Bikers hit back over procession concern (From Swindon Advertiser)
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Bikers hit back over procession concern
10:50am Friday 12th March 2010 in
ANGRY bikers have rejected claims they are disrespecting the people of Wootton Bassett by staging a procession through the town on Sunday.
Yesterday the Adver reported how up to 15,000 riders with pillion passengers were planning a mass tribute to the Afghan war dead.
It would bring together motorcyclists from around the country, including many ex-servicemen, who felt moved to make the gesture on Mothering Sunday.
But plans for the event have been attacked amid claims that the town’s residents were not consulted and that the noise, traffic and congestion would be disruptive.
Yesterday, a number of the participants voiced their outrage at the way their tribute was being depicted.
They objected to being dismissed as “hairy bikers”, and emphasised that they would not ”tear” through the town but would stage a procession within the speed limit.
Paul Ellison contacted the Adver to say: “This ride is non-political and is nothing to do with if we should be at war in Afghanistan or not. So to call this a political rally is both offensive and unprofessional without first finding out the facts.”
Dawn Roberts, of Swindon, said: “I am not a ‘hairy biker’, I am a mum and nor do I have a political agenda. The whole reason for this organised motorbike ride is to raise funds for Afghan Heroes charity.
“This ride is supported wholeheartedly by a wide variety of the community regardless of gender, political persuasion, sexuality or race.”
Jo Burridge commented: “Yes, it’s true residents in the villages haven’t been informed of the situation, and yes I live in one of those villages where the 10,000 plus bikes will be driving through and no I’m not against it.
“It’s for charity. Imagine, 10,000 bikers each buying their flag, sticker, patch and imagine how much money that will raise to support those who are devastated by this war.”
Other readers echoed the sentiments while insisting that the people of Wootton Bassett had been consulted over the event.
Police say they will have a strong presence on the day and the riders would go through the town’s High Street in batches to avoid problems.
Wiltshire police yesterday sought to clarify its position on the event.
A spokesman said: “I would like to clarify that Wiltshire Police did not sanction this bike ride. Unless there is a threat to public safety, the police do not have a legal right to object to rides such as this taking place.
“Therefore, as our first priority is public safety, we have been working closely with the organisers of the ride, Wiltshire Council, the MoD and other partners to ensure that the necessary safeguards are in place to ensure public safety, particularly for road users. Any actions which compromise public safety on the day will not be tolerated.”
Comments(72)
harley51
says...
12:01pm Fri 12 Mar 10
Nick1234
says...
12:33pm Fri 12 Mar 10
RFM
says...
12:37pm Fri 12 Mar 10
I have a problem with a parade/procession of any sort going through Wootton Bassett.
I think there is a real danger of various groups trying to outdo each other and trivialising the whole situation turning it into nothing more than a tacky circus!
We already have people demanding that everyone wears red on a Friday, others clamouring for the High Street to be changed to Avenue of Heroes, people demanding statues be erected.
It is fine that people want to raise money for Help for Heroes but shouldn't the government be 'donating' this money? A perfect excuse for them to cut back as they now think they can rely on the public to cough up to rebuild shattered lives! It is the same with hospitals. Hospitals now need to declare the amount of charity donations they receive - a similar amount is then deducted from their government funds!
Home Boy
says...
12:43pm Fri 12 Mar 10
RFM wrote:It seemed to start getting out of hand when the BBC decided to politicise the town by holding Question Time at the school in Bassett.
I do not have a problem with bikers.
I have a problem with a parade/procession of any sort going through Wootton Bassett.
I think there is a real danger of various groups trying to outdo each other and trivialising the whole situation turning it into nothing more than a tacky circus!
We already have people demanding that everyone wears red on a Friday, others clamouring for the High Street to be changed to Avenue of Heroes, people demanding statues be erected.
It is fine that people want to raise money for Help for Heroes but shouldn't the government be 'donating' this money? A perfect excuse for them to cut back as they now think they can rely on the public to cough up to rebuild shattered lives! It is the same with hospitals. Hospitals now need to declare the amount of charity donations they receive - a similar amount is then deducted from their government funds!
.
And I don't think the money is going to Help for Heroes?
Kineasy
says...
1:01pm Fri 12 Mar 10
Old Town
says...
1:08pm Fri 12 Mar 10
.
If a marathon was being held through Bassett no-one would really complain about closing the roads.
.
It has been well documanted to anyone who actually wats to listen that the bikers will be taken through in groups so the road can remain "useable" to everyone else.
.
Sure there will be a lot of bikes, sure it will cause some congestion, and sure there will be a bit more noise than usual.
.
However in return for this a very good cause stands to be given somewhere upwards of around £75,000.
.
And the local people may be "inconvenienced" for a few hours between 11am and 5pm.
.
Honestly, get off your soap boxes and show a bit of support to an honest bunch of people trying to raise money and make a difference !
Shimmie
says...
1:10pm Fri 12 Mar 10
I'm not a biker, but I am looking forward to the event. Yes, it'll be noisey, but so what?!
I believe each biker has paid to take part in this procession. Good on them! The money is going to a very worthy cause.
