The Longest Day 2009, Central Comms Updates

[Sharribee]

Well, it's almost here so this is the central comms thread where rider updates and any text pictures will be posted.

[Mabels Old Man]

Already had one call today. A rider ( who shall remain nameless ) rang me this morning to say he was halfway to Scotland and all his paperwork was still on his kitchen table. It was only his passport, V5 and insurance certificate so I told him to carry on because he wouldn't need them.

[rgarrioch]

Despite high winds and heavy showers, the ex-pat contingent made it to Edinburgh only 3 hrs late and 45 miles from planned meeting point; promising for tomorrows run:
We were surprised to find a statue had been erected in honour of the mighty @ in Holyrood Park -

Less of an experience for the unfortunate rider who ran out of juice on the way in - name spared to avoid embarrasment


The bikes did, however, improve the cosmetics of the new parliament no end

And, after a minor navigational error on the part of the guide (me), it was out to South Queensferry for a little socialising

and the obligatory FRB background shot

Good luck & safe ride to all!

[Boris]

Despite high winds and heavy showers, the ex-pat contingent made it to Edinburgh only 3 hrs late and 45 miles from planned meeting point; promising for tomorrows run

And 5 took a wrong turning at the first roundabout after we left the meeting point on our way to Arthur's Seat.

Watch out Paris. Here they come.

[Sharribee]

You all get a good nights sleep, I expect I'll be speaking to some of you first thing.

[digitalcaptive]

Less of an experience for the unfortunate rider who ran out of juice on the way in - name spared to avoid embarrasment

But surely Derek your mate was on hand to help out? ........Hang on a minute that'll be Craig............bet he was long gone and already in the bar

OOpps I didn't accidently mention the name of the said runner out of petrol ..............did I?

[Mabels Old Man]

Had this from Boris

Too many people to mention arrived safely in Edinburgh and we all went for a bit of sightseeing which resulted in one of our number (who will remain nameless for now) running out of petrol before the event had even started. Grumpy Old Git came to the rescue with his petrol can, which incidentally was empty, and I led the way to the nearest petrol station (twice).

After a run to Mortonhall campsite with Win-XP and Pale Rider to pitch their tents (big thanks to Mortonhall for not charging them as it was a charity run) It was off the the Two Bridges for a get together and a chatter. Loads of photos were expertly taken by Rob (rgarroich) wo also should get a big hand for organising the sightseeing, then it was off to hotels / campsites around 9ish for a good nights sleep.

Hopefully the weater will be kind tomorrow.

[Sharribee]

First text recieved 5 minutes ago

We are at Troon

[rgarrioch]

All participants + supporters turned up in good time this morning, 6 a.m. or so at Calton Hill, east end of Princes St. in central Edinburgh:

Hence the slightly dark photos..





The weather was much improved from yesterday - could sense good vibes in the air and everyone looking forward to the road. Myself and Sunnybrook accompanied (i.e. trailed behind) the group to Livingstone - absolutely top jobs by the 'outriders' - Andy, Snaphappy, Panrider + Boris helping out, slowing the traffic, defining the route, cementing the group together; definitely added to the 'part-of-something' air. Safe to say if they keep riding that way it'll be a safe, quick and fun ride.
I'm going to keep the pc on all day in anticipation!

[Lumiya]

I've moved two threads with just pictures into this one and will keep an eye out for any more posts like that.