The Pink Corset Run 
The Pink Corset Run
It all started with those famous words “This is another big one!” ooohhh-errrrrr Vicar! Nevertheless, a good selection of usual and some unusual suspects gathered at Winnall with Chris Wallicker generously offering his coffee to all (maybe to reduce the load carried for the rest of the day?) and after casting interested eyes and comments over the modifications to various bikes and additions/changes, Clive led us off at a brisk pace along the A34. Neil with Vicky (fetchingly Pink) on pillion ensured all were safely gathered in by covering the tail-end. This also, of course, prevented any of us from being distracting by the sight of Vicky’s tailend.
A34, Stockbridge, Salisbury then some nice ‘technical sections’ along B roads,through Kingston Deverill, more B roads & lanes via a more circuitous route than usual to Podimore services. Stop, re-fuel (Bikes & bodies) then off again. The weather cleared as we cruised, warming and drying which was fortunate, but more of that later The second leg had us heading for Taunton, then a glorious selection of sweeping, twisty A & B roads including the Exe Valley road itself. Obviously Clive had put a great deal of work into finding a fabulous set of roads, testing, interesting and exciting, but we were all grateful for the dry conditions, as things could have become sphincter-puckeringly interesting on wet, greasy surfaces – enough said.
We reached our lunch stop just as the Landlord was ‘releasing’ our pre-booked table (no such escape laddy!!). At lunch Vicky treated us all to a demonstration of the Pink Corset after which the run was named, sadly the weather was cold enough to ensure that she kept her t-shirt on under the corset, nevertheless she was a fetching sight which brightened the dinner table.
After a lengthy and leisurely lunch, we covered the Exe Valley road, A396 apparently from one end to the other. More glorious sweeping roads and stunning scenery (glimpsed with the occasional quick look away from the serious business of watching the road). More B-roads and the occasional opportunity to practice overtakes. After a short stop at Horton Cross, the party divided with a small group of three needing to return a slightly more direct route back to Alton/Aldershot area as the others completed the planned route.
Thanks to Clive, Neil & Vicky for the route planning and marshalling us around successfully, and to Chris Wallicker for Zumo-ing the three of us back late in the afternoon.
All in all, I clocked almost 450 miles – thanks Clive, and thanks to all for clear marking, camaraderie and corrective criticism of riding errors, although I still dispute the white line overtake I was accused of.
I look forward to seeing you all again soon.