View Full Version : Afghan Heroes Charity Mothers Day Bikers Event 2010
allantheboss
18-01-10, 10:11 PM
http://www.afghanheroes.org.uk/bikersevent.asp
I'm sure you've all heard of it. Maybe you can all use this thread to organise heading up together. I'm going from Swindon, and there will be a few others if that's convenient for others.
The facebook page is where it's all happenin' tho':
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=231770155035&ref=ts
GeneticBubble
19-01-10, 10:30 AM
What day is mothers day on?
allantheboss
19-01-10, 02:41 PM
Sunday March 14. 1st link, 2nd line.
Spiderman
19-01-10, 03:29 PM
I think this ride was discussed briefly in another thread (was it the "i can see a riot coming"?) and was generally thought of not to be a good idea by most???
I think this ride was discussed briefly in another thread (was it the "i can see a riot coming"?) and was generally thought of not to be a good idea by most???
No, I think that was this one, Spidey.
http://derehammcc.forumotion.net/STGEORGES-DAY-RIDEOUT-TO-WOOTTON-BASSETT-h2.htm
This is a different event to raise funds for the charity.
TheOnlyNemesis
24-01-10, 01:21 PM
me and my cousin are signed up if you wanna arrange riding up together.
Spiderman
24-01-10, 02:23 PM
No, I think that was this one, Spidey.
http://derehammcc.forumotion.net/STGEORGES-DAY-RIDEOUT-TO-WOOTTON-BASSETT-h2.htm
This is a different event to raise funds for the charity.
Aha! Thanks for clarifying Lissa :)
beabert
24-01-10, 06:14 PM
Cool, good cause, never been on a ride thing before.
allantheboss
24-01-10, 06:15 PM
Neither! I live in Swindon, if anybody want's to come with from there. There's quite a few people leaving from here, not from .org, but in general
beabert
24-01-10, 06:19 PM
3300 registered now :o
TheOnlyNemesis
24-01-10, 06:35 PM
i signed up with just about 1000, now 3k, it's insane, i gonna have to ride in a straight line, haha
beabert
24-01-10, 06:37 PM
should be good :D
Cool, good cause, never been on a ride thing before.
And what a rideout to have as your first.... 3.3k registered.... it's gonna be BUSY.
I've signed up to this too with a couple of mates.
3k+ bikers will be crazy!
FlyinCustard
05-02-10, 05:55 PM
I'm coming down with a mate for this got a travelodge booked for Sat night.
metalhead19
06-02-10, 12:05 AM
Sounds good. says 8800 bikes now registered.....anyone going from Plymouth area?
beabert
06-02-10, 01:57 AM
i hope it dont rain
sunshine
07-02-10, 01:07 AM
beabert:pm and remind me a week before then i will know if im working and can arrange a meet somewhere.
allentheboss: i know some nice roads into the swindon area from midlands (after a quick M5 blast) so me and beabert could maybe meet up with you on route. then follow you with your local knowledge get us to the start point.
This is going to be busier than the RTTW last year.
allantheboss
07-02-10, 01:17 PM
Sounds pie! There's a lot of people going from Swindon I think. So we can for SV posse and obviously rinse all the CBR1000rr's and ZX-10r's
TheOnlyNemesis
07-02-10, 03:30 PM
Now 9600 Bikes, i think i best get my radiator fan fitted and sometime soon otherwise i can see me breaking down for sure.
few of us are coming down the nite befor, if any one want to meet up PM me & il pass my number.
I've just registered as you have to do it by 15th February.
Its up to 9,849 bikes!!!!! How the devil are they gonna organise that. It's going to be a very interesting day ..........
allantheboss
07-02-10, 08:13 PM
DO all the SV chums want to meet in Swindon beforehand, and form a posse? I know a good place to meet, and I/squirrell_hunter can lead the way from there (We live in Swindon)
TheOnlyNemesis
07-02-10, 08:20 PM
Could do, as long as i don't have to leave gloucester too early.
That day so far is insane, i have to wake up.
