The Exmoor Funday 
The Exmoor Funday
…And so 11 members of the newly named “Gay Bikers Club” (enquiries to Mr. Chris Walliker) met bright and early at the regular meeting place of Winnal car park for the annual biking extravaganza to the Exe valley. Not for the faint hearted, this was to be the most fun you can have on a bike without breaking the Law – (well nearly!) Neil and his Dad Clive had put many hours of work planning, plotting, booking, researching, and reconnoitring the route to ensure that nothing would detract from the day’s enjoyment. We departed at 8.30, the weather dry and bright, Neil leading on his newly acquired , “Sunny Yellow 1150 GS”, as owned by the living legend Mr. Panos Simou and with Clive bringing up the rear, we began the first leg of the journey down to the Horton Cross service station on the A303. We stopped for a fuel fill up for Panos on his minimalist (including the fuel tank) HP2 and a bite to eat, also meeting up with Tim Cuell who had come directly from home. We then set off for the 2nd leg of the expedition. Chris was very nearly “taken out” by a BMW driver as we left the roundabout, saved only by his lightning reactions, and advanced training! After only a few miles, we came across a charity fun run. This provided a lot of entertainment for many miles, but brought the progress down to a clutch wreckingly low pace as we weaved and wriggled our way between runners and cars. We then began to ride in earnest with stunning roads, views, and scenery. The pace was very brisk, testing everyone’s skills to the limit. Things to a slight turn for the worst after Mr. Garmin told Neil to take the wrong turn. We then embarked upon a very tight and twisty magical mystery tour along lanes that even the “locals” didn’t know existed! We stopped for a comfort break, but found the conveniences locked, so led by Chris – we all went to the “Ladies” instead. We were by now a little late for lunch, so we sped off to the Old Station for lunch. There was an excellent carvery, lovely atmosphere and a very interesting conversation with an oriental lady in the food Queue involving Chris, Panos and myself adding to the entertainment. John then proceeded to tuck into the loveliest looking chocolate desert in a selfless effort to save us all the ordeal – then looked very “full up”. Thanks John – we won’t forget your sacrifice.
The weather was now bright sunshine with a clear blue sky – perfect biking weather. We began with a quick burst to an improvised fuel stop, riding along the edge of the river Exe with beautiful scenery, then continued along beautiful ridges, through stunning valleys and a couple of “Swiss” type hairpin bends. We had our final planned stop at the little Chef at the end of the A361 – Junction 27 M5 for more fuel and refreshments. Unfortunately, time was gaining on us and it was decided that having taken the scenic route back to the A303, a small group would carry on straight home, with the “hard core” remainder completing the whole route. However, as we continued into another labyrinth of country lanes, the now dreaded comment came over the radio of “it’s lost the waypoint!” Yep – Mr. Garmin had saved the best 'till last. As we all played follow my leader – it didn’t take Christopher Columbus to work out that with the sun alternating between out left and right sides as we meandered round the lanes, that we were not making very good progress in the easterly direction home, rather zig zaging across Devon in a North / South pattern. Chris then decided to lead the “home bound” group from here and we eventually found the welcome sight of a main road leading to the A303. The other group as far as I know are still riding around Devon following Mr. Garmin’s commands. A rescue party will be dispatched at daybreak!
Seriously – Thanks very much to Neil and Clive for all their hard work and a most memorable ride.