The usual gang gathered at Denham ready for the annual jaunt to the Lion’s club of Fleet show. I arrived to be greeted by several members reminding me of my eventful ride of the previous year. Just because I lost half my exhaust and suffered poor running due to a blocked tank vent! Luckily this year’s run turned out to be un-eventful.
I took up my usual position towards the rear with Steve and Ian to keep an eye on me. We take the same route every year so it’s no trouble if you do get detached from the main party. The road works on the short stretch of M3 that we use were a bit tedious but the 50mph average speed suited me fine. We had been advised that the meeting point had been altered for this year but it was sign-posted so we all met up O.K.
Those of us who had pre-entered, signed on and got our entry number, route card and enamel badge. Time for an egg and bacon roll and cup of coffee.
The riders for the run in the country start to depart about 11.30 .The organisers like to stagger the bikes leaving so that we do not form a big mass on the road. The weather was still set fair and the first half run of about 30 miles to the lunch stop was very enjoyable. We soon all met up at the pub for lunch and liquid refreshment. The weather forecast had been for rain from the West at about 4.00 p.m. so I thought it prudent to start back to Fleet a bit earlier than usual.
I had a bit of concern as the sign- posted route deviated from previous years and took us into Hartley Witney. I began to imagine some practical joker had been along and messed around with the signs! Luckily all was O.K. and we got back to the start.
I had a quick check to see how many raffle prizes I had won ( guess) and said farewell to the others explaining I was hoping to dodge the forecast rain.
Un-eventful run back beating the short shower by about half an hour.
Good day out with the gang.
