F.A.A. run, another picture

A further picture of our F.A.A. run has come to light, it is apparently a picture of a pilot flying his Buccaneer on to the carrier during our visit !, seems vaguely familiar though, not sure he should be handling this much extra horsepower.

F.A.A run 26th September

Nine of us assembled at the Junc 27 rest area and signed on in perfect weather for the run to the Fleet Air Arm museum at Yeovilton. Gordon offered a suggestion of three possible routes but all decided to follow him!.

We set off at 10.30 taking the B3181 towards Wellington, then

climbed up over the monument and on over the Blackdown hills until we arrived at the A303. Here we turned left and followed the A303 to the turning for the Museum.

We were parked in the car park, by attendents, where we found three of the Bristol section who had travelled down to be with us for the day, we also were met by a member of the South Dorset section.

Gordon did his best to try to get a few pounds off for a party of 13, but despite tears and begging, we had to pay normal ( o.a.p. ) rates, however, it was soon clear to us all that the visit was well worth the money as we had flights in helicopters onto a carrier and were able to see aircraft launch and be recovered, ( oh alright so it wasn't real but it certainly was made to feel like it ).

We all got back together at 15.00 and Gordon led a different route back through Huish Episcopi and Langport then Taunton where people began to break off for their respective trips home.

All in all a good day out in good weather, good routes, good company and a good venue

Fish and chip run 25th September

Seven fish and chip seekers braved the South Molton carnival night and met at the Honeycombe for a meal on Saturday 25th September despite having to walk a way from where they could park their cars. A good meal in convivial company was enjoyed by all, mind you some thought the band playing outside was for their benefit !.
The committee will try to avoid the carnival another time.

Girder Fork Run In August

The Girder Fork Run was on August 29th. We met at The Angel, Witheridge for a welcome cup of coffee. This run is, as you would guess, is for girder fork bikes only. Eleven girders forks turned up, however, many other club members were there to see them off.

Once again Bill chose the route around the Devon lanes, ending up at The Bell in Chittlehampton for lunch.

There is now a trophy for the best bike on the run which is chosen by the landlord of The Bell and his wife. This year they chose John Boyd's 1937 Rudge.

All they bikes completed the run, however, several had problems starting them for the homeward run!

July's Exmoor Run

The Exmoor Run was held on July 11th, meeting at Blackberries Hotel, Bampton at 10.30 leaving at 11.00. There was a very good turn out of bikes, 26 riders on what was a lovely summer's day. Peter Winch joined us, riding from Bristol to do the run on his 1982 Yamaha RS100. He obviously loves the Exmoor scenery!

The morning ride took us through the ford at Bury, always a popular bit, who's going to get wet feet? Of course there is always someone who goes mad! Then via Exton to the village of Winsford and on to Wheddon Cross. We went over Dunkery Beacon and down to Horner for a coffee stop at the National Trust cafe.

After coffee we rode back to the top of Exmoor and carried on along the coast road towards Lynton. We took a left turn down into the Brendon Valley, through Challacombe and Bratton Fleming heading for Barnstaple. Tea was calling us at Brenda's, she always feeds and waters us after the 65 mile run! Thanks again Brenda, it was lovely!

A good run blessed by good weather, lovely scenery and ending in a good tea, what more could anyone ask!

Thanks to Merv for the photos.

New VMCC Dartmoor Section

I just thought I would pass on the news that there is now a new section of the VMCC in south Devon. They are called the Dartmoor Section.

Devon is such a huge county that some members of the VMCC were finding it difficult to come to club meetings and some runs. So they decided to set up their own section covering the south of the county, (but open to all, as is ours.).

They will meet at The Welcome Stranger. Bickington, Torquay, TQ12 6JA. They held their first run called the Labyrinths Run on 29/08/10. Anyone who is interested in this section can ring Ian on 01647 252476.

We wish them well!