Help For Heroes South Coast Vespa Ride

Well .... we did it people. This is my story of how the weekend panned out.

2010-04-15T00:48:00.000-07:00

This ride was in aid of Help For Heroes, if you would like to donate to this charity please click this link: http://www.justgiving.com/ModernVespa

Day -1 (Friday, the day before).

On the Friday before the ride was due to start, I was staying overnight in a Travelodge in Margate, 69 miles from where I live, about 1.5 hours ride. But before I could leave I had to collect the scoot from the dealer, where he was solving an electrical problem and fitting a new Scorpion pipe. I am aware of some the issues with Scorpion pipes and I was praying that I would not be unlucky over the next few days!!
I had to pack and attend the birthday party of my niece. The weather was glorious and I was chomping at the bit to leave, so with a 5 year old girls party quickly filling up with more 5 year old girls, I decided it was time to leave and made a quick exit, leaving my youngest girl there for my sister to return home later.
I rushed home, packed the scoot and shot off as quick as I could. Pretty much immediately I was not only baking in the surprisingly warm weather but filtering through heavy traffic across the Dartford bridge.
Other than the bridge I had no trouble getting to Margate and it was an uneventful but thirsty ride (for me, not the scoot).

I arrived at the Travelodge and within 10 seconds I had security for the centre on the telephone to the Hotel complaining about my scoot parked next to the bike rack. It seems my scoot could possibly damage their pavement and I could not chain my scoot to their rack. Anyway it transpires that the manager of the hotel supports Help For Heroes and was really delighted to discuss the charity and what were about to do. She kindly offered her own car parking space for our scoots and immediately went outside to move her car. As yet Peter (who was also staying in Margate) had not arrived on his GTV, so I unpacked the scoot and had a wander around.

After a while Peter arrived and after unpacking we went to find a pub and some food. (I was still rather thirsty) Luckily for Peter we found a carvery and we ate dinner and waited to her from Dixie, Jules and Sophie, who were also meeting us in Margate. After a number of calls Dixie and family arrived. They were riding a camo T5 with side car and a P2 2-up.

Now we were now 5. Well 4 bikes. 2 modern, 2 traditional.

We had a beer and discussed the weekend coming. We were also joined from some of the chaps from the South Coast Pirates scooter club, we had a drink and discussed the weekend.

Before long we were all ready for bed. I fell asleep before 9 I think, but awoke at 12.30 and then again at 2.30. At 3.30 I decided to pack up the bike and find some fuel and go for a ride. So at 4.00 am I was riding around Margate in thick fog and pitch black looking for fuel.

Day 1. The first day of the ride.

I had been ready to leave since before dawn. So I was raring to go. Once we found somewhere for breakfast (the staple British diet of McD's) we headed back to the hotel to find Tony and Kelvin with their scoots waiting for us. Kelvin had another 300 and Tony a GT200. Once we exchanged pleasantries, Tony and Kelvin also devoured some of the local delicacy of McD's we headed towards RAF Manston, our starting point. We were already late to meet Dixie, Jules and Sophie. So it wasn't a great start.

Once we all arrived at Manston we were lucky enough to have some more of the South Coast Pirates and the local paparazzi there to see us off. We left a little late (about 9.25 am) for Tangmere Aviation Museum. About 125 miles away

It was not a quick ride, we were all finding our feet and riding at the slowest bikes pace. However even with a few stops, Peter led the group to Tangmere ahead of schedule. (about 12.25)

When we arrived we were greeted by the glorious site of the gleaming Hornet and the olive Interloper. MV's very own Billdog and Genie were there to meet and greet. I was over the moon to see them and enjoyed having all of our pics taken with the Phantom static display.
It was also an emotional moment for Jules and her family. The people at Tangmere were very kind and generous and could not help any of us enough.

We had some lunch and lots of photos also a look around the museum and were back on the road at 2.00 heading for Exeter. 140 miles away. This time I was leading the group and again it was not a quick ride. We were traveling at the same speed as the T5 and P2. Which was fine for me and I did my best to keep everyone together. Although this is the first time I have ever lead a ride, at least it was not a quick one!
We had one issue on route and that was Jules had to have a quick tire change at roadside. Fortunately Dixie has the fastest spanners in the west and we were back on the road in 15 minutes.

We eventually arrived at Exeter, tired and exhausted at 6 ish? (I cant remember) it was a little ahead of schedule but not by alot.

