I believe my experience last weekend epitomises what the TRF is, and should be about, with the emphasis on "Fellowship".
Devon TRF was contacted by members from Essex TRF, John was in Auckland at the time and passed the request on to me. The request was for weekend guidance for a small group including a severely handicapped young man on a specially adapted quad. I was able to lead for one day around the Tavistock area and Jim offered his services for the other day in N Devon.
It was a pleasure and a privilege to be able to help the family and friends enable the young man to enjoy the green laning experience we all take for granted, even if the weather was dreadful. The care and consideration shown by the "helpers" was exemplary and humbling to witness.
The TRF national network of groups enabled this to take place and, I believe, is one of it's major assets and strengths and should be encouraged more at national level.
Tom and Cal have attended the T2T and A2E in the past.
Jim and I have had the pleasure of leading them before and last time at the A2E counts as one of our best trail riding days for both of us ! (Even if we did break the quad)
Yesterday lived up to expectations as well with the weather dry but misty.Progress was brisk to start with but slowed after putting the quad on its side in a gulley which took a while to sort then the engine had hydraulic locked on engine oil that had run out of the breather then in through the airbox !!
This was sorted and on our way again only to properly bend a track rod and end up with the front wheels pointing 10 to 2.wheel and track rod removed and roughly straigtened enough to get us back to the van.
still a great day though and Cal was back in time to watch the football.
Humbling to see their attitude to life and what they do together- you cant help but be impressed- they change your own perspectives on life - amazing people
