WYLIE & HOLLAND'S RAT RIDE TO THE AVONCROFT MUSEUM

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Fabulous weather and a great turn out for our penultimate run of the season, what more could we wish for? 

 In all 22 bikes took part on the run, which included quite a few two up, making a total of 26 members enjoying a great day out. A special note must be made of the appearance of Geoff Williams who, after an absence of two years, finally made it on a run. It was lovely to see him again after such a long absence.

        Many thanks to Peter Mulloy and Paul Boydon, who each led a group. It would be difficult to have so many bikes in two or even just one group! This way there is a good deal of choice, and people can relax in the knowledge that the pace will be best suited to their bike and their own riding style.

        The route took us the back way to Cressage, on through Much Wenlock to Morville, where we headed deep into the country side as we made our way south to Kinlet and Great Witley. The road down to Great Witley provided stunning views of the Malvern Hills. Turning east we crossed the bridge at Stourport, and then through the colourful town to the breakfast stop at the Little Chef just outside Kidderminster on the A449. Not everyone could spare the whole day, especially as Wolves were playing, (and winning) at home. And so we said goodbye to a few, but still retained our three groups as we came ever nearer to Bromsgrove and the Avoncroft Museum of Historic buildings.

        As we were well over twenty we were able to get in as a group. It was here that Ian and Alison joined us, which was nice. The weather by now was near perfect with warm sunshine and a gentle breeze. Avoncroft has some fantastic buildings, ranging from a windmill to a prison! In addition, there were lots model makers displaying their skills. You know things are good when you are sitting out in the late summer sunshine on a peaceful Sunday afternoon in the company of fellow RAT members enjoying each other’s company.

We decided to stay as one group for the return journey as we were by now down to eight bikes. We took the country route home enjoying the privilege of traffic free roads in glorious sunshine all the way home.

Many thanks therefore, to all those who helped to make this a really special RAT run.