Words by WeaverLondonbiker member Ali (aka Full Throttle) was unfortunately killed in a tragic bike accident on March 1st, 2006. Many of the members from
LB wanted to have some sort of permanent memorial to him and forum member Paivi had the idea of a tree planted for him near the Regents’ Park Mosque where Ali’s family worshipped.
Sam (aka Snap), best friend of Ali, got approval from Ali’s family and then had the brilliant idea of having a ride out to raise the extra money needed for the tree. The ride took place on 30th July, just five days before what would have been Ali’s 21st birthday. Despite the reason for the ride, Sam wanted people to enjoy themselves, and indeed it proved to be a very special day. Here are a few the of days highlights.
The ride began at the Silver Ball café on the A10 in Herts and the route followed mostly country roads to Southend. There were three meeting points along the way; The Ace Café, the Tesco at Brookfield, Cheshunt and the Silver Ball itself. During the day there were some very touching, and some amusing moments!
Several people met at Tescos and filled up with petrol to prepare themselves for the ride. Thanutz escorted Andrea there to ensure she did not get lost and AbbeyJ managed to get there on time from Maidstone, where she had spent the previous night at a CBR event! (Apparently the snoring drove her out early).
With everyone ready to go, RO waited for any late comers, (any excuse for quick a blast up the A10!) and Terry led the way off to the A10 with the main group. Unfortunately Terry was on autopilot for 'Karens' and so everyone except Weaver and Ian went entirely the wrong route to the A10, but all caught up eventually!
At the Silver Ball, whilst waiting for the Ace contingent to arrive, Weaver did an impromptu demonstration of the truth of the words on Matt’s t-shirt, i.e. “Fat Bikers Bounce Better”. This enabled Karen to give a demonstration of how to safely park your bike while avoiding a bouncing fat biker! Demonstration over, most people went inside to order breakfast, except Andrea who insisted on rhubarb crumble and custard. Oh for a camera at that moment to capture the expression on the face of the guy serving and the other LBers trying to pretend they weren’t with her!
There was quite a crowd when everyone finally arrived at the Silver Ball, but they had been forewarned and put on extra staff to serve the breakfasts, for which many thanks.
Before we got going Ian had a phone call re a family emergency and had to ride back home to Chingford. Thankfully he sorted it out and joined us later in Southend, well done Ian!
With everyone fed and watered, the business of collecting cash was undertaken by Sam. Londonbikers are fortunate enough to have many wonderful people on the forum; several people paid at least double the stated amount of the ride. At this point we should also mention the members from the “THE London Bikers” Forum who also came with us either for the whole ride or just to the Silver Ball to see us off but whom were all extremely generous with their donations.
Sam spoke to everyone about the reason for the ride and the plans for the groupings and also read out a letter from Ali’s family thanking the Londonbikers and asking them to take care. This was a very difficult time for Sam and he did a wonderful job of sorting us out and reading us the letter, thanks Sam you were great.
The riders were divided into three groups; the Advanced group set off first – led by Adam H who stepped in at the last minute for that duty and who had for his tail gunner Charly. Second (intermediate) group left about 15 minutes later led by Weaver and with RO for tail gunner. Third group was called the “Pootle Group” and was led by Matt who also stepped in at the last minute and tail gunned by MacP. Thanks much to Adam, Charly, Matt and MacP for their involvement.
The weather was lovely and the ride was very enjoyable, though it appears that only the intermediate group followed the directions, the other two apparently following a diversion sign which was actually diverting traffic from a different road entirely! In the advanced group Vinnie and Charly indeed thought they were lost because they mislaid the rest of the group though they were in fact following the correct route. Therefore they and the whole of the intermediate group got to Southend before the advanced riders! The intermediates were very nearly well behaved too – except for Valerie (aka Ginger) seeing the signs for Southend and getting over excited, overtaking Weaver who was going too slow for him and taking half the group with him – not realizing she had slowed because RO was telling her over the radio to slow down because she was losing the tail enders! Fortunately AJ made sure she stopped her bike at the point where we had to turn off so that everyone would find the right road! Yes even Andrea!!!!!!!!!! We didn’t lose her – not once!
We have to admit that once we arrived at Southend we did not go far, well from the central reservation where we parked the bikes across the road to the pub, a whole 20 feet? Well it was a very hot day after all – indeed those with bikes on the tarmac section found the side stands inches into the tarmac when they came back to go home! Francesco joined us after a few hours, having stayed out clubbing till 5am and not got up till 1pm, he still made it to Southend. Well done mate.
So the whole group chilled for a few hours outside the pub – taking minor time outs for playing on the nearby arcade and of course in some cases for food. Valerie (Ginger) astounded everyone by eating a double burger with doughnuts and chips in the same bun! After his starter of a giant ice cream of course. Yuk! Matt is probably still recovering from having Weaver’s boobs thrust accidentally into his face and was most upset that Ginger rejected his wonderful gift of a yellow plastic sword. Ginger you could at least have brought it back for AJ to use as a newbie stick!
There were a few newbies on the ride, Ian, Keti, CityCBR and Kwaked up,who brought a friend too, though will have to change his name as someone kept calling him “Kwack Attack”. H, a friend of Sam’s also came and brought with him his friend Louis, much to the delight of some of the ladies; gorgeous accent, not bad looking and oh yes that lovely bum! Over the course of the afternoon, people made their way home in twos and threes after a really enjoyable time with a group of wonderful people. Weaver wondered why it was necessary to use radios on their ride home, how could she not tell if RO and his lovely sounding Daytona and Valerie and his bike with the loose marbles were not with her! Ginger you must get that bike sorted!
The ride was indeed very much fun for all who took part. Thanks to Sam for having such a great idea. We did not lose sight of why we were there and at the last check we know we raised at least £280 towards the tree. It has been suggested that we make the ride an annual event to remember Ali and other fallen riders;it’s a great idea so we shall be planning them for the future. Last weekend in July or first weekend in August are the suggested dated, so put the dates in your diaries folks.
Thank you so much to Londonbikers for making this such a special day and for your wonderful generosity. The pictures say it all!
The following is the letter Sam read to us from Ali’s family:“Dear All,
Thank you very much for the continuous support and efforts to make a memorial for Ali.
Ali was a very kind and giving person. He always enjoyed helping others. I can see why he wanted to be with you. I can see the same characters in you as a group; kindness, support and willingness to help.
Ali was very conscious about safety, I am sure if he was here now he would tell you to please be careful when you ride and would ask you not to go too fast and to be especially careful in bad weather conditions.
Thanks again for you efforts.
We wish you an enjoyable and safe ride.
Best Wishes, Ali’s family.”Related Galleries Memorial Ride Out for Ali - 30th July 2006
