Those of you with a long enough memory might recall that, many moons ago, there used to be a regular meet at The Castle of Comfort. As far as I know there have been no regular meets in our area (i.e. twixt the Bristol and Cornwall venues) for a very long time. I know that one or two people have suggested that they would like to restart meetings and so, with the start of a new year and the fact that I have a bit more time on my hands nowadays, shall we get the ball rolling? Although The Castle is a nice pub in a nice position on top of Mendip, it is a bit close to the Bristolian venues. I know one or two possibilities on the Somerset Levels (and have a sailing boat with which to access them!) but how about a few suggestions as to places a little further south? That is if anybody other than me and Dave H are interested!
Fantastic idea OB You can defo count me in. I have two suggestions - The Halfway House between Somerton and Langport and the Canal Inn at Wrantage which we visited a few times in the old Ducatisti days
I'll take a trip down from brizzle, the ride across the levels is always a chuckle (maybe not at the moment)
Good one OB! I would definitely be up for that, and think that either of Dave's suggestions would be great.
Come on Old Buzzard admit it, you only want to show off you beautifully rejuvenated 999? I'd be the same, saw it at Riches before you collected it.
I'm in Old B! I am sure there re one or two from Exmoor who would join in as well, if it was somewhere levels way-can always alternate north/south of region if takes off, as it will always be close to someone! there was one small meet last year initiated by Tortuga, that we did from Portishead to cheddar.
It's a fair cop..... Thanks for the support. I take it that The Canal has changed hands by now Dave? I'll take a wander down there and to Langport when I can, to check how they would feel about meets. Any other suggestions gratefully received. Any particular days of the week preferred?
The Canal has indeed changed hands - twice I think, and was actually closed for a while. It is now more focused on food - gastro-pub style. May be a bit too hifalutin for a bike meet - I don't think they will do much in the way of ham, egg & chips etc.
Thanks for the update on "The Canal" Dave, not sure about the rest of the rabble but I'm sure that you and I could pull off "hifalutin" couldn't we!? I have also placed this post on the DSC site but have had no responses and so I suggest that we set things up around this group initially. Geographically The Halfway House looks a good bet. I see that, from their website, other groups also meet there and I guess that might dictate what days of the week we could look at. Taking into account our neighbouring areas and the days on which they meet I am going to suggest we go for the second week of the month. Since Dorset meet on the 2nd Wednesday I will suggest either the 2nd Tuesday or Thursday. This would obviously depend on the pub's other commitments . I am hoping to pay The Halfway a visit one day this next week, anybody else up for a visit? When we used to meet at The Castle I had the twin problems of shift work and the fact that Mondays were a busy night for the family taxi driver (usually me!) and so I am very aware of the fact that people have other commitments. If I were to aim for either of those particular nights would that present any problems to any of you guys?
Tuesdays / Thursday good for me...if I get out of work early! you won't see me until it is lighter and warmer though.
Not withstanding the fact that I have yet to visit The Halfway House (for reasons not all water related) in order to check their availability for meets I will now call "The Somerset Ducati Group" into existence....day and place of meetings TBA. The first opportunity for a group hug comes at The Bristol Classic Bike Show next weekend, 8th and 9th Feb'. I will be going at some point, I'm easy on which day or time, anybody else going? A little further ahead is the Ducati Road Show which visits Rider's at Bridgewater on the 7th June. Not sure if I'll be able to make this, I might get to the Bristol one in March, but would be a good date for The Somerset Group diary. Other suggestions for ride outs and/or meets would be gratefully received.
I'll be going to the Bristol Classic Bike Show. Will have word with SWMBO to work out which day and I'll let you know.
So far as the Castle of Comfort goes, either day would be as good as the other for me. My diary is totally unpredictable - I am likely to be away or working in London on either day but will certainly make it if I possibly can.
I am still intending to visit The Halfway to see if we can hold meets there, wasn't really thinking about the Castle....or was that just a senior moment Dave?! Hopefully be able to meet up at the Bike Show, is your mobile still the one ending in 296?
At long last I visited The Halfway House today. They are happy for us to meet there on the second Tuesday of the month and so, shall we make the first meeting for the Somerset Ducatisti the 13th May? Anybody who would like to go on the 8th April then please feel free, I won't be able to make that particular Tuesday and hence the suggestion of May. The Halfway House has a beer festival on 30th March........
I will be there whenever I can - but my train from London doesn't normally get back to Taunton till 7 or 8 so I may not arrive much before 9 or 9:30pm
