CTL MOTOR COMPANY, CAFÉ AND MOTORCYCLE COLLECTION

In full swing since its opening just over a year ago, the Cotswolds-based CTL café, with its unique bike collection, is an unusual attraction in this part of the country. Whether you just want a quick break and a cheap cuppa, or spend more time dining and browsing through its special selection of rare classic road and race bikes, CTL near Cirencester is well worth a look.

- WORDS: CHRIS MOSS PHOTOGRAPHY: CHRIS MOSS & CTL

Starting with the impressive bike collection, there's plenty to savour with a real mix of machinery from a former era. All owned by massive bike fan and local businessman Les Saunders, checking out the 70-odd bikes on display takes time, particularly given some of the more special stuff is of the sort you're only likely to see at major bike events. Where else would you witness a two CBX1000s, a Suzuki RE5, Yamaha GTS1000, and Bimota SB6R parked within feet of each other under the same roof? Add to that a kitted RC45 race bike, Paul Brown's title winning British Supersport CBR600 Honda, and Trevor Ireson’s three times victorious TT sidecar outfit, and it’s obvious the assortment is very distinguished. As well as other modern-day icons like a TL1000S, VFR1000R, and GT750, there are some very unusual bikes such as a 70s Kawasaki H1R