Clan BC Retford

IF YOU WANT A MEET THIS SUNDAY AT DOMINEE LET ME KNOW

ITS ON AGAIN ON SUNDAY I,M GOING AGAIN LET ME KNOW IF YOU ARE COMING

NEWARK SHOW GROUND SUNDAY I'LL BE THERE

In keeping with tradition Clan members again attended the Shipley rally last Sunday for the annual charity toy run to Harewood House. Although bereft of our intrepid leader, who was on duty at the HDRCGB International Rally, Craig, Rachel, Shoddy, Kiwi and Michelle showed the club colours in the Malt and then joined the few hundred other bikes on the ride out of Baildon. The street in the village was, as usual, lined with people and it is a strange feeling riding through cheering crowds like that. Along the whole route, down through Otley and out towards Pool, every pub, old folks home and village corner had small groups outside waving, cheering and clapping the procession of predominantly Harleys as they thundered past. The street marshals did an admiral job racing ahead to block off all the side roads and intersections to ensure a safe ride for all involved. The procession duly arrived at Harewood House, where their annual steam rally was in full swing, and parked up near the centre ring to await the chance to deliver the varied assortment of stuffed animals and toys for the children's charity. We all took the time to have a nosey around the fair, top up on coffee and doughnuts and to check out the huge variety of old machinery on show. With the weather closing in, toys delivered and a number of riders already heading back we fired up the bikes and had a steady ride back to Michelle’s for coffee and cake. Great to see Billy from Aire Valley HOG again (who still can't forget us) and we’re all looking forward to next years rally and ride out.

In a sombre mood Clan members and friends gathered at El Pres’ on the 13th August 2009 for the ride over to see Chris’ last journey from his home in Clowne to his final resting place in Whitwell. The street outside his house was lined with cars and motorcycles as people from all over the area joined Debbie and her family to pay their last respects to an obviously well liked member of the local motorcycling fraternity. Chris’ lad led the procession off at the appointed time on Chris’ springer followed by the funeral cavalcade with over twenty motorcycles in support. A slow and steady pace was set in the summer sun which on any other day would’ve been most enjoyable but on this day, was darkened by the knowledge that this would be the last time any of us would ride with Chris in this world. An excellent service in the church was followed by the final short trip up to the cemetery where Chris’ coffin was carried to his final resting place to the thunderous sound of revving motorcycles and Meatloaf’s “Bat out of Hell”. Family and friends watched solemnly as his coffin was finally laid to rest, all with their own personal thoughts of Chris and what knowing him had done to enrich their lives. Thoughts also were of other friends and family gone but not forgotten in those moments of remembrance. With the saddest part of the day out of the way everyone adjourned to the local community centre for refreshments where the usual Clan banter, although slightly subdued given the occasion, soon had smiles back on our faces and thoughts turned to upcoming ride outs and rallies. Plans were made and friendships built on that day of loss in the typical Clan way – Chris is gone but not forgotten and we’ll drink to him in those early hours of the morning, at rallies in some distant field when the talk turns to those who have made that last ride to the gates of their chosen destination and we’ll smile, and remember the day he rode into the back of my Harley and nearly shit himself. Thanks to all the Clan members and to Ratty from the HDRCGB for making the effort – it meant a lot to Debbie and the kids to show our respects to a fallen brother. Where ever you are Chris, I hope the beers cold, the tarmacs smooth, the weathers warm and the bikes never break down – ride in peace. Kiwi