RTTW (Ride To The Wall) 2014 Saturday 4th Oct

Is anybody doing the rttw this year its on the 4 October?

Wouldn't mind doing, would be weather dependant, we have talked about it.

Yes I wouldn't fancy it if its peeing it down

This year will be my third Ride To the Wall (RTTW). It's a very well attended event and no matter what the weather, it is well worth the time and effort.

The Ride To The Wall usually has ride in meet up points from around the country, and the rides in by the various groups and departure regions is impressive in itself.

If you have not been to The National Memorial Arboretum, it is a stunningly beautiful place to visit, and when 15,000 motorcyclists plus the memorial gardens usual amount of visitors only fill one corner of the Arboretum, it gives you some measurement of the area it covers.

There is usually a short service followed by some pre recorded messages made by the troops far from home played on a few well placed large screens, and if we're lucky, perhaps a short "LIVE" link with a message of thanks home to the riders there that day for their continued support each year.
The band strikes up a few tunes after which the Ride organiser says a few words of thanks for attending, then The Padre says a blessing, Reads the Exhortation, the Last Post is sounded, two minute silence observed , Reveille is sounded and the wreaths are laid at the main Memorial. If you still have dry eyes at this point, you're a better man than me Gunga Din.

After the wreath laying it's up to your timetable whether you leave and go home, or spend some time exploring the many Regimental, Unit, Squadron or Ships gardens of remembrance (there are many ~ you can see a guide in the link in this post), don't forget to visit the "Shot at Dawn Memorial"  . . . Most of these young lads fell victim to shell shock, what we now recognise as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and not cowardice.

It is a worthwhile use of your time with a sense of purpose for a ride, and if nothing else, the gift of thanks.

But then I'm bias.

Thank you for reading.
Tel

We stopped at MacD's in Lichfield last year and saw them all going, definetly something I'd like to do. Its close to my heart too Tel, and its a place Id like to go too.

I'll discuss it with the OH.

Very good point I believe my local club will be attending aswell but I think we will be joining at stafford services South bound

I didn't intend my post to read so terse, my apologies.

I know there are a few current and ex service personnel and families there of, on this forum. Thank You for your service and family support.

If you get the chance and time the RTTW is a very worthwhile event to attend either as an individual, group or member of a MC / MCC.

The NMA is well worth a visit anytime.

Cheers
Tel

No apologies nessacery im abit of a wuss when it come to riding in the rain I dont mind getting wet just makes me feel im riding on ice

Hello,
This year's RTTW is almost upon us, and online registration is now closed. You can still attend and register on the day (print the registration form fill it out and bring it with you to avoid queuing at the NMA), for more details on the RTTW see info HERE.

If you have already registered (or not, as the case may be), and you're traveling to the event from anywhere in the East Midlands and haven't opted to start (meet at), any of the "official" start points, but would still like to ride in with a group, you are welcome to join us Here in the market square outside the Amber Valley Council buildings at Ripley (DE5 3BT), at 08:30am for a 09:15am departure. If you would like a breakfast at Ripley, please let me know no later than 8am on Weds 1st Oct, so I can let the café people know numbers feeding. Thanks.

If you would prefer, you could alternatively meet us Here at the Nadee Restaurant car park in Findern (DE65 6AR), at 10:15am to set off as a group with the RBL Riders Branch for their ride in to the NMA.

If there's anything I've not covered or you feel you'd like to know a wee bit more on this topic, just post up or drop me a PM.

Cheers
Tel

Looks like im not on the bike this weekend as its still in the the garage trouble with the chromers should get it back tueday :'(

That's a shame buddy. But I'm sure you'll have a quiet moment of reflection wherever you are this weekend.

Indeed have a good safe weekend

Everybody :-)

Cheers,
Looks like it's gonna be a blowy, chilly and perhaps a wee bit damp out there today.

Have a good weekend folks

Cheers
Tel