With a two night pass away from the wives, it was decided that it was about time to have a wander round the Peak District, then on to the Yorkshire Dales. I've read JB's many reports over the years, so decided to see what all the fuss was about!
We headed from Surrey through the Cotswolds, mainly sticking to A and B roads and avoiding motorways as much as possible.
Leaving reality behind.
At about 3pm we arrived at Bakewell, and fought our way through the traffic, and hundreds of bikes. We got stuck behind a few noisy Harleys, but soon got past them!
We went on the A619 and A623, before truning off, and arriving at the Ladybower reservoir. Turning right would have ben quicker, but we decided to hang a left on the A57, and do the Snake Pass. Despite all the warnings on here of police, we didn't see any that day.
Before arriving at the pub, we stopped at the Winscar Reservoir for a mooch around. The water was so warm, I was tempted to jump in!
After a 10 minute breather, we then rode to our accomodation for two nights, The Dog & Partridge in Flouch (http://www.dogandpartridgeinn.co.uk).
With the bikes locked up in the yard, and after a quick shower, we hit the bar, and the restaurant, and the bar again! The food is very good!
So, feeling a bit fuzzy, the next morning, we were up nice and early, a full Engligh consumed, then on the way to The Yorkshire Dales.
We decided to stay off the motorway for some daft idea, and ended up going through Huddersfield, Halifax and Keighley, before arriving at the bottom of the Dales. I've never seen so many speed cameras in my life.
After arriving at the Dales, we headed to Kettlewell, and stopped at this place to rehydrate.
We don't have many stores like this down South.
Then, we rode around the Dales, I'm not sure what order these will be in, but it all seemed to flash by rather quickly (I blame the bike), so here are some more snaps.
We then ended up at the Wensleydale Creamery, via Malham Tam, some famous viaduct with a nice road, and Blea Moor Road. Now that was a good bit of road
Mark wasn't enjoying getting bounced around some of the nadgery roads on his Fazer, but I was having a ball, lofting the front wheel, and getting the traction control in a frenzy!
Upon arrival at the creamery, we headed straight to the cafe!
We then made sure we sampled every variety of Wensleydale (all in the name of research
), before buying some to bring back home.
So, back down Blea Moor Road, a quick stop in front of the viaduct.
Then, once out of the Dales, we headed to Burnley, where there was some noisy tree, apparently!
Another freshen up, bar, restaurant, then bar, and we were entertained by the locals, Yorkshire style (organ n all
) before cracking open some of our Wensleydale Blue
The next morning, we had to get a wriggle on, as we were going to the Cat & Fiddle to meet up with Graham (Elvisto of this parish). I still can't get over the 50mph speed limit on one of the best roads around, lined with average cameras.
After a chin wag, Graham led us on some of his regular roads, before arriving at Lyn's Raven Cafe (http://www.lynnsravencafe.co.uk/index.php).
After saying our goodbyes to Graham, we got on our way home. Typically, we decided to ditch the waterproof overtrousers just before a downpour.
Needless to say, the weather protection on a GS is far better than on a Fazer, as Mark was soaked, and I was virtually dry.
So, a spirited ride back through the Cotswolds, and back home in time for a G&T or two, a BBQ and Top Gear.
We headed from Surrey through the Cotswolds, mainly sticking to A and B roads and avoiding motorways as much as possible.
Leaving reality behind.
At about 3pm we arrived at Bakewell, and fought our way through the traffic, and hundreds of bikes. We got stuck behind a few noisy Harleys, but soon got past them!
We went on the A619 and A623, before truning off, and arriving at the Ladybower reservoir. Turning right would have ben quicker, but we decided to hang a left on the A57, and do the Snake Pass. Despite all the warnings on here of police, we didn't see any that day.
Before arriving at the pub, we stopped at the Winscar Reservoir for a mooch around. The water was so warm, I was tempted to jump in!
After a 10 minute breather, we then rode to our accomodation for two nights, The Dog & Partridge in Flouch (http://www.dogandpartridgeinn.co.uk).
With the bikes locked up in the yard, and after a quick shower, we hit the bar, and the restaurant, and the bar again! The food is very good!
So, feeling a bit fuzzy, the next morning, we were up nice and early, a full Engligh consumed, then on the way to The Yorkshire Dales.
We decided to stay off the motorway for some daft idea, and ended up going through Huddersfield, Halifax and Keighley, before arriving at the bottom of the Dales. I've never seen so many speed cameras in my life.
After arriving at the Dales, we headed to Kettlewell, and stopped at this place to rehydrate.
We don't have many stores like this down South.
Then, we rode around the Dales, I'm not sure what order these will be in, but it all seemed to flash by rather quickly (I blame the bike
), so here are some more snaps.
We then ended up at the Wensleydale Creamery, via Malham Tam, some famous viaduct with a nice road, and Blea Moor Road. Now that was a good bit of road
Mark wasn't enjoying getting bounced around some of the nadgery roads on his Fazer, but I was having a ball, lofting the front wheel, and getting the traction control in a frenzy!
Upon arrival at the creamery, we headed straight to the cafe!
We then made sure we sampled every variety of Wensleydale (all in the name of research
), before buying some to bring back home.So, back down Blea Moor Road, a quick stop in front of the viaduct.
Then, once out of the Dales, we headed to Burnley, where there was some noisy tree, apparently!
Another freshen up, bar, restaurant, then bar, and we were entertained by the locals, Yorkshire style (organ n all
) before cracking open some of our Wensleydale Blue
The next morning, we had to get a wriggle on, as we were going to the Cat & Fiddle to meet up with Graham (Elvisto of this parish). I still can't get over the 50mph speed limit on one of the best roads around, lined with average cameras.
After a chin wag, Graham led us on some of his regular roads, before arriving at Lyn's Raven Cafe (http://www.lynnsravencafe.co.uk/index.php).
After saying our goodbyes to Graham, we got on our way home. Typically, we decided to ditch the waterproof overtrousers just before a downpour.
Needless to say, the weather protection on a GS is far better than on a Fazer, as Mark was soaked, and I was virtually dry.So, a spirited ride back through the Cotswolds, and back home in time for a G&T or two, a BBQ and Top Gear.
