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The Steamy Day Run and Dirty Night In (May 13 2006)
(click on thumbnails
for full size photos)
A day out in Wales beckoned for around 30
Triumph Rat's at the end of a glorious sunny week; so you can guess what
 happened
for our Steamy Day Out. In fact you may be wrong! An overcast morning
greeted us in Bridgnorth at the Severn Valley Railway but as we set off
apart from a few swarms of
 bugs
there was nothing to appear on our visors...... As we entered Wales through
some glorious and traffic free roads the skies started to brighten up and
everyone was in good spirits. Good progress was made and as we arrived at
the luxurious and spacious visitor centre only a few people managed to get
lost. A group photo was organised by Ben Gray and as with all Wylie and
Holland Rat Pack runs there was the customary appearance from the fabled
'Pack Giant' who came to attack everyone!
 After
the giant was scared off we managed to get a couple of proper group shots
and then everyone prepared for the second half of the ride. Now it should be
noted that at this stage everyone, absolutely everyone, had commented about
the wonderful roads, glorious scenery and nice weather.
The next half of the ride saw us all take the
first part of the route together and again the scenery was spectacular.
Although the roads were not quite so well surfaced apart from route
organiser Richard amusing everyone, with what the effect of any gravel on
the roads has with a spectacular rear tyre wobble, we reached the coffee
stop (on the long route) remarking what a great day out it was.
 Wearily
everyone agreed how sad it was to have to do the last bit of road with
everything being so wonderful and off we set only
for...........................................
 One
mile down the road the heavens opened to unleash the most ferocious rain
storm that many people had ever ridden in. The main road soon became flooded
and cars started stopping as the road disintegrated into a swimming pool.
Despite the flash floods not a single bike missed a beat and we all got back
to Bridgnorth with many off us able to drink water from their boots!
A special word of thanks should be given to
Michael Burke from our own pack for guiding many people through the route.
Many people gave their thanks for Michael's unselfish help and assistance
without actually managing to mention it to Michael.
  In
the evening over 20 of us went to the Much Wenlock pottery for a dirty night
in. After a short demonstration that clearly showed us all how easy it was
we were all invited to make a work of art ourselves. Then the fun started
with some wonderful attempts at trying to create something that would hold
liquid when finished. The actual results were spectacularly good with most
people managing to produce (with a helping hand) a work of art.
 Following
on from the pottery class came an excellent meal which was washed down with
some Goblin ale and good wine. Thanks should be given to the pottery for
putting up with us and for keeping our works of art, after we had finished,
to put handles on.
CAPTION COMPETITION
Ben Gray looks on as one of our fellow RAT's massages something on the
pottery wheel at the appropriately named 'Dirty Night In'. The best caption
for the photo will win an A4 photo of the group shot at the Elan Valley
visitor's centre
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Go Your Own Way 
