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indexInspired by the Dukeries adventure in Africa earlier this year, we of the Shropshire Section decided to explore a great flood plain to the west of America (GR375164 on sheet 126). But the daring-do began even before the start - four of the six eligible entries rode in: Jim Bartlett a distance of 50-something miles and Paul Raybould a distance of 40-something miles. Andy Shaw piloted the back-up vehicle, although nobody needed his services (the image of a recalcitrant VéloSoleX being towed home behind a BMW motor cycle makes me wish I could draw cartoons!)
The area within which the run took pace is ideal NACC territory: dead flat but yet scenic with the Breiddens and Llanymynech hills forming an attractive back-drop. We paused at Melverley church (15c, half-timbered) and then, a bit later on, a flexibility test sort of thing was organised under the shadow of Knockin radio telescope. This involved riding as fast as poss up a slight slope, around a tree, then as slow as poss back to the start. LPA was de rigeur so people coloured-up in inverse proportion to engine power, which was very amusing - until it was your turn!
Solexistes (John Allen and Mike Crumpton) pronounced themselves pleased with their mounts and Jim's Mobylette and Paul's Honda were self-evidently very able machines. Jon's Raleigh RM looked immaculate as usual and my New Hudson looked scruffy as usual, so no change there. All in all a good inaugural run. We hope to see a few more on the second Two Rivers Run.
I have just realised that there is already a Two Rivers Run in the calendar. Apologies to the Kent Section! Lest we be accused of plagiarism, our run will henceforth be known as the Two Rivers and Large White Radio Telescope Run. Snappy, eh?
First published, December 1998