Thames Valley Motorcycle Lodge No.9885

Great ride out to Stratford on Sunday 3rd August. Seven members from TVMCL, joined by four ‘almostmembers’ assembled on a variety of motorcycles at the H Café near Abingdon for the days ride-out. After greetings and a hearty English breakfast in the open air sunshine, we departed in staggered formation. With 11 riders we formed into 2 Groups with Marcus Hilsdon (SW – Triumph Rocket) leading the first group and Ian Hopgood (JD – Honda Blackbird) guiding the second.

Our 65 mile route took us around Oxford to join the A44, then out to historic Woodstock followed by open Cotswolds roads taking us through Enstone, Chipping Norton and Moreton-in-the-Marsh before descending the exhilarating ‘Fish Hill’ to Broadway. From there the B4362 country roads into Stratford where the 2 groups re-assembled in the designated motorcycle park. We chatted by the river in glorious sunshine over a drink and ice-cream for an hour before heading back.

Our return route followed the A422 to Banbury for a refuelling stop. From here the riders divided and re-grouped according to their homeward direction. The eastern-based riders headed towards Oxford and home while the western-based riders headed to Chipping Norton, Burford, Letchlade and home.

Many thanks to Marcus (SW) for planning the ride-out and to the members (Andy W, Ian H, David A, Roger, Graham & Jason) for their support and for making it a safe-riding day out. Thanks also to the ‘almostmembers’ (Paul, Andy, Mark & Richard) for your company.

Attached photo – Riverside Gardens, Stratford (L-R Paul, Marcus, Roger?, Richard, David & Andy W)

Report by Ian H