Southern Rideout June 2010

Pestilence, floods, death and destruction. Just a normal ride out.

For me it started out as a slightly misty morning as I quietly got ready due to the In-Laws being asleep in the spare bedroom. Went outside to get the bike out of the garage only to find they had their bedroom window open. Oh no, have to be really quiet. Sneaked the bike out, closed the garage, open the gate. So far, so good. Got back inside and whilst donning the gear my father in law walked past with a good morning greeting. Hmm, maybe I wasn’t a quiet as I thought.

Anyway, Satnav attached, bike started and off we go. 70 miles later after a lovely quiet ride, apart from the road through Chinnor being closed, I arrive at Chieveley Services. Filled up with petrol and met Steve and Cara. Waited for the masses to gather whilst have a coffee. Good to see new and familiar faces and a good gathering as well.

Set off about 9:30am with myself feeling a little apprehensive as I’d planned the first half of the route. Would they like the route, will it be too fast, too challenging, too easy, too slow. I needn’t have worried as not too long into the ride we come across a, reluctant to pull over, JCB (pest). Harumph, Annoyingly slow, especially as we were in, what would have been, some nice little twisty roads.

Eventually got past the JCB and apart from Steve, who inspected a hedgerow a little closer than he was comfortable with, got to On Yer Bike safely. Tea wagon was open and serving but those with a full bladder had to wait a bit until the shop had brought their bikes out. (Sorry Paul)

Having gained Syd at said shop we set off towards Stratford. Sorry about the straight bit towards Bicester but it had to be done to get to more interesting roads beyond. I like the road beyond Bicester, it’s a lovely, meandering route towards chipping Norton that bring us out near Ma Larkins. (still closed, Boo) Anyone spot the false speed camera?

Collected 3 more riders at the Crossroads garage and carried on to Stratford. I think we’re up to about 14 bikes, now. A record?

Parked in the bike park and walked over to the Baguette Barge for lunch and chats. Fortunately, managed to finish eating before the heavens open (floods) and we wend our way back to the bikes.

By this time it had stopped raining and we set off for Burford via Moreton-in-the-marsh minus Syd and Jill who make their way to their respective homes.

Wet roads test the concentration a bit more as we travel down the road in search of petrol, fill up, pose for photo, and carry on.

By the time we get to Burford, having experienced more thundery rain and a crazy caravanette, we almost get to the point of considering stopping to put on waterproofs but arrive at the Little Chef mostly dry. Hang on a minute, we’ve mislaid the Warwickshire mob. (must be seeking solace in their garages because of the wet stuff)

Nice cup of coffee and a bite to eat and we’re off again.

The weather has dried off by now so we can enjoy the ride back to Chieveley. Now this is where the death and destruction comes in, not only did Steve scare some birds out of a hedge but he runs one over as well. Not saying he’s fast but them birds didn’t stand a chance. Then we come across some bumpy roads and Steve lets sparks fly as he grounds his centre stand. Apart from that it was a lovely ride back. Oh, and apparently, Grove was so good they named it twice, as the song goes. Or, we went round it twice. You decide.

Arrive safely back at Chieveley, a quick chat and I’m heading off for home as a friend has been good enough to invite me round for dinner. So I’m back on the Route we started on from Chieveley but no JCB this time, so much better. Avoided Chinnor by going from Thame to Aylesbury. Got home, showered, changed, collected by Sandy and dinner round a friend’s house with a glass or two of Rioja.

300 or so miles, no motorways, great company. Excellent.

Thanks to Steve for leading, especially as I devised half the route and to Paul for sweeping up at the back.

To get the real picture click here!

Sherman, June 2010