Knights of the road roar out
August 18th Slough & Langley Observer.
Words by Daniel Parkinson
Pictures: Mike Swift
"REMEMBER to lean when I lean or we'll crash. Oh, and make sure you hold on tight." The final reassuring words of Sion Roberts before he revs his Yamaha TDM850 motorbike and swings out of the car park.
Members of the Windsor and district branch of the Motorcycle Action Group, a body which campaigns for bikers' rights, are enjoying one of their weekly rides.
As we accelerate through the streets of Windsor it is easy to understand the addiction.
Flashing along the roads, even at slow speeds, is a thrill better than any seaside roller- coaster ride.
Our convoy of 15 or so leather-clad bikers cruises past Windsor Castle and out to The Maypole pub in Wolf Lane, Dedworth.
Along the way strolling couples and suited businessmen alike stop to gawp at the passing spectacle, deafened by the roar.
The bikers have been a familiar sight on Windsor's streets since the branch was founded 11 years ago.
Richard Buckland, 41, of Eltham Avenue, Cippenham, was present when the group was founded and is now branch rep.
His branch fights for bikers' rights in the area and have scored some successes.
Two years ago, he says, they staged a successful protest to get secure parking bays in Slough for motorbikes.
He said: "We went into Herschel Street car park and parked one bike in every car parking space. We bought a ticket for each bike so it was a legal way of getting our point across."
The group also holds an annual fund-raising day called The Old Wolf Bike Show, so named after the first pub they met at, now re-named The Maypole, where they again hold their weekly meetings.
But Richard says the group is more social than political and they meet to share their love of motorbikes.
Clive Crocker, 47, of Forrest Road, a founder member of the group, said their addiction was difficult to explain.
He quoted an old bikers' saying. If I had to explain, you wouldn't understand'.
Sion, 30, of Lewins Way, Cippenham, however, had no difficulties.
He said: "When I first went on a bike it was like a whole new world. It is freedom that you feel."
Group member Kate Fairhurst, 24, who lives on a narrowboat off Mansion Lane, Ivor, said: "I love the rush, it's such fun. It gives you a totally different view on life."
