Stratford

What I want to know is, if there is all this global warming, why does it rain so much? Yes, the ride was a bit damp in places - most places, including some you wouldn't want to mention.

Got up Sunday morning - bright sunshine. Yes, that's nice. So, fire up the new bike and head off to Poplar for the meet. As we walked into the coffee shop, the heavens opened. Oh well, that's what waterproofs are for (when they work). In the end, we had 12 bikes and 4 pillions for the ride - a very acceptable turnout considering the forecast.

We had a long way to go, so we set of promptly at 10am - actually 10 minutes late - but that's good for us. We had a sedate ride down to the first stop where a welcome coffee and warmed bun was had by most (Sue tucked into a burger and chips to be different!). Then, outside to carry on the last 80 miles.

We managed about 60 before hunger pangs called and we had to stop off for some food. The restaurant had an excellent carvery, which Phil and I managed to find very quickly. Gary was soon at the sweet trolley and everyone seemed to enjoy it. Then off to find the bard in all his glory.

Got to Stratford with no issues and soon found the dedicated parking area for bikes. Credit to the local council for this - it is a very good idea and close to the town centre. Shame it's not covered, but you can't have everything!

We parked up, wandered around and ended up in a cafe. Phil, Gary and I wandered in and asked for tables for 14 people - only to find that everyone else had gone somewhere else to eat. So, we had a LARGE table all to ourselves.

Phil (J) and I decided we needed to get back early, so we set off for a "spirited" ride up the A422/A49. After getting lost coming out of Stratford, I managed to regroup and got us back on the right road. Then, 120 miles of very nice roads, not much traffic and NO RAIN!!!! It was fun.

So, some pictures - as ever, silly comments by yours truly.

At the start, not too many turned up before me
So, I parked the new bike by itself so it could be admired (or ignored
Then, loads of others turned up
Lunch stop. As you can see, it was still very wet outside
But inside, much mirth and merriment by all
Karen was on a diet - "Just the bone for me" she said.
John and Gary had the obligatory sweet.
Then, time to wrap up again - such contortions. Judy had fun with her oversuit
Malcolm found the secret of dry feet - and had to show Val how it sould be done
Karen had two to help here - and don't ask what Geoff was doing, we don't know !!!!
Finally into Stratford and parking up.
Judy had to wring Rafel dry - and then found a nice place for him to sit
Phil had brought a map, in case we got lost
Then, in to the centre, where we had the Angels pictures (with Gary)
And then we wandered around for a while
John decided that Yorick needed some protection
Malcolm and Val found a shaded boudoir to rest in.
And I found a squirrel and a goose to talk to.