HomeArticles by: Jonathan Tait

Author: Jonathan Tait

Fish & Chips By The Sea

by Jonathan Tait

David,
Monster racer

Fish, Chips & Ducati Bliss

The week leading up to Sunday, October 13th, saw the ad-hoc thread buzzing as Meng proposed an impromptu ride to the coast for fish and chips. We discussed various routes and obtained weekend passes before setting off on a chilly yet bright Sunday morning. 

Meng, David, Mark and Kristina gathered at Ryka’s before heading to Loomies to meet Andy and Stuart. Bikes were preened and routes were tweaked, then, after a quick coffee break, we revved up our Ducatis once again and set our sat navs for Littlehampton beach. 

We were slightly behind schedule at this point, so after a brisk and enjoyable ride pulled into Littlehampton Beach Car Park to join Jonathan where we managed to form an impressive lineup of Ducatisti. 

The chilly winds on the beach were enough to prompt everyone to hastily find the designated café where an abundance of fish and chips were ordered and devoured over talk of motorcycles and whether heated grips are better than heated gloves. Just time now for a few photos on the beach before firing up our engines and heading back on our various routes.  

All in all a very good day out. 

End of Summer Picnic Ride

by Jonathan Tait

JR,
XDiavel Devil

Picnic in Ashdown Forest

The event was excellently organized, with all details sent out a few days earlier. Titsey Brewing Co. was an ideal meet-up spot—convenient, with ample/safe parking and hot coffee on a crisp September morning. 

The B-road route to Ashdown Forest was enjoyable and easy, thanks to the GPX file provided in advance (big thanks to the Club organizers also for the delicious food and drinks provided at the site). So, after enjoying the views and socializing for a few hours, some of us even enjoyed an impromptu third ride together before heading home. 

Overall, it was another fantastic day of riding with a friendly, likeminded group and happy to see that the growth of the club hasn’t affected its relaxed vibe, with lots of follow-up and photo sharing on the lively WhatsApp group after! 

Down To The Coast

by Jonathan Tait

Chloe,
Scramblerista

Down to... Saltdean

This was my first ride out with the group on my new Scrambler.  

It did not disappoint! 

The gang were easy to find at Rykas Café in Boxhill in their distinctive Ducati ‘merch’ sat on the benches eating brekky. I was met with a warm and friendly welcome by all and reassured that I would be supported on my first ride if needed over a coffee. 

After an ogle at fellow Ducatista wheels, petrol check and discussion of the general plan (timings, lunch location etc) we set off! It was elating to be part of a big group, with the palpable roar of the engines!  

It was a gorgeous sunny day with a scenic ride down to Brighton, with lunch at a biker friendly café. 

We ended with final stop for refreshments at a quintessential pub before we all peeled away to journey home.  

I immediately felt part of the gang, and throughout the ride felt safe and in the very best of company!  

Thanks Team. 

 

A Wet Ride To Westerham

by Jonathan Tait

Stuart,
Scramblerista

‘Twas a Wet One

Having been on the inaugural ride from Ducati London to Titsey Brewery via Ducati Croydon, I couldn’t wait for the next one. 

This time, it was a summer ride starting in the Surrey Hills and ending at Westerham Brewery. The day began with me getting soaked on the way to the meeting point, where Matt and his Diavel were already waiting. I quickly learned that a Streetfighter doesn’t offer much rear water protection! 

Jonathan soon joined us, and we set off, hoping to dodge the showers. Bringing up the rear, I noticed a police car had joined our three-rider convoy but eventually left us. Despite some rain, the ride was enjoyable, with scenic twisty roads. 

Arriving at Westerham, we were briefly greeted by sunshine as we crested a hill. But the rain returned as we made our way to the brewery. Inside, we enjoyed a hotdog while the heavens opened again. 

On the way home, we split up, with Matt heading off, while Jonathan and I endured one last soaking down Wellsley Road in Croydon.  

Still, it was a great day! 

 

 

Inaugural Ride & Meet

by Jonathan Tait

Jonathan Tait
Club President

Our Inaugural Ride and Meet

Ok, I can’t lie. Organising our first club meet was a little stressful. How best to manage it? Where should we meet? Where should we ride to? What route? Who’s going to come? And with only a few days to go, we were low on numbers. Bearing in mind the club had only been running for a number of weeks, I thought I’d set my expectations too high…  

The plan was for a group to start the ride from Ducati London, join up with a group at Ducati Croydon and then head out altogether to Titsey Brewey in Westerham. Seemed straightforward enough. If folks turned up. 

Well, I was blown away by the numbers. 7 riders made the journey down from Vauxhall, meeting up with 10 at Croydon, and we made slow progress out until we hit the countryside. After inadvertently trying to lose people at various roundabouts and junctions, everyone made it to the brewery. Introductions were made, coffee was drunk, lunch was eaten, friends were made. 

This was the start of something great. 

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