Photos from The East Run 2026

Perfect riding weather encouraged 19 riders to gather at Cranborne Garden Centre our furthest east starting point. Good to see Phil Morris on his Moto Morini 500, who we met at the Shaftesbury show last weekend, who came along to experience his first ride with the VMCC. Also Wayne and Maggie on their first run on a VMCC eligible bike, I anticipate they’ll soon be on a flat tanker! It is a long way for me to Cranborne but it is a very pleasant ride so forms an enjoyable part of the day.

Yes of course we got lost but luckily Howard knew the Glass House Cafe in Houghton so saved the day! The return journey went almost without a hitch, and we had a very pleasant lunch in the sunshine at Cranborne Garden Centre.

Well, I’ve now done several longish runs on the Norton without problems so I’m feeling a little more confident in my first British bike. We’re coming up to 1,000 miles now so it will be run in soon, only one more oil change to do.

Thanks to Bernard for organising the day and to Nigel for additional photos. Bernard’s report below.

A splendid turnout for the East run, 19 riders signed on, obviously the fine weather helped. The run was originally called “The Big Road Run”, one previous year only one other rider and I turned out, there was a rather wet forecast though. We set off west then across the new forest, lots of ponies and donkeys to see. Sadly one young pony dead by the roadside, with police aware tape over it. I am reliably informed that the authorities leave dead animals there for a couple of days as a message to motorists to take care. We then headed north east to our tea stop at Houghton Garden Centre. Unfortunately, there was an omission on the route sheet, sorry guys. But with the aid of Sat Nav, you all made it, and enjoyed sitting in the sun having our break. The run back varied, with a brisk run down the A30 and then a route south through country lanes to Downton, so avoiding Salisbury, then to Fordingbridge on the A338 and back to Cranborne. About 12 of us stopped for lunch, which again we enjoyed sitting outside in the sun. When I got home and checked the entry fee cash I found somebody had given me an old non legal tender pound coin. I’ll be watching carefully in future!

Our next run, The Last of the Summer Wine Run, is next Sunday 13 September at 10.30 from No 23 Coffee Shop, Henstridge Airfield, BA8 0TN.

AT CRANBORNE GARDEN CENTRE

AT THE GLASS HOUSE, HOUGHTON LODGE GARDENS

We took delivery of our new Dorset Section Hi-Viz jackets this week, modelled by myself below. As you can see they have the new VMCC logo and are a good quality zip up jacket. If you would like one let me know, I have L through to XXXL. Bernard uses a L and I use a XXL so you can get an idea of what size you will need. The cost is £20 each which is subsidised by our section to encourage the voluntary use of Hi-Viz for safety on our runs.

We also have a stock of route rollers at £30 ,which is cheaper than buying from the VMCC shop, if you are fed up with having to follow other people who always get lost!