Our annual 'memorial' ride out took place on Sunday 14th July, destination Whitby (Justine's favourite east coast town). Nine riders (Clare, Caz, Allan, Mick, Johnno, Neil, Mark, Chas and yours truly) set of from the Redbeck at the usual 9am prompt (OK, just after) and made our way through Castleford, Towton and onto the A64 (only for 5 miles) before heading round York ring road and onto the B1363 through Stillington, Brandsby and Oswaldkirk, headed for Helmsley.
After a brief comfort break in Helmsley (first 20 mins are free parking for bikes) we made way onto the B1257 past Rievaulx Abbey and all the way up to Stokesley. This is a cracking road which we've done before but never get bored of. From Stokesley we headed out and over the moors through Kildale and Commondale before turning left towards the main A171. Slight detour through Sandsend and onto Whitby, where we parked (without paying!!!) in the train station car park.
Most decided one of the fish n chip restaurants was the plaice to go (get it?) whilst Clare, Caz and myself had wonder though the old streets over the bridge before a refreshing half at the Dolphin Pub. We met back and once Mick had found his keys (lucky there Mick) we all struggled a little to manoeuvre our bikes out of the now very busy car park. This is where we managed to live up to the 'Lost Riders' title and things went pear shaped. Thinking we we're all ready and Chas giving me the 'OK' wave we set off .... leaving Clare behind and Neil who gallantly saw what was happening and stayed with her.
Long story short, we ended up splitting into two groups out of Whitby, one deciding it was time to head home and the rest Caz, Chas, Mick, Allan and myself heading towards and through Scarborough and onto Filey where we'd arranged to meet up with Lorna, Brian and Steve T who were all holidaying close by ..... not all together you understand, Lorna and Brian were together and Steve had his faithful hound Bryn to keep him company. After a nice little walk along the beach, chips, ice creams etc myself and Caz headed home (Mick, Allan and Chas having set off about half an hour before). Steady ride back via Staxton, Sledmere and Fridaythorpe and getting home approx 6-7pm to messages that all had got back safely at various times :-)
Apologies to Clare for leaving her in Whitby, more care needed in future when we're setting off from a very busy place.
However, the best laugh of the day only became apparent at the following Wednesday's meeting when Chas confessed to getting 'lost' in his home town of Ossett only a mile or two from home ..... How? I here you ask ..... He'd moved house the week before and was only heading back to his old address ...... SILLY OLD BUGGER!
Thanks
Martin Burgess
Rideout Coordinator