Am I the only crazy in Essex?
 

This is my first post, although I did sign up a couple of years ago.
I decided not to run my car over this winter and just use bikes and my Bus Pass (which should give some idea of my vintage).
I have used my bus pass once so far this winter, partly because I damaged a finger and couldn't get my left glove on and also carrying frozen food in a backpack lowers your core temperature quite a bit.
A couple of friends and I (we have 209 years between us and call ourselves the Last of the Summer Winos) regularly meet up for a jaunt. Yesterday was Bradwell and Maldon Prom but favourites are Bentley, Finchingfield, Bert's tea hut, Burnham. So that's a convoy of SV, 650 Burgman and 1100 Viagra then. The Burgman is amazing, 100kg heavier than an SV and takes some catching when wound up fully, usually on the A130. Might get one myself when I get to my mid eighties!
Anyway, thought I would mention an informal meeting place near me which occurs every Saturday afternoon all year round and Thursday afternoons in the summer. The Shepherd and Dog Gore Rd, Ballards Gore, Rochford, Essex SS4 2DA. I cheat because I only live 2 miles away but in the summer the rather large carpark is quite often overflowing with bikes and bikers, many with grey hair but not all! Been there today and there were about 10 bikes ranging from my SV to a WW2 War Dept Norton. Plenty of softies too in their cars.
This was supposed to be just a quick Hi to anyone in Essex but has turned out to be a short novel!

Re: Am I the only crazy in Essex?
 

Welcome, I didn't make Bentley this year, but I have done in the past. I've even been to Maldon for ice cream

Essex Lounge is a bit quiet these day, but the EAR isn't too far for you.

Re: Am I the only crazy in Essex?
 

I'm Essex too. Quite often head to Burnham, Finchingfield and Epping.

Re: Am I the only crazy in Essex?
 

Generally Essex lounge is dead .
But then it's a good thing that you have some people who your riding gels with.
Im north Essex so generally speaking head north to find the less congested roads

Re: Am I the only crazy in Essex?
 

Thanks all, good to hear there is some life out there! To be honest I think the lack of activity is an Essex thing. I am as guilty as the next person, not being a great "joiner". I'm Essex born and bred and have never lived anywhere else but am aware that there is not the community spirit found elsewhere.
I often ride up to Thirsk and have found that even Harley owners acknowledge your prescence once out of Essex. I always stop at the Humber Bridge and inevitably end up in a conversation with at least one other biker. Last time I got chatting to a guy with a Deauville which has resulted in my wanting one as I love touring on the SV but am fed up with putting the panniers and tailpack on every time I want to do an overnight stop. I'll still keep the SVs though. I also want a Buell XB9R, its a V twin thing really combined with not wanting anything too heavy.
When I lived near Braintree there used to be an informal bike/car gathering on a Weds evening outside Heine Gerike, anyone know where they all went?

Re: Am I the only crazy in Essex?
 

Yes the orange tree

Re: Am I the only crazy in Essex?
 

Tbh even the mods of the Essex lounge don't even ride motorbikes any more.
Lph is the most senior management level but was/is a bit bizy to organise her togmie run this year.
But that's probably attended by the soho group more than the Essex people.
The SV a great bike but lots use it as a step in to bigger bikes.

Re: Am I the only crazy in Essex?
 

welcome.. its always good to carry gels :)

Re: Am I the only crazy in Essex?
 

Glad to hear of your concern Martin :p

I'm still making my mind up as to whether I'll get another bike - need to do some test rides first.

Re: Am I the only crazy in Essex?
 

Hi & welcome to the Essex Lounge - mind the tumbleweeds, they pack a nasty punch when they run you over !!