The weekend of the 9-11th August saw 30 riders and 1 pillion head to Ross-on-Wye for a superb weekend, staying at the Penyard House Hotel. The weekend promised good roads in good company with observed rides to those that wanted them. The weather, by contrast, was not quite so accommodating.
As we gathered at Morrison’s Café in Reading early on the Friday morning, the rain promptly started. However, by the time we had finished breakfast and received our briefing, the weather had improved slightly and the sun even tried to come out. We headed off in 2 groups to wind our way through some lovely countryside on some great backroads – both groups arriving at the hotel within 10 minutes of each other having covered approximately 150 miles – great timing!
The Penyard House Hotel is a lovely place to stay. Set in some beautiful grounds just outside Ross-on-Wye on the A40. The staff made us feel very welcome; the food was tasty and the rooms were clean and comfy – what more could you ask for?
The main topic of conversation during breakfast on Saturday morning was the atrocious weather forecast. Torrential rain and gusts of up to 60mph in exposed areas. Not ideal biking weather! That said, the decision was soon made for the entire group to go on Kelly’s run which was heading north. It appeared that this would avoid the worst of the weather that was tracking in from the west – sorry Gary (next time). The run was excellent, almost 200 miles, mainly B-roads in the morning and then some nice, fast-flowing A-roads in the afternoon.
Saturday’s pre-dinner drinks were enjoyed outside in the sunshine – what a variety of weather we had endured that day. During dinner each table were handed a quiz paper with a selection of Highway Code and Roadcraft questions, along with some general motorcycle trivia. James did an excellent job as quiz master. Hopefully we all learnt something – if nothing else, that it was probably high time we re-read the Highway Code.
On Sunday we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast before splitting into 2 groups and heading for home. The weather was much more favourable and some of us even got home in the dry, whilst those of us that took the more scenic route were not quite so lucky.
Whilst the weather was far from ideal it didn’t stop the fun. Keep an eye out in Slipstream for details of next year’s 3Rs trips.
Tom Grey
First published in Slipstream September 2019
Some comments from those who took part:
Can’t improve on a great weekend, just want more please.
I really enjoyed the 3Rs. What made it stand out for me was the company and a chance to meet some new TVAM people. The organisation was flexible and seamless with everyone working together.
It was my first 3Rs but hopefully not my last. I liked the size of the group as you got to speak with everyone.
Fantastic weekend, very good value. The 3Rs is by far my best TVAM trip to-date. Particularly impressed by the organisation, quality and value of the hotel and the smaller and friendly group of fellow TVAM riders. Please put me down for the next one.
Keep it small. The event has a great feel to it.
More people with pink hair! Really great weekend.
All in all a really enjoyable weekend with plenty of rocking, rolling and riding present – and quite a bit of the wet and windy thrown in for good measure.
Roll on 2020 with more 3Rs trips to enjoy.
Well done to the organising team!
