Xmas Dinner has been a feature of the club's calendar for some 12 years and has been the scene of some of our most memorable evenings. On one occaision Joe entertained the punters in the White Hart at Maulden with a table top hornpipe while singing "What Shall We Do With the Drunken Sailor" - the bar man's measured response was that the Drunken Cyclists should shut up, drink up and go home while they still can.
Another year, former member Pete Bach left a lock-in at a pub which shall remain nameless at around 1 am. Returning some30 mins later with a book of poetry, he began to recite sonnets while we fell about laughing. He was serious but I think it was the only time I can remember being paralysed with laughter.
For many years the Xmas dinner was linked to to a full day ride. We would stop for a beer ot two at lunch time and have several more on our return. Consequently, by the time we sat down to dine we were well oiled and by the end of the evening many were "tired and emotional" to say the least- This often led to a full and frank exchange of views about something petty like which pub we should meet at next summer and would end with one or more member spitting their dummy out.
Over the years we have mellowed somewhat. This is largely due to a reduction in alcohol consumption and an increased maturity (ho ho) but may also have something to do with a change in personell - some past members having the ability to pick a fight in a telephone box. Anyway, tonight there is just the right level of banter and disagreement to make things interesting- even if most of the topics of conversation are predictable-
- Let's go on tour to Belgium/France/Holland next year
- Brian resigning as Chairman (and then being re-instated)
- Who made all the noise when we went on tour to Norwich (12 years ago)
- Who were the original members
- Which pub will we meet at? (still)
- When will we get new shirts?
Next year we'll need to find at least two new topics as Brian has done a splendid job in organising new shirts and, as they are smothered with the Old Sun logo, it's pretty clear where we will be meeting.
Food, beer and service at the Jolly's were all top notch and it was nice to see that the 1980's style Page Three pin-ups in the gents have been replaced by more classy, up-to-date prints. (It took a while to work out why Mick spent so long in the lav).
Talking of Mick, it was good to see him awarded the pink Barby cycle helmet for being an outstanding arse- To be fair he took it well and wore it for the rest of the evening.
After coffee and mince pies it was back to the Old Sun where we bumped into our erstwhile Chairman and had the opportunity to rehearse some of the arguments of yesteryear.
A good end to a great year's bikes beer and banter.
