It started dull and dismal and part of me was saying "Don't go", the other was saying "You volunteered so don't be a pussy!"
I left home at 09.00 for the Shire Horse and about 2 miles from home the rain started. I thought "no one else will turn up, I'll get there and go home!!!!!"
After re- reading the rules the night before I filled up just near the Shire Horse Centre and realised my waterproof trousers aren't entirely waterproof, and leaving your jacket pocket undone is not too clever either, so wet fags when I got there. Under the shelter of a tree the Vultures were deciding where to go and all made me feel very welcome. Thank you ladies and gentlemen. I explained I was a virgin to ride outs but everyone said don't worry, we'll all help (extremely relieved)
The ride started surprisingly damp but after about ten minutes of going in the direction of less clouds it stopped raining and a nice day started to appear. The ride was great, I was well looked after and it was great riding as a group, normally just me and my mate.
We arrived at West Meon dryer, warmer and looking forward to tea and vitals. It was Ducati day at the Cafe....... how do they get on those bikes??????
The rain started again as we left and I bade farewell to the others as they left for the M3 and myself on the A34 after a great first run. Even though it was wet, it proved how good everyone was and I thoroughly enjoyed telling my mate "you must go out in all weather".
Thoughts on how to improve the day:-
1 Waterproofs that are in fact Waterproof !!!!!!!
2 Boots that are waterproof !!!!
3 Panniers to carry waterproofs, how well prepared you all are!
4 Book better weather.
5 Lets do it again!
Many thanks to you all, I thoroughly enjoyed my first and not my last ride out.
Cheers
Jeff
It was my first ride out on my new virago and she never missed a beat performing lovely
Did I say I really enjoyed it!!!!
