiful car and lastly to Piston Heads for welcoming us to join them on their visit.

Visit the following for more photos of the event
www.rrmcph.co.uk
user: rrmcph
password: pistonheads

Visit the following for a Rolls Royce press release regarding the event
www.press.rolls-roycemotorcars.com

Visit the following for more information and news regarding the Luke Cory Trust
www.lukecorytrust.co.uk

Thank you lastly to all those that joined us on the day including Linda and Glen from the dealership.
And great to see Derek Carter-Hammond for his first ride out with us on his beautiful 1966 Triumph Daytona (the oldest bike we took on the day).

It really made my day looking in my mirrors and seeing the Destination Triumph RAT pack members streaming down the Drive behind me. I hope you had a great time and i am sure we will be back there again soon. And thank you all for your kind messages, my phone and email was busy for days afterwards.

Derek's 1966 Daytona

East Sussex Ride Out

2011-07-27T13:55:00.000-07:00

Sunday 17th July 2011

Another blustery day with heavy showers greeted us on this summer Sunday morning.
Mike from Fareham with two of his brave souls joined us for this ride. In total we saw 17 bikes for the ride, a good turn out in light of a poor weather forecast.
A cracking ride all the same with a lovely mix of the A and B roads with a dash of the country lanes and avoiding the dual carriageways as much as possible.
We set off from Washington through Upper Beeding, Small Dole, Albourne, Hassocks, Keymer, Ditchling, Westmeston, Plumpton, Offham, Lewes, Ringmer, Laughton, and Ripe before stopping for a superb fry up at the Berwick Inn (well recommended John).
We then set off again to Alfriston and toward Seaford enjoying the views down into the Cuckmere Valley. Then off for a loop of the A259 and the Beachy Head Road and the Birling Gap rejoining the A259 at East Dean before a brief stop at the Seven Sisters Country Park. Then it was off again into Seaford and toward Newhaven before joining the A27 at the Beddingham roundabout for the blast along the A27 and A283 back to the Washington dealership. Boy did we get wet when we got to the Shoreham flyover, i haven't seen rain like that for a while. At least we got back to the dealership before 4pm to get the floor soaking wet with our dripping gear and to grab a coffee. A good day had by all and great to see Gavin from the Washington dealership joining us for the first time on a Tiger 800XC.

http://www.theberwickinn.com/

http://www.sevensisters.org.uk/

First Thursday of the month ride out

2011-06-29T05:07:00.000-07:00

Fred's Fish 'n' Chips Littlehampton, 7th July 2011

Well another month has past us by already. And it's our First Thursday of the Month Ride out for July from the Washington dealership to Fred's Fish & Chip's, Pier Road Littlehampton.

Despite the dodgy looking skies and the heavy showers six bikes enjoyed the ride out through Storrington, Parham, Pulborough, Bury, Arundel, Ford and into Littlehampton.

The usual fun had socialising, banter and story telling, oh and some smashing fish and chips, and some very interested swans after our food.

We didn't see any rain at all, how lucky were we!

Good to have Glen joining us again on the Rocket3 from the dealership.

Beaulieu Motorcycle ride-in day

2011-06-18T13:47:00.000-07:00

Sunday 26th June 2011

It was a misty, humid summer morning as we assembled at Destination Triumph Washington. Eleven bikes, eight with pillions set off for the meet with Mike and the Destination Triumph Fareham Pack at the Delme Arms Fareham just off junction 11 of the M27. At the meet with the numbers now just over doubled, a splendid turnout indeed. The weather was improving and the mercury was rising as the sun burned the mist off. The forecast was looking good for the day and it turned out to be the hottest day of the year so far ''Phew what a scorcher''.

So all the bikes are parked up at safely at Beaulieu it was time for a brew and a bacon roll then a stroll round the museum.

Plenty of cracking stuff to see in the museum. Past and present and even Back to the Future! Something for everyone to enjoy and marvel over. Now off for a wander round the Top Gear exhibition.

