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Welsh Weekend
Thanks to Dave S and Doug S who has sent the following reports on the Welsh
weekend. Chris C has sent the six photographs shown below the
reports. If anyone has any other photographs please send them to me and I will
add them to the report. Thanks for all your contributions to make this a
truly "about the section by the section" page. We missed what
would appear to have been a good weekend in Wales. A clash of dates meant
that Gloria and myself were riding the Rapide in the opposite direction to
Thetford where we stopped at The Bell Hotel that was used by many of the cast of "Dad's Army" when they were filming the TV series.
In Thetford we visited the Burrell traction engine museum located in one of the original Burrell factory buildings and also a museum dedicated to the "Dad's Army" series. On the coast we went to Southwold where we visited the pier and inland back we saw many windmills. Our last "comfort break" on the way home was at Foxton Locks where we watched a barge go through and had one last ice-cream.
Eddy.
" Another superb Welsh Weekend has taken place with ideal weather for the two days.
Ten bikes with 13 people left Henley and convened for coffee at Monkland where we were joined by Keith and Jan and Colin and Brenda. Here the group split for the main road and country groups. After the extended B Road Route, by chance, we all arrived at Elan Valley Visitor Centre within minutes of each other to be joined by George and Janet and Debbie and Holly in cars.
After lunch we left to go via the Elan Valley to the hotel. A lovely setting at Devils Bridge, an added attraction being thirty-year-old sports cars coming in the opposite direction, including more BMW 328s than I thought existed. There were Red Kites flying above and all without string! People went to see the sea at various places. The three ‘long route’ bikes arrived at Devils Bridge at about 5:00pm. Later 19 of us sat down for, what I personally think, was the best Welsh Weekend meal I have had in my five years.
Sunday, and the bikes left to travel along the Abergwesyn Pass with maybe the exception of Loz and Sue. This required a little extra concentration which must be getting easier, or I am better on the
Comet, as it has got through twice now. Everyone arrived at Hundred House for lunch, then by the original route home. I believe I covered about 370 miles but this is only by everyone else’s speedo as my own registered 38.2 at a consistent 38 mph. Ah, well! How the dickens did I need to buy £19 worth of fuel for 38
miles?
Thank you everyone for the weekend, especially John and Judith.
David."
Doug S sent the next report and although his weekend didn't
quite go according to plan at least Coventry Section members help one another. (Eddy)
"My weekend went really well, that was, until two miles after the lunch
stop at Hundred House. Until then, the bike was running beautifully and pulling like a train,
when all of a sudden and with no warning, it appeared to jump out of
gear. At the time, I was following in close pursuit with Alan Brittain and Dave Davis, both of course, unaware of my problem at that point.
As I started to get to grips with what might've happened, along came the lads and after a quick look, it came to light that the rear hub flange
to which the sprocket is attached had parted company with the hub, as can be clearly seen from the
picture.  There was no signal coverage for mobile phones in that area and Dave
kindly gave me a lift back to Hundred House, where I rang the RAC from a public telephone. Yes, we luckily found one that actually worked. After
relaying all the usual details, I asked the guy at the control centre if he would mind ringing my home as I could envisage, bearing in mind where
we were, that it would be many hours before I would finally get back to
Coventry. Control said it would be at least 90 minutes for the van to arrive and then
who knows how long for the bike recovery and all the usual nonsense, especially on a Sunday. As if that should make a difference!
Whilst we were sorting the recovery, Alan had moved the bike behind the cones, which was complete with a
workman's loo and gave both us and our bikes, a measure of safety from passing traffic.
Both Alan and Dave insisted on staying 'till the van arrived, which was very sporting of them showing true VOC and biking
spirit. So thanks to them, their actions were appreciated. Surprisingly, after only what seemed like half an hour, Thomas's van
arrived, the driver then contacted his pal who, in no time at all, arrived on the scene complete with bike
trailer. The twin was loaded on board, strapped securely and I was whisked off to Coventry, arriving at
6.45pm. So what could've been a real pain in the aspidistra, didn't turn out too bad at all.
Again, my thanks to Dave & Alan, who's support was very much appreciated. Guess that might cost me a pint or two but that'll have to
wait, as I can't get along to a section meeting 'till the AGM! Even Dave's jokes took on a new turn!!
Doug"
Saturday Coffee stop.
Saturday Coffee stop.
Elan Valley.
Elan Valley.
Ices from the Hive on the Quay at Aberaeron.
Hafod Hotel Sunday AM.
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