Words by Geoff, Pictures by Tim.

Six bikes plus three pillion passengers met at Newbury Wharf. The assorted bikes were R1200ST, R1200GS, R1200RT, K1300S, K1200GT and F800S.

The day was forecast to be possibly showery, but despite some darker clouds at times, the day proceeded to be dry and warm. Ross and Anita Clements led us on a variety of Berkshire country roads through some very picturesque villages and mature woodlands. Although we started out on A roads, we very soon turned off to some brilliant B roads and unclassified roads. A very good route from Newbury to Maidenhead, without using either M4 or A4! We also passed some sites of former anti nuclear protest namely Greenham Common and Aldermaston. Some of the names we conjured with en route were Burghfield Common, Arborfield, Shurlock Row, Waltham St Lawrence, Pinkneys Green and Cookham.

We parked up near Boulters Lock where we found refreshment alongside the River Thames. We went for a walk to the weir and were fascinated by the antics of two canoeists who were practising pirouettes and rolls at a special canoe flume. I’m much happier on two wheels on terra firma thank you!

After lunch we carried on Windsor, riding past the Great Park and the Castle before returning home.

In summary, it was a right Royal Ride Out on fantastic roads in the Royal County of Berkshire. Thanks again to Ross and Anita for leading and Ron for tail end duty.