Fingers crossed for a lovely sunny day :)
A.N Englishman
says...
1:15pm Fri 12 Mar 10
Kineasy wrote:To say Thank You Wootton Bassett, for the support shown to our soldiers. Well that's what I gather looking at the stickers, and th FB Page.
So why Wootton Bassett? What is wrong with Nuneaton, Smethick or Merthyr Tydfil, all excellent venues for posing and showing off.
The Unforgiven
says...
1:16pm Fri 12 Mar 10
lizzyh
says...
1:19pm Fri 12 Mar 10
Nick1234
says...
1:20pm Fri 12 Mar 10
TRKE
says...
1:27pm Fri 12 Mar 10
I'm not going to even try to imagine what pain any parent suffers that loses a child( no matter how old they are).
My husband and myself are doing this ride to pay our deepest " Respect " to the young men and women that have paid an unimaginable price doing a job that I don't have the courage to do. They have more courage in their little finger than I do in the whole of my body and we wish to say " We honour you", and to let the mums ( parents, families ) of these service men and woman know that we are thinking of them.
I make no apologies to anyone for feeling that way.
I understand that people have concerns about 1000's of bikers suddenly descending on their little village. I can understand that some elderly people might find this quite intimidating.
We're not a marauding gang of heathens that are going to take over the place, racing around at break neck speeds, trying to imitate Marlon Brando in 'The Wild One'. We're hard working( those that haven't been made redundant ) people from all warps of life, that like to ride motorbikes. A vast majority also being ex and still serving service men and women.
We all have our own personal reason for doing this or any other fund raising ride we do.
The thing that really upset a lot of bikers about these write up's is, the amount of unwarranted and uncalled for slanderous insults that have been dished out by some people about us. That understandably so have had responses to from bikers.
STFC_Legend
says...
1:46pm Fri 12 Mar 10
kjbarnett
says...
1:52pm Fri 12 Mar 10
Chrisg46
says...
2:03pm Fri 12 Mar 10
The original story was one of the worst pieces of journalism i have read, and no i am not a biker or have an agenda to get across. If the original story had bothered to get more than just two viewpoints it might be more valid.
Like it or not, rightly or wrongly WB is associated with the war dead, and the vast majority of the national population feel gratitude to the town for showing respect few others are in a position to do.
By all means, the residents of WB have the right to determine what form of thanks the town gets, and, rightly in my opinion, have refused any such accolades. However, a motor bike rally through basingstoke would be pointless and irrelevant to the aim.
STFC demand that a minority wish should affect the majority kind of misses what democracy is about. No one will ever be happy (how many adver articles have rambling comment pages of conflicting points of view, no matter the subject). The only fair way is to go with the majority, who seem to want it to go ahead. The few do not, or should not, have the right to assert their wishes over the majority.
ohyea
says...
2:04pm Fri 12 Mar 10
RFM wrote:As much as it is about raising funds for the charity, it is also about showing that we actually give a **** about our soldiers deployed in Afghanistan.
I do not have a problem with bikers. I have a problem with a parade/procession of any sort going through Wootton Bassett. I think there is a real danger of various groups trying to outdo each other and trivialising the whole situation turning it into nothing more than a tacky circus! We already have people demanding that everyone wears red on a Friday, others clamouring for the High Street to be changed to Avenue of Heroes, people demanding statues be erected. It is fine that people want to raise money for Help for Heroes but shouldn't the government be 'donating' this money? A perfect excuse for them to cut back as they now think they can rely on the public to cough up to rebuild shattered lives! It is the same with hospitals. Hospitals now need to declare the amount of charity donations they receive - a similar amount is then deducted from their government funds!
Where is the effort and sacrifice in the riders sitting at their PC's and getting the credit card out to add a tenner to the balance ?.
What does that say of those who want to make a difference.
As someone who will be taking part in this ride, and giving up time with my family to do so, this is being done as much for a symbolic gesture of support for my countrymen and women as much as to raise funds to help the families of those lost and also support for those who have served and returned as 'damaged goods'.
I might suggest that the vocal local opposition who are against this ride are not actually as patriotic as they would want the rest of their countrymen believe.
As for reference to the 'grief tourists', I would not dream of attending a repatriation if I had no connection with those being brought back, but I find it offensive that all visitors might be labelled in this way. They could well be friends or family of the fallen, and WB is the obvious place to see them as soon as they are off the plane and on their way.
TRKE
says...
2:20pm Fri 12 Mar 10
Violent Bikers.
Violent Pests
Buffoon
As well as the comment of:
Not Welcome.
As well as being referred to by another person on the same site as
Middle aged plonkers
Morons
Just to list some of the insults that have been slung at us
Is it any wonder that there have been complaints made!!
STFC_Legend
says...
2:21pm Fri 12 Mar 10
A.N Englishman
says...
2:30pm Fri 12 Mar 10
“Bikers wanting to ride through Wootton Bassett to show the people that we appreciate all that they do for our fallen heroes.
