Blog by Philip Wadlow
Fifteen bikes met at Warmington Services, we had a change of meet point as the roundabout at Haddon on the A1 had roadworks and was subject to delays and diversions, so I though it best to avoid!
After a briefing about the forthcoming ride, we set off, the weather was good and we went through the pretty towns and villages of Oundle, Brigstock and Grafton Underwood, taking in thatched cottages and the unspoilt villages.
We carried on through Mears Ashby and past Sywell Country Park (maybe a future rideout destination with a little café), over the A14 then a small single track road over a couple of hump back bridges, taking in the view of the lock, weir and ponds and at the junction what looks like a Gothic gatehouse type building.
Slowly we went by the picnic areas beside the river at Castle Ashby, which is popular with fisherman and as a relaxing spot for others.
Carefully, I rode through Salcey Forest, having had a deer encounter, with eight crossing in front of me two years ago during the daytime!
Over the M1 to the charming village of Stoke Bruerne and the mid destination of the Boat Inn.
Fortunately, for us arriving at 11am, the Inn was not too busy and accommodated us easily and quickly with food and drinks, some chose to sit outside beside the canal, taking advantage of the sunny weather.
The location is beautiful with the canal boats, locks and old buildings.
We mounted our the bikes again and headed to Billing Aquadrome where we had a fuel stop and gathered the group together again, as we had negotiated several large roundabouts and wanted to minimise drop offs and the chance of navigational errors.
Back on smaller roads, going past Sywell Aerodrome onto Pitsford causeway, splitting the two halves of Pitsford Water.
The A508 next to Market Harborough, I always think is a lovely stretch of road to bike along, especially if there is little traffic.
Market Harborough was not particularly pleasant to get through (next time I will avoid through it), onto the Rutland TT section to Uppingham and onto the finish of the ride at Two Flags Café, Morcott.
On a nice day there is always a good selection of bikes to view and owners eager to engage in banter about their prides!
An enjoyable rideout, the weather was kind to us, the Boat Inn Staff gave us an excellent service and great food, as they have always done in the past.
The Northamptonshire countryside and rolling roads was a lovely experience.
Thanks to all the riders that came along and to Bob Stewart for being TEC and keeping the group together and safe.
Blog by Philip Wadlow.