The Cotswolds Crusade

Sunday 4th May 2008

The first wave united at Tesco’s -Winnall, Winchester at 8.30am. Baldrick unfortunately was unable to lead, so Panos became our leader for the day. Clive elected to tail (mainly to avoid the embarrassment of a sticky break light which, despite a generous dose of WD40, was still showing red at the slightest sign of a corner)
From here, we headed up the A34 to Chievely Services at a steady pace (Panos' normal Sunday rider rate) to join forces with the rest of the troop, and an IAM rider who had previously contacted Panos.

Heading off the onto the A420, and turning right onto the B4044 to Eynsham and over the biker friendly free Toll Bridge, we cruised to Hardwick and onto Brampton. Our travels took us through Alvescot, Carterton, Burford ad Fullbrook Hill.
At some point along the way we stopped for gas. At this point, presumably in an effort to reduce the cost of his day, Captain Sensible elected to allow me to pay for his full tank of high octane rocket fuel, while he paid for my meagre 5 litres of 2 star. Martin was also in a frugal mood, setting up an impromptu visor and screen cleaning service using the free oversized squeegee and bucket kindly supplied by Esso.
On display here was a stylish yellow Chav mobile: baked bean can exhaust, blue neon's, the full Monty: Aptly adorned with the "Jordan" logo on the side, as commented by one of our group "presumable in reference to the pair of tits in the front!"
The IAM rider had decided to leave us, as he felt he may be slowing the pace! Hopefully he will be in contact for some training.

Onward and upward: Charlbury, Fulwell, Bicester and Banbury then the long haul to Shipton on Stour, finally stopping for lunch.
After some "Larkin" about over the seating arrangements (Apparently Panos did nor bear enough of a resemblance to Baldrick to be recognised as the bookie of our reservation) "Ma" finally installed us on a table inside the "restaurant". (Just as well, as the weather took a brief turn for the worst, and rain prevailed)

Following a "memorable" repast, we mounted our steeds for the last leg. Neil and Clive left us to return to their spouses, leaving Tim and Debbie to kindly take up rear guard.

With a degree of caution (the brief shower had left its mark on the previously dry roads) we left Chipping Norton. On through Wootton, Islip, Ambrosden and Thame, we at the front were treated to one of Panos' text book "look up the inside, pick your mark, and round the outside" left hand overtakes. Very classy.

Down through Stadhampton, Berindfield and Abingdon we arrived at "Fox's" Diner, the final destination. Panos kindly redeemed his earlier purchasing error, and bought me coffee as recompense, thank you!

A brief chat, and we broke ranks, Tim, Debbie and myself heading back through Reading (sorry if I got you lost Tim) and the rest of the usual suspects diverging into the blue yonder.

Thanks for a great day out, and as far as I could see, the normal good quality riding.