With the bulk of the Wilts Branch deployed East to the HOC National Rally for the weekend, a few of the remaining members thought they’d make some arrangements for some riding of their own. A fair few Wilts members have been avidly collecting Bike and Brew passport stamps throughout the spring and summer, and with the event drawing to a close at the end of the month, ride-outs would also provide an opportunity for a “last hurrah” and maybe an extra entry into the grand prize draw if enough locations could be strung together. With this in mind, I planned two routes, one each for the Saturday and Sunday, and published the details on Facebook and the Wilts ride-out WhatsApp group.

Although only two other riders were able to come along over the weekend (car trouble and family commitments kept others away) both days were very enjoyable. We rode some great roads, got lucky with the weather, and enjoyed tea and coffee and cake and various other goodies at a variety of biker friendly venues. My favourites from the weekend were Giles Garage Café at Kineton, Warwick, and The Piston Club @ The Stag, near Stratford-upon-Avon, while my personal highlight was seeing the Avro Vulcan on the ground at Wellesbourne Airfield. With some 300 or so miles added to the odometer on my bike, and 10 more stamps added to my passport, my own Bike and Brew year is done. I’m thoroughly looking forward to the start of next year’s event, as it has brought a whole new dimension to my riding through 2026, whilst also doing some good for small charities.