ALL POSTS OF A POLITICAL AND RACIST NATURE WILL BE REMOVED. THIS IS A BIKE RUN NOT A PROTEST”.....End Quote
I am not prepared to argue as to whom is correct. But would like to commend those people who feel that they do not need to be thanked for anything they do for others. I for one like to say thank you to any person who does something for My family, Relatives, or Friends. Further to this It has been commented by Service men and Woman , that to know that you have the support of your Countrymen makes them “feel Good” and appreciated. Something that a silent donation could not achieve.
So I guess that’s why “The Bikers” are doing it, to say thanks Wootton Bassett. I would feel very silly if I were to be given a good service by a shop, restaurant, or Emergency service and then to Ride into another Town and say thanks to somebody else.
Nick1234
says...
2:43pm Fri 12 Mar 10
TRKE
says...
2:43pm Fri 12 Mar 10
STFC_Legend wrote:Make that 15,002 that think the world is run by shape shifting lizards.
Hi Chris, how do you know the Majority of people want this to happen? Unless you are counting yourself and 15,000 bikers as the Majority? I could probably find 15,001 people who think that the world is run by Shape Shifting lizards but that doesn't make it correct. Or perhaps I am a Minority of 1 and as I haven't shouted as loud as the bikers my opinion doesn't count. Also, its good to actually get the opinion of someone who doesnt resort to name calling.
ohyea
says...
2:43pm Fri 12 Mar 10
STFC_Legend wrote:If the organiser had not closed the registration a month ago, you would have had 30,000 riders turning up on sunday. I think we will just have to face the fact that there are people like yourself who just don't like motorcycles or motorcyclists.
Hi Chris, how do you know the Majority of people want this to happen? Unless you are counting yourself and 15,000 bikers as the Majority? I could probably find 15,001 people who think that the world is run by Shape Shifting lizards but that doesn't make it correct. Or perhaps I am a Minority of 1 and as I haven't shouted as loud as the bikers my opinion doesn't count. Also, its good to actually get the opinion of someone who doesnt resort to name calling.
Did a big hairy biker spill your pint in the pub one evening fo you to be so antagonistic towards us as your opinions come across as being disproportionately offensive ?
Support_British_Manufacturing
says...
2:57pm Fri 12 Mar 10
ohyea wrote:15000 or 30000 it does not matter. WB High Street is a public highway, I believe you only need registration if you are going on to base. If WB didn't hold the rapatriations in the first place none of this would be taking place.
STFC_Legend wrote:If the organiser had not closed the registration a month ago, you would have had 30,000 riders turning up on sunday. I think we will just have to face the fact that there are people like yourself who just don't like motorcycles or motorcyclists.
Hi Chris, how do you know the Majority of people want this to happen? Unless you are counting yourself and 15,000 bikers as the Majority? I could probably find 15,001 people who think that the world is run by Shape Shifting lizards but that doesn't make it correct. Or perhaps I am a Minority of 1 and as I haven't shouted as loud as the bikers my opinion doesn't count. Also, its good to actually get the opinion of someone who doesnt resort to name calling.
Did a big hairy biker spill your pint in the pub one evening fo you to be so antagonistic towards us as your opinions come across as being disproportionately offensive ?
I am a biker myself (and not hairy) and a majority of people do not understand "the scene". I am not going to WB tomorrow as I don't believe in the cause, however I hope the sun shines on WB and all riders have a good day out.
ohyea
says...
3:00pm Fri 12 Mar 10
Nick1234 wrote:If you think that riding on greasy crud covered roads hanging around an airfield for 2 or 3 hours in low temperatures in the middle of march before being led in procession at 20mph for 7 miles before being told to take a hike is a 'good day out' on the bike, you need to get out on yours a bit more often at this time of year to really appreciate how 'good it is' on one!
A.N Englishman, so even though many locals dont want it, the bikers are going to "say thank you" anyway? Let's be honest, for a significant number of those bikers "sacrificing" family time and Mothers Day, this is a great excuse for a ride, and not about thanking the residents of Wootton Bassett...and yes, I am a biker.
Mr_Big
says...
3:11pm Fri 12 Mar 10
scottwichall
says...
3:23pm Fri 12 Mar 10
ohyea wrote:Well said ohyea...and yes I will be there :-)
Nick1234 wrote:If you think that riding on greasy crud covered roads hanging around an airfield for 2 or 3 hours in low temperatures in the middle of march before being led in procession at 20mph for 7 miles before being told to take a hike is a 'good day out' on the bike, you need to get out on yours a bit more often at this time of year to really appreciate how 'good it is' on one!
A.N Englishman, so even though many locals dont want it, the bikers are going to "say thank you" anyway? Let's be honest, for a significant number of those bikers "sacrificing" family time and Mothers Day, this is a great excuse for a ride, and not about thanking the residents of Wootton Bassett...and yes, I am a biker.
Perhaps Nick is a motorcyclist rather than a biker ;-)
Hangbrownhigh
says...
3:33pm Fri 12 Mar 10
STFC_Legend wrote:As a serviceman with over 30 years who now resides in WB, I can only say thankyou to those bikers who are coming and for your contribution to "Help for Hero's" and as for STFC, you are an infantile Pr-t who is reacting like a kid in the playground. Get real.
