Sunday 5th June 2011

The Make Mine a Wet One Ride

Despite atrocious weather forecasts 8 participants turned up at Winnall, proof if it was needed that you need to be mad to ride a motorbike! Clearly the rain dance from Captain Sensible (aka Panos Simou) had been effective again and we were set for another wet one down in Devon.

So we all set off towards Podimore at a leisurely pace and upon arrival we just refueled and were on our way - what no coffee break? - as Captain Sensible felt that he did not need to powder his nose under the circumstances. The next leg of the run, at an equally leisurely pace - found us all admiring the country side along loads of unmarked roads and across the southern edges of Exmoor National Park. To our disappointment though when we arrived at Wheddon Cross to turn South on the A396 - the best biking road in the South? - the tarmac was dry which allowed us to turn up at the fabulous Exeter Inn quite early.

According to the Captain the lamb pie was to die for but the extra chips prevented him from ordering dessert as he was watching his figure. After lunch we all bibbled down the rest of the Exe Valley road taking in the views to our next fuel stop, it was all very civilised and just how a good social run should be. Some more leisurely riding through to Honiton , Yeovil and Sherborne and we turned south to take in the delights of the slippery A3030 to Sturminster Newton and then to Shaftesbury - what no break, again? - and then refuel in Salisbury for the final leg of the run back to Loomies for fruit smoothies and cake. Over the past few years there have been many times when we have not been able to make Loomies before they shut, on this instance however we arrived there with plenty of time to spare. Proof, if proof was indeed needed, that these leisurely rides can deliver big-time on fun.

Thanks to Panos for leading us another merry dance in Devon. Same again next year we think.