Old 2010 1

www.barnsleybikersclub.co.uk

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John O’Groats

Monday 19th - Saturday 24th April 2010

The Long Way Up -1300 Miles in Sun, Rain and Snow

Or “Ye Take the High Road and I’ll Take the Low Road and I’ll be in Thurso Afore Ye”

This was a run that was four separate runs:-

The Village People Andre, Steve, Ali, Colin, Alan.

The Happy Wanderers Clive, Edith, Terry, Ian.

The Emergency Services Keith, Carl, Ivy, Malc, Jean, Lance.

The Scarlet Pimpernel Ron.

Monday

It seems a long time ago now, but it all started on Monday 19th at 9am when Andre, Colin, Ali and Alan set off. Clive, Edie, Ian & Terry set off at the same time but separately. Ivy and I set off at 2.30pm (had to change oil & filter on DL - bad planning). The weather was a bit wet but dried out later. Ivy and I headed up the usual route to Scotch Corner where we stopped for fuel only to find the pumps closed for painting! Ah well, onwards and upwards. We rode along the A66 to Penrith and onto the M6. A quick blast brought us to Southwaite services where we filled up with pie and chips and then got fuel. Off again in the sunshine and into Scotland. We arrived at Moffat just before 7pm for our first nights stopover. The Happy Wanderers had arrived before us and gone into town.

Tuesday

The B&B was very nice and so was the breakfast. About this time the run proper was setting off from Barnsley with Ron, Steve, Keith, Malc, Jean & Lance. After putting some oil in Ivys’ GPZ (it’s burning oil) Ivy and I joined Clives’ group and we set off up the B7076 that runs parallel with the A74M. At Abington we got on the motorway and thence round Glasgow (40mph speed restrictions) and on to Stirling and Callander. We stopped at a small cafe in Callander and had some snap. The sun was shining and we set off again through the northern part of Queen Elizabeth forest park. We eventually stopped for a photo op at the side of Loch Lubhair. Piccies snapped we went to set off but Edie had a flat back tyre! It looked like she had picked up a cable clip in the lay by. I had some plugs for tubeless tyres and Ian had a pump but unfortunately the BMW had tubed tyres! Terry set off to get help. He returned in a short time having found “a man who can” in the next village. Lots of foot pumping from Clive and then Edie rode the bike into Crianlarich. Terry led us to the blokes house where he set to and patched the tube. It was not even a garage just a bike enthusiast, so well done Terry for finding it! There was nothing we could do so Ivy and I set off after waiting around a while. The others found a cafe. After we had gone Ron and The Village People arrived.

Ivy and I rode along the A82 past Bridge of Orchy and on towards Glencoe. The views were fantastic with the sun shining on the snow capped mountains. In the distance we could see ominous dark clouds swirling round the peaks. Next minute we were in it - snow! We passed a speed camera van busily clicking away (hope your butt froze). I blasted past a camper truck before a sharp left hander then pulled into a lay by for a photo op. Looked in my mirrors, no Ivy. Spun it round and shot back expecting the worst. Had she come off on the bend? I expected to see the GPZ in a ditch. When I got round the corner she was parked up. The throttle grip had come loose and was just spinning. Well there was no way of fixing it (note to self - carry tie wraps next time!) but I knew it was all down hill from there down the pass of Glencoe, so we set off steadily. Over the bridge at Ballachulish and on to Fort William. We arrived about 4pm.

That night we were all to meet up in The Drovers at 7.30pm. At 7.15 I got a call from Lance checking on the location of the pub as he and Keith couldn’t find it. I asked the landlady and she said “och, it’s closed down, it’s an Indian noo”. She recommended The Grog and Gruel so I rang Lance and he said they were right outside it. Ivy and I walked down the steps onto the high street and found the pub. Various phone calls were made and the others turned up. We went into the restaurant upstairs for some snap. The Village People arrived and sat downstairs. We joined them after dinner.

Wednesday

Next morning was a bit frantic for us. I had Ivys throttle to see to and had to put more oil in her bike. The Village People had set off early and the rest of us met up at Morrisons at 10am but I spent 10 mins superglueing the grip to the throttle, so The Happy Wanderers set off. At 10.20 The Emergency Services set off. I led and we stopped at Spean Bridge then onwards to Loch Lochy and Invergarry. The weather was fair as we rode over the A87 past Loch Loyne. A good run took us to the picturesque Eilean Donan Castle where I decided to pull in for a break. In the car park were The Happy Wanderers. We had some refreshments in the cafe then Ron set off. Clive and team left next followed by our team.

