Sorry to start with a rant and I hope this is not the start of a pattern!
I set off in plenty of time with a choice of route along mainly trunk roads, as I thought they might be a bit cleaner than my usual rural tracks.
Very much to my surprise the entry to the A47 southern bypass was closed!
The diversion I took was worse than anything Hieronymus Bosch could have dreamt up! I could see the single track sinew winding ahead in shimmering thick slimy brown, with scanes of really ugly cars coming in the other direction, some even pulling aside to let me through.
There was about 3 miles of that to get about a hundred yards the other side of the road block.
I think I've damaged my hearing by swearing so loudly in my helmet!
My super slick route was in ruins and I figured the only way to arrive at the venue in anything approaching a good mood was to message ahead with an apology and not to wait for me.
Happily the roads got cleaner and nicer the further South I went with the final leg into Suffolk being quite idyllic and pleasant.
A happy throng was already tucking into very nice looking breakfasts when I eventually waltzed in.
Lovely to see Unkle Duke who has organised todays meet, along with Mr and The Lady Dacs, DaveR, Sid and Martyn.
7 round the table is a good turnout for a grey and brisk February morning.
4 bikes in the carpark is respectable too, with DaveR's 750SS, Martyn's classic boxer, (sorry forgotten the model, R80 I think?) and Sid's Royal Enfield 500. That one is quite modern, but has been cleverly patinaed to look very ancient.
It was great to see everyone, thanks for turning out. I think we'll be adding The Jungle Room to our list of favourites.
Next month's will be at The Dove, Alburgh. On March 9th.
The journey home was much smoother and the roads were even a bit drier, meaning I could explore a bit further round my tyres for a change, but sadly the bubble burst a few miles from home when the belt snapped whilst giving it a fair portion of beanz.
No worries, it only took 10 minutes to pop another one on, but boy was that wind keen with no helmet and gloves on!
It took a reflector off as it pinged past, which makes it the third thing! I snapped a footpeg yesterday in a bizarre parking incident.
Let's hope for some nicer weather in March. I should be on the Monster again for that one.
