The 3rd Stratford Festival Run, Sunday 3rd May 2015.
It was a miserable start on Sunday morning as we prepared for the Stratford Run, however as the time drew closer and with the sight of some wonderful bikes gathering for the start, the rain decided to stop and we had a dry day for riding. We were joined by members/friends from the North Cotswold section so there were eight different makes of bikes, AJS, Ariel, BSA, Cotton, Norton, Royal Enfield, 2 Triumphs (one a 1960 650cc Thunderbird with a lovely sidecar) and 2 Velocettes, all ranging in date from 1920 to 1967. Chris Delaney, Secretary of the North Cotswold Section, was in his 1980 Lomax with son James riding “shotgun” and Judith was riding pillion with Malcolm Griffin on his 1954 Norton Dominator 88.
Leaving the layby we turned off the A429 Wellesbourne road and passed through the lanes to Hatton Rock and then across the A439 to Snitterfield. We made our way through Wolverton, Claverdon, Lowsonford and Preston Bagot when the sun came out and we really enjoyed the wonderful countryside with the yellow oilseed rape in the fields and the bluebells at the side of the road. After only a short time on A roads we were back on quiet lanes heading for Wootton Wawen, Morton Bagot and Great Alne. Approaching Great Alne we met, thankfully coming the other way, a line of 15-20 classic/vintage tractors, a wonderful sight. From there we continued to Haselor, through Alcester and on to Wixford, Ardens Grafton and Temple Grafton before turning down to Binton and Lower Binton, with its glorious view from Church Bank, to finally join the B439. This road took us straight into Stratford for the finish in Meer Street. After such a good days ride refreshment was needed, so we took it in turns to keep an eye on the bikes while others found a chair at a nearby café. 
Unfortunately there were some small problems “en route”. Dave Kendall had to stop on his 1939 Cotton soon after leaving the start to adjust a slipping clutch. David Payne’s Model H Triumph found the bumpy road approaching Alcester dislodged his rear stand. Simon Dudfield ran out of petrol in his 1927 AJS and had to stop to refuel from his emergency supply, or so he tells us, cos’ it was right outside the Blue Boar Inn!
Everyone had a great day and thanks to all who took part, it was especially good to meet up and ride with friends from the North Cotswold Section.