2021 Write Ups 

For previous years' reports, please click on the appropriate link to the left.

Bob Harrison's Lucky Escape.

     Cruising north along the M6 on a balmy June evening in 1974. Returning from a Warrington bike club meeting where I'd said my goodbyes to fellow members. I had landed a job as an engineering draughtsman in Vancouver Canada and was due to depart on the 10th of July. Riding my new Honda CB500-4 at possibly slightly above the 70 limit I passed a police Range Rover parked on the shoulder. Thinking nothing of it I sped along (mistake No 1). Just a mile from home I was pulled over by the police person who remarked "you were cracking along a bit on the motorway". I replied that I was not doing much over 80 (mistake No 2). He wrote me out a ticket and I continued home. Time was passing by and I hadn't received any notification of prosecution. I was due to fly to Vancouver in just 3 days. Being a good son, and not wanting to burden my parents with the police coming to the door when I didn't respond to any summons because I'd left the country, I decided to visit the local police station (mistake No 3). I knew the sergeant there, Sergeant Oscar. He walked past our house twice a day from his home to the station. I explained the situation and he very kindly said he would sort it out and not to worry. I went home expecting that to be the end of it (mistake No 4).

     The following morning there was a knock at the door. Two police persons looking for me. They advised me that the matter was being investigated and that the only way to avoid a summons to court was to depart the house and disappear. This was difficult because the Honda was at Manchester airport waiting to be flown to Vancouver. When I asked my Dad if I could borrow the car, head for the hills and hide out until the 10th he disagreed. In fact his head began to resemble a beetroot as his blood pressure increased. That plan was abandoned.

     Next morning another knock at the door and two more police persons to see me. There was a surplus of police persons in those days. I was presented with a summons to court to appear the following day which was the 9th of July. I was leaving on the 10th. By this time the neighbours were asking my Mum why police cars kept appearing at our door.

     I appeared at Wigan Magistrates Court at 10:00 the following morning. I spoke with the Clerk to the Court who happened to be a part time lecturer at Wigan Technical College and had been my tutor for a few years. He advised me to plead not guilty which I did. The court then went into recess. I didn't know why, I was told nothing. After an hour or so I was called back into court. Apparently the authorities had been trying to contact the police person who had stopped me for speeding but couldn't find him. Consequently, with no evidence presented my case was dismissed. The head lady magistrate told me that I was free to go, enjoy Canada, and I might consider making a donation to my favourite charity. I didn't do that because I was saving up to buy my first BMW bike.

     In retrospect, almost fifty years later, it still gives me pleasure to have got away with it. I was a naive 24 year old at the time. I collected the Honda at Vancouver airport and literally rode off into the sunset and the start of new adventures. It took me six weeks to receive my first Canadian speeding ticket. The picture shows me and the Honda in the USA, on our way to Mexico in 1975.

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Graham Fell's Lunch Run 18-April-2021.

     At last we can go for a group run all be it with some restriction.

    Starting at Barton Grange garden centre just north of Preston the day started bright and nine bikes assembled and two passengers for the run. As we would not be together as such during our ride it was decided to not split the group so we headed out to Oakenclough and into the Trough of Bowland and onward past Dunsop Bridge towards Cow Ark and onwards to our first stop at Riverside tea rooms. At this point we stayed away from the café and suitably distanced in the car park for our beverages. Catch up done with people not seen for a good year and we set of through the villages of Bolton by Bowland, and Horton to pick up the A59 briefly before using the smaller roads to Bank Newton and Gargrave. A small delay while everyone cleared some temporary traffic lights and onwards to a very busy Malham, people probably walking up to the cove which was easily seen from the road as we climbed on to Malham top and on to Stainforth. A right turn took us to Helwith bridge where we turned left to follow the small road down to Austwick village. From there a quick run up the A65 towards Settle to the turning for Fiezor for our lunch at Elaine’s café and the run end. Once again food and berverages where taken away from the crowds. Just a short 70 miles on good roads and good company. Thanks all, Graham.

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Mike Gibson's Midweek Run 02-June-2021

     At last, a club run to give us a breath of fresh air. Mind you, it was very warm air! Definitely a change from recent months, what with wind and rain to endure. The (very June-like) conditions saw 12 bikes gather at the Bridge, including one returning member and one new member. Hi, Mark from Bowes and Dave from Grange-over-sands. Another two lads showed up at the last minute to make it 14. However, due to a regrettable lapse of memory I omitted to mention that the ‘drop-off system’ would not apply to the first two junctions and we (I) lost them for the rest of the day. My humble apologies to Fred and his friend.

