Cotswolds Run Report
Sunday 2nd January 2005

Yes the sensible pillion with "certain backprotector" is back!!  No I hear u scream?  
Twas a lovely sunny winters day, frellin cold!  

We met at the Tesco Garage at Winnall Trading Estate for 9.30am.  
I was informed I was in charge of taking pictures, and just before the 9.45am start,
attempted to take a picture of the 15 bikes (couldn't quite fit them all in one shot), 
including the Aprilla.  

Our leader for the day was Tim on the red 1100S, 
with the Fat Controller on the tail.  We set off for a short burst on the A34, 
then stopped off to refuel on the A303 to Andover.  B

Boy was it freezing, to the point I couldn't feel my fingers!  
Fortunately Clive had a spare pair of gloves and once again I was a happy bunny.   
So I attempt to take a couple more pics and what do I see?  A Harley!  
First time I've seen one of these on the ride.  Well kewl!  

Onwards we travelled, to the gorgeous scenic route thru the Devizes & Chippenham.  
There's truly nothing like the fresh country smell of dung.  LOL!!  
We continued on the A350 to Malmesbury and the A429 to Cirencester for lunch.  

By the time we arrived at the pub, we had 20 bikes in total.  
Oh yeah, and we promptly got told by the Manager to park round the back.  
Strange, considering the car park was fairly empty, both when we arrived and left!  
Still, the food was good, the company much better.  
We were joined by Chris and Phyl on their pretty Triumph's.  
I revealed my new "backprotector" corset, got some more of the same 
"is this a kind of back protector?" comments.  
And yes, I assure you I was quite comfortable.  
The tell tale signs is usually after I've worn one 
for 23 hours or longer and start to turn blue, like a smurf :D   

As we were all walking down the back to get on the bikes, 
the FC asked me to photograh the Aprilla parked next to the bins, 
and wondered out loud whether anyone would notice the Aprilla.  
Have no fear Mr owner of the Aprilla, I shall punish the FC later :))  

So we left, our stomachs full and our spirits high, 22 bikes & 2 pillions later.  

We  immediately had a lovely tour of roundabouts thanks to our leader, 
who took a wrong turning! I believe they call it "town riding practice". 

The rest of our journey back was thru Lechdale, Faringdon and Wantage 
and the glorious B4494 to Newbury.  

We stopped off at the BP garage in Andover, so Chris could fix his radio. 
I was asked by Simon if he'd offended me because of the tone 
of some of my comments to him at lunchtime.  Told him no, I'm always like that!  
He said I obviously went to the school on how to win friends and influence people.  
I started laughing really hard, so he walked off!  And so after that little gem we set off again.  

There was a bit of confusion at the roundabout right before the high street in Stockbridge.  
So we and a few others went round it a couple of times.  Very entertaining!  
We were all then invited round to Tim & Debbie's for some refreshments, 
including lots of cake.  Sadly there was no cleaning services offered for the bikes, 
much to Chris' disgust.  

So Tim quickly offered his boot polishing services, much to everyone's delight! 
It was great to see such a fantastic turnout.  So until the next time, behave! 

- Dark Angel - pillion on FC's sunny yellow 1150GS