REPORT OF THE WEYMOUTH WEEK – 2024
The South Dorset Section held their Weymouth Week from Sunday 12th May through to Friday the 17th. Members from many parts of the country attended again this year as they have done many times before. Perhaps it’s our sea air or the beautiful Dorset countryside that keeps them coming back, but either way they are assured of a good welcome and a good weeks riding.
Sunday dawned bright, sunny and dry, a very good way to start. 60 plus riders with many passengers assembled on the promenade on Weymouth’s sea front. Parking with kind permission of Weymouth Council. All documentation complete we set off northwards and eastwards doing a circular route of 22 miles before our first stop of the day at Rainbow Garage Cafe for the morning coffee stop. Refreshed we set off again heading south and travelling across the army ranges at Lulworth and enjoying spectacular views along the way. We then dropped down into Lulworth Cove for the lunch stop, having covered another 24 miles. A chance then to walk down to the Cove and get close to the sea and admire the location. A short hop of 13 miles took us to a garden centre at Owermoigne for our customary afternoon tea stop. A run then along Weymouth Bay and back to our starting venue. A gentle start to the week with just 68 miles covered.
Monday again it dawned bright and dry. From now on our activities were based at Bagwell Farm Camp Site and around 35 machines assembled at the start and signed on ready for our 10am move off. A gallop over the hills to enjoy the views and 27 miles later we arrived at the very picturesque village if Milton Abbas. Coffee was served at the Hambro Arms. The next leg took us further northwards and as we neared Gillingham for our lunch stop so the rain started to fall. Lunch was eaten amid a collection of many exotic motorcycles which are kept on display there. Back once more on the bikes and the rain was by now very heavy, and continued to be heavy for the rest of the day. Next a leg of 20 miles took us to the village of Glanvilles Wootton and a visit to the Village Hall. A group of ladies there do various things to raise money to keep a small nearby church afloat. This time the ladies supplied copious quantities of tea and coffee and the tables groaned with the weight of delicious homemade cakes. Our small fee helped to boost their coffers. Another leg of 22 miles took us back to Bagwell Farm by which time all of us were thoroughly drenched but not downhearted. 88 miles completed today.
Tuesday Thank goodness the sun had returned and a much better day in prospect. Riding kit was at best damp, if not saturated, but around 60 bikes set off in our usual fashion. Skirting around both Weymouth and Dorchester the narrow lanes took us to Moreton and the Walled Garden Cafe. Some took refreshments whilst others walked next door to the cemetery were the grave of Lawrence of Arabia can be seen. We continued travelling east to Upton Park which is owned and run by Poole Council. A large park with plenty to see and a large cafe to meet the necessary requirements. Returning west for 20 miles brought us to the stately home of Athlehampton House. Afternoon tea and cakes were taken in the Long Room which is part of a medieval building. All very grand and terribly posh but very well received. The last leg of 19 miles saw us return to Bagwell Farm. Another good days riding and thank heavens all riding kit had by now blown dry. 78 miles completed.
Wednesday and good dry weather once more. Today we headed west along the coast road. Miles of stunning views both out to sea and inland as we follow the Jurassic Coast. We then go northwards and onto Broadwindsor where the coffee break was taken. This place incorporates a large craft centre so there are lots to see. With the 70 plus members present fully refreshed we then went further west and passed Pilsden Pen. This is the highest point in Dorset and affords spectacular views. Some members were even energetic enough to climb to the top so had the best views possible. Dropping south once more we visited the ancient town of Lyme Regis. Parking on the promenade with permission of the Town Council members were free to look around the town and take lunch wherever they fancied. Reassembled we headed back east taking in some very narrow lanes but visiting some beautiful small villages along the way. Our next stop was at West bay which has always been a magnet for all motorcyclists. Here there are tea stops aplenty but my choice was the compulsory ice cream. This was followed by the reverse trip along the coast road and back to Bagwell Farm. Another 72 miles completed today.
Thursday we were greeted by another sunny day. Around 50 members signed on before again circumnavigating both Weymouth and Dorchester. Heading northeast by means of quiet country lanes we went to the Crafty Barn Cafe at Winterborne Whitechurch for our coffee stop. Onwards once more through pretty villages we went to Lo’s Cafe at Pimperne for our lunch stop. This establishment incorporates a large fitness centre and after the excesses of the week so far not one of our members could be seen taking advantage of these facilities. Heading back southwest across the county more stunning views could be seen before stopping at The Three Compasses Inn at Charminster. This is the home of the South Dorset Section and landlords Rob and Tina supplied the necessary tea and cakes. A short hop over the hills took us back to Bagwell Farm. Another day completed with another 82 miles recorded.
Friday was the last day so a shorter and easier day was planned. Around 40 signed on (approx 50 people present) and we rode off west once more along the coast road. Turning inland more fantastic views were seen as we rode the lanes to the Kingcombe Visitor Centre for our coffee stop. This is a fascinating place. It is a farm which has not been intensively farmed for several centuries. The hedges have been left to grow and the place is a heaven for all manner of wildlife and fauna and flora. Kept now for educational purposes they run courses on land management and the environment. There are lots of footpaths to be explored and holiday cottages for people to stay and enjoy the surroundings. Travelling further north our next stop was at the Hann residence. Carol laid on a buffet style lunch for everyone and an inspection of the garage/workshop saw a few old bikes. This was followed by a straight run back south finishing back at Bagwell Farm. Again the weather was fine anddry so members could load vans or trailers and pack up awnings in readiness for the journey home. Today just another 62 miles were completed.
Conclusion The end of another Weymouth Week. Most people seemed to be happy and eager to come back in 2025 to do it all over again. Planning has already started for 2025 with fresh routes and places to visit, it will all begin again on the 11th May. Having collectively covered thousands of miles during the week I am happy to report that no major mechanical problems were encountered with just a couple of punctures to be sorted along the way. Entries may have to be restricted next year so if this type of event tickles your fancy then I suggest you book early.
Thanks to everyone who supported this event.
Rod Hann
