Somerset's side of the story

First came breakfast with Tonker arriving traditionally late! Nice to welcome our newest member Shaun and even Col had come back for more! The meeting was brief with a start time for next weekend suggested as 10.30 at Rutherford’s but watch this space. Hands up for a rideout and we had us a convoy! Rapid eating of egg and pig sandwich by the late arrival and off we set. One lady decided the Star Ship Warrior was more comfortable than the Virago she had arrived on so jumped ship and abandoned me! Apparently the passenger seat is longer and wider, maybe just like its owner if the tee shirt is to be believed! Ask Tonker for the details ladies!

A very quick exit at Clevedon to pick up Kate and off we continued via Avonmouth docks to Aust Services to be greeted by Blackjack Bob and his merry men and one more lady rider, Dawn. It was great to see so many out as we had a total of 15 bikes. Shazza was not well (get well soon Shazza!) so Bob had stepped in to lead the run.

As the old bridge was closed we had to head east bound on the M4, drop down the M5 and circle around at the A38 to get West bound and over to Magor. No stop there today, just the village roads to get us back to Chepstow via the B4245 Rogiet and pick up the A4235 to Usk and our destination of the bus stop at Abergavenny via the B4598. I had previously warned Bob that this is one of my favourite bits of road so overtook the pack and really enjoyed the road at speed!

Once there the pack arrived some 10 minutes after me as they had lost one and had to regroup a little.

There were not that many bikes there today but one bike arrived with a trailer and a dog in it! How cool was that!

Coffee and relief break over and a fill with fuel and off we went towards Brecon on the A40 through Crickhowell and hang a right at Bwich for Llangors Lake and the café there. Good food was readily available with an excellent choice and a stopover of almost two hours to enjoy the tranquility of the largest natural lake in South Wales, view the fish, watch the sailing boats and visit the Crannog which is an ancient lake dwelling reputedly like the one built there possibly some 5,000 years ago. A lovely place to visit and camping is available there. Maybe it could be a stop over one weekend?

We regrouped and headed back to Abergavenny and down the A4598 and stop over at The Steel Horse café for further refreshments. There were quite a few bikes here including a gorgeous blue and silver Triton of 1954 classic vintage. By this time one Virago was blowing a little oil and the comment went something like at least it might stop more rust! Like the attitude! On to Usk and the Somerset group took to the A449 and headed for Newport as the easier option with the old bridge closed. M4 East bound and M49 South and we parted company at Clevedon to get back to Weston on the M5.

Many thanks to Bob for taking over the run in great weather and in good company. A total of some 190 miles and all in the sun! Maybe summer has arrived at last.