Cotswolds Run Report
Sunday 1st August 2004

Little Chef, West Meon Hut

Duke of Wellington, Bourton on the Water

A hot sunny August day, some new faces, 12 people on 9 BMWs and 2 Triumphs
made for yet another good day out. The route to the Cotswolds, although I
say so myself, was a good choice having a good mix of enjoyable countryside
fast roads requiring a fair degree of technical ability. Definitely a route
to try again at some stage and before we go any further, an apology is due
to all those who have been suggesting over the radio that "a comfort stop
would be appreciated".

Apparently my radio had only been transmitting and we
were in Wantage by the time I realised some colleagues' pressing needs and
allowed the restoration of comfort to take place! Prior to our departure, I
was concerned our ride to the Cotswolds might be marred by the poor choice
of destination (too many tourists), but not so.

Whilst Bourton-on-the-Water, the "little Venice" of the Cotswolds,
was seething with visitors, the Duke of Wellington public house,
slightly off the beaten track, did us proud.
Secluded car park for the bikes beside a shaded garden and the river
Windrush. The food, probably not the best we have the delight of trying on
our adventures, was OK nonetheless although Debbie, Frank & Phil may feel
somewhat different having had to wait for rather a long time. In the
afternoon temperatures hit some serious numbers which made riding at slow
speeds character building! So a direct trunk route meant a relatively faster
return and shortnened the span between stops for liquid refreshments as well
as comfort stops.

On reflection, for our future travels in the Cotswolds
direction a better "biking" route would need to be identified saving us
squaring off our tyres. We arrived at our favourite Stockbridge Cafe to
enjoy afternoon cream teas, gateaux and treacle tarts in familiar and
relaxing surrounds.

Sadly towards the end of the session, it was reported to
us that one of the parked bikes had been knocked over. Phil's brand new
K1200GT, we are talking 2-weeks old & 354 miles new here, had been
interfered with and was knocked off the side stand. The damage appeared
minor & superficial but that is hardly the point, it is the principle of it
all! Phil, we hope you get it fixed and that we have the pleasure of your
company again.

With the afternoon heat behind us, a contingent of usual
suspects set off to visit our very own Fat Controller, check on his progress
at learning to make tea and make sure that he keeps up with the physio
regime so that he can return to the fold for the next ride on the 5th
September. Will his radio work, I hear you say? To conclude this report, my
personal thanks are extended to Andy Nicholas for being the back marker and
to everyone else for their good company. That is what makes the day....

John Barnes
- Silver R1150RS