Day Eleven - Bringing it on Home
Ten days on the road and the sun shone again this morning as we packed our bags for the last time on this journey. It was even warm enough to leave the thermals packed and ride in a t-shirt and our Harley jackets for the first time on the trip.
We headed out to Stonehenge riding through golden fields with towers of stacked hay like chimneys across the hills. A short ride later, we came over the crest of a hill and saw Stonehenge rising ahead, glowing in the morning sun - a goosebump moment for sure!
Dee did her magic negotiating a discount for us to get in, and most of us walked around the ancient circle - which we decided was the first and earliest example of the many roundabouts we have encountered on this trip.
Then we were back on the road and headed into London on the motorways - 70 miles of high speed riding and passing traffic on our way to meet our escort and supporters for the final 10 mile stretch into London.
We pulled over at Heston to meet up with a four bike escort from the London metropolitan police and a group of Harley riders from the Meridian HOG Chapter. After lunch and refueling, we hit the road for the most unbelievable entrance to London.
Three police bikes led us down the right hand lane, sirens blazing, moving cars out of our way for a non-stop journey into the city. The police took us on the most incredible route, parading past the tourists through Kensington and Knightsbridge, past the Natural History Museum, Harrods and Harvey Nichols, and Hyde Park.
We rode down Constitution Hill in formation, then stopped to wait for the rest of the HOG chapter to catch up behind us. Then we rode off, past Buckingham Palace and down the Mall where a group of supporters waved welcome banners and BBC London filmed our entrance. Through Admiralty Arch and around Trafalgar Square, with views of Westminster and Big Ben along the way.
HRHCC had erected a finish line banner, and we rode in to applause and tears from family and friends. Triumphant is the only description for our final arrival - after 1300 miles!
After welcome reunions with family and friends, and some time to absorb the experience, we headed back on our final ride to Warr's Harley-Davidson to return our bikes. It was a much slower ride back without our escort clearing our way, but we did have help from a member of Surrey bikesafe who showed us a backroads shortcut around Knightsbridge, and a few HOG members who blocked the oncoming traffic on a few corners.
At last we arrived at our final destination, handed in our keys, and said our final goodbyes as a group. What an incredible experience from start to finish - great riding, no rain!!!!, amazing friendships.
I shall never forget riding into London with the police sirens going - it's the easiest that I've ever done the A40 or Hyde Park Corner - ever. The whole red light thing is going to be such a pain from now on. Taking part in the ride was one of the best experiences I've had - I've learned a lot, reached some major decisions and most importantly, I've made really good friendships that I think will prove to be life long. Thanks to you all - it has been an honour and privilege to ride with such strong positive women (especially my Sherpas!),and to Megan, Meredith and Heather for getting us from one end of the country to the other. Keep safe and be well - love to you all. Sal
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A big 'Well Done!' and congratulations to all the riders on completion of the trip!!
Great stuff....good on you all.
I`d also like to say that I`ve followed evey step of the ride via this superbly well made blog and I`m very impressed by the efforts put in by everyone concerned....hopefully it will reach a wide audience and help future fund raising endeavours.
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Congratulations Amazon heart girls! Riding into London like Royality itself!!!
What an amazing journey, never-to -be -forgotten trip! Again thanks for keeping us in touch and sharing this winderful event. best wishes to you all Ruth
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