When
I arrived slightly later than I had planned there were already a good
number of bikes at the lay-by in Egremont. The same familiar faces had
turned out as well as a few new folk. So after a brief description of
the run we headed out to Cockermouth to meet up with the rest of the crew.
Although
the sun wasn't shinning the weather was dry and the 30 plus bikes were
all making good progress along the A66 heading towards Penrith, though
a tosser in a purple Honda Accord seemed to think he owned the road and
tried to intimidate a few of us, I just gave him a friendly one fingered
wave and the main beam just for good measure.
From Penrith we headed up one of my favourite bits of road up onto Hartside
along the twisty road to the Café at the top for our first tea
break. Arriving at the top it was pleasing to see that there had been
no mishaps and we didn't seem to have lost anyone! But it was brass-monkey
weather I can tell you!
Most of us headed into the comfortable surroundings of the café
while
some brave souls braved the freezing conditions outside (you can tell
I work in a warm office now!). Warm drinks and food of varying types consumed
and we are off again heading down towards Alston but turning onto the
A689 towards Brampton. Some riders noticed a silver Fazer heading past
the turn off towards Alston and followed him to Haydon Bridge even though
they had directions of where we were going; they met us at Keilder though!
Anyhow we travelled down the A689 for 9 or so miles until we came to the
turn off for Haltwhistle via Lambley and headed downthe ever decreasing
road up past Featherstone castle and over the gothic style bridge over
the South Tyne. Eventually we made it to the A69 and headed up to Greenheads
to join the roman road (B6318) a real roller coaster ride when travelling
at speed. The Severe Dips in the road are severe!!! Ask the lad who got
a smack on his chin while tucked up behind his fairing, head on the tank!!
Turning
of towards Bellingham, me hoping for lots of signs as I was at the front
and couldn't remember the route that well, and then finally reaching Bellingham
and following the signs for Kielder water. Sweeping through small villages
and looking at great views with relatively uncluttered roads we finally
reached the reservoir and picked up the pace as we rejoined the wide sweeping
bends on the road to the village.
Fortunately I remembered the last bends that are pretty severe and out
of view until you reach them.
Dinner
time and unfortunately the pub's got an hour wait for orders, so some
of us slope off to the café in the castle and manage to get served.
Food in belly and back to the pub to tyre kick, and see how many we have
lost. The lads who went on the 'Fazer Mystery Tour' have returned to our
company much to our amusement. But alas we seem to have lost a few more
at the Lambley turn off.
Fed and watered we all regrouped and with refilled tanks we headed for
Newcastleton most of us having refuelled for the run home.
Heading
out on the single track roads with little traffic following small streams
at a reduced speed seems pleasant enough and the snaking line of headlights
behind me makes the organisation of the run all the more worthwhile. Movingonto
better roads all the time and the pace is starting to increase (ok its
bin a while since I had a blast!!) and heading towards Carlisle down the
A7 Anne and myself are enjoying ourselves.. (legally? And fully dressed,
in leather! Even ). Into Carlisle and it's the usual traffic light nightmare
but it's only a short distance till we are headed out of town towards
Thursby.
Some riders decided to take the fast route towards Cockermouth but the
rest of us headed towards Wigton and Aspatria on the twistier slower speed
route (cos its more fun!!) Finally we stop at Tesco's in Workington for
a coffee and crack.
Most folk seem to have enjoyed the day,that's what its all about, some
are tired, but I'm just pleased that its been another success.
Bikes are made to be ridden and no matter what size of bike you ride you
canstill have a great time, just ask Tammy who kept up even though she
was on an old 250.
Will you be there for the next one or what?
Thanks to all who got up, showed up, got lost, got a life and rode their
bike!
Be safe do Bike Safe!
