Photos from the Big Road Run 2023

Well a 400% better turnout than last year, but sadly that only represents 8 bikes. So what’s wrong, either the start is too far East, or the total run outward and return run is too long at 100 miles ? One rider came down from Trowbridge and Dave Brown came across from Maiden Newton. Most of us were travelling from the west. Of course just up the road for Barry Wilson.

Anyway we all set off OK for a short run to Dobblies Garden Centre at Cadman for a coffee stop. Then off for the second leg. Following my previously example I got it wrong at Romsey, seems I missed a roundabout from my route sheet, Will Collard sorted us out and put us on the right route. Then a most unexpected issue with my Vincent, the front carb. popped off its rubber sleeve, quick stop, pop it back on and tighten the jubilee clip hard! And back on the journey. Owing to that issue we split into 2 groups so arrived at Loomies Moto Cafe separately. Boy, It was certainly a busy there and a struggle to find a parking space, not because it was full of car, but it crammed packed with bikes. By this time the weather had really warmed up and not much shade outside, surprisingly we had no trouble finding a big table for all of us inside. The food service was catering well although limited, no big knife and fork jobs, we didn’t have to wait long for our baps. I heard no complaints, my bacon bap was delicious and not stinted on the bacon quantity either. None of us took up the burger challenge, 3lbs of beer burgers, bacon, cheese, onion rings, hash browns and cheesy clips. If you finish it in 45 min, you get it free, if you fail, it will cost £30

Returning home I took a wrong turning off the A272 and like sheep, everybody followed. We stopped and Ray Dickinson used his Sat Nav to lead us on to the right road. Trouble was, that Sat Navs don’t seem to tell the quality of the road. It would be a good candidate for the Hampshire Dakar! We made back to Verwood and were spoilt by Barry Wilson, who laid on tea, coffee, biscuits and a selection of cakes. It was most enjoyable sitting in his garden, shaded from the afternoon sun enjoying the spread. Many thanks Barry