Five Valleys Run

 

The Salisbury Motorcycle and Light Car Club started this year’s fund-raising season at the end of April with a 90 mile ride around the Wiltshire countryside. Club member Ian Futcher reports, and extends an invitation for their next event in June…

We have just started our new fundraising campaign for Julia’s House, who provide practical and emotional support for families caring for a child with a life-limiting or life-threatening condition. The Five Valleys Run attracted a good turn-out with 145 bikes signed on, many of them new faces from what I could see. There was a real good mix of bikes too. The weather was agreeable which always helps, even if it was a bit chilly first thing.

However… is it me, or have the roads deteriorated badly since last year? There was a greasy, newly laid stretch which will wear in nicely but other roads had loose dressing strewn directly over deep potholes which could be a bit buttock-clenching at times. That said, the scenery was beautiful and for me what biking is made for. The mood soon lifted when we met a line of about 100 vintage tractors approaching us in convoy on the narrowest stretch of road on the trip. They were all very respectful of other road users and I couldn’t stop laughing inside my helmet and giving a cheery wave as they kept on coming. Simple pleasures!

It was a great atmosphere at the lunchtime stop in the Royal Oak pub in Corsley, where I partook of a roast beef sandwich and a glass of something wet to quench the dust kicked up on the morning’s ride. I think they did pretty well considering the numbers that suddenly descended upon them. Most had left for the afternoon tea and cake stop by the time we had finished so we kitted up and set off in a little group of four. We soon caught up with another set so eased off the throttle for a gentle ride back to the finish point. We arrived to see a stream of bikes filling up the lay-by: a marvellous sight it was too.

If you haven’t been on this run before it is our first big charity ride of the season and open to non-members. The route is pre-marked and takes in some lovely parts of the countryside west of Salisbury. It is suitable for all types of motorcycle (and light cars). Above all else it is the riders who make this a really friendly and enjoyable ride out. All for good cause too.

Our next event is Sunday 25^th June 2017: a summer solstice ‘Horses & Henges’ charity run in aid of Julia’s House once again and also open to non-members. This is a tour between the various white horses and henges in the local area. We meet at the rest area lay-by on A36 between Steeple Langford and Stapleford for 10am start. The entry fee is £5 for club members and £6 non-members; all proceeds to our charity. Contact Andy Elliott 07909 778685 or download entry form from our website.

 

If you can’t make that date, our Lightweight Motorcycle Run is on 16^th July 2017 and our Mavro Run is on 24^th September 2017. Hope to see you at one of them!

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Words and photos by Ian Futcher