Martyn taking the picture was sure that Martin was sitting on a pillow so he can see over the screen.
Lesley and I headed off to the Phoenix Sidecar Club camping weekend late afternoon on the Thursday owing to Martyn having to work. The 250s were all packed the day before so we could get a flyer (not much chance of that on a 250).
The traffic was a little heavy in places all queues were dealt with by swift filtering to the front and using B roads when necessary which is easy when you’re riding a 250. Leaving at around 4pm and arriving at 7pm covering 150 miles is not bad going.
As soon as we arrived I was greeted by John and Chris with a cupper and then Pam with a glass of wine and I hadn’t even got our tent up yet. Lesley went out to get our evening meal and I pitched and sorted the tent.
The plan next morning was to see the Severn Bore, we went to Epney and the Anchor Inn, the rain persisted down, but we weren’t going to miss the bore, so stuck it out. Being only a two star it wasn’t spectacular to say the least, but there were still several nutters on surf boards trying to ride the bore.
We then had a ride along the lanes exploring, now the 250s come into their own, found a good viewing point at a place near Stonebench so I decided I would come back to this point tomorrow.
http://www.severn-bore.co.uk
http://www.severn-bore.co.uk/photos.htm
http://www.gloucesterharbourtrustees.org.uk/boresurfing.pdf
We headed off to find the Purton Hulks, stopping off at various locations along the Gloucester and Sharpness canal.
Swing bridge over the canal on the Epney Road
http://glos-sharpness.org.uk
http://rpm-canal.fotopic.net/c526619.html
We did a circular walk going via the banks of the Severn (a little muddy) to visit the Hulks and back via the canal tow path. If you are down this way on holiday they are well worth a visit.
http://www.gloucesterdocks.me.uk/canal/graveyard.htm
http://www.gloucesterdocks.me.uk/sharpness/docks.htm
http://www.gloucesterdocks.me.uk/canal/canal.htm
Friday night and we walked up to the Anchor Inn, with a few others. Ambulance Mick was already at the pub having left earlier to have a meal. The bore in the evening was a three star but being dark you couldn’t see much, although this could have been down to the Uley Ale, cider and rum that Mick and I drank.
Saturday morning and I went to Stonebench, Lesley due to having 3 days at Grafham Water at the beginning of the week doing all kinds of outdoor activities with group of special needs children plus all the walking on the Friday stayed on site to have a rest.
The bore was again only a two star on the Saturday morning, but standing on the lower bank next to the river, it made it to within inches of coming over. Anything over a three star at Stonebench and you are looking at getting your feet wet. All I can say is we will be back and prepared.
I caught up with the run-out up at Sapperton, at the Daneway Inn. Here we visited the Sapperton Tunnel entrance. This is in the middle of the old disused Thames & Severn Canal. It is not too far from the source of the River Thames.
http://www.aardvark-world.org.uk/canals/sapperton/index.htm
Suitably refreshed and fed John took us for a leisurely ride through the countryside and back to the site. There we were treated to a flying display by a Spitfire as there was a local tattoo event just a mile up the road. In the evening Pam and Chris celebrated their 50th birthdays by laying on an excellent BBQ and drinks for all, with the club members helping to cook and serve.
Thanks to all at the Phoenix Club and to Chris and Pam, all I can say is welcome to the over 50’s club.
Martyn
That tastes rubbery mum, yum, yum.
Veiw of the rally / camping field from our tent door.