So many smiles and memories from the Top Gear exhibition. Now off for a ride on the Monorail.

Then off for a stroll around the house and gardens.

A fantastic day out for all in a beautiful location and the weather did us proud. This event will be on the calendar for a return visit next year i feel sure.

A huge thanks to all those that came along, hope you enjoyed your day.

http://www.beaulieu.co.uk/

Ride out to The Chalk Pit Inn at Offham Near Lewes

2011-06-18T13:34:00.000-07:00

Wednesday 22nd June 2011

Well we had intended to ride to Haslemere Motorcycles in Bordon to meet Guy Martin but sadly during the morning Guy had to drop out from the event.
So where to now then ?
The Chalk Pit Inn at Lewes it is then !
So seven of us enjoyed a great ride out into the West and East Sussex country side through Bramber, Small Dole, Woodmancote, Hassocks, Keymer, Westmeston and Plumpton to the Chalk Pit Inn in Offham just north of Lewes on the A275.
A great evening of chat, food, story telling and just the one Harveys for me.
And it didn't even rain !
Great ride and company once again ! Good times indeed.

http://www.chalk-pit-inn.co.uk/

Honeymoon ride out for Trevor and Heather

2011-06-18T13:29:00.000-07:00

Saturday 18th June 2011

Congratulations to Trevor and Heather (Tiger 1050 riders and Washington RAT Pack members) who were married at the Hilton Avisford Park Hotel on Friday 17th June 2011.
They asked me if i would put a ride out on for them from the hotel on the Saturday morning to celebrate their wedding.
So guess what the weather misbehaved for us again ! Are you sure this is June ? We set off from the Washington dealership at 10.30am and headed off to the hotel to meet the happy couple.
We left the hotel at 11.00am bound for the Surrey beauty spot and popular biker pitstop of Newlands Corner enjoying the West Sussex and Surrey roads, country side, scenery and the heavy blustery showers.
Thank you to those that came along, and Trevor and Heather pass on their thanks for making this part of their wedding weekend come true.

http://www.hilton.co.uk/arundel

http://www.surreycc.gov.uk/sccwebsite/sccwspages.nsf/LookupWebPagesByTITLE_RTF/Newlands+Corner+-+near+Guildford?opendocument

Hilton Avisford Park

The Surrey hills from Newlands Corner

Triumph day at the Ace Cafe London

2011-06-07T06:46:00.000-07:00

Sunday 12th June 2011

Why is the British weather being so cruel to us ? Seven of us left the Washington dealership in the wet blustery conditions. It was also good to see Five new comers to the Pack to see us off even if the inclement weather had put them off joining us for the whole ride out today.
We set off up the A24 to Broadbridge Heath to the A281 to Guildford to join the A3 stopping off at the Ripley services where we meet up with the Mike and the Fareham pack, of whom there was fourteen. Also Martin and Chris Parrish from Washington joining us at Ripley. So after a brief coffee, loo, chat and visor cleaning pitstop we rejoined the A3, M25, M4, A312, A40 and A406 to the Ace Cafe.
Sadly the weather had a major affect to the events and turn out at the Ace today, but never the less we enjoyed the facilities, company, food and drink before we started to head for home. James lead us home through Hangar Lane, Kew, Kingston, Richmond and then the A243 and A24. Sadly the group did get a little fragmented what with the weather conditions and traffic. But we all made it home safe if a little soggy !
Please can we have sunshine from now on ?
Thanks to all for coming, hope you had fun ! and see you all soon.

