It falls to me to organise and lead this run and it had to be slightly rerouted, as the original run which I had worked out and Ray had kindly driven me round on the previous Monday, could not be adhered to due to the midday lunch break not being available.
Chris had warned me on the morning that the link road was particularly busy and advised steering clear if possible, in fact, the run did go for a short distance on the way out but as we joined at a roundabout this was not a problem.
Ian and Mike agreed to cover the back marker roles for the day, so after a briefing from me, the riders set off dead on 1100. I lead out of South Molton and on to the A361 for a short distance before turning off to the B3227 towards Bampton. After another short distance, I turned off again left to Molland, then it was up on to the lower moor to wend our way to Withypool, here we had to be patient whilst two horses made their way over the bridge before we could cross.
A turn off in Withypool led us on to the B3223 for a very short distance before a turn off to Exford and here we had a turn on to the Porlock and Cloutsham road. I must say the views on the top road before dropping down to Cloutsham were wonderful. The Cloutsham road is very steep in places and has a ford which Chris informs me caused his BMW to slide a bit off a slimey stone, excellent horsemanship resulted in him staying mounted. At Webbers post we turned back sharp right to climb to Dunkery where another wonderful view beheld us. Dropping down from Dunkery led us on to the B3224 and a mile later we pulled into the Rest and be Thankful car park at Wheddon Cross where we were once again really well looked after.
The afternoon run was on to the Taunton road B3224 before turning right on to the lovely spine road leading to Bury, here a left took us on to the A396 as far as the round house at Exebridge. A short run on the road through Exebridge led us to our next turn on to the road to Oldways End, here a turn right and left took us between the Botteraux and Yeo mills to meet the B3227 for a few miles then turning on to the Bishops Nympton road allowed me to lead the run over the A361 link road and on to Bish Mill to finish back at Quince in South Molton.
It is always very rewarding for an organiser if things seem to go well, the Markers do not leave their post, no on breaks down, no one falls off and everybody turns up at the end venue having had an enjoyable day motorcycle riding. Thanks to Ian and Mike at the back and to Quince and the Rest and be Thankful, now our next run is to the Anchor Inn in Exebridge next Monday evening, do come chaps as this is another of our enjoyable evening ride outs.
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| those dining in |
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| those dining out |
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| the bikes caught sunbathing |
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| some bikes find shade |
