The Saundersfoot Run 2007

 

West South Wales VMCC Mountain Run

Sunday 5th August 2007

Well done that man - John Booth, for what has been one of, if not the best, run this year. This was a well attended with about 30 plus bikes out. The route started in Gwynfe on the Black Mountain and took us over towards Myddfai through a myriad of both mountain tops and small wooded lanes. We then descended on to the main A40 for a short main road run to Llywel where we entered the Eppynt Military area - what a fantastic ride with smooth roads terrific scenery and the sun beating down to keep us all warm. I have to say the Triumph was on song and the previous weeks outing in Scarborough only seems to have done it good - I was flying along. It is a strange area with its high views and almost barren landscape, until you spot a German Village in the distance - we could have been abroad. Mind you cannot get to the village, which is a training fascade anyhow.

We went onto Tirabad and then turned for Llangamarch Wells and finally for the morning ended up in Llanwrtyd Wells for lunch at the Belle Vue. A good Sunday lunch was enjoyed and after a natter and a few photographs it was off again towards Abergwesyn and the Devil's Staircase - this tested both bike and nerves with its steep hairpin climbs and steeper descent. I have to say the road to the staircase must rate as one of the prettiest around with its valley sides and views of the Irfon River, still a mountain stream at this stage.

Onward over the pass and onto the twisty and very picturesque road around Llyn Brianne, unfortunately the promised ice cream stop was not to be - the ice cream van was nowhere to be seen so after another quick natter and comments on how well the Triumph was going and sounded we set off through Rhandirmwyn through to Llandovery. This route is also very pretty and especially for me as I am also a canoeist so the views of the River Twyi meandering and thundering through the gorges is a pleasant distraction (not that I needed one following Hywel on his Norton (I never noticed the miss, although he insists there is one there - that is why he was behind me all day!!! - only joking Hywel!))

Llandovery was, as usual full of bikers enjoying the cameraderie one would expect from bikers and so the Triumph was a pleasant change from the R1, GSXRs and Fireblades we have all got used to. I have to amdit this is where my ride stopped as the company was good, the Apple Pie and Ice cream superb and so Hywel and myself decided not to ride the last few miles back to John's Farm (I did ring and tell him albeit some hours later, sorry John).

A good day and one where bike and rider wher well matched - the roads suited the bikes power and it rose to the challenge, I even forgave it the few oil drips it left me by way of letting me know it had worked hard.

Photos to follow although there will be none of the scenery because it was such a good ride we did not stop to take any. 100 miles of classic scratching (not sure if that was a word used in 1972!)

Scarborough VMCC Bike Week

This is the first time that I have attended this event and I can honestly say it was superb even if the weather was a little, well shall we say, humid!!! The organisation was excellent and despite the ravages of the wind and rain all went smoothly.

The week basically consisted of camping in a field on Oliver's Mount (if there is any criticism it must be the campsite facilities - hey guys get some more showers built and smarten up the toilet block). Each day there was an arranged and planned bike ride through the many lanes, hills and coastal routes around the area - each one being about 75 to 100 miles long.

Evening entertainment was provided in the marquee by the VMCC and a good laugh it was as well, and all this for just £9 per day camping and £2 per day for the events. I still cannot work out how thery could provide up with free Fish and Chips on one of the evenings - it is true the best fish and chips probably do come from North Yorkshire!!!

Anyhow here are a few photos in an album - more to come and a better write up - when I am not so busy. Double click on the image below to open up the album.

VMCC Scarborough Bike Week - Selection

April 2007 Looking Good

I thought I would just add a couple of photos of the bike as it is this month. It is looking good, not concours, but good and very rideable. I am looking forward to the VMCC Scarbrough Week at the end of June - booked up, camper prepped, trailer cleaned and bike ready.

VMCC West South Wales Gower Ride

I have not used the Triumph a great deal over the winter, mainly because I have other bikes to ride and it seems a shame to subject it to the ravages of the salt they put down on the roads these days. I was disappointed that I did not make the St. David's Day Run, but the rain was torrential so I gave it a miss.

How nice to see the sun out for the VMCC West South Wales run around the Gower Coast. With a start in my home town of Carmarthen I was pleased to see an impressive turnout of some 50 bikes (or so it seemed). Morrison's car park positively vibrated when they all started up.



I managed to convince my mate Hywel to come along on his Norton Commando. It is strange but there never seems to be an organised start time on these runs, just a lot of bikers get on their bikes and ride off. So off we went. The route was a very interesting one.

Leaving Carmarthen to take the B road down to Ferryside and then along the coast road to Kidwelly. The sound and sights of old bikes on old roads in the sun with the sea in view is quite nostalgic and makes all the work needed to keep these bikes in fine fettle worth it.

I didn't manage to get any photographs on route because contrary to expectations these bikes don't half go on small twisty roads and it was all I could do to keep up (honest!!!).

The obligatory coffee spot was at the newly developed docks area of Llanelli. A good stoping point and plenty of room to park.







A good ride on some superb roads. It was a shame we did not arrive earlier to chat more but there is always next time!