Ride to gloucester from bristol.
Then ride to swindon frm gloucester.
Then the ride
Then back to gloucester
And finally home to bristol.
MP3 player might be needed i'm thinking.
Bris-Rob
07-02-10, 08:35 PM
Should be going to this, might meet you at j17 as comming from bristol. Ill see how it all pans out though :)
allantheboss
07-02-10, 09:08 PM
Ah Nemesis! 40 mins from Bristol to 2nd Swindon exit (where I will be)! Easy peasy! I'll wait till closer to the date to organise a time.
TheOnlyNemesis
07-02-10, 09:10 PM
I gonna be in gloucester, mother insists i see her for at least 10 minutes, i could ride up and ride back down with my cousin and whoever else he has got to sign up.
allantheboss
07-02-10, 09:20 PM
Ah I see.. the classic "Mother" scenario... We may one day find a cure!
TheOnlyNemesis
07-02-10, 09:28 PM
haha, she didn't like it when i said Mothers day was made up by silly companies selling gifts and cards and isn't a real holiday.
Allan, we wouldn't mind meeting up in Swindon with you guys. There is gonna be soooo many people there I think it might be near on impossible to meet up at the services or the RAF base. :D
beabert
07-02-10, 09:49 PM
10,000 to collect £5 notes off, i might donate online and skip the first bit, im not known for my patience.
As for meeting up sunshine, it will be one of m first rides on a big bike so ill be crawling down there. I think ill go alone on this one :-) my friend on a zr7 might be going, dont mind holding him up.
allantheboss
07-02-10, 10:08 PM
Sweet, I have "The Sun Inn" in Swindon in mind.
You can google map it, and look for the big roundabout next to where google maps says (Thats where it ACTUALLY is)
I think it's a good location because it's out of Swindon's way, near motorway, and easy to find. From here, we can
A- Take motorway for 15 mins to Wooton Bassett exit
B- Take through town, then A-roads to Wooton
C- Head over to George White in Swindon where there is apparently another meeting point, and head up as a larger Swindon posse
I don't know what is best, this is my first more-than-4-people ride-out
Option A - as the actual start of the ride out is Junction 17 Leigh Services.
allantheboss
07-02-10, 10:18 PM
Ah excellent! That makes my idea even more awesome. Cool! We'll arrange a time closer to the date. Rope people in!
Registered.
This will take a bit of organising so really hope it goes ahead - I used to do some charity rides with around 5000 bikes - hard work crawling along very slowly but great seeing everyone coming out to support. Some of the bigger events have had to be cancelled in the past as the police were unable to support them (i.e. closing roads etc) however with thr forces involved I am sure it will all go smoothly.
See you all there.
Matt - shall we do a southerns meet for the Southampton to Swindon leg of the journey ???
Maybe Gav will have the bike on the road by then too. Hmmmmm 5 weeks away, maybe not lol
ravingdavis
08-02-10, 12:50 AM
im gonna get myself registered I think. Im going to kip over at a mates house in Swindon, 10074 bikes registered as of now, an unbelievable number!
metalhead19
08-02-10, 01:24 AM
DO all the SV chums want to meet in Swindon beforehand, and form a posse? I know a good place to meet, and I/squirrell_hunter can lead the way from there (We live in Swindon)
Sounds good! Never been on an SV ride out before (so wouldnt know anyone :confused:), but definitely gna try and make it to this!
ravingdavis
08-02-10, 03:02 AM
DO all the SV chums want to meet in Swindon beforehand, and form a posse? I know a good place to meet, and I/squirrell_hunter can lead the way from there (We live in Swindon)
I would be game for joining you guys in Swindon too.
Matt - shall we do a southerns meet for the Southampton to Swindon leg of the journey ???
Maybe Gav will have the bike on the road by then too. Hmmmmm 5 weeks away, maybe not lol
Sounds good - was thinking - meet at Tesco's @ Winnall (M3 J9) and then do A34/A303 and them Marlborough/Swindon, then pick up M4 - about 2 hours or so so probably want to meet at 9 to be away by 9:30.
