Your Stories

Thoughts of a Novice Biker

Introductions are done; quick croissant and a juice. We’re ready to roll; check bags and ties aren’t loose.

Off we set together – Petar leads us on, And Dennis tucks in right behind; reducing fears of going wrong. Bikes are gently rolling, but hardly down the lane, Pulled over for explosives check; do we really look insane? But now we’re in the clear; suspect bombers none are we – And no-one wants our passports…..what it is to be free!!

We board the train; the shutters close, just as we draw near – And someone orders ‘Edge your tyre and leave the bike in gear’. Our party is divided now, we see them through the glass, But Petar comes to comfort us and soon the time does pass.

In Calais, reunited, fellow bikers we are one; Off on our adventure, looking forward to some fun. With hopes and aspirations, come apprehensions too – Like scary thoughts of dropping bikes, and being far too new. David’s on the Interphone; his message loud and clear – ‘We’re far too inexperienced, that is my main fear’. We carry on regardless; there’s nothing we can do, But set our minds on focusing on how we can improve. Checking in the mirror, that blue does brightly shine, There’s Dennis on his Beamer, reassuringly behind! So now we can look forward and see what we can see; There’s John and Maureen, number two, and who’s at number three? …..It’s Martin and his lady wife, that’s Veda who we saw; They’re cruising in formation, with Chris at number four. In front of me is Andrew; knee down if half the chance, But no, the E15 goes straight, in this region of France!

Stories of Ridewithus Motorcycle touring

‘Oh David, come on, close the gap; you’re lagging far behind’…. I nag into the microphone, not wishing to be unkind! At last we reach our first hotel; we are somewhat relieved – We got here in one piece, you see; that is to be believed! Now looking all around us, everything’s arranged, And no-one needs to worry if things seem a little strange; ‘Cos if you need to know something; Slavica, come what may, She makes things run so smoothly, in a most professional way. So settled in, unpacked, refreshed; we gather in the bar – It’s time to have some team talk and reflect on things so far. You really have been patient; we’re novices, you know – But now we are committed, where you lead we’ll go!.

Well, later in the journey, to our great dismay, Petar in his element put on a grand display; Arriving at the car-park, Slavica upped the bar; Then crashing down upon his back he carried it afar! The ladies were delighted; such a spectacle they saw – A balancing act so perfect – they applauded him for more!

Now Chris, he is the Harley Man; he’s quite a cool young dude – The word it spread thru’ Germany – for him, the waitresses queued! Young Andrew – he’s the quiet one; they say that they’re the worst – And when he didn’t find Marie, into tears he nearly burst! Veda likes the cuckoo clocks, she loves her gateau too – But Martin says, to pack the bike, with these, he will NOT do!! So instead of eating gateau, she finds a new past-time; She takes up synchronized swimming, with Beijing in mind! Now John, he bounces, did you know? Maureen said it’s true! He got chucked out the night club; his language it was blue! They say he really loves his beer, but not so much French cheese, And goodness knows what fuels his bike, to reach such damned high speeds!

Now as we think back over, all that we have done – A week of huge achievement, and really so much fun; All sorts of different weather, and straight and twisting roads, We’ve banked a heap of memories, and tales to tell are loads. So thanks for your encouragement, thanks for your support; You’ve been a super team for us in all that you have taught. Now have safe onward journeys; with no problems or fuss, Let’s spread the word with biker friends, to go book RideWithUs.

Sarah, Black Forest Tour 2008