For the past few years, with a bunch of mates, I've done the BHF high peaks trail sponsored walk - no big deal - boozy weekend and some money raised for charidy. This year we decided to be selfish and do a non sponsored walk for no other reason than to have a boozy weekend, somewhere different.
So, someone chose Scarborough.
There are only two motorcyclists in the group - me with the 1100 and newby to the group 'Big Roy' with his 'company' 1200RT - I'd not ridden with Roy before but he casually said he had loads of experience and would join me on the ride up - we arranged to meet on the Friday lunchtime to fill up and set off.
Feck me he only turns up on a brand new, government, white 1200RT complete with red stripe down the side - he's ex force and now a DSA examiner - "you lead he says". Even though we'd agreed the ground rules on speed limits etc (he was on holiday after all) I thought he was bound to be watching and tutting at my lines etc so I was being over cautious and riding like a numpty.
After settling down up the A1 and my filtering attempts getting blocked by all and sundry Roy took the lead - It was like having Moses himself in front, traffic just parted in front of us and our progress became extremely swift. Off the A1 onto the A614 - what a good road (well, most of it) although it was getting dark and frosty and decidedly greasy - a few 5p/50p moments with cold tyres.
I didn't ask for an apraisal of my riding and he didn't offer one
The 11 of us were booked into the Boston Hotel in North Bay - It was (yet another) Turkey and Tinsel weekend with a full contigent of elderly Geordies. I think they must have booked the Scrooge Christmas as the hotel was very much into 'portion control' at breakfast - you even had to book the next day's before you'd finished your one sausage.
We were not constrained by false festivities so went out on the hunt for a sit down fish and chip supper - you'd think there'd be plenty but most were closed - eventually found the '55' and we persuaded them to let us all in - as we reached the dining room we were greeted by around 30 ladies out for a night of Salsa dancing - in a flipping Chip Shop! Much hilarity and banter ensued - but being proper blokes we didn't dance - but all agreed we should have done after the 12th guinness (and all the jack daniels in the pub up the road from Ann Bronte's grave).
Next morning after a frugal breakfast we missed the bus to Filey (so we could walk back) - eventually getting there an hour later than anticipated. Text message from home - happy anniversay - bo11ocks forgot!
Freezing cold and muddy 10 mile walk along the cliffs (Cleveland Way) cleared heads and emptied hip flasks. Just got back in time to catch the kick off for the England/All Blacks in the 'Barracuda', lunch and a few more black uns. A good game despite two forward passes resulting in NZ trys and the game - a few kiwis in the bar being put right by the two Rugby Referees and 7 players in our group.
Shower, change, Thai Meal, more beer, accosted by drunken russians and marvelling at how little nothern lasses wear in sub zero temperatures.
Next morning, actually got two rashers with breakfast. Pack, tog up and set off for home.
Stop for fuel just outside Scarborough and get accosted by some tosser on a shiny black 1100. I'd seen him go past as I was pulling my gloves on - he turned round and came back to introduce himself and invite me to join the run he was on his way to.
I salute you, Andy Hird, it was a hospitable gesture to a total stranger, who happened to be on a similar bike, and is sadly lacking these days. I read elsewhere that you had a good day and I wish you well with your beak conversion.
Three hours, one fag stop, and home - number plate so covered in muck that speed cameras could be ignored. Took an hour and a half to clean the bike by which time Mrs T was back from her consolation shopping trip.
Ah well, back to work in 6 hours.
Mark
So, someone chose Scarborough.
There are only two motorcyclists in the group - me with the 1100 and newby to the group 'Big Roy' with his 'company' 1200RT - I'd not ridden with Roy before but he casually said he had loads of experience and would join me on the ride up - we arranged to meet on the Friday lunchtime to fill up and set off.
Feck me he only turns up on a brand new, government, white 1200RT complete with red stripe down the side - he's ex force and now a DSA examiner - "you lead he says". Even though we'd agreed the ground rules on speed limits etc (he was on holiday after all) I thought he was bound to be watching and tutting at my lines etc so I was being over cautious and riding like a numpty.
After settling down up the A1 and my filtering attempts getting blocked by all and sundry Roy took the lead - It was like having Moses himself in front, traffic just parted in front of us and our progress became extremely swift. Off the A1 onto the A614 - what a good road (well, most of it) although it was getting dark and frosty and decidedly greasy - a few 5p/50p moments with cold tyres.
I didn't ask for an apraisal of my riding and he didn't offer one
The 11 of us were booked into the Boston Hotel in North Bay - It was (yet another) Turkey and Tinsel weekend with a full contigent of elderly Geordies. I think they must have booked the Scrooge Christmas as the hotel was very much into 'portion control' at breakfast - you even had to book the next day's before you'd finished your one sausage.
We were not constrained by false festivities so went out on the hunt for a sit down fish and chip supper - you'd think there'd be plenty but most were closed - eventually found the '55' and we persuaded them to let us all in - as we reached the dining room we were greeted by around 30 ladies out for a night of Salsa dancing - in a flipping Chip Shop! Much hilarity and banter ensued - but being proper blokes we didn't dance - but all agreed we should have done after the 12th guinness (and all the jack daniels in the pub up the road from Ann Bronte's grave).
Next morning after a frugal breakfast we missed the bus to Filey (so we could walk back) - eventually getting there an hour later than anticipated. Text message from home - happy anniversay - bo11ocks forgot!
Freezing cold and muddy 10 mile walk along the cliffs (Cleveland Way) cleared heads and emptied hip flasks. Just got back in time to catch the kick off for the England/All Blacks in the 'Barracuda', lunch and a few more black uns. A good game despite two forward passes resulting in NZ trys and the game - a few kiwis in the bar being put right by the two Rugby Referees and 7 players in our group.
Shower, change, Thai Meal, more beer, accosted by drunken russians and marvelling at how little nothern lasses wear in sub zero temperatures.
Next morning, actually got two rashers with breakfast. Pack, tog up and set off for home.
Stop for fuel just outside Scarborough and get accosted by some tosser on a shiny black 1100. I'd seen him go past as I was pulling my gloves on - he turned round and came back to introduce himself and invite me to join the run he was on his way to.
I salute you, Andy Hird, it was a hospitable gesture to a total stranger, who happened to be on a similar bike, and is sadly lacking these days. I read elsewhere that you had a good day and I wish you well with your beak conversion.
Three hours, one fag stop, and home - number plate so covered in muck that speed cameras could be ignored. Took an hour and a half to clean the bike by which time Mrs T was back from her consolation shopping trip.
Ah well, back to work in 6 hours.
Mark
