Hi Chums.  A short notice one this but I know you kind hearted lot will make this a success.

This is a double Ride Out, this coming SATURDAY 4th December.  Meeting at Hein Gericke  at 9am for a 9.30am departure to take a Teddy to the Children’s Casualty Unit at the Heath Hospital.

We had an overwhelming response last year with hundreds of teddy’s and soft toys donated to the Casualty Unit, and for that I can’t thank you enough.

It is believed that if a child who is unfortunate enough to find themselves in Hospital over Christmas, if they become attached to a toy whilst in hospital it aids their recovery if they are allowed to take the toy home with them. There is no funding in the NHS for this so lets give a bit of comfort and Christmas Cheer to those kids who find themselves suffering this year.

So please donate a teddy or a soft toy.  If you can’t make it yourself you can drop the toy at Hein Gericke and I will make sure that the teddy gets a lift to the Hospital.  For just a couple of quid you can fill a bag with teddies at Ikea, or visit Phil Saunders Toy Warehouse at Upper Boat and pick up a bargain, so lets see if we can surpass what we did last year and fill the casualty unit with cuddles!

After dropping the toys at the Heath Hospital we will continue on to the Christmas Fair at Bethlehem (West Wales).  The first weekend of December sees the small village of Bethlehem host a Christmas Craft Fair and the Post Office will be open for you to deposit your FIRST CLASS stamped Christmas Cards and they will be given the special commemorative Hand Stamp, proclaiming ‘Christmas Greetings From Bethlehem’. Second Class Cards won’t get the Special Hand Stamp so don’t be a cheap skate!

The Fair is open form 10 – 4pm and will be opened by TV Personality Roy Noble.  They have craft stalls, mince pies, a turkey roast and you might even get to see Father Christmas himself visiting the village! (I hope I don’t get stuck behind him in the queue for the Mince Pies)!

It’s this Saturday.  9am at Hein Gericke.  Come on….you know you want to.

Hi My Autumn Biking Buddies. Winter is on it’s way so get out riding before it’s too late.

Here is some news and some ‘stuff’ that you might like. So stop watching The X Factor and read this quick!

The Bike Show.

Our next Ride Out is Sunday the 28th it’s show time so we are off to the NEC for the new look Carole Nash Bike Show. We will be departing at 9am.

So please note as this will be an earlier start, to give the lads at Hein Gericke a lie in we will be meeting at the Golden Arches at Coryton Interchange, junction 32. Departing at 9am.

The route will be up to Abergavenny taking the A465 to Hereford and then on to Worcester before joining the M5 motorway and the M42 to the NEC.

This is reported to be a new look show with many of the brands previously missing from previous shows making a return with their new bikes to tempt the pounds from your pockets.

An Extra Ride.

For those who can’t wait until next weekend tomorrow (21st) 1st Class Ride Out regular, Dave Payne, is going for a ride as he can’t make the 28th.

So he will be meeting at the Golden Arches (It’s MacDonald’s for those who might be looking for a posh Chinese Restaurant by mistake) at Coryton.

Dave said if anyone wishes to join him please feel free. If you could let him know if you are going along. He aims to be leaving approx 9.30 for a trip over The Beacons. If you wish to join him give him a call on 07717495835.

Sorry this is late notice for this one but if you want to get out of the house then Dave has given you the reason.

Free Stuff and Money Off.

BikeGear at Bridgend have started their Winter Sale so they have some fantastic reductions and we have a voucher for you which will give you a further 10% off.

I also have a limited number of vouchers which give you a combined saving with 10% off gloves, boots, jacket and trousers at ‘Ifinity’. Also this voucher will give you free knee protectors when you buy a pair of Draggin Jeans at Hein Gericke.

And still there is more….. This voucher grants you 10% off Knox Fastback CE approved back protector vest.

That’s you all wrapped up safe.

Amsterdam March 2011.

Nearly Sold Out already but just a couple of places left so be quick and get your name on the list.

Toy Run.

Last years toy run to the Children’s Casualty Unit at The Heath Hospital was a great success so I hope to better it this year. I’ll confirm a date with the hospital and publish the details as soon as I can (possibly combining this with the Christmas Card run to Bethlehem on the first Saturday in December- not far away is it ? December I mean, not Bethlehem).

Not in My Back Yard!

Also 1st Class Rider is expanding and we are looking for a second, follow up training site.

So if anyone has a business with a piece of car park which is spare (or not used on Weekends etc) and you would like to discuss 1st Class using it as a training site, and you can accommodate us,please contact me.  If anyone knows of a piece of land, (it needs to be flat tarmac or paved etc) please let me know.

So there must be something there for you so come on join us.

Come on ….you know you want to.

Amsterdam and The Anne Frank House.  March 11th – 13th 2011.

Our next trip across the Channel is scheduled for the weekend of the 11th -13th of March 2011.

For those of you looking for something different, then this is it.  Amsterdam in the Spring, Bruges, & The Anne Frank House.

Crossing from Dover to Calais on Friday morning (11th) and travelling to Bruges for a lunch stop. Taking a tea stop on the way at a Chocolate factory coffee shop.  This is a coffee shop with a difference with some of the naughtiest chocolate goodies you are ever likely to see.

After lunch travelling to Amsterdam for 2 nights hotel accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis.  You will have a chance to sample the best that Amsterdam has to offer.  Take a trip to The Anne Frank House for a very emotional and poignant visit, take a drink in one of the “cafe’s” which offer much more than just coffee! And not forgetting the World Famous Red Light District, where the window girls will try and charm your Euros from out of your pocket!  (Please note that Amsterdam is not a sleazy place and this trip is open to Male and Female Riders alike – so please don’t think that this is just a ‘Men only trip)

Amsterdam is one of the most chilled out ‘cool’ places I’ve ever been, visiting several times whilst my Son lived over there for a year or so.

This will be a bike trip with a difference.  So take a tour under the watchful eye of your experienced Guide/Leader.

If you’ve never been… then you must.

It is anticipated that this trip will be quickly sold out so please ensure you don’t miss out and let me know, and get you name on the list.

Costs as before, it is anticipated that the cost will be £350 per person.  Cost includes return ferry crossing, accommodation, information pack, maps and the services of our experienced tour guide/lead rider.

Limited to 10 bikes only.

Francis Maxey Up Date;  Francis is in Syria!  Having a Fantastic times he says.  Syria…..nice….but it’s not Amsterdam is it…..

Come on You know you want to……