Despite the foggy conditions, it was a reasonably warm morning and there was a good gaggle of bikes ready for the off at 11am. Ruth decided to leave her Triumph in the car park, as it had cut-out twice on the ride up.
Don't ask me where we went... it was around Kettering somewhere. Many of the roads where travelled twice and some that should have been, weren't! Suffice to say, after 40 miles we arrived back at the 10 O'Clock, where Jim, the new chef, greeted us with the smell of chips and fresh coffee.
The food now being offered at the pub is good no-nonsense pubgrub and was gratefully devoured by the riders.
We welcome Barry on his Pan who joined us for the first time today.
Stritchy

An excellent evening with laughs all round.
Stritchy

Everyone really enjoyed the evening, a lot of questions were asked and answered. Numerous members expressed an interest in doing some of the courses. Tom would be more than happy to return later in the year if we wanted and has pledged a voucher for MC1 for our charity auction.
Sue

The first quiz and chips night of the year was not as crowded as the last one, with around 35 people in the bar.
We invited Bedfordshire Branch to join us and they supplied two of the 7 teams. We managed 3 rounds before the delicious chips arrived from the local chippy, thanks to Sue and Ruth for arranging the collection and distribution.
The second round saw another 3 rounds of brain teasers. The winning team came from Beds Branch - so we won't be inviting them again J only kidding, honest!
It really is a great laugh.
Stritchy

Former Grand Prix racer and local boy Keith Huewen came along to the Ten O'Clock with his mate Chris Herring, for an informal chat. Chris was until very recently Hondas Sporting Manager and a is long time journalist with MCN and many other publications. Keith was racing in the 1980s with the likes of Wayne Rainey and Kenny Roberts as well as being team mate of the late Barry Sheene. He now commentates on motorsport for Sky TV, although not bike racing as they aren't covering it this year.
They kept us highly entertained with stories both blue and libelous! Questions came thick and fast from the audience, covering everything from the current bike racing scene to their love-lives.
It was an excellent evening for everyone, which went on till the early hours.
Stritchy

On March 30th 22 very excited people took part in a days paintballing. We met at the 10 O'Clock at 9am and after sorting out as few vehicles as possible set off on our way to Fermin Woods near Corby.
Once we had found the right place it was time to don the camouflage overalls, face masks, ammo belts, guns and paint balls. After a safety talk and demonstration we separated into 2 teams and entered the woods. First impressions were "oh no look at all the sloppy mud" but within a very short time we was all getting well and truly down and dirty and loving every minute of it.
6 games later we broke for lunch, provided by the paint balling team. A choice of Chili, Chicken Curry or Ham Carbonnara, plus tons of hot tea or coffee. After lunch another 6 games finishing up with a free for all where we could shoot all remaining balls at anyone.
The rules were quite simple. 2 teams separate areas, capture other teams flag and shoot. Once shot you was dead and had to retreat to the safe area (no more shooting) someone should have told my son who shot me on the bum that he was supposed to be dead!
Participants
HOC members: Sue, Dan, Jennie, Adrian, Lisa, Plum, Dave, Alan, Nicola, Stu, Shaz, Dick and Sue, Little Owl.
Non members: Sam, Tom, Claire, Daniel, Matt, Ricky, Chris, Joe.
All in all a brilliant day out enjoyed by all, despite some bruises.
Sue x

The run was going to take us out to Mears Ashby, Wilby, Wollaston, Hinwick, Harrold, Odell, Sharnbrook, Thurleigh, Bolnhurst, St Neots and back along the A645, through Pertenhall, Swineshead, Yielden, Newton Bromswold and Rushden, ending at the Needle n Awl. My usual back roads with on/off speeds, nice fast corners and lots of wabbits!
I always made sure I had two behind me at each junction (so that it would be marked for the following riders), even if we had to stop or slow to a crawl. Buttttttttt, by the time we got to the other side of Thurleigh I realised that we were behind schedule, so I went straight to the pub up the A6.
Welcome to Gerald and John, who joined us for the first time on a ride-out.
Scott

On a cold damp Sunday 6 brave or totally mad bikers on 4 bikes left the 10 O'Clock and headed off to The Vic in Coalville. Dan (run leader) started to have problems with his Sat Nav... not sure where it wanted to send us but it was certainly not where we wanted to go so Mark took over the lead.
We had a nice ride up to The Vic but were disappointed to find no bikers market, still mugs of hot coffee and excellent food made up for that. The pub is incredibly cheap. Four coffee's and two pints cost Dan £4.80 and the six dinners cost us a whopping £26.94 in total!
On the way home poor Mark had a slight problem with his bike, he thought he had dropped a pot but he managed to get home ok. All in all a decent day out, we must make a date to return when the weather is kinder.
Sue

One of Northampton's hidden treasures, Sywell Aviation Museum, is just down the road - so it was about time that we paid it a visit.
The museum is on the Sywell aerodrome and run entirely by volunteers. 10 of us were met at the museum by Ben, our guide at 6.30. To say that he was enthusiastic is an understatement! He is also very knowledgeable about the history of the airield and the exhibits.
Although small, the ex-WW2 nissen hut is crammed with artifacts about local events stretching from the first world war Zeppelin raids to present day. We all had a great few hours, handling weapons and learning a bit about the history of our area.
I can thoroughly recommend a visit - we'll be going again!
Stritchy

