Page 44 - 2022-08-01 RiDE

THE RIDE

tractor on the next apex, keeps us to a gentle third-gear rolling topography, all linked by straights where I can
roll-on between bends. bring the Suzuki’s 150bhp motor to life.
A couple of miles after crossing the river Frome, we The 465 is a blast, especially beyond Stoke Lacy where
have a brief encounter with the A4103 — another the road snicks up a gear, throwing corners and
uncomplicated trunk road that the GSX-S eats up with undulation changes at us with an urgency that demands
ruthless efficiency before we pause in Newtown for a my full attention. I oblige because the route before me is
much-needed fuel stop. A 19-litre tank is fairly modest so engaging, even if I’m missing out on mile after mile of
for a mile-muncher and the Suzuki’s been demanding stunning countryside. No matter, there are still plenty
fuel every 130 miles or so — sometimes more frequently more miles left to cover.
where the A-road pace increases the engine’s thirst, but At Bromyard we stop for a cuppa and a bite to eat at
that’s my only criticism of this bike thus far. Brew Coffee Shop, a quaint café that serves superb
The petrol station sits on the junction with the A417, paninis and homemade grub. It’s only a quick pitstop,
our next route, and the road delivers with immediate however, before we switch to the B4203. It’s less pleasing
effect. It’s twistier and more technical than previous, than the A44 in terms of road surface – patchy in places
snaking past hamlets, farms and thickets as it draws us and more susceptible to the mud-scrawled signature of
deeper into the heart of the county. The countryside is a tractors from the numerous farm and field entrances —
melting pot of rural England. One mile we could be in but that’s where the B-road status ends. The way it
Leicestershire, the next Derbyshire, then a further click weaves its way between villages is glorious. But our time
on we could be in the Surrey hills or Yorkshire Wolds. together is short because a mile or two before Upper
Then, at Burley Gate, a roundabout appears and it’s Sapey, we hook a right at the crossroads, where we roll
time to turn right onto the A465. And, just like our into Worcestershire, and set course for the village of
transition from the A4103 to A417, the route keeps Clifton upon Teme.
getting better, with sweeping bends and ever-more Time to recalibrate; we’re now on a minor road,
threading between hedges on an ancient lane that’s
barely wide enough for two cars. This, for whatever
p GSX-S loves a
long-radius reason, is how I envisaged this part of the world —
bend... seriously rural, yet charming, and cloaked in rich green.
The Malvern Hills form a horizon that gets closer with
every mile, much like the ominous-looking clouds
above them. If we make it through the day without
getting wet, I’ll be amazed.
Within a couple of miles, it becomes obvious that we
are indeed riding into the rain. The clouds have left their
calling card — the road has gone from dry to damp to
alive with bubbling streams in a matter of miles. The
fast-flowing water, running off the fields, has dumped
ribbons of grit across the road. Thank goodness for ABS…
Beyond the quaint stone village of Clifton upon Teme,
we pick up the B4204, a playful stretch of tarmac that

Feed me, feed me, feed me...

Brew Coffee Shop
Bromyard

Olde worlde building with contemporary feel
inside. Light lunches, home-made cakes and
freshly ground coffee a speciality — the
paninis are perfect fuel for an afternoon’s ride.
facebook.com/BREWbromyard/

The Man of Ross Sally’s Place Café
Ross-on-Wye A449, Malvern Hills
Charming, family-run pub on Wye Street with Perfectly placed roadside café, just past the
a hearty menu and a warm, friendly reception. British Camp on the A449 escarpment Robert Macdonald / Alamy Stock Photo
Plenty of outdoor seating if you want to keep between Malvern Wells and Ledbury. Excellent
an eye on your bike while enjoying your lunch. selection of savouries, cakes, food and drinks.
facebook.com/TheManofRossInn/ facebook.com/sallysplacemalvern

44 SEPTEMBER 2022