Every weather forecast before the “Strictly come biking” event seemed to indicate rain and lots of it for Sunday. I had visions of rain stopping play not in the sense that SAM guys would not venture out in the rain out but that any celebrity or VIP would think twice about turning up for a ride. Well they did turn up and out they went.

If there is anyone out there old enough to remember “Easy Rider” and Jack Nicholson (silly question) then you will recall he looked a little odd on the back of a bike with his American football helmet. I think he was asked if he had a helmet to which he replied “boy have I got a helmet”. There were some interesting helmets and jackets on display as our visitors mounted the pillion seat for the ride around Hampshire. Not quite in “Easy Rider” league but close.

Anyway just in case there is anyone out there who is not up to speed with “Strictly Come Biking” then let me recap on the event. It was organised as part of the 50 year anniversary of the IAM. The Rose Bowl was chosen to be the location for the event with invited guests and SAM members enjoying lunch before setting off in carefully organised groups. With Gerry leading from the front,“volunteers” were found to do various tasks from organising the runs, arranging the PA system, the badges, the press and looking after the VIPs. Having been detailed to man reception I arrived at around 11.00 to find Simon busy sorting out the PA system. Within about 20 minutes there were half a dozen helpers there sorting out where to put the bike gear and sorting out the MDU (I have to say this looks great with the new display panels).

The first hitch was that a cricket match was in progress and some nasty cars were parked just where the bikes were supposed to go.This was quickly sorted and people started to arrive. With 3 people on reception things went pretty smoothly as people arrived. We checked them, made sure they knew which ride they were going on and gave out badges. Those people taking out guests were linked up with each other. The Mayor and Mayoress of Eastleigh arrived to be met by Gerry. The Mayor cheered everyone up with a story about Nortons and Park Prewitt Hospital and not having been on a bike since the war. Well he did sit on several bikes during the afternoon as the photos will testify and he was very supportive of the event.

After Lunch people donned their gear and the bikes lined up outside the MDU to be waved of by Jo Brooks from the Rose Bowl. Several people took advantage of the opportunity to go out for a ride. For Jason Hill, Marketing manager at the Rose Bowl it was a family affair with his Mum and Dad joining him for a pillion ride. (no not all on the same bike although you could probably get 4 people on the Triumph Rocket that Hilary was riding). As it happened her pillion was Tim Knight from Hampshire County Council. Tim enjoyed his ride and was not so windswept that he could not say a few words during the afternoon. With the press on hand, we had several guys from the Echo, the bikes set off. Everything went to plan - if it did not no one has told me and the Rose Bowl was suddenly very quiet.The Mayor and Mayoress stayed and talked for some time. I got talking to one of the Rose Bowl staff who was French and said the noise of the bikes reminded him of Le Mans. It was at this time that I wished I had gone out and remembered that I had lent someone my helmet. Not to be out-done I borrowed a yellow Shoei on the gear for loan table and went out for half an hour.

One by one the groups returned. I managed to talk to some of the guests who all enjoyed their rides. A fantastic cake appeared with 50 candles followed by several speeches supporting SAM and the event. Trevor Pembroke from the IAM dispatched the candles and spoke about the IAM, his support for SAM and the how much he had enjoyed the day. Over £200 was raised for the Hampshire Autistic Society and in every respect the day was a great success. A lot of work but the load was spread amongst many. From what I saw it all worked really well and was a really good showcase for SAM. Profile of the group raised and a good time had by all.

Click next page to see some photos of the event