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Michael Burke

The Dragon Raid 2005
(I Must Be Dreaming Raid)

The roads were so crowded.....        

(click on thumbnails for full size photos)

The time had come for the 2005 Dragon Raid at Ruthin Castle in North Wales and it turned out to be a week-end of surprises as the roads remained absolutely dry and it was actually W-A-R-M. Yes warm and dry in Wales and it wasn't the last week of July or the first week of August - amazing ......... Being only just outside Shropshire there were not too many familiar faces to the Wylie & Holland Rats but Hilary and Graham made an appearance as did Jane and Michael who were guests of ours in Ireland last year. Ben Gray, the new U.K. Triumph RAT organiser is pictured here 10 minutes after arrival telling arriving guests that his glass had to be re-filled to gain entry.

The Friday night was spent 'aving a few beers, if you know what I mean, which meant that the 10.00 start for the Hi-de-Hi run started at an unearthly hour. However with the weather so good the majority decided to do the long route that took in the Lleyn peninsula. What a choice of roads as well; our own Richard had planned the roads with the long and short routes crossing over at the same lunch stop at Fffestiniog power station at Blaneau Ffestiniog. As you can see on the way the roads were just superb with stunning scenery, warm and sunny weather and not much other traffic about. It really was superb and apart from lots of people getting lost (was this planned?) everyone had a wonderful journey to our lunch stop. Richard did a rough count and it seemed that well over 80% took advantage of the lunch stop and the sight of so many Triumphs was a lovely sight overlooking the reservoir. The Rocket 3's had a great time as they cruised the roads of North Wales and this picture just shows how enjoyable it was.

After lunch we set off for some more stunning scenery and a lot of people made for the mountain road, even if Richard did try and deceive with no mention of the no through road that it was easy to take by mistake! At the top of the mountain most people took the opportunity to have a break and take in the sights and one unique sight that was spotted was someone who was secretly taking photos of us.......

We then made a leisurely (does that include Richard we were asked) trip via Llangollen to the Ponderosa Cafe at the Horseshoe Pass. The weather was still wonderful and for those on the Hi-de-Hi run had now covered well over 200 miles. The Lo-de-Lo riders were arriving as well and a lot of people had mixed and matched the first and second parts of the rides. Ingenious planning by Richard meant that not only could a lot of people get lost but they did different mileages at the same time!

Back at Ruthin our weary RAT's were able to take advantage of our RAT clothing stall where Kym was selling RAT wear at bargain prices and at the latest count we hear that nearly 40 'T' shirts were sold. In the hotel a lot of RAT's were relaxing in the surroundings and the hotel had undergone major refurbishment since last year. This was appreciated by many people as they relaxed before the evenings proceedings. Ben gave a nice little talk that kept everyone enthralled but the contents will remain unpublished and secret - mainly due to the fact that Richard was busy watching Dr Who.

For the banquet a record number of people dressed up and here is a group that were photographed proudly sporting the cross of King George. However it was pointed out that we were actually in Wales and it was wise not to leave the hotel without a police escort. Fancy coming to Wales and wearing the cross of St George, sounds like this group would fit in very well with the guys in our Wylie & Holland Rat Pack.

At the banquet we had a 'finger' buffet that involved fingers but not a buffet. Seasoned campaigners had come prepared with some tissues but for those who were new to this it proved a messy affair. Entertainment was of the highest order, although Ian Paisley was sorely missed (see the Dragon Raid 2004 to understand). Mead and wine flowed as the night progressed and now the report gets a little blurry so we will have to move onto the Sunday morning. It was noted, though, that despite the high quality entertainment not exactly, absolutely, totally everybody paid full attention.

Another bright and sunny morning saw a number of guest riders join us for the ride down to the Severn Valley Railway at Bridgnorth. This was a very convenient lunch stop for those going South or East and a fair number stopped off with quite a few staying on and exploring the delights of the old castle and historical side of the town.

The general feeling was what a thoroughly enjoyable week-end was had and with the weather it gave some of the best riding that some people had experienced for a long long time.

DRAGON RAID 2005 QUIZ

Why did Ben Gray not come out on the rides on Saturday

Answer 1: He was afraid that despite of the forecast it might rain
Answer 2: He has dropped so many bikes and Triumph wouldn't hire a van for all the replacement parts he would probably need
Answer 3: He is so much in love that he has to phone his wife every 30 minutes and he can't do that on a bike
Answer 4: He spent so much money buying beer for people in the bar on Friday that he had no money left for petrol
Answer 5: He is so slow that even if he did the short route he wouldn't be able to get round before the Sunday morning

Please choose your answer and in no more than 20 words say why you enjoyed this year's Dragon Raid. A mystery Triumph prize will be given to the winner. E-mail answers to Richard.

If any fellow RATS would like to add any comments for our Dragon Raid page please send them to Richard.