End of Main Season Run

Cark Carvery Run

The Ferrets who did the run, L-R, were Stu (Stuey), Clive, Kit (Mrs Clive), Lainey (Mrs Stuey), Del (Grey Wolf) & Steve (SteveG).  But, there were three other Ferrets involved.....

This was a very late notice run on the back of an excellent weather forecast, which proved to be spot-on.  We don't know about it being October, but it really did feel like early September.  It was warm and dry, and could have easily passed for a Summer's day, although the visibility was a little marred by very atmospheric haziness that gave the wonderful scenery and Lakeland views a very water-colour effect.

The run started at the Crook O'Lune, near Caton, where beverages and butties were available, and where two other ferrets turned up, one out of the blue!  We'd known that Paul would be joining us just at the meet-up, as he's currently suffering a shoulder problem that doesn't allow him to ride more than a few miles, and the Crook O'Lune's not that far from where he lives in Lancaster.  So, it was great to look forward to seeing him, and to have a good half hour's chat - shame you couldn't make what was a brilliant day.

The other Ferret who turned up, totally unexpectedly, was Simon (Chimes) using up the few remaining miles of his running-in period on his new Yamaha Midnight Star - it takes all sorts, we suppose!  However, despite having to feign delight at seeing his CRUISER, it was great to see him, and have the usual banter.  Again, shame you weren't able to put on enough miles to make the run mate.  Now, get that MOT done on the 'Bird!!!

The run up past Devil's Bridge, and on to Sedburgh was great.  Dry roads, with little farm muck around, great visibility and some of the best roads around - what more could you ask for.  The roads were taken with gusto, making them into sublime experiences.  But, even better was to come, as we turned west onto the A684, Sedburgh to Kendal road, with its wealth of technical and torturous bends that take you over the hill, across the M6 and down into Kendal, where our break stop was had.

Despite a fair bit of traffic, with only the four bikes, and treating the four-wheelers as technical challenges to getting your forward observation and timing just right, we made excellent progress, and before we knew it Kendal was laid out below us, and we descended to our break.

All this sunshine, good company, and picturesque Kendal, and what does Kit have to do...

From Kendal we took some typical Lakeland narrow and winding roads further west to meet up with the last few miles of the sublime A5074, that runs from Gilpin Bridge across and down to Windermere.  However, the weather was just perfect for this part of the country, and the route was enjoyed for the views, if not more than for the bends!  Before getting quite into Windermere itself, we turned south along the eastern shores of Lake Windermere, catching breath-taking glimpses of it through the trees.

At Newby Bridge we turned west again for the short but fast run on the A590 main road before once more turning south on the B5278 to Flookburgh.  And what a belting road this always turns out to be.  Fast with generally excellent bends and mainly great visibility, it wasn't long before we were slowing for Cark in Cartmel, and the Rose & Crown Inn.

Yet again, the Carvery delivered the goods in huge amounts, satisfying everyone's appetite ... with Sticky Toffee Pudding and Custard to top it all off!  Unlike previous visits, on this occasion the place wasn't heaving - thanks to Lainey's table booking!  Had she not done so, it's would have no doubt have been so.

The Carvery consumed, and thirsts quenched, we spent some time outside soaking in the warm sun.

This was the end of the 'official' run, the return route being decided according to each Ferret's needs and preferences.  Del was to leave us at Newby Bridge, so that he could get back to Newcastle in time to attend a basketball event with his son, which left the remaining Ferrets to fly along the A590, in double-quick time, across the M6 and along the A65 for a brief stop at Devil's Bridge.  Now, along the way, a silver 'Bird had been spotted, and waved at, but it wasn't until Garf (Precious Metal) turned into the place that we realised that it had been him!  He had spotted the three 'Birds, made a U-turn, and followed us back to the Bridge.  And it was great to meet up with him again, especially as he'd been unable to get out on the run due to having to fit kitchen unit tops at home.  Turns out that he just couldn't last the day at that chore, and had taken the bike out for a quick blast on his own ... luck of the Ferrets, eh?

Devil's Bridge had been heaving when we past by it earlier in the day, but despite it being late afternoon, it was still heaving when we got there.  Although finding places to slot the bikes into is always a bit of a pain, when it's like this, the reward of being amongst so many bikes is always sufficient reward.  There were every conceivable type of bike ... and biker.  What a simple joy.

Having spent a very enjoyable half hour or so, we decided to brake off home whilst the sun provided it warmth, and more roads could be enjoyed.  So, Garf left us to return home on the Fylde Coast, and the Stueys, Clives and SteveG carried on along the A65 towards Skipton.  However, Steve, Clive & Kit had agreed to savour the delights of the Forest of Bowland, so they peeled off on the road to Bentham and struck out into the Forest leaving Stu & Lainey to continue on the A65 back to their home in Earby.

As Clive, Kit & Steve rose up onto the heights, heading for Slaidburn, the weather changed quite dramatically.  The sun vanished behind a dense haze of cloud cover, and the temperature dropped noticeably.  So, the views from upon high weren't up to their usual dramatic effect, but the loose sheep added a different interest!  Then, having weaved our way over the fells, and as we dropped down into Slaidburn, things began to improve until, as we were dropping into the very pretty village of Waddington, the sun reappeared and the temperature rose once again.

After a brief stop in Clitheroe, we continued onto the A59 and were very quickly at The Tickled Trout filling station refuelling.  And it was shortly after this that Clive & Kit parted company with Steve as they took the M61 back to Manchester and he took the M6 to Warrington.

Quite simply, the day was a belter, a pearl of an occasion, and something that will leave very warm and fond memories for us all to cherish when the winter finally sets in.  It was great to see each other, after what has been a bit of a barren period for the Ferrets, and to renew the wonderful experiences that a run together with such excellent riders engenders.  The pace was fast where it was safe, and more laid-back where there were views aplenty to soak in, and the company, as usual, was amicable and easy going.  What a great end to the main riding season.

Of course, there had to be a dedicated shot of Clive's new upper cowl ... they were actually beginning to like the 'pheasant plug' though!

Note:  Although this has been billed as the End of the Main Season Run, it doesn't mean that there won't be any more this year.  It's just that the likelihood is less, and there won't be much forewarning when they do happen - so, keep looking out for those Short Notice Notifications.

Photographs courtesy of Clive

Page Updated

28/06/2008 23:54