     Moving on, we rode down towards Carnforth and then onto the A6 northwards. A ‘Road Closed’ sign forced a diversion further along the A6 to pick up a country lane to Burton-in-Kendal, and back on course. Soon we arrived at the Crooklands Hotel and a pause for refreshments. Another country road and back lane saw us rejoin the A6, followed by the A590 which took us to Greenodd. From there the road to Coniston beckoned. Despite some slow traffic (it was the schools’ half-term) we managed to turn up at our lunch stop in Torver, the Wilson’s Arms. Here, we ate ‘round the back’ in a large marquee as per Covid restrictions.

     Duly (eventually, it was half-term and busy, did I mention that?) fed the afternoon saw us carrying onwards through Coniston and over the hill to Hawkshead. Now turning left, we rode through the two Sawrey villages to join a country lane through Cunsey, eventually arriving at Newby Bridge. Next climbing uphill on the Gummers Howe road the Lyth valley road hove into view. Now the bikes could breathe a bit, as far as the Gilpin Bridge Inn, and a final break for rehydration. The run ended there, and everyone, except the two lost souls at the start, went on their separate ways. My thanks to all who turned up on 2021’s inaugural club run.

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Northern

New Bridgestone T32 tyres for the R1200RS courtesy of Club member Steve at F and B tyres in Sandbach, and the May Settle meeting provided the ideal opportunity to scrub them in with a ninety mile round trip on mostly dry, country roads. Just four bikes in Settle, one of which was the R1800 of Tony Cross as shown in the picture. 532 miles covered so far but all wet ones according to Tony. A few criticisms from the owner: pathetic excuse for a front mudguard that allows stones, grit, muck and water to be directed directly at the low slung oil cooler, a loosely secured windscreen rattling in the breeze, and the small 16 litre fuel tank. Should anyone know of an alternative mudguard that actually does what a mudguard is supposed to do then Tony will be glad to hear about it.

July's meeting at Knowle Green on the 11th. Raffle, and complimentary butties for all. First raffle prize a set of tyres for your bike. The last Knowle Green event was in October 2019 which was also the last Section AGM to be held. Having said all that we don't know if the COVID rule changes scheduled for the 21st of June will actually happen. Please check on the Section's forum and website for the latest on the July meeting or call a committee member for confirmation. Very much all in question at the moment.

Rivington in May and eight wet bodies in the cafe, five on bikes. At least we can gather inside now, sheltering from the rain. Ged Baines arrived on his 200w (0.27hp) steed. That's my estimate of Jed's power output as he pushes the pedals. Might have been 250w if he engaged the turbo boost.

The July camping event in Llandovery has been booked by eager campers according to the Erwlon site owner, with some keen types staying more than the designated two nights. Barry Warner has organised a Wednesday ride-out to the Wales coast for lunch. Expect roads with a verdant centre strip, and the sign advising "Annadas i gerbydau modur" to be politely disregarded.

Five at May's Brunch Meet for the bargain breakfast at the Thatch and Thistle pub in Barrowford. Service a bit slow but perhaps they are out of practice after the lengthy lockdown. I wasn't there but I believe we had seven in attendance at The Pot Place in May including two or three visitors from Scotland, one of whom was long standing Club member Drew Nicholson. Five for lunch in Wray and such a lovely day to be riding.

Sad news that Bill Smithson's wife Audrey, aged 86, died at the end of May. Bill's constant companion in life and on their motorcycle adventures in this country and in Europe. A charming lady who will be sadly missed.

Robert Harrison

Mike Gibson’s Midweek Run July 2021.

     12 bikes assembled at Kirkby Lonsdale, including Fred and his friend who I lost last month (I think they’ve forgiven me) in bright but cloudy conditions. The briefing over, we set off towards the Lakes, leaving the main road to take the A65 in the direction of Kendal. Then turning off into Natland village, we followed a minor road through Sedgwick to join the A590. 

This led us to our coffee break in Cafe Ambio at the Lakeland Motor Museum. By this time we had run into the sun, and coffee and cake were taken on the terrace overlooking the river Leven.

Suitably refreshed, our ride continued along the A590, picking up the A5092 and then the A595 taking us to Duddon Bridge. Here we forsake the main road for the Corney Fell road up and over the high ground to the west of the Duddon valley. On the top, we had, or would have had if it were not for some light low cloud, a ‘view for miles’ towards the north west of Cumbria. 

