The Stratford Festival Run 5th May 2014.
Following the Founders Relay Rally on the Sunday it was almost inevitable that numbers would be depleted for the Stratford Festival on the Bank Holiday Monday. It was disappointing however to see only five for the start of what turned out to be a most enjoyable days run. Four bikes plus John Lycett’s 3-wheeler BSA, although we were later joined “on route” by Simon Dudfield and Dave Kendall.
We set off just before 10.30 only slightly delayed by Barry Hall’s beautiful 1958 BSA Gold Star being reluctant to start. However we were soon on the 46 mile route which took us out of Stratford over the river and through the villages of Loxley, Alderminster, Wimpstone and Admington, thence across the hills above Mickleton before dropping down into the village of Willersey. Some of us took a short break here, taking the opportunity to have a look at the vintage cars in the showroom window of Taylor’s Garage (four star leaded petrol still available here) before continuing on our way.
The route then took us towards Weston-sub-edge and along the Roman Road, now called Buckle Street to Honeybourne before turning to Bretforton and South Littleton. We then went eastwards and rejoined Buckle Street for a short while before heading into Pebworth and Dorsington. Then onto the Barton Road into Welford-on-Avon, finishing off the run by using the B439 into Stratford, where we headed to our allotted parking area in Meer Street. Considering it was the Bank Holiday it was a pleasure to see, with the exception of getting over the bridge in Stratford, that traffic was light and the roads quiet for all of the run. If only it was always like this!
Afterwards we enjoyed some refreshment and sustenance sitting outside a café before standing and talking about the bikes to the crowds who had come to the Festival.
Our thanks go to David Payne for organising the event and Dave Kendall for the photos.
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