Seven of us decided to risk the weather and met at the Redbeck Motel in Crofton for our annual Memorial rideout, the destination on this occasion being Sutton on Sea as it held some special memories for one of our former members sadly no longer with us.
Steve turned up in a bit of a flap as the kennels he had booked for doggy day care at the bottom of his road were closed so he had been forced to leave Bryn on his own for a while and was worried he wouldn't be able to get back in the house for a mountain of dog shit on his return. A fear thankfully unjustified as Bryn had behaved impeccably .... not even a shredding of his masters slippers as a protest for being left home alone LOL
After a quick briefing of the route and an explanation of the 2nd man marking system for the benefit of Henry and Andy and a disclaimer from me about everyone being responsible for their own actions so don't come to me with any speeding fines or expecting me to sit a speed awareness course on your behalf we were off, but only after the obligatory team photo.
Turning right out of the Redbeck carpark along the A638 towards Doncaster. Onwards past Nostell Priory and as we had no learners with us eventually turning left on to the A1(M) south. This eventually became the A1 and shortly after I turned off towards Barnby Moor. Chas almost missed the turning as he was accelerating up to warp 7 as he passed an AA breakdown truck but fortunately deployed his parachute and made the turning. We then had a pleasant bimble up towards Gainsborough where we had our first stop after about an hour's riding at the Trent Port pub at the side of the river Trent. This offered an opportunity for a P.R. exercise as two rather attractive ladies came out to look at the bikes. The older one who didn't look old enough to be the mother of the younger one who didn't look old enough to be the mother of her young son asked if he could be photographed sat on the bikes. John and Neil duly obliged and photos were taken of a very happy young man who hopefully will be a biker himself one day.
Pleasantries were exchanged and after a coffee and obligatory trip to the toilet we continued over the river and right towards Marton. What followed was a mix of fast 'A' roads pleasant 'B' roads and interesting unmarked roads through rolling countryside and quaint villages on towards Langworth and to our next stop at Wragby. This was a comfort break as required by the older riders amongst us who never pass the opportunity.
There then followed a relatively fast ride towards our destination of Sutton on Sea which we arrived at around mid-day and parked up in a small car park all together by the sea front. At this point Steve had to leave us as he had to get back to go dogging, at least I think that's what he said. The rest of us made our way back up the high street to the Dolphin fish and chip shop and once food had been purchased made our way back down the other side of the street and all sat at a table rather appropriately in the memorial gardens to eat our lunch.
We recounted the journey so far and any incidents along the way which thankfully there weren't many and remembered members who were sadly no longer with us. After feeding the very tame starlings on a few chips we decided we couldn't leave without seeing the sea so up the concrete ramp we went and looked out over the sea towards the extensive wind farm just off Skegness.
After taking a photo opportunity it was back up the high street to the rock shop and obligatory ice cream before making our way back to the bikes and continuing the journey back home. We passed the New Inn at Saltfleet and the Axe and Cleaver at North Sommercoates both vaguely familiar for some reason ! on through Louth and towards the M180 but stopping at the Shell garage to top up before continuing on to Barnaby's cafe which bizarrely was closed. We had a meeting in the car park and it was decided that John, Neil and Henry would be stopping at the next services and Chas, Andy and myself would continue on home. So on to the M180 then up the M18 on to the M62 and eventually M1 and home after approximately 210 miles and 8 hours from when we set off.
Everyone appeared to enjoy the ride, there were no dilemmas, disasters or wrong turnings and most importantly of all everyone arrived home safely so a good day out had by all. I'm looking forward to the next one and perhaps we may get a few more riders to come with us - everyone welcome.
Ride safe
Mick (ride-out co-ordinator)