Just for a change we had a nice sunny day in the North West so a few of us went for a run. I chose to meet the crew at Preston and being giddy for the run out was there far too early. Time? Be there 10am I was a little early at 09:20 so had to go on a second mini run to start with. Arrived back at the meeting place, Marriott at Preston just before all the others turned up, although RepsolWill or was it Andy that was hiding in the bushes for some reason. Sure enough, a few headlights were spotted in the distance, Firebloke (Steve), Givover (Mike), Mad Matt (Matt) and that made six of us up for a run up to Hawes and beyond. The weather was exceptionally good for March. Anyway after a few hellos, we had not met Matt before, it was off to Hawes. Steve took us on the back roads to the very well known local, to me, Devil's Bridge, Kirkby Lonsdale. Will had his first brew and food of the day a bit of banter and off we went again, this time to Hawes, once again it was back roads where we could using the maps stored randomly in Steve's head, but it did get us there. Just in time for there to be a few seats left in the Fish and Chip restaurant. Steve had said how good the chips were so that was it, decision made. Fish and Chip Special for Steve and I. The rest were on chip butties. The portions of chips for the butties were massive. Here we were able to sit and chat learn a bit more about Matt and obviously a bit of piss taking here and there. Will had to leave us at Devil's Bridge so it was a brief encounter for Will but it was great to see him again. After a bit of discussion we decided that due to time constraints' for one of the crew it would be a quick blast up past The Fat Lamb and then back to Sedburgh, from Sedburgh back to an ice cream and a chat at Devil's Bridge. I parted company with the NW Massive as I only live 15 minutes away. I am sure the guys enjoyed their trips back home and I guess we were all home at sensible times for a change. Thanks as usual go to Steve for his knowledge of the roads and routes to take, as usual they had to wait for me a few times but I think a good day was had by all. I didn't take any photos at the initial Preston meeting point so here's a few that I did take. Just Landed at Devil's Bridge. Andy on the left. DSC00399 by rushforthk, on Flickr DSC00400 by rushforthk, on Flickr We obviously have to keep Mike (Givover on the right) Handcuffed as soon as he gets off his bike. According to one fella at Devil's Bridge my bike (PK12) was the best bike there. I am inclined to agree with him, but then again, I am a bit biased. DSC00401 by rushforthk, on Flickr Will finally gets something to eat and his first brew of the day at 11am. Poor lad. Steve practices his best gay pose. And we let Mike have the cuffs off so he could down his cup o' char. RepsolWill on the left DSC00402 by rushforthk, on Flickr Not that busy really, by Devil's Bridge standards DSC00403 by rushforthk, on Flickr Matt left, Andy Centre, unknown right, best bike there, far right DSC00405 by rushforthk, on Flickr Here we are at Hawes. Bit busier here. Matt and Mike working out where we could park. I'd forgotten my visor cleaning stuff, fortunately Mike hadn't. We had just ridden through some water too and Matt wasn't happy that he'd got his bike wet. DSC00406 by rushforthk, on Flickr The NW Massive, Will took the picture. I am still saving my pennies for a leather jacket. Steve highly recommended the chips here and they were very nice but you got far too many. Fish was very nice too. DSC00408 by rushforthk, on Flickr DSC00410 by rushforthk, on Flickr Cool Dude DSC00411 by rushforthk, on Flickr
A well earned ice cream back at Devil's Bridge. DSC00413 by rushforthk, on Flickr Home time. Mike Front, Andy rear DSC00414 by rushforthk, on Flickr
Great photo's Kevin and yes Andy was there too.... Fantastic day out and these boy's are seriously quick, its not for the faint hearted I found out that my bike can actually fly as i found out going over one particular fast stretch, both wheels off the ground and me thinking OH FOOK................. Was a pleasure guy's and look forward to round 2
Instead of investing in a leather jacket Kev, what about a new camera? That thing takes awful pictures or have you just got the settings wrong.......I'm far better looking than that!
Nice one Kevin, nice to see the northerners out and about. Had a tech free and motorcycle free weekend, hope to get out on the next one? Oh, Steve. The camera is working fine. I've got hundreds of photos just like them
The northern massive are back summer must be nearly here hopefully get out on the next one my blade will be road legal this week(day time only) so will be clocking some miles on that I hope but if out with anyone else might bring a tow rope just in case
Yup a great day out and nice to meet Matt .Some good roads up there with Hawes being special but have to say the bike took a good hammering on the suspension due to crap surfaces and potholes sometimes it was like riding on cobbles .Again special thanks To The FireBloke for excellent leadership and for the boys for great company .I also met up with Marion and her younger sister at the Lymm Truckstop as they where heading for a local runout on the Blade .Next stop Wales .
Just a post note on this ride .As previously explained although we had a great ride the bike was hammered not only in the riding but with the potholes ect ,anyhow although I washed the bike last Sunday I did not check the normal bolt / nut tightening until tonight .As thought 1 fairing bolt missing ,Brake lever bolts , Fairing bolts , engine casing bolts , heel plate bolts ect ect all needed a little nip up not a big deal but just goes to show how the little things you take for granted all have a mind of there own . I cleaned the chain ( again) and again this needed adjustment being 20 mm out in slack . As a matter of course I do check these items after a ride or wash but even I was surprised how much hammer it had took.
As I was riding my Honda all the bolts stayed securely fixed which is just what I've come to expect from my quality built steed!
We're a tough bunch this side of Parbold Hill as my mate Kev will testify to! We happily deal with potholes and dry stone walls and welcome the odd stray sheep or two!
I found a couple of stone chips and two dents in the rear hugger from that jump we did, no missing screws bolts or clips...
