2017 Reports
Bob Harrison's New Years Day Run.
Five bikes and seven bodies met at the A59 Clitheroe Services for a short ride to the Watershed Mill cafe in Settle on New Year's Day. Pam and I on the Super Tenere were joined by David Mathers R1200RT, Richard Harrison GS1200, picture attached, Barry Warner K75 and Roy and Sue O'Donohue 1600GT. Top marks for enthusiasm go to Richard who rode down from home in Whitehaven to Clitheroe. The weather fairy was looking after us with sun and some warmth. In fact the low sun was a hazard and coming home I was continually blinded by it, the helmet sun visor not helping much. Thank you to Roy who retrieved my Garmin unit from the safe place I had left it in - on the bike seat.
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Mike Gibson's Midweek Run 15-March-2017.
The first ride of the year saw an excellent turnout of 15 bikes at Devil's Bridge. We headed towards the Lakes, turning off onto the A590 to pick up the Lyth valley road. Well, it was too nice a day not to make progress along the virtually empty road; although a new front tyre kept me honest round the corners! Next, the Gummers Howe road led to Newby Bridge, and along the main road to turn into the Lakes towards Coniston. That route took us to Torver and our morning coffee break at Wilson's Inn. Before we left I gave the group a 'memory test' regarding a nasty pothole on the road to Ambleside. Needless to say, everyone passed. Through Ambleside we went, and along the main route northwards and then via St. John's-in-the-Vale to the A66. Following this for a few miles we headed to the lunch stop at the Mill Inn, Mungrisedale.
After a relaxing (!) meal, we returned to the A66 towards Penrith, turning down to Ullswater and Pooley Bridge. Through the village and along the road eastwards we next joined the A6 at Eamont Bridge. Now for a bit more 'progress' (we thought). The first stretch down to Shap went swimmingly, with only light traffic (soon passed). It was just south of Shap when it went somewhat pear-shaped. At the junction with the link road to the M6 the A6 was blocked by a couple of 'Road Closed' signs*. Damn, so much for making progress! Never mind, recalculating the mental satnav, we headed to Orton for the alternative route via Ravenstonedale on to the A683. This road also allows progress down the river valley to Sedbergh, so all wasn't lost. After a pause at the exit to the village for fuel, we started the final leg back to Kirkby Lonsdale.
My thanks to everyone who joined me for a, mainly, enjoyable day out in fine, dry and quite warm weather. The sun even shone on us for a fair bit of the time.
* On our return to Devil's Bridge I discovered from a friend there that the A6 was blocked due to an accident involving a car and an HGV. I hope that there were no serious injuries incurred.
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Bob Harrison's Ride to Carlisle Airport 02-April-2017.
The run to Carlisle airport on the 2nd of April saw an excellent attendance of ten bikes and eleven participants making the most of a dry sunny day. Meeting at Caton we were part of the plethora of others doing the same and enjoying the ideal conditions. The lady at the airport cafe was alone and overwhelmed with us and other customers but our appetites were eventually satisfied. All BMWs in our group apart from the two Yamahas. Thank you to all the members who participated and to Llloyd's BMW Carlisle for the complimentary tea and coffee.
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Mike Gibson's Midweek Run 19-April-2017.
'Twas an overcast day, with just the odd drop of light rain. But. never mind, the 14 bikes set off towards the Lakes. Avoiding Kendal by our, now open, diversion we joined the A6 to ride over Shap Fell. Turning off into the Shap Wells Hotel, we took the morning coffee break. Leaving by the opposite entrance, we went through the village of Orton and along lanes to pick up the road to Kirkby Stephen. From the town we continued to the lanes through the hamlets of Kaber and Barras to find the moor road to our lunch stop at the Tan Hill Inn. Here, due to being prewarned of our visit, the dining room had been set aside for us.
After a leisurely meal, we continued down Arkengarthdale to Reeth and the moor road over into Wensleydale (where the sun made a brief visit). Now turning westwards, the quiet road up the valley took us to join the 'main' road up to Garsdale Head and the pleasant road to Sedbergh. ('Pleasant' because a fair bit of it had been resurfaced, making for smooth running.) Finally, the A683 led us back to Devil's Bridge to 'wind down'.
