Ride Leader: Czes Wicherek

Fair weather greeted the small but perfectly formed group assembled mid-morning at GH-D for the ride to the Rally that announces the arrival of the riding season. However, a technical problem with my bike initially saw Julian Bennet followed by the team at GH-D come to my rescue, and soon we were on the road.

The journey to the Rally passed without incident … well without too much incident. Operating without a sat-nav on the first leg, I mistakenly took a road less well travelled and soon the route became very unfamiliar. Fortunately back marker Dell Evans came to the rescue and we arrived at Thruxton in time for brunch.

For the next stage, the ride to Cheddar Gorge, Dell and I swopped bikes and we arrived as planned (by me) at the Riverside pub in Cheddar village for some refreshment. Unfortunately, the Gorge wasn’t where it was supposed to be, but the group didn’t seem too disappointed. The traffic on the final leg to Weston-Super-Mare was relatively light and we were soon at the Rally where we were joined by Chapter members who had made their own way down.

Hogsback Chapter members donned the traditional Hawaiian shirts for the first evening. With music from Rang a Tang, Koo Ka Choo and DJ Rob Paston, the weekend got off to a good start.

On Saturday morning, there was a Grand Parade and bike show for the more enthusiastic, as well as a visit to the Pier for those wishing sample some of the Weston-Super-Mare seafront atmosphere. Good weather meant the seafront was a good place to be and some stayed longer to enjoy it more than others. The evening’s music was supplied by Stereo Jacks, Gimme Some Lovin and DJ Rob.

There were four ride-outs organised by Bridgwater Chapter for the Sunday, plus a Walking Tour of Weston (organised by Pete Branson) designed for those more interested in visiting places in the town of local historical interest, and which revealed some real gems.

Sunday usually sees a lot of Rally goers departing but this year was different with the majority staying for the whole weekend. Those staying were ‘treated’ to a double set of Jay and the Demics, and DJ Rob.

There was no organised ride on the way home on the Monday but all those attending were tasked to find the Gorge on their way home!

Thanks to my back markers Dell Evans and Garry Brown for their support and help with the ride down and over the weekend. Plus a big thank you to all those Chapter members who came along to make this a great start to the Ride year! Cheers everyone.

Czes Wicherek – Ride Leader

View the Gallery: https://hogsbackchapteruk.smugmug.com/2023/Cider-Rally-28-Apr-1-May