Big Boy Run Report
Sunday 4th January 2004

Good old, or is it new,  January? Lovely empty roads anyway, some might
say that's because non BMW riders do not trust their inadequate machines
to stay upright on the uncertain road conditions at this time of year.
But alas, as nine intrepid souls prepared to do battle with the glorious
A272 to sunny Horam, home to the much renowned Wesson's aka Ogri Cafe.

We held a seconds silence, as for the first time in many a year,
our great leader of many a ride, Panos the Fat Controller,
was absent from muster. It appears that on New Year's Eve whilst
moonlighting as a crash test dummy - on a training run, really -
on his glorious tricked R1100S, he took a right hander too many.
Luckily the Council have said the road is OK again and no serious damage was done!

The bike like Panos rode home in more than one piece, his other half was so
concerned that he had to drive himself to hospital! 
The moral of this story is, not even the Fat Controller can argue with black ice and win! 
Anyway, we headed east at the legal limits, the roads empty and sweeping and it was a
pleasure to work the old boxer engine through the twisties.

We arrived at the cafe all well and good, eager to do battle with the mega
portions that they serve up. It was easy to park .... too easy. In fact it
was deserted, and for a very good reason, it was shut till January the 14th!

It was just as well Panos was already injured at home because he got off
lightly! No harm done and it was a chance to do some more miles to
Eastbourne Pier for Fish & Chips. The hardy souls taking the air had
something decent to look at on the promenade, 4 x R1150GS, 2 x R1100S,
1 x K1200RS, 1 x R1200C and a Honda thingy (nice bloke though). So fully
refreshed it was Beachy Head to Haywards Heath and the lovely A272
again west this time for the more observant amongst you.

Should I mention that a rider whilst static and marking a junction dropped his
"custom" bike because he forgot to put his feet down?  No, you're right, it
would be too cruel. So how to finish the day? Of course, off to see
Panos and pay homage to the great man ( size clearly matters here ). He
was in great form and is likely to lead us all once more on February's
ride. After all, that's what bikes are for.

Colin Hitchcock
(black R1100S)