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Graham Fell's New Members Lunch Run 23-April-2017.
The annual run assembled 5 riders and 2 pillion with Roy and Sue Catlow joining us at the morning break at Slaidburn. With clear skies we set of in the direction of Inglewhite to rise over the south side of Beacon Fell and onwards towards Oakenclough and the Trough of Bowland. Going through the Trough a brief stop to check that nobody was in the car overturned in the ditch which thankfully there was not. We continued on to Dunlop Bridge over Cow Hill to Slaidburn for refreshments which were taken outside in the sun. The restart saw us continue to Gargrave via Bolton by Bowland and onwards to Malham to rise over the tops and down to Stainforth to join the main road to Helwith Bridge and via Austwick to the finish at Elaine cafe at Feizor. Weather stayed fine all day and the roads relatively quite. Thanks for the turn out Roy, Sue, Ronnie, Sue, Robert, David and tail end Phil and Joan.
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Radnor Revivals Weekend 28th April - 1st May.
The Radnor Revivals weekend was a success with nineteen members staying in the comfortable lodges and four on the campsite. Twelve of us supported the Saturday 170 mile rideout (picture attached) which headed south to Ammanford and a visit to Touratech where we bumped into Club President Ian Dobie who had just finished abusing his body with a BMW off road riding course. The Sunday run to Aberystwyth for ice cream was a leisurely 120 mile well supported affair blessed by the absence of the forecast rain. Extremely disappointed that Bill Smithson couldn't attend this event, Bill having been hospitalised just a day before he was due to leave for Wales. We wish him a quick recovery.
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Mike Gibson's Midweek Run 17-May-2017.
The forecast wasn't brilliant, but that didn't stop 8 keen riders leaving Devil's Bridge for eastern lands. As it turned out the promised rain didn't materialise. Following the A65 to Ingleton, we then took the road over to Hawes (a bit of progress, along the way). There, our coffee break was taken in the 'cheese factory'. Now hydrated, a gentle ride down Wensleydale and through Leyburn led to the mouth of Swaledale. Turning up the dale we arrived at Grinton and the Bridge Inn for lunch.
Next, heading westwards along the valley we came across a sign for 'road closed/diversion' at Keld. Now, whether it was closed or was just closed overnight I wasn't sure. However, it did give us the opportunity to ride over the Buttertubs back into Wensleydale. From here we could let the bikes breathe a bit up to Garsdale Head and the road to Kirkby Stephen. Now turning southwards we followed the A683, stopping at the Fat Lamb Inn for a break, through Sedbergh and towards Kendal. Avoiding the town, we picked up the A65 back towards Kirkby Lonsdale, ending the run near the M6 J36, some of the group having to return home early. And no rain! So much for weather forecasts!!
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Paul Stewart's Dent Camping Weekend 16th-18th-June-2017
Eleven people braved the elements to attend the Northern Section's camping weekend in Dent with temperatures in the high 20s. Members from the East Anglia and Yorkshire Sections attended along with the lone member from the Northern section. The site was well laid out and had a gazebo for the club and other motorcyclists' use. Graham Fell made full use of the breakfast barm service. On Saturday Graham led a leisurely tour of the Yorkshire Dales taking in many minor roads and the highest pub in England with scenery as far as the eye could see. Although our numbers were few everybody who attended really enjoyed the event and thanks for your support.
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Mike Gibson's Midweek Run 21-June-2017
11 bikes assembled at Devils' Bridge on the longest day of the year for a muggy ride round to the western Lakes. Muggy and, sometimes, slightly damp but no real rain to speak of. Heading west along the A590 we turned off along the road to Coniston, stopping at Torver and the Wilsons Inn for a welcome drink. Next, we rode to Broughton-in-Furness, thence to pick up the Duddon valley road and the fell road up and over Birker Fell. Passing the bottom of Eskdale, we continued into Wasdale and our lunch stop at the Strand Inn, Nether Wasdale. (Some mighty ploughman's lunches being consumed, here.)
