27th October 2024 - Vine House Farm Shop and Cafe - Dave Cusdin

Fifteen bikes turned out for a frolic through the fens. Our original destination was to be to the Iron Horse Ranch House in Market Deeping. Unfortunately this venue has recently closed down. Alarmingly there does appear to be a malaise currently affecting the motorcycle industry which has also led to a number of large dealerships going into administration, with more I fear to follow. However, I digress. The revised location was to the Vine House Farm Shop and Café located in Deeping St Nicholas. The route remained roughly the same so splitting up into three groups we made our way down the A17 as far as Sutton Bridge where we hung a left heading towards the Tydd’s and Whaplode’s and onto our destination, it wasn’t too far which was probably a good thing given the endemic state of disrepair of the fen roads. It’s probably not appropriate to use expletives but some of the roads are downright dangerous with massive subsidence just waiting to divert the unwary into the adjacent dyke.

Anyhow the venue was great. As well as selling home grown organic produce, Vine House also have seating for 70 patrons inside with a further 30 outside located on the deck overlooking the wildlife garden and pond. There is also ample parking. We were served by a very pleasant mature lady who had just passed her motorcycle Compulsory Basic Training and was full of enthusiasm for everything 2 wheels. Sat outside with the sun streaming down we spent a very convivial hour or so enjoying each other’s company.

The ride back was the usual bomb burst when the destination is so close but I would like to thank Ian, Mel and Bob for leading their respective groups. This will be my final report as the official ride out coordinator but not the last time that I will be attending Fen riders’ events. If you feel that you have the time to take over this role (perks are you decide where we travel to and how we get there) please let our chairman or secretary know and I will be happy to assist where required.

The next ride out is a 1000 start on the 10th Nov to the Good, the Bad and the Hungry at Wingfield just past Diss. It was still open last time I looked.

Drive and ride safe

Cheers Dave C