Why do people use the pain of losing someone as an excuse to justify this procession? I've lost relatives throughout my life but I dont use that to justify any of the decisions I make in life. Even if a small number of residents object to this event then it shouldn't go ahead. I believe in the freedom we are granted in this country but it goes 2 ways and frankly I am not happy to have 15,000 bikers riding through the High Street this Sunday. And to say its not a political statement or a rally for/against the war as Paul Ellison says above is tosh, why ride through Bassett? Go and ride somewhere that actually has the Infrastructure to cope with this, and the support of the majority of residents. This article is unfairly balanced in the opinion of the Bikers just because they contacted the Adver before the people who don't approve. We'll I am going to contact the adver and advise that they provide a balanced article that contains the opinions of both parties rather than the Bikers trying to call anyone who objects 'offensive and unprofessional'. Its like a playground argument, if you can't argue with logic then just start calling them names.
Old Town
says...
3:37pm Fri 12 Mar 10
.
I hope the sun shines on Sunday, everyone has a fantastic day out and lots of money is raised for a massively worthwhile cause.
.
To the STFC "Legend" - you are ex forces, a retained firefighter and an Ambulance volunteer as you posted on the other article to do with this story. Everyone understands you personally don't want this ride to go ahead, but to be honest your comments seem to be in the monority on quite a large scale.
.
Get over it - it is happening - I would expect the VAST majority of people in Bassett will welcome the bikers with open arms, and welcome the fantastic money raising they are doing.....
Mr_Big
says...
3:43pm Fri 12 Mar 10
How is your tattoo removal going BTW?
STFC_Legend
says...
4:03pm Fri 12 Mar 10
VanBird
says...
4:03pm Fri 12 Mar 10
Yes, there is going to be major disruption & chaos on Sunday. There will also be a huge amount of buisness for the towns shops, cafes & pubs too (a bonus surely?).
If we can't give up one day for a good cause then I think it is very sad.
I think the article in yesterdays Adver was extreemly negative & one sided. The Editors note further on was on a much more positive note. It would be interesting to see how many residents are for or against the ride out.
Stop being so grumpy, go out & welcome the bikers through the town & go home happy that something positive has come through the town rather than the usual sad procession we normally see.
The ModFather
says...
4:05pm Fri 12 Mar 10
Kineasy
says...
4:06pm Fri 12 Mar 10
I understand the BNP had a representative in the High Street on Thursday.
STFC_Legend
says...
4:13pm Fri 12 Mar 10
justanothercopper
says...
4:22pm Fri 12 Mar 10
The ModFather wrote:oh dear, how cute and naive. Thankfully there are hundreds of off duty coppers also doing the ride. On a side note STFC legend? Is that for Swindon Town Football Club? And we all know that ALL football supporters are mindless hooligans dont we? (better add for his sake that I am being sarcastic)
I hope the police are there to do random spot checks as everybody knows that most motorcyclist haven’t even got a valid license to ride them, and even if they do, they probably haven’t bothered buying insurance or road tax as they think they are above the law.
I Too
says...
4:35pm Fri 12 Mar 10
The ModFather wrote:There will be an ANPR camera, at the start of the event. Non registered bikes will also be dirested to a holding / dispersal area, before the event takes place.
I hope the police are there to do random spot checks as everybody knows that most motorcyclist haven’t even got a valid license to ride them, and even if they do, they probably haven’t bothered buying insurance or road tax as they think they are above the law.
My bike is taxed, tested , insured.
If it's not raining, it will also be clean and shiny.
Are you bringing your scooter?
Hangbrownhigh
says...
4:45pm Fri 12 Mar 10
STFC_Legend wrote:Nice to see that you consider an ex servicemans comments as "irrelevant. You most probably regard the financial contribution these bikers make to the "Help for Heroes" fund irrelevant too. Pathetic!
Hangbrownhigh. The fact that your username advocates hanging the Prime Minister (unless you mean Charlie Brown) renders any comments you make as irrelevant. And I am glad to see some people agreeing with me on here.
Robh
says...
4:45pm Fri 12 Mar 10
If some of them are craving recognition for doing this then it is time to call it a day.
Worz
says...
4:48pm Fri 12 Mar 10
>There will also be a huge amount of buisness for the towns shops, cafes & pubs too
>
No, the bikers are riding through town and then being dispersed, they're not being allowed to stop.
.
>Kineasy, Swindon says...
>Figures of 10,000 and 15,000 bikes seem a little optomistic
No, the organisers have confirmed 10,000 bikes, 14,000 registered bikers. That's just those that have registered. There's plenty of comments on their website saying things like "I've not registered, but I'm going anyway", so who knows how many will turn up? I doubt that the police will count them and only allow 10,000 out of Hullavington. If it had been only 1500, then it wouldn't have been a problem, They could have parked up in town, and made a day of it, but now, they're not going to RAF Lyneham any more, they can't finish at Wroughton airfield any more, and they can't stop in town. They've really shot themselves in the foot.
.
>STFC_Legend wrote:
>Go and ride somewhere that actually has the Infrastructure to cope with this.