Only problem is that Anita is not overly chuffed that it is on Mother's Day - so looks like I have some negotiating to do :rolleyes:
allantheboss
08-02-10, 11:00 AM
Sounds good! Never been on an SV ride out before (so wouldnt know anyone :confused:), but definitely gna try and make it to this!
Im in the same boat as you m'friend!
metalhead19
08-02-10, 12:02 PM
Ah thats not so bad then, would have hated to have been the only person around not knowing peoples. I would be going from plymouth, that 150 odd miles just to get to swindon before the day starts!
allantheboss
08-02-10, 04:06 PM
Ouch... I take it you're not going to go for an early start that same morning...
im up for this, gonna head up with my bro if he is up for it, if not ill come up on my larry, unless girlypants is back on the road. :)
where you all meeting?
allantheboss
08-02-10, 04:23 PM
Sun Inn, Swindon, time tbc.
N.B. if you google map it, it's actually on the big roundabout EAST of where google maps says
TheOnlyNemesis
08-02-10, 04:23 PM
Was wondering when this would happen
Registrations have been temporarily suspended due to overwhelming support.
Thought it might be getting a lil too big for safety concerns and the like.
when i first looked at registering i dont think there were even a 1000 bikes, mad. hope i am still able to go.
allantheboss
08-02-10, 04:46 PM
Yeah same, I joined the group on facebook whilst it was still in the name of opposition of Islam4UK's March
metalhead19
08-02-10, 05:21 PM
Ouch... I take it you're not going to go for an early start that same morning...
Haha, shouldnt be too bad. If im going (hope too) plan would be to meet at Swindon if possible as i have a tendency to lack a good sense of direction :rolleyes:
beabert
08-02-10, 11:45 PM
After the meeting today with the authorities and the unprecedented response from the biking community we have been asked to close registration one week early. It will unfortunately NOT be re-opening.
We would like to reassure everyone that the ride IS GOING AHEAD WITH the FULL suppo...rt of ...the police and local authorities. We have spoken to a few local businesses who are all looking forward to the day. ALL bikes will be riding through Wootton Bassett no matter what you may have heard.
Plan details re: routes, times, wristbands, will be made available in document format soon. We have another meeting with the police next week to discuss the finer details.
We can confirm that we will NOT be riding on any stretches of the motorway.
We would like to apologise to anybody who has not registered however wanted to join us, we thank everybody for their patience and support.Thank you for your patience!
Lizzie, Daniel & Julia
An update
Phew! Glad I registered yesterday then. Sorry for anyone who hasn't got in. Those that did, see you on the day
allantheboss
09-02-10, 12:02 AM
Aw too bad! Well, people can still do the rest of it, just not the few hours in RAF base..
beabert
09-02-10, 12:22 AM
Yep,
rubbish was looking forward to it
metalhead19
09-02-10, 01:42 PM
Considering the massive support and numbers, i think beabert has had a good idea, make the donation online, might make things easier
allantheboss
09-02-10, 02:22 PM
I thought we give £5, we get our wristband (ticket into the base) and they tick us off? Would buying the wristband on the site have the same effect?
metalhead19
09-02-10, 03:39 PM
Im not sure, but what was taken off the site implied that you could do. But i would guess it would happen as you thought, but then if you donated online and got your wristband printed off or whatever it would be the same thing as you still end up with the band and have donated.?
allantheboss
09-02-10, 04:55 PM
Hmmmmm... Well, if anybody can assure me that it can be done either way, I will buy on internet!
metalhead19
09-02-10, 05:17 PM
"Plan details re: routes, times, wristbands, will be made available in document format soon. We have another meeting with the police next week to discuss the finer details."
(Taken from Beaberts post on P4) This made me think that you could do it online and save hassle on the day
beabert
09-02-10, 05:17 PM
The registration check is the killer, they could set a police car cam to cross reference a database, but i doubt the software is capable on a few levels.
