2023 Coventry to Brighton Run.
The 56th C2B started out from the National Motorcycle Museum on Saturday 22nd April this year.
Ken Meeson, Worshipful Mayor of Solihull flagged over 40 Riders away at 07:45 earlier than our normal start time as the Mayor had another meeting to attend at 09:00.
A very cold morning with a lingering Scotch Mist fogging up visors and slowly invading gloves.
After 43 miles everyone was relieved to reach Deddington for Coffee and Cake.
One rider, who shall remain nameless (D_v_ T_o_a_.) dismounted at the stop and went to remove his rucksack, only to find he’d forgotten to put it on and it was still by his front door. Luckily his wife stepped into the breech and delivered it further down the route. Good job he didn’t decide to press on to the lunch stop at Twyford! , 18 Riders and guests took a full breakfast before heading off to Twyford some 53 miles away.
With the sun coming out it became a very pleasurable ride via Blechingdon; Islip; Stanton St John; Worminghall; Ickford; Postcombe; Christmas Common; Nettlebed; Sonning Common (to by-pass Henley on Thames) Dunsden Green and Sonning eventually crossing the Thames just 2 miles from our lunch stop.
The late morning sun raised the temperature and Riders and 4 Pillions were much happier. We had stuck to our traditional tortuous route arriving at the Waggon and Horses in Twyford where we were greeted most warmly by Richard who puts on a special menu for us each year. Many sat outside enjoying their lunch before heading for our next stop 30 miles away that was always known as Newlands Corner but has had 2 or 3 name changes in the last few years.
As usual Dickie Dale (talented Grand Prix Racer of yesteryear) was there to welcome us. The next leg of the journey to the Hove seafront is about 40 miles through picturesque villages and tight winding lanes including Shere; Ewhurst and Rowhook then Cowfold, Henfield, Shermanbury and Saddlecombe leading to the magnificent Devils Dyke before meeting the Mayor of Brighton and Hove at the seafront at 17:00.
After an enjoyable hour with the Mayor we head off to our secluded 4 star hotel for a relaxing bath before our celebratory dinner and fun presentations. Breakfast next morning was from 08:00 before making our own way home on whatever route you preferred. Another great weekend and thankfully this year free of accident (someone fell off last year and broke a leg!). Next year the 57th Running is booked for Saturday 27th April 2024 – come and join in the fun.
PS: it did rain a bit for the Journey home
C2B 2023