Once replete, we carried on to Gosforth village where we could join the main west coast road. Here, we could make some 'progress' (other traffic permitting) down towards Millom. Before there, we turned on to the Whicham valley road and back towards Broughton. Past the village, the road then took us to Greenodd and the A590 to finish the run at the Swan Hotel, Newby Bridge. Here another welcome drink was consumed, albeit inside where the air conditioner was most appreciated!
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John Bell's After Breakfast Run 02-July-2017
We attended John Bell's breakfast meeting on the 2nd of July at the Rooster cafe in Penrith. John's June attempt at guiding members through the north came to naught because nobody turned up but he enjoyed his solitary run. A three hundred percent improvement in July with Pam and me on the RS and John Simm on his RT arriving at the Rooster cafe ready for a bacon butty. John led us on a ninety mile route that took us along the shore of Ullswater, north over Carrock Fell, Wigton, Moricambe Bay, Anthorn, Port Carlisle, Carlisle City and back to the Rooster for a savoury lunch. A tremendous day out with a superb route.
Some history on Moricambe Bay's Anthorn and an explanation of those bunkers and masts that we observed as we rode along. John Laing & Son began building an airfield at Anthorn for the Fleet Air Arm in late 1943, with Royal Naval Air Station Anthorn, or HMS Nuthatch opening on 7 September 1944, with three tarmac runways. It was the base of No.1 Aircraft Receipt and Despatch Unit (No.1 ARDU), which had the job of receiving aircraft fresh from the manufacturers, modifying them to Service standards and despatching them to operational squadrons, with the unit specialising in the Vought F4U Corsair. No.1 ARDU continued to operate from Anthorn following the end of the Second World War, while a number of Fleet Air Arm Squadrons were also based at the airfield in the immediate post war years. The airbase shut down in March 1958. The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) has installed three atomic clocks at Anthorn and on 27 February 2007 Britain’s national time signal transmissions, retaining their original call sign of MSF, were transferred there on a trial basis, moving formally on 1 April 2007. Monitoring and logging of the clocks and control of the transmissions is by Internet link from the NPL offices at Teddington, using comparison with GPS signals at both locations. Signal monitoring is by radio. To ensure accuracy, dynamic adjustment of the aerial according to local conditions (such as wind distortion) is controlled from computers on site. The signals, transmitted at 60 kHz, also provide a national frequency standard. The effective radiated power is 17kW. The antenna system consists of thirteen masts, each 227 metres (745ft) tall, which are arranged in two rings around the central mast. The VLF antenna consists of four rhombic antennas hung on large insulators on the masts, which are all grounded. We also saw the five test-firing butts all around the perimeter of the site. In front of the butts stood a small hangar, perhaps one of the 'Fromson' type. Aircraft would harmonise their machine-guns by blasting into a bank of sand at the rear of the butts. The butts are sturdily built from Whitehaven bricks. Not only a good ride but educational too. Picture of the two Johns attached.
Bob Harrison.
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Rhayader Midweek Camping 04-July-2017.
The Rhayader midweek camp in July attracted eighteen participants on sixteen machines comprising eight BMWs, four Hondas, one Suzuki, one Triumph and two Yamahas. Four machines, two BMWs and two Hondas had a sidecar attached,. I led the rideout of seven bikes south to the Touratech shop along mostly empty single track roads. Stopped for a while during the sheep roundup as shown in the picture. One Land Rover, two quad bikes, lady on a horse and a very busy sheep dog makes you wonder how it was done with just a shepherd and a dog in days gone by. Leaving the Touratech car park it all went wrong and just two of us rode back to the campsite. The others made their own way back after we became separated but what would a rideout be without the odd error to provide evening entertainment. Apart from Northern Section we had members from Mercia, Midland, Scottish, South West, Western and Yorkshire. No complaints from participants and a request to repeat the event in 2018.
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Mike Gibson's Midweek Run 19-July-2017.