>
Exactly right. This is more bikers than WB has residents.
.
>Kineasy, Swindon says...
>I do hope the event does not attract a range of minority groups, pacifists, war protestesters and sundry emotional cripples. To be a national site of political protest is the last thing Wootton Bassett needs.
>
You're exactly right, however, it's too late, it's already happened :(
.
>Support_British_Man
ufacturing, swindon says...
>If WB didn't hold the rapatriations in the first place none of this would be taking place.
>
True, it's the RBL and the rest of the "grief poseurs" that have caused WB to be dragged into the national conciousness.
.
>Old Town, Old Town, Swindon says...
>Get over it - it is happening
>
Well yes. "Lights, Camera, Action, Let the pose-fest begin."
The only question that I have now is, if I do get called out on Sunday, do I ride my bike and risk the police & marshals redirecting/stopping
/blocking me, or do I take my wife's car and risk not being able to get through the traffic jams on the other road through WB? I've asked the police and the town and county councils. I'm still waiting for sensible answers, or any sort of answer from the county would be an improvement.
Home Boy
says...
4:48pm Fri 12 Mar 10
Hangbrownhigh wrote:No money is going to Help for Heroes as far as I'm aware.
STFC_Legend wrote:Nice to see that you consider an ex servicemans comments as "irrelevant. You most probably regard the financial contribution these bikers make to the "Help for Heroes" fund irrelevant too. Pathetic!
Hangbrownhigh. The fact that your username advocates hanging the Prime Minister (unless you mean Charlie Brown) renders any comments you make as irrelevant. And I am glad to see some people agreeing with me on here.
I Too
says...
4:55pm Fri 12 Mar 10
STFC_Legend wrote:Ha Ha Ha Ha.........
In the recent leak of BNP Members names it showed that 80% of BNP members are also members of the BMA (British Motorcycle Association). Hence the reason a representative was there from the BNP on Thursday.
80% of BNP members are also members of BMA (British Motorcycle Association ?? ).
Really?
Wow thankyou STFC-Legend. I wasn't sure which party to vote for, in the coming election, but now it will be an easy choice. As most motorcyclist are genuine folk, it will be nice to have a totally honest, goodwilled, political party.
Where did you find this "gem of information".
The problem is I've been a member of the BMF, I've been a member of MAG. I've even been a member of the organisation of the two groups consolidated, but I've never heard of this BMA. I'm guessing it's actually a club for British Classic Bikes.
I thought most football supporters were paid up members of the BNP anyway (not).
What's the matter with you? Won't mummy let you have a moped?
I Too
says...
4:59pm Fri 12 Mar 10
"
No money is going to Help for Heroes as far as I'm aware
"
On arrival at Hullavington ALL riders will be paying at least £5 to Help For Heroes.
Now are you aware?
FireCat
says...
5:38pm Fri 12 Mar 10
I Too wrote:I am perfectly aware of what charity I am supporting on Mother's Day.... the charity is 'AFGHAN HEROES' - check out their website for factual information before you post quotes :)
Home Boy " No money is going to Help for Heroes as far as I'm aware " On arrival at Hullavington ALL riders will be paying at least £5 to Help For Heroes. Now are you aware?
www.afghanheroes.co.
uk
I Too
says...
6:00pm Fri 12 Mar 10
FireCat wrote:I am also on the ride, Firecat.
I Too wrote: Home Boy " No money is going to Help for Heroes as far as I'm aware " On arrival at Hullavington ALL riders will be paying at least £5 to Help For Heroes. Now are you aware?I am perfectly aware of what charity I am supporting on Mother's Day.... the charity is 'AFGHAN HEROES' - check out their website for factual information before you post quotes :) www.afghanheroes.co. uk
I am also aware of the charity I am supporting.
Admittedly I typed the the name wrong.
I was responding to Home Boy.
he seems to think we are all out on an ego trip and no money is going to charity.
springfieldpage
says...
6:02pm Fri 12 Mar 10
or sit watching the telly
you dont have my say as a wootton bassett resident x
TRKE
says...
6:06pm Fri 12 Mar 10
Mr_Big wrote:How dare you...my kids are all grown up and left home and have made their own plans for the day.
TRKE, Leicester, your kids are losing their mother on Mother’s day – very contradictory, shame on you. Don’t pretend this is anything but an excuse for a day out on the bikes for many, apologies to the few who are genuine.
Who are you to say that I am not doing this as a genuine person.
I asked them how they felt about me doing this and they were fine with it. We will be doing something as a family when we get back home...not that that is ANYTHING to do with you.
TRKE
says...
6:15pm Fri 12 Mar 10
Old Town wrote:Just noticed your post, after I had replied.
TRKE Leicester - ignore the comments from the small minded "Mr Big" - he tries to get a rise off most on here....
.
I hope the sun shines on Sunday, everyone has a fantastic day out and lots of money is raised for a massively worthwhile cause.
.
To the STFC "Legend" - you are ex forces, a retained firefighter and an Ambulance volunteer as you posted on the other article to do with this story. Everyone understands you personally don't want this ride to go ahead, but to be honest your comments seem to be in the monority on quite a large scale.