Well. What can I say! Since Monday I'd been watching every weather bulletin for signs of improvement for Wednesdays E.O.R. Wednesday morning and an optimist saw a possible "weather window" developing by tea-time in the first report of the day. By 18.30 that evening, this optimist was donning full wets for the off.
I don't know what it is about "us Honda lot". The destination was set for Stibbington Diner(?) LAST WEDNESDAY, by special request of "numerous" people. One week later, Sue's asking me, where are we going? Seems like the message didn't get through to most, as they had all had their dinners! A fact that saw only 5 riders turn up (Ruth, Stritchy "Turbo Pan", Phil, Gary "Asthmatic Pan" and yours truly), I put down to poor communication and, had nothing whatsoever, to do with the shitty weather or a football match. Sue & Dan turned up in a red Honda but weren't wearing protective motorcycle gear. So I guess Dan hadn't turned up in the latest Goldwing!
The run proper started at Gods' own play track (the Kimbolton Road) and as it turned out, the wettest part of the trip was the A6, Finedon to Higham. The route was: Chelveston Rd B645, Buckden via Perry B661, Godmanchester (St Neots Rd B1043), B1090 out of Huntingdon, Walton Hill and the Old North Rd B1043, B660 Glatton, Bullock Rd and finally, Stibbington Via Elton, 56 miles or so later.
If anyone needs a reminder about setting off on full tanks, take a tip from Gary. When we left Stibbington he was given directions to the nearest petrol station, A47 Wansford to Peterborough, about 2 miles away. He set off and Phil and I also set off towards the A47. Just before we get to the A47 a bike flashes past the end of the road and we quickly catch it up. Turns out to be Gary! Blimey, I thinks, couldn't have filled up THAT quickly, he must have turned left on the "47" instead of right. We overtake, to show it's us, and slow down thinking he'll stop. He carries on. This time we overtake him and pull way ahead, and stop in a lay-by, and wait. He rides straight past! That was Gary? I shout to Phil "Hope he got some fuel". I'm feeling guilty now. 800 meters later we hit the A43. Not a sign of him anywhere. Didn't see any other bikes all the way home.
So, Gary, hope you got home safely, without pushing or AA assist. The guilt trip lasted, well, about 800 meters, in all, but we were only trying to make sure you were okay. You can't help some folk! Here's to the next one. I've got a few variations on this run, but best left for dry daytimes. Any takers?
Eddie Jordan

On a surprisingly chilly but dry evening 23 bikes headed out of Little Harrowden, heading towards Wollaston then onto Olney the first couple of miles were non descript straight roads, however a couple of miles from and once through Olney the road took a more meandering route through to Stoke Goldington and on towards Castlethorpe passing through some pretty little hamlets along the way and crossing back and forth over tight humpback bridges spanning canals and rivers. Having passed through Castlethorpe we once again hit the straights of the A5 for a few miles before hooking a right in Pattishall and following the Banbury Lane heading towards Rothersthorpe and Gayton, again we criss-crossed the canals and train lines a couple of times before finally arriving at The Greyhound pub at Milton Malsor where we were met by Jethro and Chris who had made their way there for an evening meal.
The run went well with some of the new folks really enjoying themselves, but for losing a couple on the way it was problem free, just a shame the sun didn’t show to give the scenery run a touch of gilt.
Welcome to Keith (Bros) and Phil (Hornet S), who joined us for the first time on a ride-out and well done to Sue on her first ride-out since passing her test!
Brian

The planned 45 mile route to the north of Kettering, taking in the Welland Valley, was particularly well attended on a night that had forecast light showers. Around 20+ bikes set out from the 10 O'Clock but unfortunately Stritch had a problem within only a few miles. Brian and Ruth stopped to help and took no further part.
We were welcomed into Great Oakley by four year old Jack, his sister and parents who were waving as we passed through. I was told that when the junction was marked opposite to where they were standing, Jack thought the bike had stopped to pick him up and was disappointed when it rode off without him.
Due to the size of the group, time was ticking away and I had to cut some of the route out to keep the run under a hour and a half. Things were complicated further by several junctions not being marked, which was a little disappointing as a full and clear explanation of the drop off system was given before we left Harrowden.
Two thirds of those who set out arrived at the Beeswing in Kettering for a pint and postmortem of the run and thankfully the rain held off until I got home.
I must thank Gordon who stepped in as Tail End at the last minute and hopefully he got away from the pub without seeing a Range Rover J
Happy Days
Penfold

