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| some of the bikes at Sainsburys' |
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| in sunshine today....wow! |
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| my thumb and the Blue Ball |
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| The main body of riders arrive at the end |
run of 2017, many of us had endured bad fog and mist on the way but it soon burned off to leave, what promised to be, a dry mostly sunny day. We attracted a number of interested folk who gave us their early days on similar machines and wished they could return to those days. John had his wedding anniversary today so he did not join us for the run, then Doug's Ariel decided that it didn't want to get going until he had cleaned out the carbs jets, so Chris, who was doing back marker duties with me, stayed back to lend a hand and we remaining 12 set off on time after a briefing by our run leader today Mike. I must confess I had not expected Mike to have recovered from his op to the extent that he could lead today but there he was and on his Velo as well, good for you mate.
We were led out and set off to Barnstaple, then over the new bridge and on to Braunton, there was some heavy traffic and a bit of a holdup here before we set off to Saunton. The beach at Saunton and at the other bays we came across were pretty full of people enjoying the good weather. We had some great views passing through Croyde, Mortehoe, Georgeham and Woolacombe before heading back up to the top of Ilfracombe and heading for Blackmoor gate. Here Mike had to do a swift calculation as he had been asked by the Blue Ball to be on time at 1230, so we were taken down to Lynmouth and then up the hill to the pub.
After a good meal we headed off to Brendon down in the valley and on across the common to Simonsbath, but just a few miles from Simonsbath, Maurice found his front tyre was losing air fast, he asked me to catch up with Doug on his combination as it was thought he might have a pump. I think my ex police triumph thought it was back in harness as I shot off to overtake first Graham then Doug to wave him down. Between Doug's pump and Grahams air can gadget, he was able to get going again in company with Chris, Doug and Graham until he turned off for home, I can tell you all that he reached home ok and is very grateful to all who helped him overcome his problem. The run then made the way to the honey farm for a well earned cuppa.
Thanks to Mike for the excellent route, to Chris who agreed to join me bringing up the rear and to those who helped today. Now the next run will be the Guy Fawkes run on November 5th from Okehampton station.