Rejoining the A595, our lunch stop at the Brown Cow Inn, Waberthwaite, soon hove into view. This turned out to be something of a disaster, as we had a delay of about an hour before our food arrived. 

Duly refuelled, we continued southwards to join the road along the Whicham valley back to Duddon Bridge. The A595/5092 combo led us to Lowick Green where we diverted along country roads to arrive at the A590. From this point it was the main roads back towards Kirkby Lonsdale. We didn’t make it all the way there as some confusion arose as to who was doing what/going where resulting in the ‘loss’ of two riders. (Yes, I know we were employing the drop-off system, but I didn’t expect to drop two off. However, at least one’s reputation was maintained! Memo to self – must clarify what we are doing and who is doing it!)

On the bright (!) side, the weather remained perfect for the main part, and everyone said that they enjoyed the ride. That’s what it’s all about.

Northern – August 2021

Here we go again. The Knowle Green meeting scheduled for the 11th of July was cancelled, falling inside the 19th for the end of COVID regulations. Assuming no changes to the COVID regulations there will be a meeting at Knowle Green on the 8th of August. The raffle will be at the September meeting. BMW Club members only will be eligible to participate.

David Mathers from Chorley has responded to Mike Gibson's request that someone else have a go at being the Section Webmaster by suggesting himself for the role. I am sure David will do a good job. I would like to thank Mike for his dedication to the Webmaster role over the past years. How many years that is I can't say but I think he's been doing it for ever.

A summary of attendance at Section events in June. Five at Wray. Six at Settle. Twelve at Rivington. Nine at The Pot Place. Six at The Thatch and Thistle. 30 at the July Llandovery camping event on 22 bikes, one car and a few motorhomes. Participants from different Sections with a minority from our own.

Barry Warner was telling me that along with nine others, one of whom was Robert Bensley (the organiser), he had a day out in Scunthorpe. Scunthorpe Speedway’s 92 metre mini-track was built inside the stadium grounds in the summer of 2007 and has proven to be extremely popular. Its size makes it ideal for the smaller capacity bikes (125-150cc) and is an excellent introduction to the art of sliding. Ideal for all ages and abilities who want to experience the sport in relative safety. Barry reported that everyone fell off, which was to be expected. Just one injury with one chap suffering a punctured lung.

Robert Harrison

Northern Section Contacts and Regular Meets

Secretary: Ms Lynn Sumner, 63 Moss Lane, Leyland, Preston. PR25 4XA. 01772 431324 northern.secretary@bmwclubuk.net

Membership Secretary: As Above

Social Secretary: Robert Harrison 01257 793209 northern.social@bmwclubuk.net

1st Tuesday 13:00: March to October, Bridge House Farm, Wray, Lancaster,  LA2 8QP Jane Mather 0771 9637177

2nd Wednesday 13.00: March to October, Settle Market Place BD24 9ED. Barry Warner 01617 611702.

2nd Sunday 12.30: Knowle Green Village Hall, Clitheroe Road, Knowle Green, Preston, PR3 2YQ.

3rd Tuesday, 18.30: The Highwayman, Peel, Isle of Man. Harvey Garton 01624 625140.

Penultimate Thursday 10.30: Great House Barn Cafe, Rivington Lane, Bolton, BL6 7SB

Last Thursday 13:00: March to October The Pot Place Station Yard, Plumpton, Penrith, Dennis Brown 01697 747038

4th Sunday 13:00: Variable N Wales Venue Call Vince McGrath 07766 834253

Last Tuesday 11:00 Brunch at The Thatch and Thistle Pub, Surrey Rd, Nelson BB9 7TZ. Jn 13 M65 Barrowford. Barry Warner 01617 611702

1st Wednesday 10:00: March to November, Ride-out, Devil’s Bridge, Kirkby Lonsdale Mike Gibson 01229 582787

MIKE GIBSONS MIDWEEK RUN – AUGUST 2021

It must have been the sun that brought the other 17 bikes (including new members Ian, Kevin and Peter) to Devil’s Bridge. We made quite a scene departing the car park as we headed along the road to Sedbergh. There was the potential for us meeting horses on the way, as there were several traveller’s caravans parked up at the Bridge. Fortunately, we were ahead of the game as we didn’t encounter any.

Sedbergh came, and went, leading to the pleasant road towards Kirkby Stephen. Stopping well before the town, we pulled into the Fat Lamb Inn, Ravenstonedale, for our morning coffee break, where we enjoyed the shade under the arbour next to the garden. Refreshed, we rode on through the village to join the A685, which led us to a minor road into Orton village. 

