After a short burst on the A303 - apart from those who went up the A34 instead - we rode the A3057 to Stockbridge to meet up with the lost sheep and then the A30 through Salisbury to Ludwell, longing for the delights of Zig Zag Hill only to find that the road was closed off, then to Shaftesbury via a cross country detour and Sherborne on the A30. We turned into the A352 for a cracking run to Dorchester for a snackette.
We were just in time to see the coach carrying the England over 65s team arrive and make the food ordering a tad more challenging. One of our number was even lucky enough to be given "Ethel's" ice cream as it was too cold for her. The next photo opportunity was discussed, the local Tesco has a rather amazing fountain, perhaps even a Gore-Tex product testing session? The idea was dismissed due to lack of time and and efforts were concentrated to evaluating the "new improved" Wicked Breakfast which now comes with a separate plate of chips!!!
Whilst lunching we considered the bus as a safe alternative to this biking lark but then thought, on balance we might as well carry on as you can never have too much of a good thing. Tempting as it was though... As we attempted to leave the Carpark Panos' ABS decided to "do one" and headed towards the nearest garage for brake fluid - still being held ransom by Baldrick.
Alas the problem was not fixed but as he does not very often use brakes, he headed off at an increased rate of knots to make up for lost time back to Shaftesbury through some more cracking roads to hit the A30 all they way to Stockbridge in time for afternoon tea where we met up with Tim on the yellow GS enjoying a cream tea. So what better idea than to get him to do the write-up as apparently he was with us in spirit rather than physically! His version is now eagerly awaited and will be duly appended. Does it get any better? Well, you tell me... Thanks to John on the new silver 1200GS for backmarking and all the troops which made it again another great day out. See you all on the next run...
Slim, or Captain Sensible if you prefer,
with some considerable input from Baldrick