Unless they have many people manning the gates i think ill bypass the start.
metalhead19
09-02-10, 05:28 PM
I would have thought, being an airforce base the security would have been quite high?
beabert
09-02-10, 05:31 PM
I mean budge into the ride as it starts lol
metalhead19
09-02-10, 05:39 PM
haha o right! Yeah, i see your point, there is no way they can stop people from doing that, would have to stop everyone just to force away anyone that tried it.
Most of the RAF bases I've visited (to see my brother) have ANPR cameras at the gates - so that shouldn't be a problem for them.
I'd imagine they'll just monitor the bikes on the specific route to the runway, and then mop up any stragglers who get 'lost'. Shouldn't be difficult for them. Everyone who has a right to be off the beaten track will have a pass.
beabert
09-02-10, 06:15 PM
Can the sofware handle bike style plates though, then theres the pillocks with small number plates
Eagerly anticipated said details.
and then mop up any stragglers who get 'lost'.
Yes sargent, i was lost so decided to do 140mph up the runway to find you all lol
metalhead19
09-02-10, 07:03 PM
Yes sargent, i was lost so decided to do 140mph up the runway to find you all lol
Lol, wonder how many people try that one!
sunshine
09-02-10, 07:21 PM
so does that mean i cant register on the day/nearer to the day but just tag along and park up near the airbase and walk onto the base for the w/e there doing there?
and beabert my confidence at the moment is crap so im taking it slow on the commute to and from work on the bike so dont worry about being slow. but im still going to try and make this rideout anyway.
allantheboss
09-02-10, 11:21 PM
You wont be allowed into the base, but they can't stop you biking up to/from the base! Go for a drink meanwhile!
metalhead19
10-02-10, 02:02 AM
Is interesting to think how they plan to collect donations from over 10,000 bikers that morning..... by the time they have walked round collecting it mothers day will be over
beabert
10-02-10, 04:02 AM
Only 3 ways really
No checks and optional donation, once you all in.
Show a wrist band to get in.
Alot of staff.
I think solution one is the best idea.
TheOnlyNemesis
10-02-10, 05:00 AM
I think personally the money will be collected before online now cause that is a lot of cash to be handling and as for getting on the base you can only get on if you have registered anyone not on the registered database will be sent packing i guess.
allantheboss
10-02-10, 08:28 AM
No checks, on a high-security RAF base? :O
metalhead19
10-02-10, 02:38 PM
No checks, on a high-security RAF base? :O
Thats what i thought, but then how would they be able to check 10,000 bikes fairly quickly?
Maybe a scan of the No. plate against a database?
god dammit i wanna go!!
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_a7bIhuI96yg/Sst21in7uzI/AAAAAAAAC6E/hE8zveOq5JY/s400/tantrum.gif
allantheboss
10-02-10, 04:42 PM
I don't think it will happen quickly, I think they will have a couple of dozen people with lists, maybe, and people split up alphabetically by name, this could lower it all to a couple of hundred in a que, and from here, just take lots of time!
Even if they did check the number plates, that would not be policing pillions. thousands of people who hadn't registered pillions could just bring one in?
Mej, you can still ride to and from the base, and have a cuppa in a cafe whilst were all at the ceremony? I think quite a lot of people are doing that!
Bris-Rob
10-02-10, 10:26 PM
We have had it confirmed that RAF Lyneham cannot cope with the numbers now that have shown their support. They still fully support the ride. We are looking at several bases at present and when things are confirmed I will let you know.
hmmm can only see more issues ahead.....
allantheboss
10-02-10, 10:48 PM
Oh dear! To be honest, any people who are still passionate about helping the heroes can make a donation online, sport a wristband and bike around the area for a day! It's still gonna present so much support, and there's a smaller chance of 2 million bikers being in 1 place at once.
I was doing Enhanced Rider Training today and we went through Raf Lyneham and Bassett and around, there's many places to go, many nice roads and pubs. We can still show support!!
beabert
10-02-10, 11:32 PM
Will probably we cancelled, showing support is donating the money, which i will do regardless.
