Friday involved the long ride down followed by route finding in the evening. The London team finding it difficult to acclimatise at first to the wondrous and magnificent things that seemed to inhabit this southern part of the world (such as trees and grass). However their professionalism and ability to adapt soon showed and with a couple of fantastic routes under their belts they were ready for the two-wheeled assault that was about to fall this sleepy seaside town.

With lots of media publicity Devon Constabulary estimated in excess of 7000 motorcyclists may turn up over the weekend and with free ride outs and de-briefs by class one police motorcyclist it may be even busier. The police stand was only a very small part of a large bike show on the sea front with clothing stalls, bike manufacturers, live music, the obligatory burger bars and fairground rides all honing their wares.

Saturday morning and after a bit of breakfast we were off. Quite a sight with 18 marked police bikes in tight formation led by a fully dressed Harley Davidson police spec Road King Fat Boy Dyna Rider thing. Hot Dang we got ourselves a convoy (or something like that). As we rode into Paignton small dogs barked, mothers hurriedly dragged their kids off the streets, window shutters slammed and children dribbled ice cream down the front of their t-shirts. I think they thought they were being raided. They have probably never seen so many Police officers in their life. Especially the Met bikes.

“You’re a bit lost aren’t you” shouted one old fellow outside a working mans club with a crooked smile, homburg trilby and a penchant for liquorish torpedoes.
“You couldn’t tell me how to get to Piccadilly Circus could you, I knew I should have turned left at Hyde Park corner.”
“Have a torpedo” he grinned “I get them from the club”
“No thanks” I reply” I haven’t paid, my subs this month”

With good weather all the officers were kept constantly busy taking out all manner of riders on different machines and of different skill levels. The scenery was simply breath taking and we commented many times to each other what were we doing working in London? (Working? -Ed) The location was superb with Sandy Beaches and Candy Floss (two of the event organisers) and this led to a fantastic atmosphere.

Sunday was more of the same though it was a bit windier and overcast this didn’t seem to dampen Devon’s biking community as they kept turning up in large numbers.
Thoroughly exhausted we shook hands with our country counterparts on Sunday afternoon and set off for the long haul back to the capital.

The weekend had been a resounding success. If you’ve only ever ridden in or around London you wouldn’t believe the roads down there and the feedback we received was superb. To be on a bike exploring new parts of the country
and mixing with like-minded individuals made it all worthwhile.

So don’t miss next year’s event. Dates are yet to be finalised but its only a 3-4 hour ride from the capital so get yourself down to Paignton, stretch your bikes legs, and we will help you make it that little bit more creamy.