The Damp Map Run 
The Damp Map Run
Having reckied this run in torrential rain on the 13th May and with the forecast set for severe weather over the weekend, the scene was set for a perfect day out. Baldrick our leader even promised to supply a set of flippers, mask and snorkel for the customary photo opportunity in the Tesco trolley shelter. Much to the disappointment of the 9 troops who turned up for muster, it was not raining! Furthermore, Balrick could not find his flippers to bring along so more disappointment. We set off at 9.00am sharp to make Chievely in good time to pick up another 3 of the usual suspects, including Paul on his new white Tiger. Nice one Paul, any longer and we would have forgotten what you look like, ha, ha...
Another blat up the A34 and then turn right on the A420, right onto the B4044 over a spectacular toll bridge - free to bikes of course - and off for the jolly twisties around the Cotswolds. Amongst some short bursts of A roads, we have taken in the joys of the B4449,B4020,B4100, B4022 and B4031 to Ayhno for our first fuel stop, an occupational hazard with the HP2 12-litre tank. More fun followed on the B4031, the A4260, the B4035 and the A3400 to finish our morning leg at Ma Larkin's restaurant.
After a brief discussion about the merits of the smoking ban and the disappointing weather, the heavens opened and it started raining stair rods. We quickly scared off the occupants of the biggest table and proceeded into occupying one third of the restaurant. During lunch which was duly followed by desert the rain stopped and we had some glorious sunshine. Is Slim loosing his touch with effectiveness of his rain dance?
So, in the dry again we set off for the afternoon leg with the exception of Paul who was on a short expiry pink ticket. Some more lovely twisties, the B4026, B4437 and the B4027 to cross the A34 where Clive and Neil departed in pursuit of brownie points. Unmarked roads to Ambrosden and then the B4011 to Thame and across the A329,B480 and B4015 to Fox's Diner for a quick cuppa and discussion amongst the troops of an alleged visual point that disappears and then magically appears again causing people to brake for no apparent reason. Clearly this one must be further investigated then... After a quick break Andy, Simon, Colin and Chris disappeared towards the Reading direction aided by Zumo, Chris' newly found best friend. This left 4 who followed Baldrick north on the B4009 round the B481 to then join the A4074 and again the B4009 through Goring to Newbury. At this point Steve peeled off home on the A34 and the 3 remaining troops made it to Baldrick's for the final round of refreshments via the A339 to Basingstoke and then Alton.
A big thank you to Baldrick who indeed produced a cracking route which will be adopted for future ride-outs and all the participants who provided the entertainment for the day. It is what make these ride-outs such a brilliant way to spend a Sunday.
Finally, Steve should have the electrics of his new 1200GS checked out... the brake lights kept coming on most of the corners, so clearly some electrical fault there. Maybe these BMWs are not that reliable after all, ha, ha....
So until the next time then...