From here, we picked up the B6260 up on to Great Asby Scar, taking us to Appleby and signs of preparation for the Horse Fair – hence the travellers back at Kirkby Lonsdale. A short sojourn on the A66 took us to Temple Sowerby, then the minor road to Culgaith, where the barrier came down at the railway. Here, our wait was rewarded with the sight of a steam locomotive at the head of a long train. Mind you, we surmised that the diesel locomotive at the rear was providing the motion!

Soon afterwards we arrived at the Shepherds Inn, Langwathby, and our lunch venue. After a leisurely meal, and some reclining in the sun, we turned southwards to Penrith, and the A6 over Shap Fell. This allowed the bikes to ‘breathe’ a bit after the relaxed riding before lunch. Turning from the A6 before Kendal, country lanes led to the A591 and the A6, south of Kendal, to ride southwards towards Carnforth. This town was neatly avoided by crossing over the M6 on to the B6254, taking us back to Devil’s Bridge.

A round trip of just over 100 miles in prefect riding conditions. Hopefully, the three new members enjoyed the experience and will join us in the future. See you on the next run? Can’t promise the fine weather, though!

Northern Section Monthly Report - SEPTEMBER

Apologies for the non-appearance of the August Section News. Late submission was the reason, after returning from the Llandovery camping event. Writing this at the end of July and we have been without the internet for the past ten days. Still waiting for a new router to arrive. Makes you realise how much we depend on the web when we don't have it. Section News is published on the website.

One man, John Simm, and his dog at the July Wray meeting because most of the regulars were at the camping event in Llandovery. Six at Settle. Eleven at Rivington. Five at Barrowford. One Graham Fell made it to The Pot Place to have a lonely lunch. The September and October lunches at Wray are cancelled.

Meeting at Knowle Green on the 12th of September. Originally scheduled as a Bring and Buy but now changed to the Raffle Event. Only Club members are eligible to buy raffle tickets because it is members' money that goes to buy the prizes and also pay for the rental of the meeting hall every month. Wouldn't do to have a non-member taking the star prize of a set of bike tyres.

The Section AGM will be held at Knowle Green on the 10th of October. Meeting to start at 12:30 with complimentary food at 1:00pm followed by the meeting at 2:00pm. The previous AGM was in October 2019, no meeting in 2020 of course. Any member can stand for any of the committee positions. Contact Lynn if you want the relevant form. At the moment the existing committee will be standing for re-election. If you have a proposal for presentation at the meeting please contact Lynn.

Bob Crawley's hotel weekend at The String of Horses Hotel in Faugh, Cumbria takes place on the 8 -10 of October; it was cancelled in 2020. The Scottish Section's Glencoe event which some of us would like to attend, and was scheduled for mid September, has been moved to the 15 - 17 of October.

The picture was taken at the Shack Cafe lunch stop in Fishguard on the July Llandovery ride-out; a decent lunch in the sunshine, with a sea view.

Northern Section Monthly Report - October

August saw 25 members attending the first scheduled monthly meeting since March 2020 at Knowle Green. Inclement weather kept most in their cars with just five bikes in the car park.

AGM on Sunday the 10th at Knowle Green. Village Hall open from 12:30 with hotpot served from one o'clock and the AGM begins at 2:00pm. Bob Crawley Hotel weekend on the same date as the AGM so a run south on Sunday from Faugh to Knowle Green for AGM enthusiasts.

The monthly meetings at Rixton will begin on the 14th of November. Rixton-with-Glazebrook Community Hall, Manchester Road, Hollins Green, Rixton, Warrington WA3 6JZ. We will be there until March; return to Knowle Green in April.

I will be attending the Scottish Section's Glencoe weekend this month. Hope to see some of you there. I have decided to opt for a shared, posh and heated shed rather than my tent because it might be raining and chilly and I'm going soft in my old age.

The lunch meeting at Wray is cancelled. Barry Warner's monthly event at the Thatch and Thistle pub in Barrowford is cancelled and transferred to the Clough Head Visitor Centre and cafe. Located on the Grane Road B6232, a mile or two west of Haslingden and accessible from J5 on the M65 if travelling east. Barry intends running this cafe meeting all year round, even if the location in winter could be challenging being in an exposed location, although the surrounding trees should keep the wind at bay. Meet on the last Tuesday of the month at 11:00. Average speed cameras abound on this route.

