Police World Edition 4, 2013

Article

Erste Konferenz in Deutschland statt

The Motorcycle Group held their 2013 AGM at Gimborn Castle, Germany - the first time the Group has held such a meeting overseas. It was also the first time new member Tracey Seavers had travelled to Europe on a bike. Tracy tells of her experience.

T his was our first trip with the IPA as my husband Dave and I are new members. It was also our first venture in to Europe on a motorbike. After months of anticipation, packing and then repacking, downsizing the luggage, it was with a mixture of excitement and nerves that we were finally on our way. Due to the amazing organisational skills of Dave Taylor it all ran like clockwork. Twenty six bikes and one car set off together for the Eurotunnel. Much to my husband’s amusement I hung on for dear life. Having watched the film Jaws, too many times, I was slightly nervous of being in a tunnel under the sea. Warning! Pillions mind your head as you climb back on the bike, the ceilings on the train are low, which I discovered with a bump! Out we rode and scattered like a star burst, all heading our own way to Ghent, where we were

after closing time so we could see everything. We also saw the beach at Dunkirk, beautiful, but thinking of what happened there was sobering. Being pillion gave me the opportunity to take in all the surrounding sights as we travelled through France, Belgium, The Netherlands and Germany. Sheep and goats kept in gardens in towns, mannequins waving red flags at road works, areas of no speed limits, people riding mopeds on the path and all the beautiful scenery surrounded us. Being on the back of the bike on the other side of the road was nerve racking to start with but with well signposted roads everything was made easy for us Brits. You couldn’t go the wrong way even if you tried - or so I thought. We kept passing road signs at slip roads for ‘Ausfahrt’. I thought wow, that must be a large German town or city, as there were so many ways to it from the autobahn? After passing the same sign another 5 or 6 times it suddenly dawned on me that it meant exit. Proof, if needed, that I was a European biker novice! Another must do for Dave and I whilst in Europe was to visit a concentration camp. We visited Fort Breendonk in Belgium along with Jez. Standing and walking where the detainees had been, touching the walls, standing in the room where they had been tortured, reading their stories and seeing where they were executed was emotional - what can I say? We finally arrived at Gimborn, and stayed for two nights. What a beautiful place and beautiful area. Meal times were prompt or you risked the wrath of the landlady of the pub. Whilst Dave attended the AGM I set out for a walk with Hilary Spencer, after which the two of us sat drinking tea in the sunshine, overlooking the gardens, on a little terrace. No riding the day of the AGM, just time to relax and get the body used to being upright and walking again. The group also attended the Last Post

Mike Vince with the wreath

Ceremony at The Menin Gate in Ieper (Ypres). The Ceremony has become part of the daily life in Ieper and the local people are proud of this simple but moving tribute to the courage and self-sacrifice of those who fell in defence of their town. At 8pm the bugles sounded and silence was observed, followed by a very smart and proud Mike Vince who laid a wreath on behalf of the motorcycle group. An amazing end to a wonderful trip, filled with so many memories and experiences. I met two inspirational ladies during the trip. The first was Hilary, who was new to being a pillion but still came on the trip. Second was Liz Waters - whilst talking to Liz about our visit to the concentration camp she told me her Dad had been detained at Dachau. Enough said. After approximately 1201 miles ridden on the bike, stiffening up and struggling to get off at rest stops - would I do it again? In a heartbeat! If anyone is thinking of joining the group, DO IT, it has opened up a whole new world of experiences for me and Dave. Tracy Seavers , Motorcycling Group To see a selection of images taken during the trip, visit: www.ipa-uk.org/Motorcycle-Group-AGM-2013

staying overnight. Dave, Jez Moore and I detoured to Dunkirk to the Dynamo War

Museum, where between us we managed to buy the entrance tickets and postcards. Thanks to the lovely French gentleman who stayed open

Tracey and Dave Seavers

Police World Vol 58 No.4 2013

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