10k bikers having a ride doesnt really help anything lol.
allantheboss
10-02-10, 11:34 PM
Good man. Still come down for a spin? If you're localish. I definitely will be on my bike all day
metalhead19
11-02-10, 01:00 AM
Should be interesting to see how they try to plan it all out now. I still plan to out on the bike that day n donating regardless of whether we make it to the base or not
beabert
11-02-10, 03:20 AM
Same ill most likely be out and about that way fr a spin.
beabert
12-02-10, 10:46 AM
They seem confident its still on.
Latest.
Wootton Bassett Ride FAQ
The following is intended to help answer some of the questions that we are receiving (and we are getting lots!). It is obviously not a complete list but will be updated regularly as we receive new info:
When is the ride?
On Sunday 14th March 2010
Is the ride still on?
Yes, the organisers have informed us that the ride IS still on.
Who is organising the ride?
The ride is being organised by Daniel Forder, Julia Stevenson and Elizabeth Stevens via their Facebook group – “Bike Run in support of Wootton Bassett: Sunday 14th March 2010“. The Police, MOD, Wootton Bassett authorities and staff from Afghan Heroes charity are supporting them where needed. Afghan Heroes charity is the beneficiary of money raised on the day.
What time will it start?
This is T.B.C. by the organisers but as we understand it the ride will start at approx 12pm. with the muster point opening at approx 8am, but still we stress, T.B.C.
Where/when will we get our wristbands?
Wristbands will be purchased on entry to the muster point.
How much are the wristbands
Each wristband will cost £5 - One per person will be required to enter the muster point.
Where is the muster/start point?
At this time the organisers are in talks with the MOD to secure a location large enough for everyone to meet up. For the moment you can consider this to be T.B.A. but what is known is that it will NOT be at the Leigh Delamere services on the M4 as this is simply not large enough.
What is the end point?
Again, at this point it should be considered T.B.A. The organisers will let us know once confirmed. We can confirm it will NOT be RAF Lyneham.
Why can’t we use RAF Lyneham?
Originally when the organisers approached the MOD the maximum anticipated number of bikes was 2000. As RAF Lyneham is an operational airbase, 10,000+ bikes on-site is impossible.
Will the ride go through Wootton Bassett?
Yes, the police and local authorities have confirmed that the ride can go through the town.
Will all bikes be allowed through Wootton Bassett?
Yes, the police and local authorities have confirmed that ALL bikes on the official ride will be allowed through the town.
Why was the registration closed early?
The organisers have been in close talks with the Police, MOD and Wootton Bassett local authorities. Following these talks a limit of 10,000 bikes was agreed as a maximum safe number for the event. Once this number of registrations was reached we were forced to close registrations.
Why only 10,000 bikes?
Simply put, Wootton Bassett is a small town with limited facilities in the local area to support a very large number of bikes/people. For the sake of safety, logistics, marshalling and the people of Wootton Bassett, 10,000 is the limit.
I was too late to register, can I still come?
Obviously we cannot prevent people from using the public highways, but the organisers would like to ask those who have not registered to please stay away. If thousands of additional bikes turn up on the day there is a distinct possibility that the event may be badly disrupted or worse, shut down. The purpose of the event is to show support to the people of Wootton Bassett and to raise funds to support our troops and their families. The best way for this to happen is for the event to run as smoothly as possible. we are very sorry if you did not manage to register and we thank you for your continued support, but please do not just turn up. There are other ways to support us, such as donations, buying a wristband or helping to set up/run an event in your local area etc.
What use are the registrations now that we are not using RAF Lyneham?
It is true that the main reason for registration was to allow the MOD to vet all participants. This may still be required if we end up on an MOD property. Even if it is NOT required the organisers will be using the list on a “first come, first served” basis for determining who will make up the 10,000 as mentioned above.
When will the full details be known?
Once the event organisers have concluded their talks with the Police, MOD & Wootton Bassett authorities they will let us know and we will publish them here – Until that happens please try not to speculate.
allantheboss
12-02-10, 12:08 PM
Hmm.. Well, at least we know it will still be local (for us in Swindon) so we can still ride around and about no matter what. We'll have to just wait and see otherwise!
