It was all going so well, beautiful weather, light traffic, I knew the roads, Laverda 3c running well and in the company of Lee & Mandy on a BMW 1000 – that was until we got to the road closure. We experienced the same problem as Bernard, the SatNav took us down lanes that would be classed as too severe for the Dorset Dakar! Then we met a camper van coming the other way. At least it gave us all something to talk about at lunch.
The above photo shows our run organiser, Bernard, tucking into his favourite health food, please note you don’t have to be so abstemious come come on our runs. Thanks to Bernard for organising yet another run and arranging the excellent weather, his report below.
Another very successful run. I was a little apprehensive early in the morning, the thermometer was reading -2°C, by the time I left home it had risen to the dizzy height of 5°C.
I arrived at the Trading post to see only 2 bikes parked up, but once in the café they kept on coming. Because of my apprehension I had only printed off 12 route sheets, but they all went. In the end we signed on 17 riders. Mr Nimbus rider (Paul Meredith, Andy) arrived as we were leaving, so that makes 18. Apart from the Dorset section regulars we were pleased to welcome a contingent from South Dorset.
I was late setting off but caught up with a large crocodile of riders, why they don’t ride at their own pace and spread out, I don’t know. I was obliged to overtake them on the approach to Chard, as I spotted an error on my route sheet, telling them to turn left rather than straight on, I would then lead the way.
When we got towards Combe St Nicholas, the road was closed (not indicated on Google maps, when I last checked). I spoke to Simon Barker, I knew he would have easy Sat Nav access, so as to get us out of trouble. However, I assumed he had programmed to get us back on route, but no, he programmed a route to Dunkerswell, which took us back on to the A30 and followed the route I had planned to return on. So be it, I knew the route and the horrible track through Dunkerswell village, which my route bypassed, but in solidarity I went with the pack, through the village. It certainly cemented in my mind never to go through the village again. I believe we all arrived at the Aviator café OK, and after a good break set off back east.
Some chose to go back on the northern route through Churchinford and Bishopswood, others went down to Honiton and the A35 back to Dorchester and another group chose to go back the way we come but looping around Dunkerswell village. Only Barry Wilson and I went back to Warden Hill. Overall, a very enjoyable day.
Bernard
Our next run is the Blandford Run on Sunday 6th April at 11.00 from Lo’s Cafe, Pimperne DT11 8XA, but we do have our usual breakfast meeting at The Old Brewery, Gillingham this Saturday 22 March at 10.00. If you fancy a ride this Sunday you could join South Dorset at The Three Compasses, Charminster, DT2 9QT at 10.30 or even Somerset Section at 10.00 at Nether Stowey Church Centre, TA5 1LJ.
AT THE TRADING POST, WARDEN HILL
AT DUNKERSWELL AIRFIELD
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