On the road to Loch Carron we caught up with Clive and passed Ron who had stopped in a lay by. After a fuel stop Clive went down Applecross but we carried on. I pulled in at Torridon to check my map as I didn’t want to get lost. Keith had his satnav on so he took over and led off to Kinlochewe and the A832. The weather was fair and we made good time to Gairloch. We had a comfort break in Poolewe then set off again. Brilliant scenery all the way to the A835 and on to Ullapool (look out for that rock!). We got fuel in Ullapool then split up to go to our B&Bs. Ivy and I had just got in our room when who should roll up but Lance and Keith. That night we had arranged to meet in The Ferryboat Inn at 7.30pm. When 11 or 12 of us walked in and asked for a table in the restaurant we were greeted with intense apathy from the manageress. The famous Highland Welcome was distinctly absent in this glorified transport cafe so we went elsewhere. If you are dining out in Ullapool then avoid The Ferry Boat and try The Seaforth Inn just along Shore St, good snap at reasonable prices.

In The Seaforth they put 3 tables together and we ordered. Terry got an unexpected bonus when he got Keiths’ superfish by mistake. Dinner over, Ron was off again looking for somewhere else. We went to The Caledonian Hotel for the rest of the evening.

Thursday

Thursday arrived and we set off for Thurso. We went down to The Hostel where we were all meeting at 10. Only Malc was there. Ron had set off and Andres team had gone very early. So we set off. I led The Emergency Services towards Lochinver. The roads were great so I gave it some but when we pulled up in Lochinver Malc had gone awol. We parked up and waited. Meanwhile The Village People + The Pimpernel came past. They had been down the B roads. Malc arrived having had trouble with his suspension. We set off but the road was closed so we headed back. Keith took over and led up the B869 to Kylesku where we pulled into a lay by near the bridge. The other groups were there taking photos. The Pimpernel was off. After a while we all set off and tagged on the back of The Village People.

The single track roads with passing places were nearly deserted. Andre led to Durness on the northern coast where we stopped for fuel. Unfortunately the village was closed for a funeral so we moved on, split into our groups again. I led along the A838 which is very narrow in parts, but good fun. When we got to Tongue we nearly missed the only fuel. It was hidden away down a side road. Ivy, Malc and Lance filled up but when I saw the price - £1.34 a litre! - I decided I could get to Thurso. Ron came past and pulled in. He was worried that Alan and Steve might have run out of fuel as he hadn’t seen them since Durness. He borrowed Malcs can of fuel but couldn’t get it in his panniers. The Village People arrived complete with fuel so panic over. Keith led The Emergency Services off and onwards to Portskerra where we stopped at The Halladale Inn for food. It was run by a bloke from Essex. Ivy and I set off as I wanted to get fuel. I stopped at the Esso garage in Thurso and paid £1.26 a litre. The others came past and we followed Keith into Thurso and then out the other side to John O’Groats where the big photoshoot had been organised for 4pm. It was very sunny but bl**dy freezing. Everyone managed to get there on time and Andre did the honours. Steves back tyre was chewed up.

We went back to Thurso where Ivy and I put our bikes in the garage then went out for wine, fish and chips.

Friday

Next morning it was raining. I put oil in the GPZ. The Village People had an early start from the hostel. The others met up at Tesco at 10am. Keith led off on the A9 towards Pitlochry. The weather was nice up to Inverness but then it went downhill fast. First it banged it down then it sleeted then it snowed. Visors quickly steamed up and visibility, particularly behind wagons, was zero. I spent a lot of the time riding with one hand while holding my visor open with the other which promptly froze. I had heated grips on full but Lance must have suffered without any. Keith pulled off the A9 in a blizzard to Tomatin. There had been a huge sign for it advertising Local Services on the A9 but when we got to the tin pot place there was nothing there! (another Haddington- don’t get me started) Back on the A9 and off again at Carrbridge. Fuel and food here. We went into The Old Bakery for snap and it was very nice, excellent local cheeseburgers. We were soaking wet and freezing cold. The Happy Wanderers arrived. We set off behind Keith back on the A9 in the sleet and snow and rain. If I sound miserable, I bl**dy was. Overtaking was a lottery, the sleet stung your eyes and my hands and feet were wet and freezing. At last “Pitlochry 10 miles” yippee! Ivy and I rolled up to the B&B in the rain and got settled in. The owner offered to put our wet gear in his garage with a heater on. Needless to say we didnee say no. Then eight more Barnsley Bikers arrived so the garage was full with dripping gear.

At night we ate out in The Drummond and had some decent snap followed by Bingo. Unusually Ron didn’t hang around for the karaoke. Keith and Lance headed back up the hill to their B&B to be tucked in by Jim.