.
Get over it - it is happening - I would expect the VAST majority of people in Bassett will welcome the bikers with open arms, and welcome the fantastic money raising they are doing.....
Thanks, I shall keep that in mind
ferret850
says...
6:33pm Fri 12 Mar 10
I Too
says...
6:34pm Fri 12 Mar 10
.
I'd just like to correct this headline.
I'm pretty certain that most bikers understand concerns of residents. Most are educated people (residents and bikers). It is understandable that some will object to increased traffic et .
I believe that most of the bikers were offended by the way that the article was written, and the way that they have been portrayed, the image used etc.
the depth of the riders intentions, and the cause, for which we are riding, coupled with the support already shown by many residents, far outweighs a few stereotype blinkered prejudgements.
We can easily prove sceptics wrong, but biased, ill informed journalism is a bit harder to swallow.
Baldyboy
says...
10:37pm Fri 12 Mar 10
STFC_Legend wrote:STFC_Legend,
Why do people use the pain of losing someone as an excuse to justify this procession? I've lost relatives throughout my life but I dont use that to justify any of the decisions I make in life. Even if a small number of residents object to this event then it shouldn't go ahead. I believe in the freedom we are granted in this country but it goes 2 ways and frankly I am not happy to have 15,000 bikers riding through the High Street this Sunday. And to say its not a political statement or a rally for/against the war as Paul Ellison says above is tosh, why ride through Bassett? Go and ride somewhere that actually has the Infrastructure to cope with this, and the support of the majority of residents. This article is unfairly balanced in the opinion of the Bikers just because they contacted the Adver before the people who don't approve. We'll I am going to contact the adver and advise that they provide a balanced article that contains the opinions of both parties rather than the Bikers trying to call anyone who objects 'offensive and unprofessional'. Its like a playground argument, if you can't argue with logic then just start calling them names.
Yet again you are acting like the spoiled little kid who just can't get his own way!! for days now you have been spouting off about this run, let's see you that other numpty WORZ get all of the other objectors together on Sunday, bring a few anti bike banners with you and stand with all of the people of Wootton Bassett who are actually looking forward to seeing this event, you can then boo and jeer at us in person. i wonder if those around you would then join in or tell you to wind your scrawny little neck in?
I love your quote of contacting the adver for a balanced article!!! It was precisely because they printed an unbalanced view in the first place that the riders got in contact!! you have had more than your fair share of name calling over the past few days so get off your soapbox. As for you calling it a playground argument well sorry pal but you are the biggest exponent of that so far!! No wonder you couldn't hack it in the forces!!
Crawl back under the stone from which you came. When the ride is over you can come back out ready to find something else to moan about.
reality_check
says...
10:46pm Fri 12 Mar 10
e brigade who will be flocking together for this poseurs parade) is that they are a bunch of self-obsessed narcissistic pains in the arse.
.
This of course is completely borne out by the fact that they will be selfishly going ahead with this misguided and self-serving pose-fest regardless of the impact on local people and other road users.
.
Well ladies, it might make you feel good and massage your podgy ego's for the day, but you'll be ruining the day for a lot of people in Wootton Bassett and beyond, even if they don't all realise it yet. But hey, its to thank them right?
TRKE
says...
8:36am Sat 13 Mar 10
Baldyboy
says...
9:05am Sat 13 Mar 10
I Too
says...
9:56am Sat 13 Mar 10
I could carry a flag, which isn't promoting the the charity, with "look at me" written on it.
I'll squirt some oil into my silencer, to make it smokey and smelly.
Alternantively, I'll just ignore the name calling, enjoy a pleasant (though slow) ride, knowing that the whole event is a massive support to a good cause.
Incidentally, whilst on the subject of human nature, let's consider the "self-obsessed narcissistic" comment.
If a motorcyclist is stopped, by the side of the road, the expected code of conduct, from all of us, is to pull over, ask if anything is wrong, and offer assistance. I've experienced this principle ffrom both assisting and being assisted.
I'm sure I wouldn't expect that sort of assistanceif I were out in my car. I'd have to wait for the RAC.
Have a great ride chaps. I know several locals, that are looking forward to this
ohyea
says...
10:01am Sat 13 Mar 10
ANGRY bikers have rejected claims they are disrespecting the people of Wootton Bassett by staging a procession through the town on Sunday.'
Yet again this publication seeks to misrepresent those of us who have complained of the shoddy reporting in earlier issues.
Perhaps you could have started this article differently to reflect better the situation. How about:-
By Ohyea »
'BIKERS staging a procession through Wootton Bassett on Sunday have rejected claims that they are disrespecting the local people, and have contacted the Advertiser to show their dismay and anger that they have been portrayed in such a bad way'
Is there anyone on the staff of the Advertiser who can actually write with any degree of respect for their readership ?
Versysrider
says...
10:02am Sat 13 Mar 10
The ModFather, Priory Vale - Swindon says...
4:05pm Fri 12 Mar 10
I hope the police are there to do random spot checks as everybody knows that most motorcyclist haven’t even got a valid license to ride them, and even if they do, they probably haven’t bothered buying insurance or road tax as they think they are above the law.