Mike Gibson's Run Report - September  

 A bit of a dull start to the day (a touch of drizzle on the way to Devil’s Bridge), but that didn’t deter the 12 of us from heading east on the A65 to Ingleton where we turned northwards on the Hawes road. This led us along some very pleasant riding roads, plenty of smooth corners, until the village of Hawes itself. Here we stopped off at the Wensleydale Creamery (home of the valley’s cheese) for a good long chat over a coffee, and other things. Suitably refreshed, the ride continued down the dale to Bainbridge where a turn to the left took us over the river Ure to the minor road on the north side of the dale. This led us to the village of Redmire and the start of the moor road (lots of purple heather, here) over into Swaledale at Grinton. From there a short hop into Reeth, and another moor road up Arkengarthdale to our lunch stop at the Tan Hill Inn. Due to the inn being quite busy, and a ‘mistake’ with the menu that the inn had provided for us to pre-order our food when we were at Devil’s Bridge (don’t ask), lunch turned out to be a prolonged affair. Nevertheless, after fuelling ourselves we left in sunshine on the minor road down into Swaledale at Keld. Dropping down a couple of (very) sharp hairpin bends a Range Rover ascending the second of these provided a chance for intense concentration and good bike control. Once on the valley road we headed westwards to Kirkby Stephen and better tarmac. This marked the start of our return ride along the roads to Sedbergh, and then finally back to Kirkby Lonsdale. By now the sun had really turned it on and it was much warmer. Everyone then left on their various ways home, and (I hope) had enjoyed the day despite the hiccup at lunch.

OCTOBER RIDE REPORT FROM MIKE GIBSON

Ahh, a glorious start to the day, just a pity about having to ride with the sun in my eyes on the way to Devil’s Bridge. Never mind! Once there, it wasn’t long before the other 14 bikes turned up for the day’s run. We first headed towards the Lakes, avoiding Windermere via country lanes to join the road up Kirkstone pass. (Cracking views from the lanes over to the fells of the central Lakes, by the way.) Dropping down the other side of the pass we passed (no pun intended) Brothers Water and soon arrived in Patterdale for our morning coffee break at the Patterdale Hotel. Duly refreshed we returned outside to the bikes to witness the RAF at play overhead. (No silencers on those engines!!) Then they did a second lap just to be sure that we were awake. Our way then followed the lake to its foot at Pooley Bridge, then through the village to carry on to the A6 at Eamont Bridge. A short ride along the A6 took us to the start of minor roads that led us to Appleby. From there, we rode over Great Asby Scar to Orton village and a deviation from the minor road to follow lanes to pick up the A685 to Ravenstonedale. Here, we had our lunch stop at the Fat Lamb Inn on the A683, a mile or so beyond the village. (One of our number remarked on the size of his pie – quite big, apparently!) Carrying on, we rode to Kirkby Stephen, turning southwards along a minor road to join the A684 at Garsdale Head. (It was here that an SUV turning right into our road, and cutting the corner, came within a couple of feet of me. I could see the whites of their eyes! Interesting, as they say!!) Now, the A684 led us to Sedbergh and onwards towards Kendal, the town being avoided by a deviation to the ‘back road’ to Kirkby Lonsdale. This returned us to Devil’s Bridge in plenty of time for everyone to (hopefully) get back home before the rush hour traffic. A most pleasant ride of about 110 miles, done in excellent conditions despite the previous two days-worth of rain. Well, there were some ‘damp’ patches, but nothing we couldn’t handle.

NOVEMBER 2021  - MIKE GIBSON'S RUN

A cool, but sunny, day saw the 14 bikes gather for a short Autumnal ride around the southern Lakes. We set off down the road towards Carnforth, avoided by the detour across the M6 to join the A6. Shortly afterwards, the road through Burton-in-Kendal led us to our coffee break at the Crooklands hotel. Carrying on towards Kendal on the A65, we diverted through the village of Natland, then along the minor road to pick up the A591 at Brettargh Holt roundabout. Now a straightforward run up to Ambleside, through Autumn colours, to find the Coniston road. This led us through the village and on to our lunch stop at the Wilson’s Arms, Torver. Here, we were seated at our own (long) table in the dining room. After refuelling we then headed on the road southwards to Greenodd village, and the A590. This returned us via the A65 to Devil’s Bridge, and the end of 2021’s midweek rides. A short run, as mentioned, but enjoyed by all nontheless. Hopefully, next year will see us able to get out more.

 My thanks to everyone who supported this year’s rides out, braving the various restrictions visited on us by Covid-19.