Sunday 5th July –
Rideouts to Melford Country Park and Picnics x2.The weather which greeted us early in morning was grey and very windy, however eleven of us decided that we would still attend our branch rideout and picnic. Rideout One left Norwich at 10:00am, this one was organised to pick up members en-route so Rob met Pete on his Africa Twin with Dave and Diane on their new trike in Wortham. The four of us rode to Bury St. Edmunds where Hannah joined us on her trike, once in column we proceeded fifteen miles down the A134 towards Sudbury and onto the B1064 for a short while, turning left to the Melford Country Park. Here, with the kind co-operation of Susie the park ranger and her colleague John from Melford Council, we were able to park our bikes within a pre-arranged, taped off area of their car park. Once settled on one of the many picnic benches we awaited the arrival of Rideout Two. This rideout departed from Tesco, Harford Bridge, Norwich at 10:30am and consisted of Mark and Michelle, Roger and Freda, with Andy and Denise, they wound their way through the Norfolk countryside arriving around twenty minutes later than us. Once comfortable they took their places at an adjacent table for a good old social and later, their picnic. Although the wind was still blowing, it was still a hot sunny day and we enjoyed seeing each other, alternating between tables whilst making sure that we were within the social guidelines and distances.Susie came down to see us just after 12:00 noon, it was good to meet her, introduce her to everyone and thank her for her kindness in setting up the taped off area of car park (I received a text from her at 7:16am on this Sunday morning with an image to show that it was all ready and waiting for us – so a large thank Susie for your efforts).Then, with picnics devoured, ice creams, and coffees from the cafe cabin polished off it was free time to socialise in the sunshine or shade then take the opportunity to enjoy the parkland and/or walks within the trees and along the river bank, there’s lots to see and photograph here and a few of us took the opportunity to explore the picturesque area.Around 2:00pm we decided to pack up and take our preferred routes home having had a much needed rideout and social occasion “together”There are many people for me to thank for making this a successful social occasion, rideout and picnic during these strange times, Susie and John from Melford plus the ten other members of the two rideouts who made it happen correctly, so thank you one and all.
Rob.
