Mikes Big Adventure

Saturday 17th August 2002 - Day Two

I felt I deserved a lie in this morning so I had one! My only plans for the day were to visit my friend Rob at Southend on Sea, borrow a bicycle from him and join in the annual carnival along the sea front. Unfortunately, I only met up with Rob just before the start of the carnival so didnt manage much time to chat but Rob was good enough to let me use his mk1 Raleigh Chopper that had featured on the front page of the very first issue of "The Hot One", the Raleigh Chopper enthusiasts magazine. Thanks Rob! The carnival raises funds for local childrens charities and every year attracts thousands of visitors to watch the dozens of highly decorated floats go by. This year was no exception and the second year that the group of Raleigh Chopper collectors would attend to ride and display their gleaming restored examples from 30 years ago.

The carnival route lasts about two miles amid thousands of cheering and waving crowds. I wish I had a penny for everytime I heard "Look son! Thats the bike I used to have!" or "Wow! A Raleigh Chopper - I havent seen one of them for years!". Eventually though we reached the end, exhausted, dehydrated, yes, knackered, I headed back to our original meeting point but initially bikeless. A younger and much healthier Chopper owner was kind enough to lend me his pride and joy so I could ride, instead of walk back to the start, some four miles away. Thanks Andy! The start happened to be at a pub where we had all decided to reconvene for refreshment and upon my (panting and sweaty) arrival I was met by yet more cheers and a pint of my favourite tipple! This time though the appreciative applause was from my fellow Chopper pals glad to see me return - well done you lot and yet another thanks to Carol for the pint of (non alco) beer!

I havent included the mileage in my total for the week because I had the luxury of being a passenger in Gary Hughes air conditioned car! Thanks again to Gary! Finally, another kind offer was gladly accepted. Paul, a quite new member, invited myself and Gary back to his house for the night. Needless to say after all the excitement (and exercise) of the day I was soon asleep!