Sunday's boat parade (can't spell pageant) on the Thames

[wiltsguy]

We are riding up the M4 from Wiltshire to watch this.
I have a flat near the river ,with private parking ,and the plan is to get there by midday , drop off the helmets and jackets etc then wander off to the Tate gallery (we have membership) and watch the event in comfort.
The weather forecast is not good , but it's about time I got my bike wet .
If anyone else is tempted to join us they will be most welcome - we are looking at a rendevous at Membury Services on the M4 at about 10.30 am.
Partners are also coming , gonna be the first time my missus has sat on the bike since the 1960's.
So ... who fancies the challenge of the south circular in the rain (maybe) and watching loads of boats (still can't spell Pageant) .

[wiltsguy]

If any non southwest riders need parking and "gear drop off place" you are welcome to join up at the flat.

[Rusty]

I can't make it I am afraid but hope you and Mrs Wilts have a great day ... and thank you I am sure as everyone is thinking, of your kind offer for a 1st class view ... this is what friendly forums are about ! 

[O.C.]

a generous offer ... too far for me I'm afraid....I hope that you have a great time 

[shaggs147]

The boat parade just cost me a fortune...... gave me itchy feet to get back on the water - just popped up to Skipton and bought a narrow boat.  A bit different to the GTR, life in the slow lane!

[Lonewolf]

Did I just read that right that you have just purchased a narrow boat, seriously?

[shaggs147]

Yep, a 55ft ex hire boat, 6 berth ....... available to hire guys if you're interested - well it helps to pay for the high mooring fees etc!

[O.C.]

I reckon that some members on here must have won the lottery..

Nice one Shaggs....pics please 

[Rusty]

Sounds very nice Shaggs ... "Boats" and those of the narrow kind are becoming very popular in cities etc ... rather than buy an expensive house peeps are buying boats, especially just to stay over during the week so no commuting, but of course the idea has caught on and mooring fees in London have gone through the roof ... as has everything else ... enjoy !

[patrick]

My ex and I had hired a boat 3 times and then one day she said  " why dont we get our own".  3 weeks later we were the proud owners of  a 45 foot narrow boat.

I loved the peace and ranquility of the canals, but unfortunately circumstances resulted in it not being used enough so it was sold.


GOOD LUCK with your new boat!

P

[patrick]

Yep, a 55ft ex hire boat, 6 berth ....... available to hire guys if you're interested - well it helps to pay for the high mooring fees etc!

PM me with your thoughts on hire rates please.

P

[wiltsguy]

We went , got damp (not wet), didn't see many boats but had a great time.
Stood at the Tate Modern across from St.Pauls and watched on the giant screen. Millions of people ,all friendly as you like, loads of bbq's etc. And that Shard building , well - it's a bit tall.
Our highlight was getting through central London with most roads and bridges closed , then realized that tagging on the back of police bikes and vans got us through in no time.   Never have got through in a car.
Bike went well although got hot a couple of times and within 10 miles of home the "Low Fuel" light came on. Trip was on 170 miles so I'll brim it again today and get a better idea about ultimate range.

nb..Mrs.Wilts is never going to ride pillion again ,she says.

[shaggs147]

Nice one Wilts, sounds like you had a great time, although Mrs wilts probably never by the sound of it! Was it because of the rain, or doesn't she like being on the back of a bike much?
Thanks for the comments on the boat guys, will get some pics sorted after I pick it up - Patrick, I was looking for about 350 per week plus fuel, or 250 for a 4 day break, which is a lot cheaper than any hire company!

[wiltsguy]

Just back from brimming it.
180 on the trip - 18 litres exactly - 170 when the low fuel light came on.

Dash said I'm getting 46.5 mpg.

Hope this is useful

[O.C.]

Glad that you had a good day. I saw some of the event on the Telly and it looked spectacular....shame about the torrential rain though