Rank Has Its Privileges

13th July 2025

Sunday 13th July saw just under forty C&F Chapter members join me for my first outing as ride leader. With riders arriving slightly early for the 09:20 briefing and the weather gods smiling on us, we were ‘kickstands up’ and heading out from the Rykas exit by 09:35.

‘Rank Has Its Privileges’ took us westward for a change. After navigating the steep, hairpin descent of White Down Lane, we settled into a series of quieter roads that bypassed Guildford, Godalming, and Farnham. The route showcased classic British countryside: thatched cottages, narrow bridges, village greens, and endless stretches of farmland and woodland.

A quick regroup outside Bentley allowed the Road Crew to move ahead and mark key junctions, ensuring a smooth and stress-free blast along the A31 to our coffee stop at the Hen & Chicken Inn. Kim and her team-who run the Florence Coffee Shop from the rear of the Inn were incredibly welcoming. Tea, coffee, cakes, and the all-important water were waiting for us on arrival. Be sure to check out @ShopFlorenceClothing on Instagram and give their post from our visit a well-earned like!

With thirsty Sportster tanks filled, bladders emptied, and every crumb of cake devoured, we pushed on. Narrow country lanes defined the next stretch as we skirted around Basingstoke and continued west to Whitchurch. From there, the route swung northwest, winding over the River Enborne and the Kennet and Avon Canal before a final westward run past Hungerford and on to Aldbourne.

We wrapped up the ride on the village green opposite the Blue Boar Pub. An unexpected village fête was in full swing, and the arrival of 30-odd V-twins added a nostalgic rumble to the scene-especially appreciated by the American tourists walking in the footsteps of the legendary ‘Easy Company’.

After the customary chapter photo (thanks, as always, to our snapper Turabi for capturing the moment), we headed into the Blue Boar for cold drinks and traditional pub grub. Steeped in charm and history, it’s easy to see why this pub became the favourite watering hole of the officers of Easy Company, 506th PIR, 101st Airborne Division. A mural in the hallway leading to the loos is adorned with images of Bill Garnier, ‘Babe’ Heffron, Dick Winters and Ronald Speirs all featured prominently in the HBO series Band of Brothers.

A heartfelt thank you to the Road Crew, John Moran for keeping things tight at the back, and to Ray Campbell, Nigel Gaskin, and Turabi Ay for your support during the recces and on the day. Your efforts in marking junctions and keeping things flowing were invaluable and very much appreciated.

Finally, a big thank you to every chapter member who turned out for my first ride. Your presence made all the planning and recces worthwhile.

Chris Dodd - C&F Road Captain

 

Photographs courtesy of Turabi Ay - C&F Photographer