Wednesday 20 May 2015

Ray's ramble 20th May 2015

Ray should have paid a bigger bribe to Devon highways in order to keep the road to Witheridge from South Molton open!, no matter, as he turned all 11 of us around and we found another way to get back on route. The day had not started too well as Ray had also had a rear brake seizure only half a mile from home, this was soon sorted out as the seven riders from Tivvy looked threateningly at his ariel and with a small adjustment to the brake we were off. The weather for the day was dry even if we were all glad we had wrapped up warm
note the shadows from the SUN!

Ariel goes fine now

Now let's get a coffee!

well that went well

Keith's pleased now with his Triumph
against the cold wind. Ray's route led us up to South Molton then back the road towards the cabin before turning off on the road to Chulmleigh, a left turn at the next 4 X way lead us into and through Witheridge and on towards Tiverton. We were turned off the Tivvy road to pick up the road to Cadeleigh and then back to Tiverton on the Exeter road. The route was then through Tivvy and out on the Bampton road, then to the Black Cat and a return to the cabin, just over 50 miles was covered and everyone seemed to enjoy the run. Thanks to Ray for the route and to Keith for bringing up the rear and to all who turned out, next run is June 14th for the Ron Ley run starting at the Quince honey farm, see you there folks

Tuesday 12 May 2015

Scrumpy run 10th April 2015

All the planning for this the 35th Scrumpy run paid off when 30 riders took to the North Devon roads for an excellent run on a dry day. One of the highlights of this run has always been the ride through the valley of rocks and this year was no exception, but the views out over the coast is also much appreciated. There were only a few breakdowns, Ray found a piece of metal which ended up in his tyre causing him to be lifted home and an Enfield suffered from spark plug problems. A number of non eligible bikes followed us to boost the numbers to nearly 40 but we were down a bit due to some of our Cornish cousins being double booked, we were pleased however to see Mike from Cornwall who had ridden up 99 miles from home and Colin and Chris from Burnham. We were visited by the town crier at the start and were pleased to welcome the Mayor at the end of the ride to give us a short talk and present the cups and shields, we do appreciate the riders coming back to the start at the end of the run and stay whilst the Mayor deliberates and gives out the prizes, also of course, to eat the sandwiches etc: the town council lays on in the theatre afterwards. The cups and shields presented were: Ron Chugg cup for oldest bike and rider - Ray Rowcliffe, Ilfracombe shield for Mayors choice - Ian Loram ( Norton 77 ), Scrumpy run shield for best machine voted by a guest - Mike Edwards ( 1946 Matchless ) and Bridge garage cup for entrants choice of machine - John Tribble ( 1956 BSA A7SS ).
Now it just remains to thank Maurice for the route, to Chris and the committee for the work that goes into this event also to people who came to help us set up the site who are not committee members particularly John C, the Mayor and the cafĂ© who supplied us with coffee, I hope you find the photo's give a good reflection of the day, some have come from Keith who was strategically positioned on the run. Now don't forget Ray's ramble on the 20th from the log cabin or the Ron Ley run on June 14th from the Quince honey farm,
The early tele's line up



lunch at the Blue Ball

The Mayor and Chairman deliberate

John enjoying the run

Roy concentrates

through the Valley of the rocks

with a blue sky you are bound to have a grin




Mike gets a shield

Ian has to carry a shield home
see you all there I hope folks.