Blackcock Run Report
Sunday 7th November 2004

BLACKCOCK RUN REPORT - 7TH NOVEMBER 2004

It was not going to be easy beating the last Exe Valley run, 
however if we didn't, we've most certainly matched it. 

Some 11 bikes pitched up, a much better turnout despite the weather. 
Having said that, one did turn back at the start and another one 
opted for meeting us all at the pub for lunch. 

To make it all easier for Chris, lets call them both "Dave". 
The run to Podimore was easy enough and Julian was 
waiting for us at the Little Chef to lead the next leg. 
After some refreshments and discussion as to who's radio vox 
was opening up the channel for most of the way there, 
we set off with Simon, aka The Saint, kindly having disconnected his radio! 

Julian set more than an enthuiastic pace as soon as we hit the twisties 
on the A372 with the Fat Controller behind him marking junctions as appropriate 
and John on the silver RS as the back marker. 

Quite how Simon could mistake Phyl on the "Ruby" for John 
and move off marking a certain junction will remain a mystery. 
The result was, we've lost the back end of the ride 
and after two reckie missions by Chris and Brian without luck 
and 45 minutes waiting by the roadside, we decided to make our way 
to the Blackcock Inn. 

The B3227 is indeed a stonking road and next spring/summer 
we will incorporate this road in a future Exe Valley Plus run. 
By the time we got to the pub, the lost part of the ride and a "Dave" 
were already tucking into lunch. I almost forgot, 
Julian did indeed have to do a U-turn as he went too far, 
just as predicted in the write-up! 

The food was by no means the best we've had but the fair Rachael's appearance 
with a certain item of clothing rather made up for it. 

Simon commented that he has never seen a back protector like that before. 
Perhaps because it was a corset, and very popular it was too! 
It had almost for certain helped Rachael avoid any backpain after such a gruelling 400 miles. 
Such an item of clothing may well feature on future rides! 

The return trip with the Fat Controller leading took us on familiar roads to Honiton 
on the A373 and the on the A30 to Shaftesbury for a stop at the Little Chef. 
It was dark by the time we set off again towards Salisbury with the Fat Controller 
leading again and making full use of the Xenon headlights. 

By the time we hit Stockbridge all but two bikes had peeled off home 
in various directions and the Fat Controller waved Simon on home 
as he contemplated nursing a rather ill sunny yellow GS home. 
The back-end kept twitching and making grinding noises 
and it almost felt like riding on a flat tyre. 

The answer was revealed the following morning when the back wheel
 was sitting in a pool of oil in the garage! 

Despite this, I cannot remember the last time we've had such fun. 
Sorry, I tell a lie .... we always have such fun! 

Finally, a big thank you to all the participants that make these rides such a brilliant day out. 
So until the next time, with a new final drive unit on the sunny yellow GS

The Fat Controller on his Sunny Yellow 1150GS