Apart from the fact that this comment reeks of "Daily Mail readership England" the authors limited comprehension of being a motorcyclist is evident. I have ridden motorcycles for 32 years and in that time I have never had an un taxed or un insured vehicle, I have suffered a disproportionately higher level of Police stops during my riding career than I ever do when in a car and on many occasions have been turned away from bars and restaurants because I ride a motorcycle. Yes, there are allegedly a small number of "outlaw bikers" in this country, but the majority of motorcyclists I have met in my life, have been decent hard working guys who just love the freedom of being on two wheels. As the average bike nowadays costs as much as a family saloon and many cost far more, motorcycling is an expensive pastime. Trust me, no one who spends £15,000 on a top of the range sportsbike or a Harley, rides it un insured or un taxed. This ride is to pay tribute to those young men and women who have given their lives or been badly injured in the service of their country and also to pay tribute to Wootton Bassett, which like it or not, has become a national symbol of pride, a place where we as citizens of this country showed we do care about the sacrifice made by others. I am riding 300 miles to attend this event, some are riding further. If I just wanted to "go for a ride" it would not be through WB. So would the "purveyors of doom" and those who seem totally "anti bike" just "get over it"!!!! Remember,
"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them".
And "WE" motorcyclists will remember them and their families and we will show a public manifestation of support, not for the war itself, but for those sent on our behalf to fight it.
God Bless Them All and thankyou to the organisers, the Police, the town council and all those who have given their time, to allow us to show our respects.
Jevo
says...
10:08am Sat 13 Mar 10
Hear the Thunder
As we prepared to mount our bikes,
He asked, "Tell me why you ride.
There's nothing that you few can do
For these soldiers who have died."
"You're wrong" I answered back to him,
" Yes, they all have paid the toll,
But we can help people remember
When they hear the Thunder Roll."
"These men and women served their country,
their deaths were not by choice.
They fulfilled their solemn duty
And now we are their voice."
"Some returned in shrouded coffins.
They served and gave their all.
Some went to serve in foreign lands,
And never returned at all."
"So we ride to offer honor to
All those who paid this toll.
We ride so you'll remember them,
When you hear the thunder roll."
2007 Bill "uglicoyote" Davis
I am just an ordinary bloke who rides a motorcycle, your happy to meat me in other aspects of my life. I work for the NHS and support lots of local events and fundrasiers. This ride is to show my respect for the fallen and is not a political act. Those of you who suggest otherwise are disrespectful and been both biggoted and ill informed.
I will ride with pride, not to pose, but to say thank you Wooton Bassett and show respect for troops.
Les.
I Too
says...
10:09am Sat 13 Mar 10
I'll donate a fiver to start it off.
Home Boy
says...
11:06am Sat 13 Mar 10
I Too wrote:Ouch! Where did I say that? I was just trying to point out that the charity being supported is not Help for Heroes, it seems to a a common misconception. I've given money to Help for Heroes and attended some of their events, as I'm sure have a lot of other people. I'd never heard of Afghan Heroes before this bike ride was proposed though.
FireCat wrote:I am also on the ride, Firecat. I am also aware of the charity I am supporting. Admittedly I typed the the name wrong. I was responding to Home Boy. he seems to think we are all out on an ego trip and no money is going to charity.I Too wrote: Home Boy " No money is going to Help for Heroes as far as I'm aware " On arrival at Hullavington ALL riders will be paying at least £5 to Help For Heroes. Now are you aware?I am perfectly aware of what charity I am supporting on Mother's Day.... the charity is 'AFGHAN HEROES' - check out their website for factual information before you post quotes :) www.afghanheroes.co. uk
therock4u
says...
11:11am Sat 13 Mar 10
The-Swindon-Man
says...
12:26pm Sat 13 Mar 10
You sound like a typical Swindon person with a single track mind with comments like that? Aren’t people allowed to voice their own concerns or have their own views? I think you need to start winding your neck
I can’t believe I’m not allow to set up my market stall in WB for the first Sunday in years due to these hairy bikers coming to town – my kids won’t be able to have a new pair of shoes next week…
Esk_Hause
says...
12:31pm Sat 13 Mar 10
Great comments, very thoughtful and constructed - unlike some on here - which actually beggar belief...
I hope you all have a great day tomorrow, hope it stays dry - and raise lots of money for an extremely worthy cause.
I'm an ex-RAF servicewoman and an ex-scooter rider - and I'll be thinking of all the riders tomorrow, and have our current servicemen/women and their families in my thoughts too.
Baldyboy
says...
4:23pm Sat 13 Mar 10
The-Swindon-Man wrote:There you go again! Saying that ALL people are allowed to voice their opinion.......Well I did! So what is wrong with that?? Most definitely not a Swindon person but not too far away... What is have you got against anyone living in Swindon then? How much would your market stall make at the Sunday market? How much of that would you be willing to donate to a worthwhile cause like Afghan Heroes? This ride is going to make in excess of £75,000. A small token like closing the market for a day is a small price for such a worthwhile cause, unless of course you don't believe in helping these types of causes? Really sorry you can't afford to buy the kids some shoes tho! maybe you could get some "Hairy Bikers" to do a charity run to help?