After day one we were all very tired but all very impressed by the resilience of the traditional scooters but even more impressed by the traditional scooterists. I think the modern scooterists we all in agreement in their praise for those 2 old scoots and their riders.

Beer, Dinner and Bed.

Day 2. Lands End.

Day 2 started well with the fire alarm in the hotel ringing at just before 6am. We were all outside in the sunshine at 6am, angry scooterists, fed up and annoyed.

Dixie, Jules and Sophie had a brainwave in the evening and had decided that the modern scooters should be allowed a certain amount of free reign and the traditional scooters would leave alone earlier than the mods and take a direct rout to Penzance. Allowing Peter, Tony, Kelvin and I to take a more scenic route and catch them up.

I was up early again and waited by the scoots to see Dixie, Jules and Sophie off. About 7ish they left, it was cold and damp and I did not envy young Sophie riding pillion. I waved them on their way and headed back to the room.

At 9 (or a bit later) us modern scooterists took off rather leisurely towards Slapton Sands to see a war memorial their. If you do not know about this particluar part of WW2 it is worth looking it up. I was once again leading and not feeling at all confident about the day.
Over the last 24 hours I had been feeling less and less confident on the scoot, I was not sure if it was because if tiredness or the extra weight I was carrying but the more I thought about it, the worse my riding got and the more I worried. It was a cycle which continued until Lands End.

Day 2 did not start well for me as I immediately went the wrong way, much to the amusement of those behind. Slowly we made our way towards Slapton Sands some 50 miles away. It was not a quick route however with some roads barely roads at all! Country lanes of the narrowest and steepest kind.

We arrived and took some pics, again we met some great people and it was a very interesting place.

We stayed only briefly and left to head towards Penzance to meet the family-Dixie. I was leading and was not enjoying it.
About 105 miles to Penzance.

The route from Slapton to the A30 was a difficult as the morning route, with country lanes and twisty roads which I was starting to feel more and more paranoid about. Eventually we hit the A30 and this is a long straight newish road with big hills. It was alot of fun as we tried to hit our rev limiters, I think only Peter managing to do so.

Eventually Dixie text, to say they were heading into Lands End and we should meet them there. We pushed on along the A30 and eventually rode through Penzance onto Lands End.

It was glorious weather. A summers day to greet us!! We relaxed and enjoyed our moment. We had a picture taken at the Lands End sign post and the staff working there we more than happy to accommodate size scooters and a side car.

We could not stay long however as we had to get back to the hotel. 125 miles away!

This time it was Peter's turn to lead and I gratefully hung back and followed. There were some fantastic twisty roads down in Lands End and it was glorious.

This time with the more experienced Peter leading the ride was ALOT faster.

I tried my best to keep up but my body just would not let me ride full throttle for very long, I was too tired and physically knackered to ride WOT for too long. The first half of the ride back was hard going for me to keep up, I was struggling, my confidence and riding had taken a knock and my body was giving up. But we stopped half way for fuel, and I started to feel better. As more traffic appeared on route I begun to forget about my riding and concentrate o overtaking the next vehicle. It started to feel more like my natural riding and I forgot about my tiredness and enjoyed the roads.

We all arrived back at Exeter tired and thirsty. But with a sense of achievement. We had finished what we had set out to do and made some money for a charity we all cared about. We had also made new friends and met lots of interesting people. For me, I found out about some glaring problems with my riding and confidence, I also feel very satisfied by what we all achieved. A long time ago this was all just text on a forum. But for a few days we were actually riding those roads and seeing those views and meeting those people. That is something that I will live with forever. (well until the next one).

IT'S HERE!!!!!

2010-04-08T08:07:00.000-07:00

lo and behold the sun has come out.

It looks like it may be a beautiful weekend (apendages crossed). Since the sun is shining and its good riding weather, I thought I would invite anyone (& everyone) to join us along any part of the route over the weekend.

This is the timetable:
Day one part one:
Leave RAF Manston (CT12 5DF) at 9.00
Arrive Tangmere Aviation Museum (PO202ES) at 1.00
121 Miles
Time to complete 4 Hours
(google & sat nav estimated time 2hrs 35mins)

Day one Part Two:
Leave Tangmere Aviation Museum (PO20 2ES) 2.00
Arrive Travelodge Exeter M5 (EX27HF) 18.30 - 19.00
140 Miles
Time to complete 4 hours 30 minutes
(google & Sat nav estimated times 3 hours)

Day Two Part One:
Leave Exeter Travelodge (EX27HF) 9.00
Arrive Slapton Sands Memorial (sands road devon TQ7) 11.15
45 Miles
Time to Complete 2 hours 15mins
(google & sat nav estimated time 1 hr 15mins)

Day Two Part Two
Leave Slapton Sands Memorial at 12.00
Arrive Lands End 17.30
145 miles
Time to complete 4 hours 30 mins.
(google and sat nav estimated time 4 hours)

Then back to hotel.

