Another excellent day out expertly organised by Andrew R and Ray, many thanks to them. This year there was also a ‘parallel’ road route, led by Ray, which was also popular, made it quite busy at the Pop Up Cafe for a while!
Remember it’s our breakfast meet on Saturday and The White Horse Run on Saturday 26 July from The Udder Farmshop, East Stour – an early start of 9.30 as this is one of our longer routes.
As our official photographer was absent photos are by Linda and Andrew R and myself, while the cats away….
Andrews’ report below.
Firstly a large thank you to all who took part this year some of who travelled a great distance to do so, I hope you all enjoyed yourselves. Our format was different this year riding in groups instead of following a flagged route. We assembled at Compton Abbas Airfield and watched two Piper Colts flying circuits while signing on, here the hard work was carried out by Ray & Linda (thanks) at the same time Tea/Coffee/Water was supplied by the airport staff. At 10-30am the verbal Safety Brief was inflicted on the riders and groups formed, for the Easy Route led by Colin and Tail End Charlied by Paul S had only one participant and off they set in a well contained unit. In the slightly Less Easy Route was everyone else led by myself and herded by Sam M.
So around 11am we are all on our way and to be honest little occurred to cause problems, one rider went briefly astray but located the group again and another had technical problems with a kickstart and a slipping clutch but was well supported by two sturdy friends and completed the distance. After occasional stops to admire the views we arrived midpoint at the Pop Up Cafe Tea/Coffee/Water and home baked cakes, thanks to Andy & Fay who melted over the gas ring and Alison for extra baking.
Many of you will be fully aware that the temperature was 30c on Saturday and we were feeling pretty hardy out riding our motorcycles until we learned that on the same green lane was a cycling event of over 200 kilometres some of whom joined us for cold water, well earned.
Now onward to THE FORD at Stratford Tony. Even after our hot summer it’s still over a foot deep and challenging over loose gravel and whilst I chickened out and went over the bridge most participants plunged in and in several cases if the first attempt was a fail, sorted out their machines and tried again (heroism). Onwards up the hill and to the Fox & Goose and more fluid intake to avoid dehydration.
Finally to the High Point. The Clovelly Spoon of Determination went to Mr R Parker-Norman who completed the event on his Red Panther which has ground clearance you could measure with a micrometer, very well done. So ended our first totally dry Dorset Dakar excepting the Ford. Thank you to all the helpers and I hope you riders enjoyed yourselves, the good bit being any profits and all donations go to the Air Ambulance. Happy Motorcycling.
Andrew Rae.
AT COMPTON ABBAS AIRFIELD
AT THE POP UP CAFE
AT THE STRATFORD TONY FORD
AT THE FOX AND GOOSE
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