Well folks, there follows a belated summary of our trip to "God's Own County"
We had originally planned to do this trip on our "moderns", but as it wasn't too far and the prospect of a decent(ish!) forecast meant we dusted down our Thumpers (literally in Peter's case). We arrived at the ferry terminal in Belfast - 3 of us on XBRs and Ronnie on his current (August) mount, an MZ Silver Star whose front left indicator was suffering from an "erectile dysfunction", soon sorted with my magic tape (appropriately named as it did a disappearing trick into someone's pocket for the duration of the trip!). We made our way to our hotel in Hawes via the Newton Stewart to New Galloway road (a favourite), Dumfries, Brampton, Alston (and a pint of Pennine Ale), Middleton-on-Teesdale and Kirkby Stephen.
Wednesday saw us on a 100 mile circuit of the dales on a dampish day - at least the rain was warm, unlike the shower in Pete and Chris's room. Stopped in Malham for a cup of tea and a "traybake" when we noticed that Ronnie's right rear indicator stalk had decided that it too had had enough after 23 years (shabby!) - another temporary repair required using somebody else's tape. After that, we spent several hours approaching Pateley Bridge from 3 different directions, due to some interesting diversions, and I suspect some joker twisting signs around - that's my story and I'm sticking to it! Meanwhile, Timbo had arrived at the Youth Hostel in Hawes after an eventful journey from a sunny Bridgnorth to a rather damp Yorkshire, forgetting his visor into the bargain. He settled down to read his book, then after a few hours (10 minutes probably) he decided to go to the pub instead where in the name of research, he discovered that there were very few local beers stronger than 4% - Bridgnorth has spoiled the lad! An enjoyable evening followed where following a fine meal the topic of conversation revolved around B****y Pateley Bridge!
On Thursday morning we awoke to the sound of an unsilenced Honda Domi as Tim unexpectedly had to head back to Bridgnorth. Decided that we'd explore the North Yorkshire Moors area via Helmsley (£1.70 to park a motorcycle in the square for an hour!!) and visit a small motor museum in Thornton le Dale - well worth a visit as they are also a classic vehicle auctioneers and so their displays are constantly changing. After this we dipped into the Moors and climbed up Rosedale Chimney Bank, probably in 1st gear! Stopped in Hutton-le-hole for some refreshment and the usual slagging then realised we still had a long run ahead of us back to Hawes. During the day we also called into a fairly major bike dealers in Thirsk to look at shiny stuff that none of us could afford - except Ronnie of course - I think they had 7 of the new Nortons on display. A long day on the bikes meant we didn't arrive back in the hotel til 9pm, so just time for a quick scrub and a few jars of Yorkshire's finest.
Friday saw us heading home and despite a ropey forecast we probably only had an hour of rain. Had our usual tea and tray bake stops on the way - got the 7.30 boat and back home for 10.30pm just in time for a long relaxing Bank Holiday weekend. Another enjoyable trip - until the next one.
A couple of photos from Rosedale Chimney bank and the Hotel Car Park
Regards
Tony
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