Baldyboy – in relation to your reply to STFC_legend at 10:37pm last night.
You sound like a typical Swindon person with a single track mind with comments like that? Aren’t people allowed to voice their own concerns or have their own views? I think you need to start winding your neck
I can’t believe I’m not allow to set up my market stall in WB for the first Sunday in years due to these hairy bikers coming to town – my kids won’t be able to have a new pair of shoes next week…
Listen mate this ride is going to happen, like it or not! If guys like STFC_Legend come on to a site like this and insult me and like minded folk then he should be prepared to take the flak that will undoubtedly come his way. I'm a big boy and I can take it but there again I managed 22 yrs of service and it put me in good stead for dealing with difficult situations like this. We do understand that this is going to put the people of Wootton Bassett out for a few hours, but we are not setting up camp in the town. Try a little more understanding yourself, we are not all "Hairy Bikers" we do not smell, we are educated, and most of us are family mums and dads. Just think next week you will have the whole market area to yourself so you can make loads of money and the kids will get their shoes.
Live and let live mate, it's for one day.
I Too
says...
6:45pm Sat 13 Mar 10
Now I'm off to Basset for a pint.
I wonder if I get run out of town, by all the objectors?
I somehow doubt it.
Have a good ride tomorrow folks, rubber-side down.
Colin Woods
says...
10:30pm Sat 13 Mar 10
1-I am not hairy-I am clean shaven and well groomed.
2- I am a grandparent and my wife is coming along too.
3-I will support many good causes and at the moment this is the most worth while cause in this land to support at this current time of economic wo.
I think that before printing one sided views some bikers who are attending should have been interviewed so a better over-all pictured was formed before going to print.
I am doing this to prove anything political-its against my principals in life.
My son is in the forces also, and he said that this single minded act of charity is fantastic. Just think of how many soldiers lives who have been injured will be helped. By choosing Wooton Bassett we have brought this to the front of peoples minds and hopefully they will make donations on a regular basis to the Help the heroes fund. I personally have given around about £50 by the time this event is over, and will continue by sending money to send a parcel to a soldier on a regular basis too.
So lets all be singing from the same hymn sheet.
Respect to all.
swinDON Quixote
says...
4:35pm Sun 14 Mar 10
http://news.bbc.co.u
k/1/hi/england/wilts
hire/8566626.stm
swinDON Quixote
says...
4:50pm Sun 14 Mar 10
http://news.bbc.co.u
k/1/hi/england/wilts
hire/8566626.stm
swinDON Quixote
says...
4:54pm Sun 14 Mar 10
swinDON Quixote
says...
4:57pm Sun 14 Mar 10
regards ....G. BUSH (as was)
I Too
says...
8:09pm Sun 14 Mar 10
swinDON Quixote wrote:The Adver are often "on the ball", to this level ;-)
Anyone else noticed how the author(?) of this article appears to have changed his name from Neil Burden ( a guardian journo) to Neil Young ( an international musician) ....Just wondered !
.
Just thought I'd better write something today, to let the doubters Know that I made it out of Wootton Bassett, alive and well.
The pub was very crowded with locals, but I didn't see any animosity, despite . towards "bikers", despite having the make of my motorcycle on my inflated "posing" jacket.
I noticed some other motorcyclists, from Manchester. They seemed pretty calm too.
The "mass objection" was clearly in the imagination of a few saddos.
A point further proven, by the fantastic warm welcome we recieved when we passed through the town, and villages along the way.
A massive thankyou to all who took part.
Fantastically organised and policed.
Fantastic bunch of people.
wiltshirelad
says...
1:13pm Tue 16 Mar 10
Support_British_Man
ufacturing, swindon says...
>If WB didn't hold the rapatriations in the first place none of this would be taking place.
We don't hold the repats here, they take place at RAF Lyneham- by chance the town is on the route out of Lyneham.
Old Town, Old Town, Swindon says...
1:08pm Fri 12 Mar 10
Why are you all so negative ?
.
If a marathon was being held through Bassett no-one would really complain about closing the roads.
Very true - the roads weren't closed though - in theory the roads were to be used as normal, and, understandably there was disruption.
From what I experienced and heard though there were some issues which should be addressed, if an event on this scale is to be repeated.
Due to the volume of traffic it was virtually impossible to get from the east side of Wootton Bassett to the west. I know this is based in fact as it would normally take my daughter 5 minutes to drive to work – on Sunday it was 20 minutes (she lives and works in Wootton Bassett).
Going down the high street towards Lyneham was at times impossible some groups of bikers were across the width of the road (if the High Street was closed this wouldn’t be an issue ).
Conclusions of the day – it went peacefully which was good. It raised a lot of money for Forces based charity – even better. It DID cause problems with Sunday routines (getting to work, church and heaven forbid pub). Suggestions for any future events - cap the numbers – close the high street – improve marshalling
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Donna Redshaw says...
11:54am Fri 12 Mar 10