Despite the gloomy forecast the small group left Devil’s Bridge and headed in a northerly direction full of optimism. (It wasn’t all that bad, really.) Passing through Sedbergh we had a clear road up the A683 to our coffee break at The Fat Lamb Inn, Ravenstonedale. Returning to the bikes, a large mass of dark cloud was noted on the intended route. Fortunately, nothing untoward was deposited on us as the route managed to avoid any wet stuff. Kirkby Stephen came and went, followed by country lanes to Warcop village. Joining the A66, we rode along it as far as Temple Sowerby where we picked up the ‘B’ road, through Culgaith, to Langwathby. Here, the A686 Hartside road! As we ascended the pass, any exuberance was curtailed by the development of blustery winds. Rats!! At the summit café, with the top in cloud, we wasted no time in ‘popping’ in for lunch.
After satisfying the inner man, there was a slight change in plan. Well, high wind and loose chippings don’t really mix when on two wheels! And we are out to enjoy ourselves, rather than endure adversity. Dropping back down the pass the same way, I picked up an unwelcome passenger – a bee in my helmet. Had to stop and ask her to leave! Now we found the A6, which was followed for a mile or so to join minor roads to Bolton (the Cumbrian one) and then Appleby. From there, the pleasant road over Great Asby scar to Orton for a comfort break. More minor roads led towards Kendal, avoided by an even more minor lane to find the ‘back road’ to Kirkby Lonsdale. And, no, we never came across the threatened rain. Well, not until on the way back home!
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Strathpeffer Hotel Weekend 04-August-2017.
The Section's event in Scotland at Strathpeffer can be termed a success with thirty four participants on twenty four bikes, most of which were BMWs with only two Yamahas, one Kawasaki and one Honda. Most of us were Northern Section with couples from Mercia, Midland and Yorkshire Sections. Two chaps from North East and Scottish completed the group. Those of us who met up on Thursday evening at The Rob Roy Hotel, Aberfoyle, had arrived suitably drenched from the persistent torrential rain which was repeated on Friday's run to the venue. Saturday dawned with dreary skies but not raining. This event doesn't have a mass rideout but lots of groups doing their own thing usually with the friends they arrive with and we were no exception as we set off for Croick Church. We were joined for the day by Scottish Section members Duncan and Espeth Colburn so a group of seven bikes. Not even Sunday and we are off to church but this church was the scene in 1845 of a gathering of victims of the clearances. People forced off the land to make way for profitable sheep. The victims took refuge from their destitution by sheltering in the graveyard under canvas as best they could. They didn't go into the church for shelter, seeing that as sacre religious. I can sympathise because the persistent rain had returned as we departed from the church, heading for Shin Falls and leaping salmon. Attached picture shows Robert Horridge in conversation with Duncan as we stopped to view the nearby basking seals. Sunday was a much better day with sunshine and a visit to Eilean Donan castle. Monday and we all went our separate ways, ours being the ferry to Orkney. Sunny days in Orkney as Pam and I visited the Scapa Flow site and museum which will be closed for all of next year for much needed repair and renovation so very glad we went this year.
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Mike Gibson's Midweek Run 16-August-2017.
Ah, a fine day! The team assembled at the Bridge, and I thought for a minute that there was going to be a large turnout. But some of the BMWs belonged to a different ‘club’. Never mind, the riders could have joined us, but they declined the offer! We went our way to Sedbergh, passing through the town by a slightly different road, to find the route towards Kirkby Stephen. Stopping off at the Fat Lamb Inn (again, we did last month) for coffee and tea, a pleasant ‘half hour’ was spent in discussion. Onwards, we rode through Kirkby S, on to Brough and the moor road across the North Pennine AONB to our lunch break at Middleton-in-Teesdale.
The meal over, we then took the B-road to Alston. Nice road, this, but some of the corners required respect in the by-now ‘breezier’ conditions. Alston came and went, followed by the climb up to Hartside summit. (A bit of interest here where the road was taken over by an ambulance and police van. Oh, and the air ambulance further down the hillside attending an incident.) Cresting the top of the pass the wind was still slightly problematic, but not serious. Dropping down the other side there were more blues and twos dashing to the scene on the Alston road. Picking up the A6 at Penrith we stopped for refreshment at Eamont Bridge, before tackling Shap Fell. The ride over Shap turned out to be wet and windy, not really conducive to ‘progress’. Ah, well, next time! Our usual diversion around Kendal led us to the A591 and the final leg to Devil’s Bridge.
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Mike Gibson's Midweek Run 20-September-2017.
