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Chris and Bet's first run - 28th July 2009
 

Several members had suggested a run on the west side of Gloucester for a change - no problem since we live that way anyway. As a member of the VMCC I had had some 'previous' and believe me driving and navigating at the same time on a motorcycle is both challenging and has its scary moments as well. Tim and Louise offered some useful tips including choosing the start and finish points before starting on any route planning.  This of course necessitates trying the watering hole several times to check the quality! Also to include the almost obligatory passing point on the route where everyone can wave as they pass each other.
 
We thought it would be interesting to find some hidden parts not visited before, a great idea but it does involve a lot more planning before you set out. On our first attempt we missed a left turn and almost ended up in Ross before we realised our error! After the 3rd recce we dragged Tim and Louise out to vet the route and hopefully eliminate any hidden errors.
 
Come the day the weather was deteriating fast as the afternoon drew to a close and the question came - would many turn up? But at 6.15 there were already six hardy souls in the Highnam Woods car park so I needn't have worried. By 6.55pm all 15 cars were on their way so we retired to the Pub to await events with crossed fingers.  The route took in Birdwood, Glasshouse, Kilcot, Gorsley before tracking back through Longhope and Blaisden. It was very good of one of the local farmers to lay on a welcoming display of farmyard manure, to the extent some one declared his car was muddier than after going to an event in Wales the weekend before!
 
Several other pubs were passed along the way and were allegedly quality tested by some of the entrants on the run (don't worry, your identity will not be revealed).  
 
At 8pm the first members arrived in the car park followed by a steady stream over the next 45mins. There was a reserved seating area in the pub which was quickly over-run, and everyone appeared to enjoy themselves.
 
Our thanks to Mark Green and his staff at the White Hart in Broadoak for prompt and efficient service.

Chris