Autumn mini gathering - Cotswolds - 'The Ding' - 19/21 September

"... it can be tricky, let alone in a group of riders of various ages."

Oy!

I know that through your youthful eyes we're all half dead! :ROFLMAO:


But thanks again for the route help. (y)
 
Be ready for roads with lots of potholes. And an overdose of 50 mph limits. That said, Hooky is an excellent beer.

If you can fit in a brewery visit too, do it.
 
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Be ready for roads with lots of potholes. That said, Hooky is an excellent beer.

If you can fit in a brewery visit too, do it.
It is a mere short shlep from the camp.

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I suspect Clarkson's Hawkstone beer/lager range might be on offer at the camp pub too. I am particularly fond of the lagger that he had employed British farmers to sing about.

 
The Sun Inn in Hook Norton does great food.
Used to go there regularly .
Gilks Garage Cafe is another good place for a stop/brek/bacon sarnie. It’s only up the road in Kineton

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Lock your bikes in Hook Norton though.
Been a few thefts lately

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And if you end up near Deddington , make sure you pop in to the lay-by just north of Deddington on the way to Banbury and stop for a coffee with Paddy

Best coffee in the county and he’s a top bloke

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Hi all -

Ok, it looks like we have a decent few folk interested in this.

So to confirm -

  • Gathering - from Friday 19th September to Sunday 21st.
  • Venue - the Gate Hangs High pub and camp site, Hook Norton, Banbury.
  • Suitable for - camping, motor homes, pub rooms, bashas in hedges (you know who you are). Dogs welcome.
  • Catering - combo of pub dining / on site BBQ / coffee & lunch out and about (Wrinkly we'll try to find a chippy for you...)! Traditional slug of Old Brown Sherry will be provided.
  • Activities - options per the list above in post #16, but certainly to include a ride out in the Cotswolds, I'm really looking forward to that. If you have local knowledge and can help us plan something really special, that would be much appreciated.
  • Is it just for Guzzis? - absolutely not, that's just the flimsy reason to justify a get together. You, your dog, your aunt, your aunt's dog... all welcome.

I will call the pub later today to let them know that we're a small group and to anticipate a few bookings.

Anything I've missed?
I still have Adams's (?) ride out routes. The event that put a few cats amongst the collective regarding pace... well worth a read through
 
has someone deffo stepped up to lead a ride (no a commute...)
I believe Ev has offered. (y) We seem to be spoiled for choices of good routes.

Edit - Actually... on re-reading the thread, Ev hopes to join us along with Mrs Ev, but is not yet 100% committed. So we hope Ev will make it, but if that's not possible we can use his specially created route, or part of it, or just make our way between chosen destinations taking into account advice from Wessie etc. On the day, depending on preferences, the weather etc, we can make some choices.

I do particularly like the idea of a coffee stop at the CTL cafe.
 
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I believe Ev has offered. (y) We seem to be spoiled for choices of good routes.

Edit - Actually... on re-reading the thread, Ev hopes to join us along with Mrs Ev, but is not yet 100% committed. So we hope Ev will make it, but if that's not possible we can use his specially created route, or part of it, or just make our way between chosen destinations taking into account advice from Wessie etc. On the day, depending on preferences, the weather etc, we can make some choices.

I do particularly like the idea of a coffee stop at the CTL cafe.
I will confirm my attendance (for Saturdays ride out) a couple of days in advance Paul.
Should I not be able to attend, then by all means, please do use provided route at will.
 
Sorry for being awol. Been traveling (still am). If you’re looking at doing the Cotswold TT loop then I’d recommend some tweaks to it:

Delete 6, 7 & 8 - loads of roadworks on the missing link means that section is just a traffic jam and worth avoiding.

Delete 15 & 16 and just go across to 17 before heading up fish hill.

Fish Hill - fantastic set of hairpins, police are known to hang out there but you can go up pushing it and stay within the limit.

Echo comments that Bibury and Bourton-on-the-Water will be packed with tourists. They’re very pretty but don’t bother stopping on a Saturday (you can drive through though, traffic will be casual but moving most likely).

I’m unlikely to be able to stay the weekend but will aim to join the Saturday ride.
 
Sorry for being awol. Been traveling (still am). If you’re looking at doing the Cotswold TT loop then I’d recommend some tweaks to it:

Delete 6, 7 & 8 - loads of roadworks on the missing link means that section is just a traffic jam and worth avoiding.

Delete 15 & 16 and just go across to 17 before heading up fish hill.

Fish Hill - fantastic set of hairpins, police are known to hang out there but you can go up pushing it and stay within the limit.

Echo comments that Bibury and Bourton-on-the-Water will be packed with tourists. They’re very pretty but don’t bother stopping on a Saturday (you can drive through though, traffic will be casual but moving most likely).

I’m unlikely to be able to stay the weekend but will aim to join the Saturday ride.
Thank you for the heads up.

I’ve adjusted originally posted route which is also linked in my post #37.

To save you trawling the thread…

 
Thank you for the heads up.

I’ve adjusted originally posted route which is also linked in my post #37.

To save you trawling the thread…


Very nice. Only change I’d make is going from 29 to 33 direct as Fish Hill is fun.
 
Very nice. Only change I’d make is going from 29 to 33 direct as Fish Hill is fun.
That is most certainly a doable thing.
I would say, depending on the numbers of those coming out to ride, it might be worth having a vote on the day. Some might not want to be out and about in an amongst the Fish Hill Power Rangers.
Alternatevly, those who wish to ride it, can do so, whilst the rest (including myself) can enjoy the piloted route. You can go up and Dow a few times, we can then all meet again at broadway Tower Main Carpark.
Personally, If I can help myself, I rather avoid a conversation with the plod at all cost. Not that I have anything to hide. Just can’t be bothered.
 
Update -

I have been in comms with The Gate Hangs High. They confirmed that all bookings are to be made on line, and that they don't have any extraordinary events on that weekend, ie it's not all pre-booked for a SAGA rally, so we will be fine. It's not a popular weekend for camping (surprisingly...)!

I'll book now - at £16 for 2 nights it's not the biggest risk!

At this time of year I'm conscious that a few decisions will be made quite late - if the weather's settled it'll be great but if the forecast is for lashing rain, I'd expect one or two minds to be changed.

As it stands, here's how we look -

Hopefulls -
  • xsgraham
  • Wrinkly
  • Simon Dippenhall
  • Austin W

Deffo -
  • Adventuredon
  • Poncherello
  • Arch Stanton
  • Myself

Just Friday evening -
  • Nin

Just the Saturday ride -
  • Ev
  • tjmouse

That's a great bunch, let's hope the met is kind to us (weather, rather than rozzers, although that too...) :)
 


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