First to all, to all who have mentioned kind words and understanding about my not attending, thank you. It only reinforces what I know I'll be missing and the exact reason we arranged it to start with.
Secondly, IMHO it makes no difference whatsoever to those that can only make it a day ride. They made the effort to turn up which was the best they could do under the circumstances and isn't that the spirit we're after??? They get my vote and like me, of course we all want to be there to enjoy each others company for the weekend. Life can just get too blo*dy complicated some times.
What I'm hoping is, we all want another one to happen again down the track.
Finally, I love that patch Richard. It's got real talent and says heaps to me. Of course I can't speak for others but unless someone can come up with a better one, start taking orders regardless. I just couldn't agree to another one popping up without consultation though cos that'd be divisive IMHO. In other words, if anyone does have a design they'd prefer, speak up now so Richard knows what to do.
Anyway, even though I won't be there in person, I'll be there in spirit as lie in my Manila hotel room. Can't really go out by yourself at night over there so I know we're I'd prefer to be.
Can't be helped but I'll be in the hotel Internet lounge looking for some great yarns of the trip when you all get home.
Stacka
