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to the Archive indexWith great care in our planning,we avoided Fathers Day and the VMCC Banbury run. So what did we get? UEFA cup on TV and the Cosford Air Show! Three other riders ignored these temptations, so our turn out from The Corbet Arms (with many thanks to Pat and Graham) was John Aston on his immaculate Puch MS50D, Stuart Blakemore with a very crisp sounding New Hudson, Dave Tipton on his newly acquired Yamaha Townmate 80, and self on Puch Maxi. Michael Hames on a re-styled New Hudson met us socially en route.
An alternative title for this run could be "...and then there was one". Soon into the run John had a tyre valve problem and no amount of inflation could resolve it. So he retired and did not get to see the amazing 'long drop' toilet arrangements at Acton Burnell castle. On the outskirts of Acton we met Michael again, but with a static machine. He lives nearby, so limped home. On the Roman road one water-splash was dry, the second a trickle, but we bravely proceeded to the National Trust tea rooms at Carding Mill Valley, where we parked our machines on the lovely new tarmac. After snacks it was time to visit the end of the valley via the ford but the lovely new tarmac had softened in the heat and Stuart's machine fell. This caused an obstruction in the fuel line, forcing his retirement. Dave and I blasted back without stopping until we reached Atcham, where we parted, Dave going East, and me going West... and then there was one! Join us next year on our intrepid adventures when there will be a suitable prize for the most original reason for retirement.
First published, August 2004