Cheddar Weekend and Trial returned in 2022 after a break of two years because of the Covid pandemic. The usual format for the event was slightly changed to allow some flexibility in case of increased Covid restrictions being imposed at short notice.
Instead of a set 2-day event with a sit-down evening meal on the Saturday evening, the first day (Saturday) was organised as a ‘normal’ Section run with sign-on on the day and only the Sunday event (the Trial proper) had to be pre-booked. There was no Saturday evening meal but a mid-run lunch was included for Saturday and an after-run lunch for Sunday.
Saturday 2nd April
Making sure we know where we are! (1)Making sure we know where we are! (2)Getting set up…No caption needed…No caption needed here either!Velo with patina…Guzzi gleaming!Brace of Ariels , ‘against green’!Warming in the sun……and warming in the sun!‘Right side up’-engined BM, ready to goLomaxes in the line-up…‘Upside-down’-engined BM in the middle!Planning discussions, between ‘classics’?!Plenty of socialising, too.Along the way (1st half)…Along the way (1st half)…Along the way (1st half)…Along the way (1st half)…Nether Stowey – rolling in for for lunch (1)Nether Stowey – rolling in for for lunch (2)Nether Stowey – rolling in for for lunch (3)Nether Stowey – rolling in for for lunch (4)Nether Stowey lunch stop, – clothing reflects starting temperatures!Saturday lunchtime, with a piano virtuoso!And a very welcome lunchtime was had by all!Lunchtime car-park, reds and blues!Lunchtime car-park, well-padded Sunbeam!Lunchtime car-park, relaxing in the sun…..in the sun……..in the very nice sun!Off again, well refreshed!Lots of these about – could have called it the daffodil run!End of day – good to find the food-wagon still here!
Mutton Lane – a bit of history from the 1925 ISDT
Mutton Lane, Wedmore was part of the 1925 ISDT, run in England and Wales. It is often included in the Cheddar Trial (with some ‘observation’ and points awarded) and it was in this year’s event.
It’s not very long but gets quite steep (around 25% / 1 in 4) at the top. Additionally the ‘trial section’ involves going the ‘wrong way’ around the grass island at the top (ie branch left, to make a right turn).
Mutton Lane – coming up to the grass island at the top.Mutton Lane – the grass island at the top.Mutton Lane – view down (to Wedmore) from just before the last bend.
Sunday 3rd April
Yep – here we are again!Preparations…Discussions…Part of car-park line-up (someone obviously doing both days!)Ajays with a lot of years between them (as well as a Velocette!)There’s good literature here as well!Something familiar about these, too! Spectating Ducati is actually old enough to qualify for entry…Douglases and Velo – definitely old enough!Big blue too new, hopefully no 12 isn’t looking on enviously – his bike’s the one on the right!Very well travelled Red Panther, very worthy of its own picture.Two more from yesterday, Velo has gained some more patina (but it’s on the other side!)Getting busy!Getting busy! (2).Up in the Mendips after coming up Longbottom.Mendips – the road down from CharterhouseStanding up to make the most of the scenery, maybe!And about to follow this route onwards…Much further on, now down on the LevelsAJW gets a little ‘adjustment’…Sorted and ready for more!The final ‘section’, no footing and no clipping!At the finish – note chairs repositioned for enjoying what was very warm sunshine in the shelter of the hedge! Finish line-up (small!)Finish line-up (bigger!)