Thanks for keeping an eye on their page beabert!
There is an unofficial gathering at George Whites in Swindon if that'll help anyone and also for groups that are intending on meeting up - There is 5 large carparks available so plenty of parking space for the bikes. This is easier for anyone trying to make meeting points beforehand whilst the start destination is awaitng to be confirmed. For those that don't know Swindon there is also runners planned so people can be guided in the land of roundabouts!
there will then be a mass ride to the start point which should also help the organisers with arranging bands etc.
Official Announcement.
The Following announcement has been passed to us by the event organisers. This replaces all previous announcements. The FAQ will be updated to reflect this new information.
An announcement… and at last it’s great news!
All the agencies (Police, MOD & Local Authorities) have come together to make the Mother’s day ride through Wootton Bassett possible.
The ride will now start within the Hullavington Airfield nr Buckley army barracks (A429) and all of the 10331 registered riders will pass through Wootton Bassett before dispersing. All registered riders will soon receive (by email) full instructions/documentation of the route, arrival / leaving times, a proof of registration and the method by which we are going to get this many riders through a small Wiltshire village safely and without causing total gridlock.
We absolutely understand how difficult it must be for those that missed registration however must ask non-registered riders NOT TO ATTEND; As this poses a major threat to fellow bikers who would be at very high risk if left stationary on the M4 motorway as a result of any of the local junctions becoming blocked.
We must stress that ONLY REGISTERED RIDERS will be able to go on the organised ride.
We would like to thank The Unity Ride team for their assistance in the negotiations, planning and kind offer to marshal.
Thank you everybody who has offered their help for this event. If you still would like to contribute your time or services then please use the contact form on the Official Afghan Heroes web site and tell us what you can provide.
http://blog.afghanheroes.org.uk/2010/02/16/wbofficial-announcement/
Hahahahaha
Isn't that what I just said... Theres an echo in here
yes sorry did not look befor i post it, any way its the link for all who are going.echo.echo
allantheboss
17-02-10, 12:14 AM
Ahh relief. However much further away it is!
Also check that they have your Registration is registered
http://www.afghanheroes.org.uk/bikersevent.asp
Route confirmed and FAQs updated:-
Click here (http://blog.afghanheroes.org.uk/2010/02/19/wootton-bassett-ride-route-info/#comment-1239)
metalhead19
19-02-10, 07:32 PM
Looks good. i very much doubt il be arriving at 8 am......but then again depends on anyone/everyone else planning on going who meeting in Swindon some place
allantheboss
19-02-10, 08:05 PM
10 o'clock in Swindon sound alright to everyone?
metalhead19
20-02-10, 01:20 PM
Sounds good to me mate. Still at the same Pub as discussed earlier in the thread?
allantheboss
20-02-10, 07:09 PM
Yeah!
The only stumbling block is that we will be emailed different arrival times?? They are doing a staggered arrival every hour for 2,000 riders. I guess they are not going to be strict about it but if the first 2,000 don't arrive at 8am that will put pressure on the later arrival times.
OOoooo the drama ......
The only stumbling block is that we will be emailed different arrival times?? They are doing a staggered arrival every hour for 2,000 riders. I guess they are not going to be strict about it but if the first 2,000 don't arrive at 8am that will put pressure on the later arrival times.
OOoooo the drama ......
good point, but i hope out of respect pepole come on time
If anyone can't make it I will give them some cash for their wristband as I would def like to go.
Is the Sun Inn the Coate Water one ????
metalhead19
20-02-10, 11:49 PM
The only stumbling block is that we will be emailed different arrival times?? They are doing a staggered arrival every hour for 2,000 riders. I guess they are not going to be strict about it but if the first 2,000 don't arrive at 8am that will put pressure on the later arrival times.
OOoooo the drama ......
This is true, but seeing as a few of us meeting at Swindon signed up around the same time chances are we may be put in the same 2000 group o people
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