Eight of us on six bikes met at the Redbeck Cafe on Doncaster Road, Wakefield, for the Annual Leeds MAG Fred Hill Memorial Run. The weather on setting off from our respective homes in Wakefield was terrible - rain, cold, damp and dismal conditions. Having got nicely wet (and cold) on the ride over to Redbeck, at least the rain had stopped by 09:30, where we were grateful for the cooked breakfast products and warming hot drinks. Chas was running slightly late, but we had plenty of time as Leeds MAG had put the start time of the run back by half an hour to 11:30 from Squires.
Suitably refreshed, we all set off around 10:00, taking a right turn to head in the general direction of Pontefract, then Glasshoughton, where we headed through Castleford. A quick stop at the Garage next to the River Aire for Terry to put some air in his tyres, we then took our trusty and scenic route to Squires, via Fairburn, Ledsham and arriving at Squires by around 10:45. Lots of time to grab a cup of coffee and meet other hardy MAG members from Barnsley, Sheffield, Huddersfield, Scarborough, and of course, Leeds.
We had a quick team photo (thanks to Matt (whom we met there and wasn't on the run) for the camera work).
We all set off at 11:30 from Squires and followed the same route as previous years, via Sherburn, Tadcaster, Boston Spa, Collingham, Harewood and Arthington to the Sun Inn at Norwood, Nr Otley, all superbly marshalled by Leeds MAG and East Leeds Lions MCC.
There were probably around 50 bikes on the run, which was well down on previous years, but then again, it wasn't exactly ideal biking weather and we are all pretty cold (OK, Frozen !!!) by the time we arrived at the Sun Inn, despite multiple layers of thermal clothing.
However, a very fitting tribute to Fred Hill, a true MAG hero, and a rather good start to the riding season !!!! A huge thanks to Leeds MAG and their helpers for putting on an excellent Fred Hill Memorial Run.