Saturday

It was drizzling. Ivys bike needed oil again. We set off at 9.30 to meet up with Keith and Lance in the garage. The Emergency Services set off on the last leg following Keith. Down to Perth onto the motorway. The weather got better the further south we went. M90, Forth Bridge and after a brief satnav moment in the outskirts of Edinburgh, onto the ring road. Finally we hit the A1, must be nearly home now. Into Asda at Dunbar for fuel (not Morrisons as I had told Keith oops) Lances front tyre was looking the worse for wear so he had to take it steady. Back onto the A1 into England, look out for speed cameras. Down through Newcastle to Scotch Corner where Keith and Lance got the biggest cups of coffee I have seen! Ron and Ian arrived having come down the A68. I put more oil in Ivys bike. Off again in the sunshine and back to Barnsley.

We got back at about 5pm having done over 1,300 miles. I spent £112 on fuel.

Thanks to Ron for putting this run on. Smashing roads and great scenery.

Thanks to Keith for leading The Emergency Services Run a lot of the time and Andre for guiding The Village People and finally Clive for leading The Happy Wanderers.

What I learned was -

Riding round The North of Scotland wears your tyres out very quickly!

BMW touring bikes can do supermoto slides, if there’s enough gravel!

A GPZ burning oil uses exactly one litre every 1300 miles!

The rising price of petrol is directly proportional to the increase in latitude going north from Barnsley.

Never run low on fuel near Tongue in Sutherland, unless you are a lottery winner.

The average cost of B&B in the North of Scotland is £29 pppn.

There’s no such thing as waterproof gloves!

Cheers

Barnsley Bikers Blast to Bridlington

Sunday 18 April 2010.

Sunday morning and I was up before the alarm. I hadn’t slept a wink all night.

How many will turn up today?

There was twenty on last weeks run and that was a secret!

It’ll be fine keep to 45 and we’ll not loose anyone.

Eight o’clock at the Keel and ten had made it to the starting gate

There was Lance Carl Ivy Ian Bob B & Bob Helmet Terry Ally Fred Mark on the BMW all chomping at the bit & raring to go.

And they’re off!

Now I only know three ways out of Barnsley.

That’s to Doncaster, Wombwell, & Lance’s house. So went past Lance’s again for the second week running. But this week we went in to Pontefract, nice church there have they got a completion date for it?

Then to Snaith via Eggborough. No escort this week, and then to Rawcliffe. No Goole this time we went to Airmyn instead over the river Ouse into Howden & on the B1228 to Highfield.

Hands up all those who thought I’d forgotten to indicate right here, and I went straight on. I saw you. We did a bit of a twiddle in Sutton upon Derwent and before we knew it we were on the A1079 going towards York. We were still on track though as we swung a right and shot off to Stamford Bridge on the river Derwent [which is a tributary of the river Ouse, not every one knows that.] We were held up here while a duck wrangler herded a troupe of ducklings across the road, and we stopped for a comfort break in deference to comments passed last week.

Then we took to the fields. Big hedges & no traffic through Buttercrambe and on to Malton. The gates were down on the railway crossing but it worked for us as we were able to emerge with out being molested by the traffic as we turned right.

In North Grimston there were a number of bikes stood on a bend, we went up the hill & turned left on to the Wolds, where there were more bikes stood on another bend.

Oh dear, where’s Ivy. I hope she’s not been attracted by the bright colours of the non Barnsley Bikers, if she follows them by mistake it could take an age to find her. I hope these other bikes don’t follow, I’d been coping nicely with my gaggle up to now, and I didn’t need any more.

As it happened I could see my flock in the rear view mirror and the other bikers didn’t follow. Oh joy!

We went up and over the Wolds, great views you should see them. Sledmere was as grand as ever then on into Bridlington through seas of roadside daffodils. [These are special ones that like exhaust fumes.]

We parked and walked on the harbour, Bob B resisted the temptation to put his AGV in Bob Helmets top box although we could see the indecisive look on his face. On the harbour the barkers were there shouting away to get our attention. “All aboard the Skylark 30 minute cruise, see the home of the seabirds, all for £3.00.”

THREE POUNDS

Mc Donald’s beckoned with cheap coffee & refills; we got the coffee but no refill. Does Burger King do refills?

On the bikes we stopped for gogo juice at Morrisons cos it was cheaper than Tesco we knew this because we did price comparisons on the way in.

Then out on to the Scarborough road. Bet you thought I’d got it wrong again? But as there’s nothing written down there can’t actually be a plan to go wrong can there.

Anyway I knew where I was going and we hit the scenic drive back through Burton Fleming, Foxholes, Helperthorpe to Duggleby. Back to North Grimston and the twiddly bits to Buttercrambe and Stamford Bridge.

We then retraced our outward journey & branched off to Askern over the single track roads.

