Odiham

We set off at approximately 7.30pm six bikes in all, four plastic rockets and a couple of barn gates. Keeping to the speed limits, as the police were probably out in force, we approached Odiham about half an hour later. Stopping at a petrol station some of us purchased drinks etc just in case we were unable to get near a pub and it was just as well we did.

It was at this petrol station that I saw another XS Eleven, in beautiful condition, a rarity these days. As we approached the meet I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. I have never seen so many bikes in one place for years they numbered well into the thousands and they were parked every where. We found a place to park (on the central reservation) and had a wander for an hour.

It was quite a spectacle but future meets could be at risk because of some people’s total disregard for the law and other peoples safety. You see the odd plonker every now and again but I think they were all at Odiham that evening. The police will only allow this total disregard of the law to continue for a while before taking action. Apart from that it was great to see so many fellow bikers.

We left Odiham a 9.15pm and returned to Southampton via the M3. Just before Hook my bike died which forced me to make for the hard shoulder. Luckily it was only the kill switch playing up. Unfortunately not one of my colleagues had noticed that I had dropped away from the group. I caught up with them about 5 miles later. A great trip out, if you haven’t been to Odiham take my advice and go, even if just once, it is an experience worth having.