Well I rode to Wales and there was no Anita, no Pete, no Boudicca’s Chief and no Paramedic flathead.  I thought I was at the wrong place!   Then I see the happy sight of Nobby, cool as ever on his Drifter, just rolling around the lanes heading towards Fishguard.  I pull into the hotel car park and tip toe into the bar, expecting to find raucous invading hordes of Irish Indian Riders.  I finally found three, jimmy on his 53 chief, Liam on a twin cam and Martin on a beautiful 27 scout.  More than enough for a Hooley.

Later on I meet the rest of our little tribe, some I know, some new to me.  Mike and Sybil on the 40 Scout outfit-mint, Jess and Elaine on a lovely unrestored 47 Chief, David and Fran on an Evo, brothers Cliff and Roy on very nice Sport Scouts, Tim Berry on his perfect 101-always nice to see original looking machines.  Into the bar we went and did what we all do in bars-we talked Indians.

Next day I met Mike and Sybil for breakfast.  I missed my usual telling off for staying up too late and drinking too much-as I was quite good.  Outside the day was perfect for charging around the country on aged iron.  The brothers Cliff and Roy has sorted out a belting route through some lovely scenery and great twisties, or as jess put it, in his infinite wisdom “loadsa bloody hedges”.

The ride went great and we all [about 16 bikes] headed down to Pendine Sands.  This was a favourite old venue for land speed racing in the 20-50, s and had a small but very interesting museum.  I got talking to a young American dude called Rob who was doing a worldwide trip, who was there on his 08 Road King.  He said he’d ridden the Solara salt pan in Bolivia, which I knew about from my salt flat racing fever.  He was interested to hear that I had just returned to the UK from racing at Bonneville speed week and was duly introduced to everyone.  Needless to say he ended up riding back with us and impressed me with sure foot, hang off the bike and take great pictures style of photography.  He has kindly allowed us use of his shots for our beloved club magazine.  That night I took him drinking with the Indian Riders and our Irish brothers-but that’s another story!!

Always great to meet up with you all.  I am slowly learning people’s names and bikes.  It takes time

Editor:  Boudicca and Paramedic Pete were gutted not to have made it.  Sounds like we missed out on some serious bar work.  Next time!!

PJ