Getting Ready for My Ride in the UK!

Dropping off The Demon Baby

I took Shenie to the farm for mom and dad to keep her while I was traveling overseas. Two interesting things that need to be mentioned about this Baby, she literally almost ate my passport weeks before I was supposed to leave, and sent me straight to Customs, because my passport would not scan due to the chip damage. And her first night at my parents house without me she got a treble hook stuck in her mouth and had to go straight to the ER. Thank goodness I have insurance on this puppy.!! I can’t wait to see her when I get home. I don’t even remember why I was calling her Demon Baby since I am missing her so bad now!

Arriving in London

I had the first day in London to recoup from the long flight. I checked into my hotel, went to a local store or two, and then walked to The Head of The Queen for dinner. I had to take a little nap since I was not able to sleep on the plane. Eight hours one way!

Scooped up by the rest of the Atkins Team and headed west to Fairford!

My work gives me the opportunity to travel to different places working as a Contractor master planning for the US Government. This is how this entire trip started. It’s going to end better than most because I’m running a bike for three days and riding around the UK I can’t wait. I am so excited. OK, OK, there is a little fear about driving on the other side of the road!

Stopped off to visit the Runnymede WWII Royal Air Force (RAF) Memorial

The Runnymede Memorial is a war memorial in Englefield Green, near Egham, Surrey, England. It commemorates over 20,000 airmen and women from the British Commonwealth who died during World War II and have no known grave. The memorial was unveiled in 1953 and is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

The memorial consists of a central stone pylon, atop which stands a bronze eagle with its wings spread, symbolizing the RAF. Surrounding the pylon are curved stone walls inscribed with the names of the airmen and women who lost their lives. The memorial overlooks the River Thames and the meadows of Runnymede, providing a serene and reflective setting.

The Runnymede Memorial serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifice made by those who served in the Royal Air Force during World War II, ensuring that their memory lives on for future generations.

Fairford UK, “A Good Place to Be!”

I had to come over to the UK for some work that needed to be done at the RAF Fairford, Air Force base. We worked there for a week and stayed outside of London about an hour and a half and more of a countryside setting.

The Bull Hotel

The Bull Hotel in Fairford has a rich history dating back to the 15th century. Originally known as “The White Hart,” it was later renamed “The Bull” in the 17th century. The hotel has served as a coaching inn, providing accommodation and hospitality to travelers passing through the market town of Fairford.

Over the centuries, The Bull has witnessed many significant events and changes, reflecting the evolving social and cultural landscape of the region. Its historic charm and architectural features have attracted visitors from far and wide.

Today, The Bull Hotel continues to operate as a charming inn, offering modern amenities while preserving its heritage and character. It remains a landmark in Fairford and a testament to the town’s enduring history.

RAF Fairford

There were some really cool photos just outside of our conference room. I took a couple of pictures of the Concord Supersonic Airplane and other planes that had visited or were located at the base.

RAF Fairford is known for its strategic importance as a forward operating base for the United States Air Force (USAF). It hosts the annual Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), one of the largest airshows in the world, attracting aircraft and spectators from around the globe. Additionally, RAF Fairford plays a crucial role in supporting NATO operations and provides a key location for transatlantic deployments and exercises.

The Concorde was a supersonic passenger airliner, known for its sleek design and remarkable speed. It was jointly developed and produced by British Aerospace and the French company Aérospatiale. The Concorde could travel at twice the speed of sound, allowing for much faster transatlantic flights compared to conventional aircraft. It operated from 1976 to 2003 and was retired due to high operating costs and decreased demand after a tragic accident in 2000. Despite its retirement, the Concorde remains an iconic symbol of aviation innovation.

There wasn’t a Concorde plane permanently stationed at RAF Fairford Base. However, the Concorde did make occasional appearances at airshows and events, including the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) held at RAF Fairford. It was showcased along with other historic and modern aircraft during these events.

Where can you see Concord Planes now?

After retirement, most of the Concorde aircraft were distributed to museums and aviation enthusiasts around the world. Some of the notable locations where Concorde planes are on display include:

Airbus Factory, Toulouse, France
Museum of Flight, Seattle, USA
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, New York City, USA
National Museum of Flight, East Lothian, Scotland
Aerospace Bristol, Bristol, England
Heathrow Airport, London, England (one Concorde is displayed near the runway)

These are just a few examples, as there are other locations where Concorde aircraft can be found on display or in various stages of preservation.

Heading back to London to stay the night before picking up my bike for a 3 Day Ride

We wrapped up our planning, Charette, and loaded up and headed back to London. The guys were flying out tomorrow, but I was getting another hotel and staying the night to begin my riding adventure for the next day.

The guys brought me all the way into the city, and dropped me off at my hotel. They were able to find a parking spot close by, so we all decided to do one more dinner together before we parted ways. I had fish and chips from the Duke of Hammersmith. These are all great guys, and I would travel to any Charette with them anytime!