Abergavenny 21st April 2002

Here I am again desperately trying to think of something different to say on a ride out report, unfortunately folks
its only the names and places that change.

Arrived at the Clock to find Geoff (Bluemax), Roger (Joker Too), Smokin’ Paul B already on site. Shortly after I
got their Martin (vmaxdude) and Martin Sus. and Kam arrived on the Katana.

We left promptly at 10.30 the route took us via Henley in Arden, Mappleborough Green through Redditch to Bromsgrove
where we met up with Kev. S on his Africa Twin. Our journey continued through the centre of Worcester using the old
Severn Bridge. The ride through Worcester was very stop start but eventually we got out on the open road through the
rural Worcestershire countryside into Herefordshire and onto our first stop. The Bus Station in the centre of Hereford,
after a 10 minute comfort break we left or should I say tried to leave except Martin (Sus) forgot to take the disk lock off
 and had a falling off, still only pride and a broken mirror to show for it no injuries thank heaven.

The next stop was for petrol another 10 miles down the road then straight on to Abergavenny down some of the
best biking roads around, smooth road surfaces long sweeping bends, fabulous, built for the Vmax handling characteristics.

Arrived in Abergavenny met up with Griff, Max torquer (should be talker), vslowone and some of their friends
 (sorry I didn’t get everyone’s screen name will do better next time at Cheddar).

Had a look round and wandered off for a little lunch and some liquid refreshment, some of the group went to the Greco
restaurant for what they said was a very palatable meal for the money, we sat in the pub garden having a chat sharing
Martin & Kams chips and enjoying theand enjoying the sunshine.

Time to go back to the old bus stop biker meet at the bus stop in the town centre of Abergavenny to sort out Uncle Festers Draw.
Martin and Griff verified that everyone on Steve’s list had the requisite amount of tickets entered into the bag

When they agreed it was all ready and above board, the draw took place in reverse order, with Kam (Martin Sus’s lady) drawing
the tickets in reverse order. Geoff Moore (Bluemax) videoed the whole thing and hopefully Martin will make it available as a download.

We decided to return by a different route so we said our good-byes to the Bristol cybermaxxers arranged for a
group shot in a nearby layby (although Griff never made it) and left for home.

Geoff led us on route through the rolling countryside touching the outskirts of Ross on Wye. Arriving in Malvern for our final
planned stop of the afternoon at the car park on the Malvern Hills, tea and cakes the order of the day, stretched our legs and
after 30 mins, made our way home saying good-byes to Martin & Kam and Kev. S., who peeled off in different directions at
various points in the journey. Crossed back over the River Severn at Upton on Severn, through Pershore and the crossroads at
Pinvin. It was at this point we seemed to lose sight Martin and Roger we pulled over and after after waiting a reasonable time
for them to catch up, I went back to look for them.

Found them at the side of the road looking for the parts to put Dudes brakes back together. We decided to let Geoff and Roger
carry on because they had the furthest to go while we (Smokin Paul B and I) accompanied Martin who was only able to use his
rear brake. After about a mile it became apparent to Martin that this was a no go because something was rubbing, so telephoned
the AA. They the AA turned up 1hr 40 mins later, to recover Martins bike, It was only then that then Paul and I returned our
 journey home, I got back at 8pm very weary, but overall not a bad day out.

Here’s to the next one, thanks to everyone that made the effort, it makes the organising worth while.

Additional from Maxtorquer

Definitely a good rideout. For once the weather forecast was completely wrong and turned out to be uninterrupted sunshine
(if only Smirnoff did weather forecasts...) Griff, Shane and I met up the Aust services, before the Old Severn Bridge.
The impromptu drag away from the toll booths - V MAx, 1100 Kat and Kwak 1000 Eliminator - set the scene for a good blast
to Aber, via the Usk Road.

Thouroughly excellent to meet the guys behing the site and the other mysterious cybermaxers behind the webnames.
Despite the relatively small number of us it was very encouraging from the obvious enthusiasm of all. The weather and
the stunning and swoopy roaded Welsh scenery helped big time. Seeing all your V Maxi glittering and gleaming in the late
spring sunshine left me rather gutted that the winter rebuild continues in the back room......but to find 2 Katana 1100s on
the same run was a turn up.

Well, apologies for us Bristol geezers not showing for the photoshoot. The one of our number leading went off down the
 bypass instead of the Usk Road and in his haste managed to collect three points from a police laser gun on the Gloucestershire
border - nice one Griff! Funnily enough the policewoman taking his details didn't fancy a @#%$ either....

The Bristol Cybermaxers are meeting regularly - well done Griff for the motivation. Hopefully, we will have tracked down
more of the many Max pilots around the Bristol area by the time Cheddar comes around - see you there!

If anyone is interested this is what is left of one of my brake pads after the Max chewed it up and spat it out!!