Saturday I took the opportunity to ride up to the Baffle Haus, near Abergavenny in order to check out the place. This was because in March, Moto Ventura will be riding there again for a bite to eat, a coffee and to take in the atmosphere of this cracking little venue which, I discovered, only opened last March. Possibly the worst timing for opening any business - right in the uncertain times we will no doubt fondly refer to as 'That bloody pandemic!'
Baffle Haus was recommended to me by Welsh national treasure and actor Charles Dale, who (subject to availability) will be leading the Moto Ventura ride to Baffle Haus next month after some mileage around the gorgeous South Wales countryside.
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I was lucky enough to be joined on the ride to Baffle Haus by the wonderful Alex Lovell of 'Points West' and together we took on the strong side winds of the old Severn Crossing (returning moments before it was closed to traffic because of those pesky gusts!)
It got me wondering, why is Wales so good for bikers? Don't expect the definitive answer here because I can't put my finger on it. It's not one single thing. It is a number of things, a chemistry, a 'Je ne sais quoi'. It is beautiful, the roads get more fantastic the deeper you go and locals, welcoming! As a Cornishman I especially enjoy the Celtic bond. The weather will keep you on your toes but persistence is rewarded by idyllic days and stunning views. For me, Wales is where, many years ago, I truly fell in love with the concept of motorcycle touring. Memories of overnighters with biker friends. Pubs hidden deep in Wales where the everyone spoke Welsh yet as we nervously ordered a pint and pub-grub, we were greeted with nothing short of super warm hospitality by staff and locals alike.
We will be making regular visit to our this gorgeous country. Even more so as many of our biker friends live there of course
Although I do love Wales, we will also be venturing elsewhere over the coming months. I feel a trip to the Bike Shed MCC could be on the cards as well as more local skirmishes (to us anyway) along the Atlantic Highway of Somerset, Devon and Cornwall. Who knows how much further we will get? A motorcycle is transport with no limits - 'Open Road... Open Mind' as we say at Moto Ventura Tours.
Another planned visit to Wales is the end of August. Regular readers know this is when Nick Sanders MBE plans his Mach Festival. Due to unforeseen circumstances, for 2022 Nick has replaced his Mach festival with the 'Adventure Gathering' - 25th to 28th August 2022 - and we will see you there! Same weekend, same routes, same fun! But now we are camping at Nicks place. Buy a ticket, bring your bike and a smile - You are guaranteed a superb weekend of riding, food from Caroline's Kitchen and talks from the experts! More information will follow shortly as we will be gathering riders to come along with us for a weekend to remember.
See you all soon.
Moto Ventura Motorcycle Tours - Maximum Smiles Per Gallon
'Open Road... Open Mind'
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