Thames Valley Motorcycle Lodge No.9885

The TVMCL (Thames Valley Motorcycle Lodge) took advantage of the glorious June weather with a jaunt to the South coast on the first Sunday of the month.

The bikers met in Hungerford at 9am for coffee and chat before setting off on the proposed ride to Poole harbour. This was to include a stop to take in the Fovant Badges on the way.

Or that was the intention!...

 There were 11 keen motorcyclists, when they started. Heading off on the A338, winding across the beautiful Berkshire/ Wiltshire countryside. Fabulous clear roads and the sun shining overhead they took single file on the country lanes on a variety of bikes from the Kawasaki Ninja, to the Triumph Rocket and Harley Davidson Street glide as they headed towards Salisbury.

 They said their first cheerio to one rider (Dean) at Salisbury, heading to Southampton, another 10 mins later and then took the A30 towards the Fovant Badges. Arriving to enjoy a brief break, a photo call and look at the famous military badges carved into the hillside (above, L-R: Martin, Sarah, Marcus, Andy (“the Stig”), Andy, Dave, Clive, Roger, Colin). Here they were joined by another friend to boost numbers and a decision made to head for Compton Abbas airfield to look at the vintage planes and have a lunch in the sunshine.

 Compton Abbas proved an excellent idea and an enjoyable hour was spent chatting, eating and watching the flying displays in the hot sunshine.

From here our riders split into three groups. Marcus Hilsdon and Andy White heading back towards Marlborough and home with several others to enjoy the twisty roads.

Martin and Sarah Sando carried on to Shaftsbury (to the pub) with his friend who had met them at Fovant Badges and had a relaxed afternoon enjoying the sunshine.

Stalwarts Clive and Roger stuck to the original plan and headed on to Poole and had a thoroughly good catch up by the harbour.

A most enjoyable day was had by all.

A great ride, with wonderful weather. Thanks all of those who came along for the ride-out.

Report by Martin Sando