We spent a couple of days in Alcester, staying at the Alcester Inn. On our first day, we wandered through town, taking in the sights. Many of the centuries-old buildings were constructed in the classic Tudor style so often associated with England. White plaster walls framed by exposed timber lined the streets, and it was hard to find a single wall that was perfectly straight. Some of the buildings leaned at such odd angles that they looked as though they might topple over at any moment.
Just behind the inn was a traditional chippy serving enormous portions of perfectly cooked white fish with thick-cut fries—or, as we Americans jokingly call them, “freedom fries.” Better known here as Fish and Chips, the meal came wrapped in brown paper with packets of salt and malt vinegar. Add a couple of cold beers, and it made for the perfect English dinner.
The following day we rode over to the Morgan factory. Morgan builds some of the most distinctive automobiles in the world. While they also produce four-wheeled models, my personal favorite is their iconic three-wheeler, powered by a V-twin engine mounted proudly at the front. Every Morgan is hand-built, requiring more than 200 hours of skilled craftsmanship, making each one a unique work of art.
Our second stop was the magnificent Tewkesbury Abbey. In 1540, during the Dissolution of the Monasteries, King Henry VIII ordered the seizure of the abbey’s wealth and valuables. Despite that turbulent chapter in its history, the abbey remains an impressive example of medieval architecture and one of England’s most beautiful historic churches.
The following morning dawned cool with brilliant blue skies. It promised to be a beautiful riding day as we headed south to Bristol.
Today our friend Kinga (@onherbike) was giving a presentation about her years of traveling the world by motorcycle, and we were riding down to support her. It had been since last year that we’d seen her. We had met up at the Overland Event before spending a couple of weeks at her home in Poland. It’s always a pleasure to spend time with her.
We arrived at the BMW Motorrad dealership in Bristol a little early. Our passes for the ABR Festival had been sent there for us to pick up, giving us plenty of time to visit with other riders who were gathering for Kinga’s presentation. Judging by the enthusiastic response and all the conversations afterward, her presentation was a tremendous success.
Our hotel was only a mile away. Another friend, Zebb, had also attended the presentation. That evening, several of us met for drinks and dinner at a Mexican restaurant in downtown Bristol.
The restaurant was part of a creative complex built from converted shipping containers, now home to several upscale restaurants and bars. It was beautifully done and overlooked a waterfront promenade along a large canal. We ordered tacos—UK style—and I washed mine down with anything but a Corona. That still falls into the same category as American Budweiser for me, meaning I won’t drink either one.
The next morning we packed up and rode to Alcester, where we’d spend a couple of days before the start of the ABR Festival, held just down the road at Ragley Hall. Kinga and Zebb would be joining us for a little rest, a little work, and some good company before the festival craziness began.
The ABR Festival adventure will be the subject of the next post.
Cheers,
2WANDRRs
2WANDRRs 
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