More Exmoor Run

These photos of the Exmoor Run were taken by our old friend Merv.

A wet week in Wales.

This rather wet little break was not an official Vintage Club event, but just something that came out of a discussion between Ray, Keith and myself.

The plan was to leave home on Tuesday morning, and ride to Builth Wells. Wednesday we would travel on to Betws-y-Coed and Thursday head back to Crickhowell. Friday would see us heading back home. The route was planned using the AA book of "Best

Drives-Britain" It promised to be a very scenic drive taking in lots of minor roads over the mountains of Mid and North Wales.

Our overnight stops were in B&B's sourced over the Internet.

What we could not have forseen was the constant heavy rain which pretty much dogged the whole trip except for Wednesday afternoon. We had decided to avoid motorways where possible so opted for the A38 to reach Bristol and via Aust to the old Severn bridge where we stopped for lunch. The rain mostly held off then so we had a pleasant ride up the Wye valley to Monmouth. Then I missed a direction sign and we got a bit lost for a few miles but the scenery was nice so it wasn't too problematic. Then the rain started again. We arrived at Builth Wells in a thunderstorm after riding the last twenty miles in an absolute downpour. Our landlord very kindly allowed us the use of his garage to stow the bikes and hang up our wet kit.

On Wednesday the rain started to clear by mid morning and we had a good days riding with superb views from the high roads in the Cambrian Mountains. By the time we arrived at Betws-y-Coed the sun was out and my nose had got quite burnt.

Thursday morning we had the pleasure of riding on dry roads for the first five miles but as we started the climb to Blaenau Ffestiniog so the rain started again. So heavily in fact that we were forced to take shelter under some trees until the worst had past. Intermittent rain the whole day turned into a deluge for the final twenty miles. Ray said he had never before ridden in such heavy rain. Once again the landlord allowed us to use his garage and his good wife let us put our wet garments in her drying cupboard.

Despite the rain, which persisted the whole way home, we enjoyed the trip very much. The mountain roads, which carried little or no traffic, were most enjoyable with steep hills, sharp bends and sudden drops. The scenery, when you could take your eyes of the road, was magnificent.

We returned by way of the old Severn bridge and along the A38 to Taunton where Ray and Keith made for Tiverton and I headed for Bideford via the B3227. Just to round the trip off I had another puncture in the rear tyre as I approached Wivaliscombe. So my trip ended in the back of a breakdown van. I am pleased to say that Ray and Keith got home without further incident. I am still trying to dry out my gloves however!

Evening Meet

An evening meet has been aranged for Monday July 27th at 7.30pm in The Three Tuns, Silverton.

Next Run

Our next run is the Ron Ley Run on August 9th. 10.30 for 11.00am start.The start venue is in the top car park at Atlantic Village, Bideford. This is quite a long run down the spectacular north coast of Cornwall. A pub lunch will be available if required.

The Exmoor Run

Eighteen riders set out on the Run from the start venue at Quinces Honey Farm, South Molton. We were pleased to see Mick Glossop who had travelled from Newquay on his very smart 1938 Royal Enfield model K V-twin.

A little rain at the start soon cleared away as we made our way up on to Exmoor using the same route as the April Fool's run. This time we stopped at Malmsmead for coffee.

I say we stopped when in truth I mean the rest of the group, for I had a rear tyre puncture whilst crossing Brendon Common.

Mike Kidd lent me an inner tube and Brian Chidgey a pump, so I set about getting mobile again.

Unfortunately the pump failed to deliver air to the tyre, so I had to ring for assistance and was told I would receive help within 90 mins.

Just as I finished on the phone a kind Japanese Gentleman asked if I was in trouble. I explained my need for a pump. whereupon he produced an electric one and together we completed the repair in short order.

Then I had to settle down and await the breakdown wagon as the credit on my phone had expired and I had no way to cancel it. It arrived at 12.05, 90mins after the phone call.

From Malmsmead the route led to Brendon, then over the East Lyn river and up to the A39, then down Countisbury Hill to Lynmouth. Then a fairly fast section followed on A and B roads past Blackmoor Gate and Mullacott Cross leading down to the delightfully picturesque Lee Bay.

Everyone continued via back roads again to Morthoe with fine views of the coast, and down in to Woolacombe.Then on through Georgeham, Croyde, Saunton and Braunton, to Barnstaple and tea.

I believe everyone enjoyed the run but Gordon had some trouble with misfiring and had to return by a different route.

A big THANK YOU must go to Brenda who once again laid on a superb tea.

Our next run.

Devon Sections next run is the Exmoor Run on July 12th. Start time is 11.00am from the Quince Honey Farm at South Molton. Coffee is available in their cafe.

There will be no lunch stop on this run but we will stop for coffee at Malmsmead.

The run finishes in Barnstaple where Brenda has kindly agreed to supply her usual sumptuous tea.

A new route has been planned which takes in areas of North Devon not visited by us before. Reliable brakes are a "must have " item on this run. Petrol will be available en route.

We are hoping for a good turn out and a fine days riding.