Finally i’ve been granted some free time since the April Strong Island Bank Holiday Bike Ride to give you a little update. A rough estimate tells me that there was something like 250 on the ride. 250………that’s just nuts really. Who would ever of thought it. What a turn out of great people and some equally great bikes. Some guys even travelled for their 3rd Strong Island bike ride from Bournemouth. The Bridge Tavern must have had the best Sunday on the books for years.

There was a bit of a shaky start when the Police arrived at The Bridge Tavern and walked up to me asking if I knew who had organised the event. After a short hesitation I owned up and was shocked to hear nothing but good words. I’ll be honest, when 2 Police Officers in a car, 2 on bikes and 1 on a motorbike arrived I thought it was game over. It couldn’t have been further form the truth. They had got wind of the bike ride in the station through Facebook and just popped along to make sure everything was cool. I think their main concern was 200+ people meeting at a pub then going riding on mass around the city. I explained the situation that the bike ride is not a statement and we’re not out to get drunk or harass motorists and that it’s just for the fun of riding bikes.

With the Police totally on our side, the bike Police even saying they wish they had the day off, we were on our way with a Police Escort in tow. I didn’t get the name of the motorcycle cop but he was really helpful and made sure everything went smoothly. Even joining in the roundabout session for a lap and even better he sounded the siren at Eastney to mark the off after the photo on the beach. On completion of the ride he came and found me to say everyone had made it back to The Point safely. What a nice chap.

Unfortunately Ian Parmiter didn’t get the good cop treatment when he was fined on the spot for an alleged £80 when he had a run in with some other Police. I’ve still not got the full details on this as I’ve not seen Ian yet, but I’ll try and get more info. With Ian being the most polite and well dressed of most people on ride I’m intrigued as to what happened.

Thanks to everyone for making it such a great day out. I really hope we can continue with no need for growing in to some kind of organised event with people looking over our shoulders or having to advertise and remaining quite simply a gathering of enthusiasts that just want to have a nice time on a Sunday riding their bikes.

There were some awesome photos as always from various people.

Photos : Tristan Savage

Photos : Chink One

Photos : Dan Tonkin

Photos : Claire Sambrook

Photos : George Crick

Photos : Marie S Jolley