Some 21 bikes, one with pillion, departed from the Tesco carpark at Winnall, Winchester for what was to prove as one of our most memorable rides, this time for all the right reasons!!!

The 8.30am start did not put people off, nor the thought of a brisk pace and 350+ miles. The weather was a tad chilly, occasional sunny periods and a few heavy April showers to add to the demands of the day. The outing really fell into three sections. First, there was the blat down the A303 for some 80 miles to Podimore with the reward of coffee or whatever breakfast/beverage took our fancy.

At Podimore we were joined by 2 more bikes and fully refreshed plus a little warmer, the fun began for real with the section section. Heading off on the twisty A372 towards Langport & Bridgwater. Then on the A39 towards Minehead with some terrific views of the sea and Somerset coastline before arriving at Dunster and turning left onto the A396 for the real roller-coaster ride of the day. This stretch of road had everything a biker ever dreams about. The road is technically quite fast and there is generally not too much traffic with plenty of opportunities for overtaking. However, 100% concentration is demanded of you in order to make the most of this fantastic road. The hills & trees with many glimpses of the river Exe make a terrific backdrop, but you must focus on the visual point and road conditions to safely navigate this road with any degree of pace. So, towards the end of this road we found the Exeter Inn and once again it did us proud with food and drink and the opportunity for us to recuperate before setting off for the final stage home via the fabulous A373 and then the fast & furious A30.

On the way to Stockbridge, we stopped at the Little Chef in Shaftesbury for the usual civilised afternoon tea and gossip roundup. So that was our day. Which only leaves me to thank the one and only "Captain Sensible" alias "Slim" or "Fat Controller" for leading another fantastic day, Tim and Neil for back marking and ensuring nobody strayed or got lost as well as all the participants. The next ride will be on the first Sunday in July. So put the 2nd of July in your diaries and watch this space for more information.

- John Barnes (Silver 1200GS)