Exe Valley Ride
Sunday 7th September 2003

Some 12 people with 10 bikes arrived at Meon Hut to find the Little Chef 
closed. So without breakfast or at least a top up of warm caffeine  
the group set off in the early morning, autumnal sunshine at around 08.15. 

By the time we had spent 15 minutes blasting down the A303, 
we had all been reminded that the “Brass Monkeys” time of year is here again 
and that the time of thermal linings is fast approaching. 
However, as progress was made the temperature warmed.

Following re-fuelling and a very welcome coffee stop at the Podimore Services 
the fun commenced with the enjoyment of the Somerset roads. 
On the A372 through to Bridgwater and on to the A39 to Minehead 
the roads were good with a little traffic but nothing to stop the brisk progress 
with good views of the Bristol Channel and Coastline as we approached Dunster.

The A396 from Dunster to Tiverton was sublime. In the bright sunlight through the 
trees of the twisty Exe valley, again at a brisk pace, biking was enjoyed to the full. 
Add to this the excellent food served by the Exeter Inn and I for one was left 
wondering why this road is not in the country’s top ten.

The Bikes lined up for the Welcome Lunch stop at the Exeter Inn

The departure for home was a little wet to start with, courtesy of one of the promised heavy showers, 
but this did nothing to dampen spirits as we made for the A30 north of Honiton. 
The A30, another biking favourite, though not in the same class as the A396, 
brought us back to Stockbridge, where the group stopped for a very civilised tea and cakes.

A great day was had by all and it only remains to thank the Fat Controller and SPC for arranging a
nother excellent Sunday Ride. Sorry nearly forgot – many  thanks also to Tim,  red R1100S, 
who lead the ride to Minehead and was our steadfast back marker for the return trip to Stockbridge. 
And if that was not enough, he also paid for the afternoon’s refreshments. 
Whoever said you cannot have too much of a good thing has clearly not been on one of our social rides…

Zooming in on Panos as he provides Training Feedback before allowing Lunch!!

John Barnes