Well it’s that time of the year when we have just been on the first organised run of the year, that is, the Sheffield Children’s Hospital Easter- Egg Run. Although many Police Forces throughout the country have cancelled their participation in these runs we were fortunate enough to have the backing of the South Yorkshire Police Authority and had a good number of Police motorcycle out-riders and a couple of Range Rovers shepherding the riders and controlling the traffic to make certain of the smooth flow, of the half-mile or so long procession of approximately 250 or so bikes (police estimate).

The Yorkshire Rose contingent consisted of nine bikes, National Chairman Fred Hall, Pete and Pat, Mick and Heather, Tim and nephew Jake, Barry, Neil, Keith, Steve and myself. The trip from the South Yorkshire Police Traffic Complex at the Airport up to the Hospital went pretty smoothly, if not slowly, with myself only putting a foot down a couple of times and one stop to let an “old” chap across a pedestrian crossing (he was even older than me and Barry!)[steady on there Mick, you're pushing the limits of your credibility with this one. Animal]who thanked the police rider by patting him on his helmet. This trip was a very good exercise in clutch, brake, balance and filtering in heavy traffic control and I was very happy that for this run I was riding my Hinckley. The convoy was greeted very favourably by the public en route and the number of people lining their workplaces was nice to see. The nicest part though was the children lining the ward windows and even outside in their beds and wheelchairs waving to the passing bikes. After all the bikes had parked up in the car park allocated, a presentation of eggs and a cheque for £1500.00 was presented to Pudsey Bear, some of the children and representatives of the hospital. This was topped off by a vote of thanks to the riders from the police for their good behaviour and keeping ranks in the procession.

Although we’re used to thinking about the police on the downside, on this occasion I would like to present a bouquet to South Yorkshire Police for their great organisation and marshalling of this event. I hope the great behaviour of both sides means that the event will go ahead again next year and for many years to come. From the Yorkshire Rose TOMCC and all participating motorcyclists, Thank You Very Much Indeed!

The only down side of the trip for myself was that we only managed to raise £80.00 due to not getting the information about the event through until only 5 days before the event and we couldn’t arrange sponsorship in this short time. Hopefully this will be sorted out before the next one.

On the way home five of us (and Jake) went on a short run out to Team Roberts at Conisbrough, who were holding an open day to show the new RS and Tiger, with free tea, coffee, burgers and hot dogs (a donation to the Yorkshire air ambulance was necessary for the latter). All in all a good day, taking in two charities, it can’t be bad!

Check out the web site, www.yorkshirerosetomcc.co.uk for a list of the rules and clues for our own branch Landmark Challenge, they’re spread over the four sectors of Yorkshire so there’s no excuse for not entering.

Good Luck and happy riding.

GLOVEBOX.