A small, but select (!), gathering set off from Devil’s Bridge and headed eastwards along the A65. After a short stop to eject a wasp from Colin’s helmet, we found the Anchor Inn at Gargrave for our coffee break. Duly hydrated our route now followed the country road to Cracoe, and the Wharfe valley to climb over into the subsidiary valley leading to Wensleydale. (Nice road, this, in its lower reaches.) Picking up the main dale road, we landed up at the Rose and Crown hotel for lunch.
Our afternoon route started along the minor road on the northern side of Wensleydale where we then picked up the Buttertubs pass into Swaledale. Now heading up the dale the scenery changed from lush valley floor into exposed high moor. Along this stretch we came across 5 or 6 cows, along with two calves, taking a leisurely stroll on the road. This ‘obstruction’ required patience and caution to negotiate, but the hiatus was soon overcome and we continued our way to Kirkby Stephen. Turning westwards, we joined the delectable A683 through Sedbergh and back to Kirkby Lonsdale. Fortunately (!), the forecast rain held off until we were all returning home, so a ‘dry run’.
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Mike Gibson's Midweek Run 18-October-2017.
‘Twas a promising start to the day – no rain, little wind and another 14 riders at the Bridge. Right, it’s off towards the Lakes, leaving the drop off system until after the M6 junction – too dangerous to have a rider marking the exit from the roundabout! Joining the A590 we rode westwards to Greenodd where the road to Coniston led us to our coffee break at Torver. Here we sat outside, enjoying the autumn sun whilst it was with us. (Leaving the car park one of us, me, managed to drop the bike and was rescued by two of the others. Damn, more ‘battle’ scars for the bike!) Next came Coniston and the road to Ambleside, which was cluttered with a courier van on a go slow day. Never mind, we lost him in Ambleside. The A591 through the central Lakes took us to the junction with St. Johns-in-the-Vale, and then the A66. Now turning eastwards, we headed to our lunch stop at the Mill Inn, Mungrisedale, where another of our regulars joined us, having had a late start.
Following a hearty meal, we carried on towards Penrith to pick up a minor road over the ridge into Patterdale, and Ullswater. Riding through Pooley Bridge at the ‘foot’ of the lake we continued to join the A6 and the Shap Fell road. This gave one of our number the chance to activate his action camera to record the delights of the next section of the run. Arriving near Kendal we discovered our usual bypass of the town was closed, necessitating plan ‘B’ – the alternative on (very) narrow lanes. Crisis over, we picked up the ‘old’ A65 and the return to Devil’s Bridge. By this time, of course, the autumn sun had called it a day. But we didn’t mind, we’d had a good day’s ride on dry roads over about 130 miles.
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Mike Gibson's Midweek Run 01-November-2017.
A promising start to the day – no rain, and none forecast! Eleven of us left Devil’s Bridge and headed into the Lakes, postponing the drop off system until after the M6 junction. Straight through to Ambleside, without losing anyone, and our coffee break at the Wateredge Hotel. By this time the sun was making more of an appearance. Next, the Coniston road was followed as far as the Hawkshead turning. (A mild surprise on this stretch as I expected an abundance of wet leaves on the road. None!) Arriving at Hawkshead we then joined the minor road towards the Windermere ferry, passing through Near- and Far Sawreys. Before reaching the ferry, we cut off southwards along a minor, and I mean minor, lane alongside the lake. Soon afterwards we arrived at Newby Bridge, and the A590. Here the road towards Bowness was used to join the Gummers Howe road. Before long our lunch stop at the Hare and Hounds, Bowland Bridge hove into sight.
Following a leisurely meal, we carried onwards to pick up the Lyth valley road. Here the bikes could breathe a bit after the slower progress of the morning. Rejoining the A590 at Gilpin Bridge for a short section, we headed in a more southerly direction along the A6 as far as the M6 near Carnforth. From there a final session of ‘breathing’ led us back to Kirkby Lonsdale.
An early finish to the ride, but it is November and the nights are drawing in. Well, that’s my excuse! I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who came along during the year and supported the midweek runs. It has been quite a pleasure for me, and I hope to see them all return next year. (And some new faces, please.)