http://www.ace-cafe-london.com/

The Ace on a soggy June Sunday

The Great Escape 2 ride out

2011-06-01T23:13:00.000-07:00

Saturday 4th June 2011

This was an early start ! Leaving the Washington dealership at 6.20am. 5 of us rode from Washington, picking up Martin and Chris Parrish on route. We made it to Biggin Hill in time to enjoy a warming brew and mingle with the masses. The weather was a little chilly and over cast but the out look for the day was looking good.
The ride of approx 60 bikes left Biggin Hill and headed for Ashford Laguna Triumph and the Capel le Ferne Battle of Britian memorial. Sadly the group did get split up on the pacey ride out in the Garden of England and i was the only one of our 6 bikes to make it to Laguna for the coffee and doughnuts.
I then set of with the masses from Laguna Triumph Ashford to Capel le Ferne where i got reunited with Martin, Chris, Uwe, John and Michael. Sadly Simon never arrived at Capel le Ferne and headed off to return home while having an enjoyable ride of his own in the Kent and Sussex countryside.
After spending a couple of hours at the memorial with the Great Escape 2 team we headed of for a bite to eat at the Cliff top Cafe in the lovely sunshine (if a little windy)!
We then set off home splitting in our own directions.
A great day was had by all and friends made with new connections forged for the Washington RAT Pack on future events.
Good luck for the lads in Europe. Follow their progress at http://greatescape2.net/index.html

And for more information on Capel-Le-Ferne visit
http://www.battleofbritainmemorial.org/the-memorial/capel-le-ferne/

The masses at Biggin Hill

Malcs Tiger flys the flag

The Great Escape 2 bikes arrive at Laguna Ashford

WW11 POW WOW !

Now at Capel le Ferne Battle of Britain memorial

Folkstone from Capel le Ferne

A relation perhaps, i will check it out for sure

The wall with the names of the few

A pilots poem

Triumph Name

Captain Blackadder ?

More Blackadder

The Destination guys and girl minus Simon with the Spitfire at Capel le Ferne

The masses at Laguna Ashford, and me looking the wrong way chatting again!

First Thursday of the Month ride out

2011-06-01T23:11:00.000-07:00

The Black Rabbit Arundel, 2nd June 2011

Another good turn out for our fist visit to the Black Rabbit at Arundel, 11 bikes from the dealership with Tony and Jackie Giles meeting us at the pub on thier Thunderbird.
Lovely ride out in the mild evening air of the West Sussex countryside to Adversane, Petworth, Fittleworth, Bury then onto Arundel.
Also great to be meeting up with the Mike and the Fareham Pack of whom 14 bikes came up to meet and socialise with us at the Black Rabbit.
The usual fun filled mix of banter and story telling making for a good evening out with our RAT friends.
Great to see Linda from Washington dealership joing us on her Street R again and Glen on the Rocket demo bike also joining us until Petworth.

http://www.hall-woodhouse.co.uk/pubs/pubsearch/pub/?id=21

Arundel Castle from the Black Rabbit car park

British Superbikes Thruxton

2011-06-01T23:07:00.001-07:00

Monday 30th May

What a shocking day weather wise! Well it was a Bank Holiday Monday!
Just Duncan, Nick and I left the Washington dealership for this ride. It was cold and drizzly as we set off but had improved and was dry when we meet Mike and the Fareham Pack at the Delme Arms. Mike had about 10 bikes with a couple more joining in from the Isle of Wight.
So we all saddled up and set off for Thruxton. The weather just about remained dry to Thruxton but got wet during the day. Still this made for some classic BSB thrills and spills with all the other formulas supplying plenty of exciting moments and a few teeth sucking ''ouch thats gotta hurt'' moments.
Was great to meet up with Nicks 80 year old uncle Ernie (who still rides a BMW 1100) at the meeting and hearing his stories and reminising of his racing days at Thruxton and in the Isle of Man in the 40's and 50's.
We also meet up with Eric, Harvey, Phil at the meeting briefly for a natter.

