Because the forecast was so definitely good, decided on a Monday Run. Since the plan was to go to Oban via Connel, naturally we contacted Eoghainn (prev Chairman) and he & Rhona suggested Poppies just beyond Connel for lunch, & they managed to join us there. Guess what, on a b—y Harley- most things can be forgiven, but a b H!!!)

We kicked off at Milton, then brekkers in the sun at Tarbet, some 8 of us. Then Tony Moth & Sue appeared briefly and by a different route joined us for lunch.

From Tarbet a great run to Inveraray (Johnny more mindful of Police see previous story). There we caught up with Arthur, who had bravely preceded us & then to Connel (beautiful scenery). The McLeods had booked a table for us outside overlooking the bay. An ideal stop for lunch with breathtaking views.

The food was superb, with a number sampling the different fishes. Wonderful!

We must have been there the thick end of 2 hours, it was so delightful, if a tad hot. Returning via Oban (hoaching), and down towards Lochgilphead, with Johnny leading. (U know what that means). Thus we lost Eoghainn, but JG caught sight of him in Lochgilphead; the others veered off to Crinan for Ice Creams (if any left)

JG went down The Loch, but the tail back was as far as Luss, on a Monday!

No matter, after overtaking the hunners of vehicles en route to Alexandria, thank Goodness for the alternative route home, via Drymen

A scorcher of a day, in all senses of the word. Nice to meet up with the Mcleods.

This is out annual over water trip to the Cowal Peninsula. A huge number turned up at the Gourock Terminal to catch the liner to Dunoon- met by the said Ronnie.

Breakfast arranged at the Benmore T Room where 3 others awaited taking the total to some 25- wow! A number of dual nationality BMW/WSVMCC members also were there. Absolutely great.

Over the hill once more to the other side, but not as far as Tighnabruaich, but straight up to Strachur. The views were fantastic in all directions, as was the weather. 

We eventually arrived at “Kippers” just beyond Inveraray. not before Johnny was exposed to a severe lecture by a caring cop, as he, Johnny was executing a wheelie in the heart of Inveraray. i’ve warned him before about the standard of his driving- VERY dangerous.Oh! deary me, I think he`s for it this time.

Have to say, lunch was just OK- not up to their usual standard. much hilarity & good friendship- that is what it’s all about.

No matter, off back towards home. 2 via The Loch (A82 closed ar Alexandria, causing chaos), but not to JG. Poor Arthur!

The main peleton headed for Sheilah’s Cafe. Spent ages outside- fab. Then the ferry, and some (not mentioned) went to the Brisbane for another calorie hit- shame on you.

Loadsa fun a- “grand day out”

Yes, hopefully, the first of many. since a number have dual nationality, it seemed sensible to hold a joint run. This organised by Drew.

All but 2 met at Moffat at 10am, & some must have slept on the road, as I understand, the keen ones came from as far away as Yorkshire- good on you.

JG & Willie, meanwhile, relaxed in Abington with brekkers outside in the sun & joined the masses at the entrance to the Dalveen Pass.

Thereafter, some 30 of us travelled through the pass, but avoided Moniaive (boo), and arrived at New Galloway for lunch.

Your writer returned home at this stage, but the rest continued up the road & resurfaced at Wanlochead for T etc.

Most returned South but Willie & Johnny headed for Abington & then home by the old road.

We all gathered at the Maritime Museum Irvine AKA The Lost Keys at 10am .

Everybody enjoyed their bacon rolls because it was 11am before I was able to get them on their bikes and head for Ayr.

I lead them off the A77 over to Alloway and along the high road into Maybole then past Culzean Castle to Maidens, Turnberry and into Girvan for lunch at the harbour chippie.

You should have seen the chip roll that Johnny had- it was enormous. Johnny admitted later to JG that the lunch stop was too soon after brekkers and he could ONLY manage a wee sandwich!!l Now who’s telling porkies??

After lunch we set off for Dailly past Grant’s Standfast Whisky Distillery. which was tempting.

Then on into Dailly where we stopped for a photo session. Then off we headed for Maybole then Dalrymple, Coylton, Stair, and then Hayes Garden Centre at Bogend Toll for coffee.

A grand day, some older bikes & many older riders. Nice to see the old BMW sidecar outfit again. After this we all made our own ways home.

(Text mostly by Sam- thanks to you big boy)