South West Bikers | Motorcycle Forum

As I spend a lot of time driving through Dorset and Wiltshire I'm thinking of doing a ride incorporating some of the good roads up that way as an alternative to the usual areas. Probably leave Exeter Sowton area 9am. Coffee stop near Bovington Tank museum, lunch probably Moto Corsa in Gillingham (or whatever it's called now). Roughly 225 miles, 5 to 6 hours riding time plus stops. Those living closer to the route welcome to join /leave where convenient, but I'm not hanging around for stragglers so be there in good time.

It's weather dependent, so if it's raining it's off. If it's just damp or showers then I'm still planning on going. Will try some of the roads I haven't sampled in the next few days and then I'll post the route. Register your interest now

Working all day in Taunton on the 25th I'm afraid. Have a good run though.

Yes please Andy. I'm up for it

Yes, would love to join you

Ming sounds an epic ride, my carer responsibilities mean that I can’t join unfortunately but hope you have a great ride

Would have loved to join you but I'm still AWOL from riding.

Hoping to be back out during August so if you do something similar again later in the year I'd be up for it.

What day are you thinking of trying out the roads this way Andy??

bkingalan wrote: ↑Jul 15th, '26, 13:33 What day are you thinking of trying out the roads this way Andy??

I'm doing them in the van as I have to get to Dorset police HQ in Winfrith and Wilts HQ in Melksham. There's various ways of going and I'm trying to get a mix of roads to get a move on and gnarly back lanes that nobody uses. Once I've got it done the first time I ride it will be the 25th, so what could possibly go wrong

I’d have been inclined to join you at the establishment formerly known as Moto Corsa, and maybe shown you some other top roads in the vicinity, but there’s a date clash as it’s Calne Bike Day on the 25th so I’m probably going there…

The Old Brewery

Sounds good but I'm on the fence..... it's the hour on the M5 to get down to Exeter.
I'm a maybe.

Trudie booked to stay with us and be relief carer for Jane so I'm 100% in mate

Have you got a route mapped out for this one Andy? I might tag on, en route for the grub stop in Gillingham.
And beware D & C old bill pointing hair dryers at you up this way, they're getting a bit keen lately. Don't ask me how I know.

Phil - thanks for the heads up, but my license is already peppered with points so I only "enjoy" the roads when I'm off the beaten track

Rough plan atm is on and off the A35 to Dorchester, then some sneaky back roads that'll leave your stomach behind, then the main A road towards Salisbury, then it's a bit fluid as I need to try some alternatives coming back, but will probably end up coming back from Dorchester to Crewkerne the nice way

This could be a definitely maybe as we're not working. Probably pick you up on route though in Dorchester. I'll look at a suitable place to pick you up when you post a route.

Maybe the first run out for the new bike.