Duncan enjoys his new ride at the services on the way to Thruxton

http://www.britishsuperbike.com/

First Thursday of the Month ride out

2011-05-29T12:36:00.000-07:00

The Limeburners Adversane, 5th May 2011

Another banter filled and fun evening spent with the pack at the Limeburners Adversane. A smashing ride out from the Washington dealership in the West Sussex countryside for a visit to the Limeburners for the hospitality of Chip the landlords staff. With nine of us leaving the dealership and the numbers swelling to some twenty of us at the pub as we picked up some bikes on route. A big thanks to all for a great evening and a right giggle with the usual banter and story telling.
Great to see Linda joining us from the dealership again, even if she did drive to the pub!

The pack socialise in the Limeburners garden

http://www.fullers.co.uk/rte.asp?id=4&itemid=166&task=View

Bank Holiday Monday Eastbourne ride out

2011-05-29T12:32:00.000-07:00

Monday 2nd May

Well where do i start ? This ride was a change of plan due to an event change in Eastbourne, so i had to cobble a ride together and boy was it a great day with an awesome turnout.
We saw around fifty bikes leave the Washington dealership including bikes from the Destination Triumph Fareham Pack, Isle of Wight Pack and Maidstone Laguna Triumph.
We set off into East Sussex using the fantastic A and B country roads avoiding the A27 as much as possible to the Willow Cafe (now sadly closed and much missed, we visited on the last day of trading)

We then set off down the A22 into Eastbourne and along the seafront and along the the coast road to Beachy Head and stopping at the Birling Gap for a wander round, chat and sightseeing. On leaving the Birling Gap we passed the Tiger pub. Then enjoying the stunning views in Cuckmere Haven and the Seven Sisters country park.

We then continued on the A259 into Seaford for a photo call, then along the A259 to Shoreham to join the A283 back to the Washington dealership.

A great day was had by all and i have had much positive feedback from all regarding the day and our hospitality. A huge thanks to you all for your help and support.

The bikes assemble at Washington

Refreshment break at the Willow Cafe A22

The Birling Gap refreshment and sightseeing stop

Seaford seafront towards Newhaven

Some of the bikes at the Seaford photo call

A massive thanks to all for your help etc on this ride. Despite a couple of glitches we received many thanks for our hospitality for this ride and made some good friends and contacts for the future of our young and learning RAT Pack.

http://www.beachyhead.org.uk/about_the_area.html

Goodwood Breakfast Club ride out

2011-05-29T12:08:00.001-07:00

Supercar Sunday, 1st May 2011

Our second Sunday ride out to the superb Goodwood Breakfast club meetings, and WOW what a stunner !
Probably the most anticipated of the Breakfast Club calendar, yes it's Supercar Sunday.
Another fantastic turnout of a wide range of bikes from Triumph and always great to see more new faces joining the growing ranks, and of all ages with Eric having his young Grandson as a pillion for the ride.
A great ride out out in the beautiful spring morning air and West Sussex countryside. It's great to look in the mirrors and see the line of Triumphs streaming the roads behind you. And then as we neared the Goodwood circuit the sights and sounds of the stunning Supercars blasting the country roads and Sussex villages was simply spin tingling.
A huge thanks to all those that took part in the ride, around 30 bikes, Fantastic ! And good to see Glen from the dealership joining us again. Also good to meet up with Mike and some of the Fareham Pack at Goodwood.

http://www.goodwood.co.uk/motorsport/latest-news/articles/2011-breakfast-club-themes-and-date.aspx

First Thursday of the Month ride out

2011-05-29T12:04:00.000-07:00

The Fox Goes Free, Charlton 7th April 2011

So the First Thursday of the Month Ride to The Fox Goes Free in Charlton.
Can we maintain the momentum and turn out’s of our first two rides of the year? Oh yes! and then some!
I was away in Bournemouth for work and rode back to Washington for the evening to lead the ride and to then return to Bournemouth afterwards. I did wonder “am I mad”? on my ride back to Washington. But on arriving at Washington and seeing about twenty bikes, riders and pillions waiting for me and then a total of around thirty bikes joining us on the ride it felt great and well worth it.
Another lovely ride out in the West Sussex countryside on a super spring evening with blue skies and a temperature of about 16 degrees Celsius. And great to see a wide range of bikes from the Triumph range again with a couple of very welcome foreigner’s.
A great time was spent with friends and fellow bikers socialising, eating and drinking at the friendly country pub. With plenty of the banter and story telling that makes these evenings such fun.
Thanks to everyone that came along and we look forward to seeing you all again soon.
Great to see Linda and Glen joining us from the dealership again.

