And so ends another month's RBR activities: I'm not a religous man but it would appear that someone above was looking after me, with the timely fitting of the new tyres by Bullring Garage at the beginning of month, just in time for what would turn out to be the wetest June in the UK, for just over 100yrs. However it wasn't all doom and gloom, the sun blessed the VMCC Banbury Run and kind donations on the day raised £34.
The "Inaugural RBR Camping Weekend" weather was bearable, auNTy and I were only caught in torrential downpours on the journeys to and from Peak District. Even then my kit kept me fairly dry except for the gloves, resulting in a subsequent investment in a pair of Hein Gericke Goretex lined gloves. It was good to meet the other entrants who attended the meet. The camping club site at Hayfield was basic yet good and the staff very friendly and helpful. I think everyone enjoyed the evening "commitee meetings" at "The Sportsman" pub, where "veteran" RBRers shared their tales and advice with the novices.
Having already done the Derbyshire landmark I opted out of the Saturday group ride and headed instead to Manchester and Merseyside. The morning started with a small northern Peak District loop because of an accidental wrong turn (honest
). The Manchester landmark was another example of my 2nd hobby "motorhiking" ! Heading to the coast again brought the same result as experienced in North Wales, Rain Avoidance. After being charged to go through the Tyne Tunnel it was a nice surprise to find that the Mersey Tunnel is free for bikes. Later a friend (Ian W) told me of the legendary MAG ride en-mass through the Dartford Tunnel during rush hour. The toll booth routine: gloves off, helmet off, find money, pay, then put kit back on, for hundreds of bikers, caused such a delay that the management saw sense and changed to a no-charge policy for bikes. The 4 Merseyside LMs presented no problems, the only difficulty was avoiding the almost blind too old to be still driving metallic kermit frog green (proof they were blind!) Nissan Micra drivers in the Wirral. My return route to the campsite included the A537 Buxton to Macclesfield Rd, apparently otherwise known as the Cat & Fiddle, and featured in July 4th MCN's 10 best roads to ride in the UK (somebody up above is definitely looking after me 
). Sunday return route home only 2 of an intended 5 LM's visited, so some catch up needed in July!
). The Manchester landmark was another example of my 2nd hobby "motorhiking" ! Heading to the coast again brought the same result as experienced in North Wales, Rain Avoidance. After being charged to go through the Tyne Tunnel it was a nice surprise to find that the Mersey Tunnel is free for bikes. Later a friend (Ian W) told me of the legendary MAG ride en-mass through the Dartford Tunnel during rush hour. The toll booth routine: gloves off, helmet off, find money, pay, then put kit back on, for hundreds of bikers, caused such a delay that the management saw sense and changed to a no-charge policy for bikes. The 4 Merseyside LMs presented no problems, the only difficulty was avoiding the almost blind too old to be still driving metallic kermit frog green (proof they were blind!) Nissan Micra drivers in the Wirral. My return route to the campsite included the A537 Buxton to Macclesfield Rd, apparently otherwise known as the Cat & Fiddle, and featured in July 4th MCN's 10 best roads to ride in the UK (somebody up above is definitely looking after me ). Sunday return route home only 2 of an intended 5 LM's visited, so some catch up needed in July!
1 comment:
Rain avoidance?! Where do I sign up for that!!!
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