My phone rang, I thought I’d lost some one and they were phoning to chastise me, but by the time I’d reached it the phone had stopped and because it costs to phone them back I didn’t. Besides a quick count up and every one was there. The down side was that I’d stopped outside a house where an old bad tempered dog lived who didn’t like visitors or bikes or both.

I left the gang at Askern Lance took the run home from here.

Another good day loads of fun

Cheers everyone

See you on the second of May for Edwinstoe

Bandit Johns Lakeland Camping

Friday 7th – Sunday 9th May 2010

Bandit Johns magical journey to Lakeland began from The Keel at 4pm (well 4.05pm as Ivy got delayed in the rush hour traffic after going for fuel). So six Barnsley Bikers were on their way in good weather. We were - John, Lance, Mark, Nigel, Ivy and me. Steve and Andre had set off at 12 to allow time for photo stops. Traffic was very heavy as you would expect at rush hour on a Friday. We went up the M1, M62 and into Bradford then round the ring road and on to Skipton and Gargrave. We had a Magic Roundabout moment on the A629 as John followed his Satnav. Traffic was slightly lighter and we made good time to Kendal bypass and Windermere. Then we went up to Ambleside and by narrow back roads to Chapel Stile and into Langdale. We arrived at 7pm. Ivy and I turned off for our B&B in a 17th Century farmhouse. The others carried on a little way to the campsite and got settled in tents and Pods. Andre and Steve were already at The Hostel about 3 miles away.

We all met up that night in The Sticklebarn Inn which was 2 minutes from our B&B. Steve and Andre ran a bike taxi service from the campsite to the pub for the others. Ian arrived late at night after a high speed run from Barnsley.

A View of Great Langdale

Saturday

Saturday was activities day, and it was a lovely sunny day. John, Lance, Ian, Steve, Nigel and Mark scaled the dizzy heights on a gentle walk round the fells that became full blown mountain climbing. Ivy and I toured the Lake District visiting Ullswater, Keswick, Grasmere and Hawkshead on some fantastic biking roads. Andre climbed to the Dungeon Ghyll waterfall to take photos of the lovely views.

That night we eventually met up in The New Dungeon Ghyll Bar where the climbers regaled us with stories of vertical climbs, traversing narrow gullies, rock related head injuries and utter exhaustion.

We retired gratefully to our beds.

Sunday

Another sunny day dawned. Everyone except Ivy and me went for a run round the narrow Lakeland passes with Andre before heading home. Ivy and I got straight off at 10am after a giant B&B breakfast. We went via Kendal, Sedbergh, Hawes, Leyburn and Ripon on great biking roads. Then to Boroughbridge and onto the A1. We got back to Barnsley at 1pm.

A great weekend in the sunny lakes.

Nicely John.

Cheers

Thursday 3rd June 2010

SHOW WITH GO flyer run

Set off keel. Lee, lance, carl and me – “phew what a scorcher” was the headline in the sun news paper, the route….

Bill Thomas Motorcycles

80a Barnsley Road Wombwell S73 8DN 01226 752309 – NICE FOLKS AND SPONSORED TWO TROPHIES THIS YEAR!

R T T Moto Services

2 Hoyland Road. Hoyland, S74 0LY 01226 743287 – MET THE OWNERS LAD, JUST LIKE PETE BUT YOUNGER!

Barnsley Motor Cycle Salvage

Pond Street S70 1NQ 01226 204006 – HAD TO ABANDON CARL HERE AS THERE WERE TOO MANY DISTRACTIONS FOR HIM

Stuart at national tyres shambles st – CARL RETURNED AND LEE’S PHONE RANG AGAIN, THE 4TH AND THE LAST TIME THIS AFTERNOON

Ron Daley

46 Doncaster Road S70 1TL 01226 203377 – TOO BUSY TO CHAT, GOOD TO SEE

George Ward

42 Doncaster Road S70 1TL 01226 203982 – TALKED EUROPEAN HOLIDAYS AND BRILLIANT ROADS WHILE THE OTHERS LOOKED AT NEW BIKES

Bennetts Motorcycles
58-62 Sheffield Road, S70 1HS 01226 284293 – ALMOST BOUGHT A BENNELLI, NICE TO SEE AN OLD MEMBER KEITH HOLDING THE FORT HERE

SHADYS OFF ROAD

Hillside Wakefield Rd S71 1NG 01226 771780 – GOOD LAD, HIS NEW BUSINESS IS DOING WELL

B+B Road and Trials

Unit 28 Cannon Way Claycliffe Business Park Barugh Green

S75 1JU Tel: 01226 391557 – GREAT FOLKS AND A FREE CUPPA!

From Steve