Similar thought to rugby clubs and their seasons are colleges and their terms, some even have dorms available, student bars , canteens and coconut matting at the doors so that the muddy feet don't spread as far as the toilet blocks, just in case that sort of thing is important.

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Sorry, I'm late... Just too busy in the weeks since the meeting - but here are a few of my pics now:

Riding from Oxford to the Mendips on small country roads


Winding down on winding roads after a hectic week...


Arrived too late to attend any talks on Friday night, just managed to pitch my tent before darkness fell and to get some dinner, which Char had kindly saved for me - thank you!

Still, I spent an entertaining evening thanks to making Gary's acquaintance - very amusing chap, albeit not always deliberately...


My neighbours on the splendid campsite


The welcoming committee - Crow and Mark Manley


Gareth didn't really appreciate me taking photos while he was fiddling with the clutch cable on the Mighty Harley... Mind you, the bike had managed 2,000 miles through the Pyrenees without fail just before the weekend.


Stretching exercises with Francis Maxey - loosen your muscles and travel further - very useful!


Assuming the correct posture on the bike - Chris still seems not entirely convinced...


Belle taking more or less embarrassing pictures of us (especially one of me sitting on a 1200...). So far none have appeared on the site yet - phew!


Everyone was having a go


Apart from hundreds of amazing people to meet and talk to...


... Fernhill Farm offered also plenty of other attractions


Before...


And after...


The Sheering Shed was a great venue for many of our presentations -

Bruce and Jean's excellent 'Two Pegs to Patagonia' talk


The 'Women Only' session - with Tiffany, Lilian Hobbs, Dee Masters, our hostess Char and lots of other lady travellers in the making


The most photographed and probably most inventive sidecar in the world




Here are just a few of the inspiring people I met (when I actually thought of getting the camera out...)

The fabulous catering crew - Char's mum and in the right corner you can even spot Tiffany earning her keep (damn, wide angle lens still not wide enough...)


Speggo - who provided great technical support for the presenters. Thank you again, Steve!


Alwyn - a man of many a skill and experience


The WIMA chapter: Sandra, Tili and Sue


Pedro and Yosi looking nice for the camera


Carl and The Beast


Roddy from James Cargo - who was too busy to come to my talk, apparently... Good for you!


Iain and Matt looking pretty happy at the end of the weekend...


... and rightly so: it was a great meeting, a wonderful location in terms of setting, atmosphere and facilities - and overall, a fantastic achievement on the organisers' part. Char and Gabe and all the helpers and volunteers, you did an absolutely brilliant job - thank you!

Still brimming with excitement, inspiration and enthusiasm, I set off on the journey home - all the way under bright blue skies...

... via my friends' house in Portishead


... with a glimpse of Wales and the Severn Bridge


This weekend was one of the best meetings for me this year and I can't wait for the next one.

Thank you all for making the event such a special experience.

Ela

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www.pumpernickelontour.com - Four months through South America on a DRZ

What can I say that hasn’t already been said?
5 of us southern softy types made the arduous journey up from Darkest Dorset and had a great time
Top weekend
Top Venue
Top people
If you ever do another one count me in
Bob
(Purple R100GS)

Tesco Nov 23rd 2011.... three jams for the price of two. Strawberry, yum. Blackcurrant, delish. And the final option? Bloody Apricot. Will this injustice never end?
One strawb, two blackcurrants later...

__________________
www.unchainedworld.com

www.roughguidesintouch.com/lamble

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