Real Ale Wobble 2007

16 November 2007

Max & Paddys big ride out

It was a funny old wobble this year, we started off with 4 riders, me, Si Retford, Gary Davies and Chris Burrows. Chris got called to crown court and had to cancel at the last minute, The hotel called us and told us the rooms were cancelled due to building work, so at the last minute i had the wonderful idea of hiring a 6 berth luxury camper.

I picked it up on friday morning with Gaz, and i took it home , we stocked the fridge with sausages, bacon and beer and off we set into the wild grey yonder for a weekend of biking and beer in wales.I picked gaz up and loaded the bikes, when we pulled up outside simons house he was like a small child on xmas morning, eyes gleaming against the crisp white paintwork of the cab.He jumped inside strapped himself in , and kept muttering phrases like, "nice build quality, great fridge!

we soon discovered that driving a camper van has more responsibilities than we first imagined, as we passed another camper coming in the opposite direction we got a cheery wave from the driver and passenger. Strange, did you know them i asked Gaz, who was lazily reclining in the beautifully upholstered gas suspended passenger seat, whilst listening to the stereo system, Nope was the relaxed reply, i looked back to ask simon but he was busy poilshing the beautifully crafted cherry wood cabinets whilst quaffing a pint of real ale from his very own pewter tankard.

This happened a few times, so we decided to wave back, and soon we were spotting fellow vanners, and waving and recording model numbers for our spotting database, its a great life.

We took turns at driving, about half way down i swopped over and gaz davies took the driving seat, it was dark by this time and we were on narrow winding country roads, hes an advanced driver, so i knew he would gradually find out the limitations of the vehicle and drive safely until he was at one with the machine. I practised this method and didnt lose control of the van at all, ever, not once even!. He would be ok i was sure.............

WRONG.........., in he jumped, foot down and bowled into the first hairpin corner , the van slew to one side and gaz was on the other side of the road, i sat wioth my mouth open trying to scream but was to afraid , into the second corner and more of the same, but after that he seemed to realise it was a 30 foot camper van and not a subaru impreza!

We rolled into the town and found our camping spot on the car park at the back of the stonecroft inn.A quick brew and then out for a few beers, Si complained he had earache and went back early. we came back later in the evening and got an earlyish night for the saturday ride.

We wokle up on saturday to a clear day with no rain, perfect riding weather. Si amazed us by informing us he wasent going to ride again this year, because of his ear infection. He stayed in the van polishing the knobs. we had a great technical ride round a new course with some great steep hills to negotiate .When we got back we got cleaned up in the power shower and we were out drinking by 6.30p.m, big mistake.

We had a good meal in the neuedd , then set to trying the 30 odd real ales, Si lasted well till 10.30 then retired to his sick bed, with a lem sip!. we stayed for the band in the stonecroft, and then onto dangerous dave in the neuedd, he was really good singer although his name sounds naff

When we turned in about 2.30 after having a long meeting with Uncle Jack in the bar, we woke si up and told him about our night, didnt seem to impressed, mind you he never does seem impressed when we want to tell him what a good night weve had??