Oakdene Cafe Run Report
Sunday 4th July 2004

Little Chef, West Meon Hut

Oakdene Cafe

So we started the day by cleaning our bikes, as pilot and co-pilot we
could hardly turn up with dirty bikes, we would have bever lived it down. We
set off towards West Meon with the Phyl, the honourary bloke, leading at
this stage but before long the reserve fuel light came on. Would you believe
it, the garage in West Meon was shut and we felt that we will soon be
running on vapour. Upon our arrival the troops were all gathering full of
enthusiasm and with a full tank!

To our delight there were 7 Dave's and 2 Davess'.
Joking aside, we had Tim on a GS, Dave (a real one) on an 1100RT,
Mike on an 1150RT, Frank on an 1150R, Tim on a 1100S which was in much
better nick than Panos', Larry on this trusty 1300 Pan, Debbie on her 600
Fazer, Chris the pilot on a silver Triumph ST, Phyl the co-pilot on her Ruby
(that is a red Triumph ST) and Simon on a red/white R1, one of these plastic
rockets. We set off around 10.00 am with Chris leading the ride with Tim
back-marking and doing a good job in keeping everyone together. Fuel has by
noe become an issue and the garage at Rogate was also shut. Tim handled the
traffic in order for us to make good progress and we carried on to
Billinghurst.

At last fuel, a fag & loo brake and onwards to Haywards Heath.
There we picked up another two riders who had lost their own group, as we
are indeed a friendly lot. On the way a bit of pilot frustration as the
market system - which we all know works well - was broken up and a number of
riders, Simon with R1 included, disappeared into the mists. After some 3
hours riding - it never seems that long, doesn't time fly when you're having
fun - we arrive at the Oakdene Cafe only to be told by Tim that according to
his GPS our average speed was 40 mph. Chris could not help saying, "I better
check my speedo as I cannot remember ever going that fast".

We all enjoyed the food, serious fry-ups, roast dinners to tea & toast for those on a diet!
With our batteries recharged, we we ready to make tracks for home, well not
quite! The Big Man (Panos) had invited us to his ranch for a BBQ. Save for a
number of the group with other commitments, a vote was taken for the return
route. Sorry Panos we know you don't do motorways, but we did
M27,M25,A3,A31,then A272 and finally to the middle of nowhere where Panos
lives. Before Chris forgets, he apologises to Debbie about nagging her
regarding indicators as he did the same thing himself.

On the way to Panos' Tim and Chris swopped bikes and whilst Tim was grinning
rather a lot on the comfy Triumph ST, Chris declined to comment on the alleged virtues of the
1100S! We were greated by the Big Man wearing a biking T-shirt getting the
BBQ organised and Vickey running around after Panos ewnsuring that all was
smooth and making us cups ot tea. Chris could indeed go on, and on, and on,
which is apparently what he does.

Dave normally on a blue K1200RS (another real Dave) had also joined with car
- can you believe it - and a great time was had by all as we were made to feel
particularly welcome. We would like to thank Panos for the hospitality,
the food and the opportunity to see some of his photos dating back to
his clearly mis-spent youth. We know he says he's Greek but some of these pictures,
what can we say... they make you wonder.

Simon, the Saint and John (Dave to his friends) with silver 1150RS
were of course missed. So, until the next time.........

Chris & Phyl
(now members of Bexley Triumph Owners Club)