AWARE ~ Wales

1st October 10 Rain, rain nothing but rain… but the forecast looks good for tomorrow. Interview at Rhondda Radio this morning, all went well until I was asked to name my grandchildren - CRAP, I couldn't remember all there names, I even said that there are seven - but including Angies granddaughter, there's EIGHT… opps, sorry Megan.

LETS START PACKING FOR THE TRIP !!!

28th September 10 Feeling a lot better today - love my meds, ha, ha, and the weather looks good for Saturday. Dave (Garn Motorcycles) phoned to say that Ethel is good and ready to go !!!

27th September 10 Yep, I've got the full MAN FLU… and a chest infection - not good with Asthma. Doctors today to sort out some medication. This is all I need with only a few days to go :0(

25th September 10 Can't believe I'm coming down with a cold !!!

September 10 I would just like to mention Garn Motorcycles, Nr. Pontypool. I took Ethel, my bike, there for an MOT at the beginning of the year and was so impressed at there workshop facilities, that I've asked Richard (boss) to carryout some work in preparation for my ride. Thanks boys ;0)

Now booked the P&O ferry. Been buying kit for the trip: - silk inner gloves, Oxford Cruiser bag, Givi expandable saddle bags, windscreen (keep the bugs off my teeth, ha, ha), SOS Talisman, small helmet visor (I prefer to ware an open face helmet - old school), bit 'n bobs for camping, over boots, cruiser wide belt (for back support - just to make sure), EU number plate (only buy the GB type, you'll get stopped otherwise), had a pair of three fingered mittens given to me at the Carmarthen show - good for over the Alps, sorted a First Aid kit and breakdown triangle, International Camping Card (sent very good camping sites booklet - well recommended), and lot of other goodies…

13th September 10 Emails to Matt (Total Sporting Solutions), I'll have to pop in to see him on the weekend to finalise the T-shirts and flags.

Some really bad news Richard, my son, won't be able to make the ride with me. This is due to the cost of the actual trip… I really wanted to make this a father son trip - I love you son!

So the AWARE~Wales trip is now going to be a solo venture !!!

5th September 10 Reply from Nichola (Hoggin' the Bridge). Well apart from ok'ing the display at Chepstow, the Hoggin' the Bridge team would like AWARE~Wales to be one of its LEAD RIDERS on the day. So if you're going to the ride, please think about the old man sleeping at the front ;0)

30th August 10 Emailed Nichola regarding Hoggin' the Bridge to clarify displaying AWARE~Wales at Chepstow.

29th August 10 Popped in to see Cara (The Big Bike Shop). Finalised the details for the ride-out, and I persuaded Angie to buy me a few things - thank you dear. Found out from Cara that the Hoggin' the Bridge charity ride takes place on 17th October, the day we return. Cara gave me a number to contact to see if AWARE~Wales could end it's ride with Hoggin' the Bridge, and have a display at Chepstow - worth a try.

21st ~ 22nd August 10 Well, rode down to Carmarthen to set-up the display on the Friday night… it rained all the way down there. To say I got wet is a bit of an understatement. Angie was ok, she had to take the car to carry the display and gazebo. Then, after we finished setting-up the gazebo etc, she drove off with MY MONEY. Anyway, Saturday was still showery and on Sunday, the sun came out. I would like this opportunity to thank all who donated, especially to the 'troopers' of the Air Ambulance display. We raised £207.63 over the weekend; pictures. Thank you ;0)

19th August 10 Been in contact with Matt (Total Sporting Solutions) with regards some more of his wonderful T-shirts and to print a few AWARE~Wales flags to fly on the bikes - mmmmm, that'll look nice ;0)

14th August 10 Email from Cara (The Big Bike Shop). She come-up with the possibility of a live band and to do a BBQ for the day. Sounds good to me. Going to make arrangements to met and discuss matters for the ride-out.

12th August 10 Sent Cara (The Big Bike Shop) all the info regarding our ride-out.

10th August 10 We still need a good venue to accommodate our RIDE-OUT. I remembered that the Big Bike Shop, Aberdare, did say that they would be willing - so, sent an Email to Cara and posed the question… no, about the ride-out venue !!!

...and a very quick response - YES !!!

21st July 10 Email from Maureen (Carmarthen Motorcycle Club), the committee has spoken and AWARE~Wales is good to go - for FREE… I love that word. So we are able to pitch a 3x3 and dispy our stuff, FOC, what ever that means… now where did I put those buckets !!!

19th July 10 Hoo-ra reply from Maureen, the closing date for bookings is 31st July… so lets book, I wonder if they'll let me have the pitch for free ?

18th July 10 Yes I know it's a little late. Replied to Maureen's Email hoping that there's still spaces available for a 3x3 at their show.

19th April 10 Email from Maureen Rapley (Carmarthen Motorcycle Club) with regards the West Wales Motorcycle Show 2010, bookings are now available for August 21st to 22nd - now a two day event.

11th March 10 Email from Matt Croxall (Meningitis Trust). Ffion will be on maternity leave for a while