North Wessex Downs
Sunday 5th October 2003

The Little Chef at West Meon was unusually busy as the monthly ride-out
gathered together. The collection of Beemers grew, with an eclectic collection
of models including GS, S, K, RT, and LT. And a familiar Pan European
joined too, bringing the numbers to an impressive 16 bikes. No pillions
this time, but even so it was the largest ride we have had on our enjoyable
monthly ride-outs (first Sunday of the month, lest you forget). And once again
some new faces, who are always very welcome.

Given the size of the group and with only a few radios in use, the marker system
came into play, although initially not very smoothly as we switched back marker
with only a few riders realising. Basingstoke's roundabouts intervened and
the group stretched to the point of dispersion. Hmmm, mental notes for next time,
clearer guidance for markers to move off when back marker approaches, and oh,
I suppose clearer back-marker identification. We can manage that. We regrouped
on the other side prior to heading towards Thatcham and the promised thrill of the
North Downs scenery and swooping bends, and the ride settled down to a more
flowing co-ordinated speed. The town-hack through Thatcham and Newbury proved
worthwhile as we hit the B4494 towards Wantage. It is easy to forget we have some
good countryside in the South, but the bright sunshine was perfect as we headed out
over the swooping Downs roads.

West from Wantage through more glorious twisties, testing the concentration and
road line of a few, then down to cross the M4 and run parallel on a deserted road.
Oh, the joys of biking. The group has settled down in riding pattern, and we even
come close to recognising bikes in the group (sorry, Simon!). We pick up the B4005
to Wroughton, and down the A4361 to Avebury for lunch and ...ahhhhh... other relief.
The normally busy biker pub managed to squeeze us all in, and at least the kitchens
were working this time.

Onwards to Devizes, and complacecy is shaken off when the Fat Controller drives
off the main road to follow... Well, we are not quite sure. He must have wanted to test
the GPS, and he even threw in an unexpected U-turn. Slow manoeuvre practice?
impish delight in seeing who would follow the wrong route? Or just a post-prandial lapse?
We shall never know. S join the next ride to see if we can detect a pattern.

The pace picks up as we head though Upavon, leaving two of Wiltshire's Thin Blue Line standing
with open mouths as we stream past. Mind you, friendly enough, the even wave. Are we
slowly winning in the battle of biker respectability?

More glorious countryside as we pick up a favourite route from Upavon through Ludgershall
to Andover outskirts, where you can almost feel a collective twitching of nostrils. To untrained
senses, there is nothing remarkable. But those familiar with our ride traditions can pick up the
distant and almost imperceptible aroma of treacle tart and clotted cream.
Switch off the GPS, Panos's trusty GS has no need of guidance, kicking forwards at a spirited
pace, knowing exaclty its master and following hordes need to be deposited, the world famous
Lily Langtree Tea Rooms in Stockbridge.

Debrief, tea infusion, small snackette, so civilised. But no surprise really. After all this is a rather
famous ride-out and another great time for all involved.

Thanks to Panos for the organisation and the participants for their company. The bikes are great,
but it is the people who make these events so worthwhile. And, of course, a mandatory date
for your diary, the first Sunday of the month (just in case you haven't got the message).

Tim Considine Red R1100S