Fantastic tour, organised and led by Brad Nicholson. Backdoor was Dave Hardcastle. A small amount of hail battering us as we rode over an unspecified hill on the way up but otherwise brilliant weather for the whole tour.

There were 15 riders and one pillion, Jean Hardcastle who rode on Dave’s trusty machine. We all met at the Tote Café near Pulborough. The plan was to avoid motorways and A roads where possible. When we did have to join the A44 for a short while a portion of riders got separated and missed the exit but made their own way to the Crown Hotel in Blockley, where we all had a great stay. We parked our bikes in the very reasonably sized car park at the rear of the Hotel. The hotel staff were brilliant, the dinners delicious and more than adequate and a really good choice for breakfast. The service was excellent and the rooms were comfortable and clean. They certainly had no problem with a bunch of bikers turning up to stay. I will definitely go there again in the future.

On day two Brad took us on a twisty tour to Ross-on-Wye stopping off on the way at the Iron Age British Camp Hill Fort located at the top of Herefordshire Beacon. Some of us climbed the hill to the fort to enjoy the fantastic views across the Malvern Hills. Then on to have al fresco lunch at a garden centre before we made our way back to Blockley via more great roads.

On day three, our final day it was planned to have an organised exit out and away from the hotel while being filmed by a member of the hotel who said they would send us a copy. it didn’t quite turn out as well organised as planned so I think we’re all looking forward to seeing how that particular film will present itself. I’ll upload it to the Gallery when I receive it.

Our first stop on the way home was at Diddly Squat Farm Shop near Chipping Norton for coffee. Almost half the riders wanted to travel home on a faster route so we split at that point. From there eight of us were led by Brad on the reverse route we took travelling up, stopping off at Wantage, not far from the North Wessex Downs for a pub lunch. One more stop for Coffee at a petrol station then home.

It was a really good weekend, I am pretty sure everyone thoroughly enjoyed the riding as well as the social aspect. Its great getting to know fellow members better and I look forward to our next tour.

For more images see the Gallery

Brian Tucknott.