Despite the blustery and cloudy morning we all gathered at the Ten O'Clock with our picnics and teddies, ready for a great day out. Unfortunately Salcey Forest, where we had planned to go, have decided to charge for entry, so Dan suggested Stanwick Lakes and off we went. He took us on a 35 mile guided tour of the villages, through housing estates and up by roads, before arriving at our destination. It was a cracking ride.
Stanwick Lakes is obviously a mecca for families, with loads of stuff to keep the lil'uns occupied...... and covered in mud! We found a quiet sunny spot on a jetty in one of the small lakes. The food was unwrapped and devoured amid good conversation and laughs, watching the ducklings bobbing up & down and the cygnet hitching a ride on it's mum's back. They do charge for exit at this place, but the rocks strategically placed to stop cars were no barrier to most of the bikes.
A great way to spand a lovely afternoon.
Stritchy

We left the pub 13 bikes, riding to Milton Keynes where we picked up 3 more. Continuing through Aylesbury, High Wycombe and Marlow, arriving at our destination just outside Henley-On-Thames. The last 2 miles being a very narrow tree lined lane.
The bikes were all lined up in front of the museum with a grand view of the station and carousel. Eric arriving shortly after. Everyone enjoyed their picnic in glorious sunshine and then spent the afternoon having train rides and looking round the museum. Later a few left to have a walk along the river in at Henley.
A good day was had by all.
Dave & Jan

In common with many other HOC Branches up and down the country, this Branch organised a ride-out and Sunday Roast.
We left the Ten O'Clock at 10am and set off south to pick up North London and Bedfordshire Branches near Baldock. It was quite a fast run, taking in many of the lovely roads past Bedford.
When we left the Baldock Services there were over 40 bikes heading into the countryside and through the villages of Ashwell, Potton and Gamlingay. We made it to St Neots, only to be held up by traffic jams through the town, but we all made it and headed towards Kimbolton and then on to Raunds.
Unfortunately we were running late when we got to the next pick-up and the Cambridge and West London members had gone on already. Hey ho.
When we got back to the Ten O'Clock the kitchens were in full flight, organising the orders and serving delicious platefuls of Sunday roasts. It's a credit to all the staff concerned that everyone got their dinners hot and within a short time - well done to them.
Everyone enjoyed the ride and loved the food, so a good time was had by all!
Stritchy

Prof led the pack out of Little Harrowden and onwards through some very nice villages and countryside, mainly to the east of Northamptonshire. A good mixture of winding country roads and a few main roads.
We ended up at the St. John's Arms in Melchbourne where we were greeted with open arms by the Landlord and Landlady.
The St. John's Arms is extremely biker friendly and and we were invited back anytime. They also do a steak night on Wednesdays at £5 per person. Something for us to consider for the not too distant future.
We welcome on their first EOR; Derek (Fizz) on his Kawasaki 636 and Ken on his Boom Trike, who acted as tail-end-charlie and did a a marvelous job.
Nice ride-out Prof.
Sue

On Bank Holiday Monday, hundreds of bikers got together at the Branch Charity Show at The Ten O'Clock in Little Harrowden and raised £9,250 for the Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance.
As well as this tremendous amount of cash an anonymous donor also gave a brand new state-of-the-art incubator, worth £6000!
This was the third year of the Charity Show, which has raised well over £20,000 for this deserving charity.
The free afternoon consisted of the live band Kick Start (who performed for nothing), barbecue (with all the food donated by the landlord), auction (of everything from dvds to fur coats) and a hotly contested 'Best & Worst' bike competition.
The visitors to the show voted a superb 1980 Seeley Honda Britain CB750 as the Best bike, with the Worst bike being a magnificently tatty 1979 CX500 ‘Maggot’.
Well done to Sue and Dan who worked so very hard to make this happen and thanks to everyone who contributed to raise this amazing total.

Well, we came, we bowled, we ate, we drank! It was the Northants & MK branch bowling night out last night in Wellingborough and what a night! 30 of us were bowling/eating and a few more observing... it was a great night out filled with laughter and silliness! Not to mention singing along to 'Pass the Dutchy' at one point!!
We were delighted to have some special guests from the Bedfordshire branch who 'won' the team with the lowest average score, plus our absolute star... Annee with a stunning low score (well done Annee!) very clever way to get a box of choccies I reckon! (or it could be that they were just trying to make us feel better about them always winning at our quiz nights!!) Anyway... thanks to all who came and had a bash at bowling! I know the food wasn't exactly in line with Jamie Oliver's aspirations.. but I enjoyed it.
Loved the victory dance done by those who got strikes (not me... I'm pants at it!) Special mentions to the Old Git, Stroppy Mare, William Wallace, D*ck Scratcher, umm, Jennie Jugs, 2 Strokes, Ivor the Engine, Shazbusa, CBRStu, Juicy Lucy, Tellboy & Zoe for coping marvellously with possibly the most unreliable lanes in the place! (We spent a good deal of time calling the staff over because our 'Jonah' (Kev) kept breaking the lanes! (I know he will blame me & Crystal... but seriously,.. it was him all along!) As for the incident with the nostrils and the party blowers... all I can say is this... Crystal and I have great nasal fortitude!!
Well done all, you made it such a great night out with lots of festive fun and frivolity (mind you, I think the antlers and the flashing hats & badges helped too!) Jennie