The Pack assembly

Socialising at the Fox Goes Free

http://www.thefoxgoesfree.com/

Ride for Respect, Wootton Bassett

2011-05-29T11:54:00.000-07:00

Ride for Respect, Wootton Bassett, Sunday 3rd April 2011

I did this ride last year, it was awesome! At very short notice this year we managed to get 8 of us on 7 bikes on this ride on Mothers Day. It was once again a very moving experience with in the region of 10,000 bikes assembling on RAF Hullavington in Wiltshire for the Afghan Heroes Ride for Respect through Wootton Basset. Thanks to Alan, Ingrid, Martin, Chris, Matt, Trevor and Heather for joining me. An amazing day for a just cause, i don't know about the others but i had a tear or two in my eyes. Will there be a ride for respaect next year ? Where will it be ? It will be on the calendar if there is one for sure.

A chilly misty breakfast at Buckbarn services

Matt and his mum (Chris) on the runway

Chris, Matt, Malc (Me), Martin and Heather at the pub

Alan, Me again and Ingrid on the runway

Wheres Martin ?

Malcs Tiger flys the flag

http://www.afghanheroes.org.uk/homepage.asp

A fantastic emotional day, Lest we Forget

Goodwood Breakfast Club ride out

2011-05-14T01:31:00.000-07:00

Tax Free, Pre 1973, Sunday 6th March 2011.

Well what can i say ? The first Sunday ride from Washington for the new era RAT Pack to the Goodwood breakfast club (Pre 1973 and road tax exempt Sunday). Myself, Glen, Gavin and the other staff members had no idea what turn out to expect but the word and feeling was good. We saw just under 40 bikes for the ride ! Amazing ! On a cold but later sunny early March Sunday. Fantastic to see so many new faces and such a wide span of bikes from Triumph's model range and a couple of very welcome foreigners joining us as well.
A nice steady ride through the West Sussex country side enjoying the scenery and landscape to Goodwood for the first Breakfast Club meeting of the year to enjoy the varied classic and modern transport delight's laid on there by the team of Lord March, while enjoying the food and drink and socialising with like minded folk. A huge thank you to all for turning out, and we look forward to seeing you all along on future rides and events or in the dealership for a chat and coffee. Spread the word ! It looks like it could be a great year for us.

Once again good to see Glen joining us from the dealership

http://www.goodwood.co.uk/motorsport/latest-news/articles/2011-breakfast-club-themes-and-date.aspx

First Thursday of the Month ride out

2011-05-14T01:28:00.000-07:00

The Limeburners, Adversane 3rd March 2011

So the first Thursday evening ride of the new Washington RAT Pack era. Despite the freezing cold but dry weather on the night (frost on the bikes when we left the pub) a great turn out on bikes with others visiting us by car at the Limeburners for food, drink, socialising and banter. Really good to see some new faces and bikes joining the pack and from across Triumph's model range of bikes. Also great to see Glen, Linda and Chris joining us from the Dealership.

A big thanks to all those that came along braving the cold !

http://www.fullers.co.uk/rte.asp?id=4&itemid=166&task=View

Welcome to the all new Destination Triumph Washington RAT Pack blog.

2011-05-13T14:12:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone and welcome to our new blog.
The aim is to keep you all up to date with what we have been upto in the Destination Triumph Washington RAT Pack with ride out reports and photos.

If you have any photos or info for the blog please feel free to email me malcolmbashford@hotmail.com and i will get it out there to our fellow RATS.

Safe riding

Malc