Everything was crossed, hoping that the beautiful weather would return for the weekend, the last few days had been quite wet and we didn’t want a wet weekend in Telford.

Friday dawned dry but cloudy so Roy and his golfing partner Clare met Jim and Ally for 18 holes of golf, Roy only managed 9, something to do with a poorly back?
Jim and Ally had to drive up as the wing was playing up, hope they get it fixed in time for the Barnsley weekend.

Over the afternoon the others started to arrive, Joe and Izzy, clutching information about their proposed Cotswolds trip, Richard and Christine, Dennis and Christine and Terry and Josie.

Putting the bikes away for the night

Roy met them all for dinner (I was at a works leaving do) which they delayed slightly awaiting the arrival of Alan and Debbie (will Alan ever be on time?).While enjoying their meal, Nigel and Lynne arrived, Nigel wanted to park in the foyer as he thinks this is now the norm, but he was directed to the reserved parking area for Elite Wings.  After a long drawn out meal it was time for a quick chat and bed.

Saturday

Next morning was dry but a little cloudy, after a hearty breakfast we set off, this time we were joined by Mike and Netty, it was good to see Mike looking so well. Jim and Ally were going to view the delights of Telford, as they were minus bike and poor ole Terry was not feeling too well so they also decided not to join us. Joe was excited as he now had a CB for the 1st time but for some reason he could hear but not speak, he is going to check out the intercom system, although after listening to all the inane chatter he may disconnect it all together!!

We swept down to a small 6’6” high head clearance bridge, spanning the River Severn, which had everyone ducking to go under it and then up round the 1st hair pin bend of the day to the village of Broseley and on to Bridgnorth. Roy was busy pointing out  “ Clee Hill” to everyone, I hadn’t the heart to tell him it was not Clee Hill, which has a large white golf ball on top and, much further on into the trip.

Alan looking a little lost in bookshop

We made very good time weaving through the deserted Shropshire countryside, with its small scenic villages and large green fields we soon arrived at our morning coffee stop, Aardvark Books, here we were greeted by the owner with cake, coffee, tea and hot chocolate on a stick (?). Everyone was very relaxed and enjoyed looking around all the books both old and new. This was a new experience for Alan so Debbie spent time explaining what  books were and the black squiggly marks were words, which made up stories!!
I can thoroughly recommend the bookshop as a coffee stop if you are in the area, post code SY7 0DH, they also have different events on throughout the year, on the 14 and 15th August they have a English Civil War re enactment taking place.
We finally dragged everyone out, after losing the two Christine’s upstairs rummaging amongst the dusty books and papers.

Now we were on to Hereford and Wales, again sticking to the country lanes and in some case narrow lanes blocked by hedge cutters. The weather stayed dry and the sun was trying to make an appearance. As we neared the Brecon Beacons the countryside changed to a more rugged landscape, with cattle grids and wandering sheep.

Lunch was booked at the Brecon Beacon Visitors centre, who had kindly reserved 2 tables for us, soon everyone was tucking in to the delicious food they serve there. Christine and Dennis off to find out more information about the walks in the area, they are planning a return visit with the dog for a walking weekend. Roy, Alan and Debbie decided to watch the video show about the Beacons, and I think to also grab 40 winks.

Once more we mounted up and set off to Brecon town, with its winding streets. We were trying to avoid Buith Wells which had its annual show on, and the plan worked we did not meet too much traffic. Soon we began to cross the military road, with the Red danger flags flying, tail end Charlie, Alan was worried a stray bullet, from the firing range, might hit him but we didn’t stop just kept right on to the end of the road. As the road wound higher we were treated to a fantastic view of the Hereford and Shropshire countryside, laid out like a beautifully worked patch work quilt in various shade off green, brown and yellow.

We could not stop to admire the view as Izzy had a massage appointment, but I know Richard and Christine are planning a return trip to this road, not one they had travelled before.

A quick, Ice cream stop at the Cross Gates, biker café, where Roy’s cousin Patricia had come to see the bikes with her grandson Charlie. We venture on to cross the A49 and then the Ludlow Race Course; luckily no races were on that day. The route took us through Much Wenlock, the birth place of the modern Olympic Games and then along the River Severn to Ironbridge, the site of the actual bridge itself and then to Coalport where famous pottery came from.

Soon we were back at the Hotel with Izzy running to get her massage, while the rest of us filled menus for the nights meal. Mike and Netty could not join us; due to baby sitting duties so we said our goodbyes.

At dinner, Jim and Ally, Terry and Josie updated us on their day; they had been to Telford Centre and then down to Ironbridge. They also want to come back and see Blist Hill Living Museum, as it was just closing when they got there.

Dinner was a speedier affair and the food was delicious. Joe showed us his plans for Cotswolds and it looks like it is going to be a great trip.

I hope everyone enjoyed them selves, from the feedback we have had I think they did, as we appeared to have taken people on roads they did not know existed.

Roy and I really enjoyed having you visit us in Telford and showing you our beautiful countryside.