Sunday 3rd April 2011
Sunday 3rd April 2011
Rumours of the April ride-out were rife across the Inter-Web. I mean, this was the October re-run and old scores had to be settled. Reputations were on the line. Could we go a whole day without a breakdown? Only time would tell. All I can say is almost running into a cow in the nationals that had wondered onto a foggy A32 around 8am didn't entirely fill me with confidence (don't mention the deer) though a few of us managed to entice it into a field before heading off to Loomies for obligatory tea and toast. Still, Jon got her number - I think the light purr of his exhaust was the attraction.
Tim, who is well known for stringing together some awesome challenging routes, had his work cut out assessing the riding capabilities (not to mention stomach volumes) of the 10 hardy souls that turned up for duty. Andries took up the TEC (Tail End Charlie for those not in the know) baton and like clockwork we left at 9.07 and headed west on the A272 before skirting Winchester and off to the joys of Stockbridge. A few Wallops later we're on the edge of Swindon for petrol and a quick coffee. Now we're starting to get a taste of what is to come and everyone is grinning as they take their lids off. 20 mins later it's time to depart again and start broadening those smiles even further because we hit some simply stunning roads heading north past Swindon and on to the White Lion at Steeple Aston which had a very welcoming landlord who had the MotoGP on TV. What else could anyone ask for? Well, as it turns out a big order of Lion Burgers and chips!
After a late lunch a few people had to disappear for one reason or another and with Andries leaving Martin took over as the man up the rear. More great roads heading home via Witney, Kingston Bagpuize (yes, really), East Iisley and on to Theale before stopping at The Derby Inn near Hook for a final cuppa. We were told we could sit down as long as we didn't make a mess. As if ...
I have to say returning to the group after such a long time has reminded me how great these group rides are & what a great route Tim put together and ran for the day. A well managed day that everyone appeared to enjoy. More please, Sir!
Darren, R1200GS