SOFER, Bisley 1st-3rd August 2008 Despite the weather forecasts predicting showers over the weekend, around thirty bikes gathered Friday morning at the Clacketts Lane Services for the ride to the 2008 SOFER at Bisley. I had hoped we would make it all the way and have the tents up pre rain but it was not to be, and so we enjoyed a shower or two on the M25. With a couple of regroups along the way we arrived at Bisley en masse to find the advance party had secured a very favourable area for Camp Meridian. Tents were quickly put up in light drizzle which immediately led to the next phase of operations, food and beer. The Pavilion veranda is always a great vantage point to see people and bikes arriving, with the added advantages of food and drink a few steps away. This became the meeting point for Meridian and Chelsea & Fulham members for the next couple of hours, which was just enough time for the clouds to pass and the sun to break through. Fed and watered we headed off for a stroll around the trade area ending with a regroup at the beer tent for a well-deserved pint (or two). After the afternoon’s exhausting activities a quick freshen up was followed by the appearance on the Pavilion veranda of Phil “Lembit” Middleton’s cheeky girls, eager to show their hero the limited edition tee shirts. Phil was slightly overcome by the excitement but luckily did not ask them to sing. Day turned to night with DJs and bands providing the entertainment in both the Pavilion Ballroom and outside on the main green, and of course plenty of food and drink. Several Meridian members did their best to stay up till dawn, with Richard Courval finally succumbing when the bar shut only to find his tent already occupied by a six-foot long cuddly shark. How Richard and Jaws managed to spend the night together in such a small tent we shall never know. Saturday dawned overcast but dry and following breakfast thoughts turned to the day’s events. Some went on the organised rideouts, some went on a spur of the moment trip to Windsor and others busied themselves with preparations for the afternoon Chapter barbeque. The drizzle rolled in, followed by a brief cloud burst, followed by blue skies and sunshine which stayed for the rest of the day – perfect for the afternoon’s activities including the Chapter Challenge and the ride in bike show. Chelsea and Fulham member Gary France had a good day winning both “Best Radical Custom” and “Best In Show” and Pato on secondment from the Canberra Chapter won “Best Tourer”. The main event as far as the Chapter was concerned was the barbeque. Once again Phil and Sally, plus many others, laid on a brilliant barbeque with a terrific atmosphere. The sun shone, the music played, the beer flowed and the food was eaten. Seventy one people joined in and had a great time, plus £180 was raised for the Helen Rollason Heal Cancer Charity. Once the barbeque dust settled it was time once again to enjoy the SOFER entertainment, which along with the music included the traditional firework display (which was traditionally late). John Castleman wore some interesting eyewear (thankfully he didn’t fall over), some retired to their tents at a reasonable time, some later, and some when the bar shut in the not so early hours (Mollison, Howers and others). All too soon Sunday arrived with the joys of packing up tents and the ride home. It was a great weekend with a brilliant bunch of people, thanks to everyone who came and made it so enjoyable. SOFER 2009 cannot come round quick enough …….. see you all there ! Steve Hush, Meridian Road Captain The contents of this website do not necessarily express the views of Warr's, H-D Motor Co, nor any associates and are for entertainment use only. All information used is received and used in good faith and the former parties are not responsible for any errors that may be present. Harley-Davidson and HOG are registered trademarks of Harley-Davidson Motor Company.