I hope to see all or some of you.

Patches Available Now _ Proceeds to H4H

2010-03-18T06:36:00.000-07:00

The patches are now available to buy from Ebay. Here is a Link:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Help-For-Heroes-Charity-Patch-Vespa-GTS-South-Coast_W0QQitemZ360244650354QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Collectables_Badges_Patches_MJ?hash=item53e0412172

Or Donate Here:

http://www.justgiving.com/ModernVespa/

Help For Heroes Charity Patch - Vespa GTS - South Coast on eBay (end time 17-Apr-10 11:26:52 BST)

2010-03-18T06:27:00.000-07:00

Help For Heroes Charity Patch - Vespa GTS - South Coast on eBay (end time 17-Apr-10 11:26:52 BST)

Leg Four of the Journey THE END

2010-01-19T14:38:00.000-08:00

The Last Part of Journey.

Leave Sands Road , Slapton at 1.00 pm

Arrive Lands End 5.00pm

View Larger Map

This is the End of our Journey.

Please Allow and hour or so to rest and take some photos.

And then that is it! the End!

I have booked the Travel Lodge Back in Exeter, so that's where I will be spending the Evening. Traveling the couple of hours back to Exeter and staying there and back home in the Morning.

Leg Three of our Journey

2010-01-19T14:31:00.000-08:00

Leave Exeter Travel Lodge 9.00 am

Going to the Slapton Sands Memorial Tank on Sands Road.

Arrive 11.00 am.

View Larger Map

Leg Two of our Journey

2010-01-19T14:27:00.000-08:00

Leave Tangmere Aviation Museum (post code PO20 2ES) at 2.30PM

For EXETER TRAVEL LODGE arrive 6.30-7.00 PM

View Larger Map

Leg One of Our Journey.

2010-01-19T14:21:00.000-08:00

Day One. Part One.

Start: RAF MANSTON CT12 5DF Leave 9.00am

Stop One: TANGMERE AVIATION MUSEUM 1.00pm

Lunch - PhotoShoot - Leave 2.30pm

View Larger Map

UPDATE

2009-09-25T07:57:00.000-07:00

UPDATE 25th September:

Just to keep everyone updated, this is where we are at.

This is a Charity Vespa Ride (although all 2 or 3 wheeled transportation is welcome) in aide of 'Help For Heroes'

The actual ride will be on the 10th and 11th of April 2010.
Day One will be a long slog from Margate to Exeter via a photo op at Tangmere Aviation Museum. 266 Miles aprox.
Link: http://tinylink.com/?b4rveCwkMW

Day Two, will be a more gentle ride to Lands End. Taking in a more scenic route and enjoying the ride.
Link: http://tinylink.com/?P6vI9oJG07 155 Miles

Accomodation. It is upto each individual to pay for and book their accomodation.
However if you need advice or room mates please send me an email.
I have booked the TravelLodge in Margate for Friday Night (9th).
On the 10th we will be stopping in Exeter overnight.
I will no doubt book the Travel Lodge or Premier Inn (they are pretty close).
Sunday night at Lands End , it would be nice if everyone could stay at the Lands End Hotel.

Sponsorship. To Join this ride you must raise AT LEAST £50.00 sponsorship for 'Help For Heroes' you can either pay this using the Just Giving site or you can send it to me and I will pay it for you. If anyone has any questions please feel free to send me an email.

Thanks
Marc

marc-moore@hotmail.co.uk

Don't Forget your Sponsorship forms.

2009-08-27T03:57:00.000-07:00

Here is a link :http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/H4H_sponsor_forms_hidden.html
Please download these forms for sponsorship. Raise as much as you can but the minimum required is £50.00Form 1, you can use for individuals, company and business etc.Form 2, standard list format.
The event website to write on the form is : http://www.justgiving.com/ModernVespa/
Once you have collected your money you can pay it into your bank and then pay on the JustGiving site, write a cheque to H4H* or give it to me for me to pay in.
Just let me know what you are doing so I can keep a track of it. If anyone wants to make a leaflet or handout of their own they are welcome. I will be requesting some stuff from h4h nearer the time. Any questions PM me or email me marc-moore@hotmail.co.ukThanksMarc

Starting Point - Saturday 10th April 2010 (EARLY)

2009-08-27T03:40:00.000-07:00

RAF Manston is our new starting Point. A military theme, close to Margate with plenty of parking.

