Sunday, 14th May '06.
Right, had a couple of emails from Karen, one of my dearest, most long-standing friends. She's asked to use the forum to advertise a charity event & I never could resist her smile, or her bullying, so listen up you lot!
Karen & her hubby, Fran, were the driving, (riding?), force behind the Fox & Hounds MCC, of whom I have very fond memories from my teenage years. She's been visually impaired since early childhood so can't ride or drive, but is the most enthusiastic pillion I've ever met. A lifelong bike fan.
Imagine not being able to read magazines, newspapers or books. The visually impaired, ("VIs"), rely on the talking book service run by the RNIB, but less than 5% of books are available & rarely at the same time as they appear in normal printed versions. It can take up to 3 years to convert them.
Karen & Fran now belong to the Chippenham "RAT pack", (Riders' Association of Triumph -a slightly tenuous title for riders of modern Hinckley Triumphs). They're raising money to have Ewen McGregor's "Long Way Round" book converted to spoken word CD & aim to collect £2,500.
Among other events is a charity bike run to Boxhill, near Dorking in Surrey. This has been a popular meeting place for bikers since before the last war with hundreds gathering in the carpark at the foot of the hill on Summer Sunday mornings & Bank Holidays. Great riding roads, spectacular view from the top of the hill, permanent burger restaurant on site etc. See the Rally/Show Photos section for piccies of previous Boxhill meets.
The route is still being planned but will obviously run from Wiltshire, crossing through Berkshire & Hampshire & into Surrey. Open to all bikers, a £2 donation per bike is requested. Turnout is expected to be high so come along, enjoy the ride & do your bit.
Donations can also be made via Ian Gauld, service manager at "Taylor Racing", (Triumph dealership),
23 - 25 Station Hill,
Chippenham,
Wilts.
SN15 1EG.
01249-657575, (option 4).
Cheques payable to RNIB. Thank you.