The address is: RAF History MuseumManston RoadRamsgateKent CT12 5DFT

Hopefully we can all meet and have a quick cup of coffee, a chat and a picture or two before departing.

The Pilot Inn - Sunday 11th October 2009

2009-08-27T03:30:00.000-07:00

On the Sunday of the 11th of October 2009, after 11am. I will be attending the aforementioned establishment. If anyone who is partaking in our little adventure would like to also attend please feel free. We can discuss the finer points until we are fit to burst.

Address: The Pilot Inn, River Way Charlton SE10 OBE.

Saturday 10th April - Tangmere Museum

2009-08-27T03:25:00.000-07:00

It has been confirmed that on the Saturday of the 10th of April 2010, we will be able to stop along our route for a PhotoShoot alongside one of the static displays at Tangmere Military Aviation Museum. There will also be some local press on hand to take a few snaps.

Register Your Interest

2009-08-07T14:34:00.000-07:00

If you are trying to find out more information about this charity Vespa Ride, please feel free to read through our blog here. You can also look for our group on Facebook.

Or you can register your interest by emailing me direct: marc-moore@hotmail.co.uk

Whether you wish to join our ride, sponsor us or donate to the cause , all and any enquiries are welcome.

2 % . !!

2009-08-07T14:32:00.000-07:00

We have raised £100.00 that is 2% of our target figure of £5000.00

Please donate more money for our Charity Vespa Ride, in aid of Help For Heroes , here http://www.justgiving.com/ModernVespa/

Facebook Group

2009-08-05T14:10:00.000-07:00

In the interest of raising more awareness, I have created a facebook group.

Its called : Help For Heroes, South Coast Vespa Ride.

If you want to add me you can, just don't stalk me. Marc

Sponsorship Forms

2009-08-05T14:08:00.000-07:00

Here is a link :http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/H4H_sponsor_forms_hidden.html

Please download these forms for sponsorship. Raise as much as you can but the minimum required is £50.00Form 1, you can use for individuals, company and business etc.Form 2, standard list format.

The event website to write on the form is : http://www.justgiving.com/ModernVespa/

Once you have collected your money you can pay it into your bank and then pay on the JustGiving site, write a cheque to H4H* or give it to me for me to pay in.

Just let me know what you are doing so I can keep a track of it. If anyone wants to make a leaflet or handout of their own they are welcome. I will be requesting some stuff from h4h nearer the time. Any questions PM me or email me marc-moore@hotmail.co.ukThanksMarc

Post No1. What's it all about??

2009-08-05T14:06:00.000-07:00

UK Modern Vespa Charity Run.

Over the 2 days of the 10th and 11th of April 2010 the members of Modern Vespa (as well as friends, family members and associates or anyone else with two wheels) are invited to join in a group ride from Margate on the South Coast of England along the coast until we reach Lands End. Aprox 466 miles.

All scooters and motorcylces are welcome: old or new, tradtional or modern, All we ask is you raise a minimum sposorship for our chosen charity 'HELP FOR HEROES'

The minimum sponsorship per rider is £50.00 this entitles any rider to join us along all or part of the route*If you cannot make this ride with us, then why not sponsor us! Please donate money to this very worthy cause. Every penny donated will go towards 'HELP FOR HEROES' please donate here with Just Giving. If you would like to donate offline thsi can be arranged please contact myself. marc-moore@hotmail.co.uk

Help For Heroes :

Help For Heroes was the idea of Appeal Chairman Bryn Parry and a group of friends and relations, many of who have connections with serving servicemen and women. Bryn and his wife Emma wanted to do something to help the wounded and came up with the idea of a sponsored bike ride. They mentioned it to some friends who mentioned it to some more friends and suddenly Help For Heroes was born and growing fast. A flurry of visits to various offices led to the campaign being blessed by the head of the army, Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Richard Dannatt.Help For Heroes does wonderful work for soldiers and other servicemen and women both directly and through its support of other service charities.

TO JOIN IN THIS RIDE PLEASE DONATE £50.00 *Route and accommodation to be decided by those who join us. Please be aware accommodation, fuel and any other costs are incurred by each individual. http://www.justgiving.com/ModernVespa/