Ride of the Vampires

Just a few of the Ferrets, those who had stayed with the group as far as Helmsley, on the return:  (L-R) Garf (Precious Metal), Del (Grey Wolf), Sue (Mrs. Precious Metal), Debbie (Mrs. Chimes), Lainey (Mrs. Stuey), Simon (Chimes), Kit (Mrs. Clive), Simon (Chalkie), Stu (Stuey), Steve (SteveG) & Ian (IanR).  Those who had cut off home earlier were:  John (Silverone), George, and Rob & Julie (Canary). 

We think that this may be a late arriving Freebird.  This was the end of the Individual Section, where the whole group rode the section at their own pace and time.

There had been some uncertainty about the weather, but it did look as though we would be lucky and miss most, if not all of any rain - and it did indeed pan out this way.  What we weren't prepared for, from all the forecasts, was the prevalence of low cloud, thick at times, over the tops both in the Dales and on the North Yorks Moors.  Although we were well on time at the Skipton start, where Clive, Chimes and Chalkie, coming up from Clive's, met up with Stuey, Freebird, Grey Wolf, Precious Metal, IanR and SteveG, we were a little slower getting over to Pateley Bridge, for the next meet-up with Canary, Silverone and George.  This also meant that we did miss out somewhat on taking full advantage of the excellent biking roads, more's the shame.

We had one no-show, and that was Jaker - hope all's well with you mate - but we also had a few partner's missing.  Dawn was sorting things out so that John & her could get off for their Continental biking tour shortly, so she was sadly missed.  Likewise, Steve's Julie was also unable to make it, and she was also sadly missed.  And perhaps the saddest of the absences was that of Nigs & Jane, unavoidable as a result of a medical procedure going wrong with Nige, and he being confined to remaining prone for a number of days!  Don't worry guys, there's still plenty of the season left.

The Pateley Bridge Meet-Up

After a slow crossing up through the Dales, from Skipton and through Grassington, lead by Clive with Grey Wolf sweeping, we arrived at Pateley Bridge where we took a little time out for a brief breakfast.  It was here that the full compliment of 12 bikes & 17 people came together.  Those who refuelled here commented that the petrol station still operated the old personal service, with the attendant wielding the pump nozzle!  Once we were all adequately refuelled with food, we left Pateley Bridge but altered the route to Ripon to follow the lower ground, and hence miss out on the low cloud blighted higher crossing through the Dales.  This did allow us a little more 'spirited' run.

The Stokesley Break ..... and puncture

Being a slightly sizeable group, the intention to pass through the centre of Ripon went awry in keeping the group together, so we ended up using the by-pass to launch us onto the vales of York and Pickering.  Being on low ground, we were not for the time being effected by any further visibility problems, and fully enjoyed the pacey and quiet roads across the Vale and up the west side of the North Yorks Moors to Stokesley.  Unfortunately, when we arrived there it became evident that Chimes had suffered a slow puncture and that his rear tyre was almost flat - oooops!  Good job we were travelling sedately ... hmmm!

In short time, there was a rush to offer puncture repair kits, and before long Simon was tootling off to check his air pressure at the local petrol station with a newly repaired tyre.  Luckily, the puncture was small and central to the tread - an ideal place to have one.  So, now it's not just Clive & Kit that's suffered punctures, although it was fortunate that Simon & Debbie were able to repair theirs and continue with the ride.

Let's have a group shot ladies ..... and now a close-up ...... after you've finished titivating yourselves that is.  As though there's any real need!

Although it did look a tad grey and definitely not June-like, it was in fact pleasantly warm so far, although it was to get a little cooler as we got to the coast.  However, so far we'd all enjoyed the fast and clear roads and arrived at Stokesley in good form.

The route out to Whitby unavoidably took us up into quite dense low cloud again, so much so that the expected high paced road was reduced to a 30 mph eye-tiring strain to see the way ahead, and to spot the bends!  It felt both cold and wet, and the anticipated superb views of the coast below us, with the Abbey at Whitby punctuating the scene were well and truly lost.  It was only as we got down into the outskirts of the port that visibility improved, so Whitby almost seemed to appear like magic out of the fog!  Truly suitable vampire weather!!!  It was also as we approached the town that Silverone took off back home to catch the football match!

Whitby for a Couple of Hours

Once into the town, visibility improved so that the loveliness of the place could readily be appreciated.  Although definitely cooler on the coast, it was still very pleasant wandering through the pretty port.  In fact, as we ended up parking at the top of the West Cliff, we were able to sightsee the town centre and harbour from the bikes.

Here, we tended to split up into a few smaller groups, some taking in al fresco lunches whilst others took up residence in suitable eating places.  Those who took advantage of the excellent fish and chips were amazed by the quality and sheer size of the fish.  If you love your fish and chips then Whitby's your Mecca.  Despite the poor visibility for a fair part of the run over to Whitby, we were only about half an hour late arriving.  However, to allow for the same lower expected paces on the return, it was agreed to keep to the planned departure time of 15:00, so the stay in Whitby was unfortunately reduced to about an hour and a half.

There were many other interesting activities and sights, from the Morris Dancers to the period reconstruction galley ploughing its way into and out of the harbour.  In fact, the town was very busy and it was wonderful just to watch life going by.

We also said goodbye to George who was travelling on down to Scarborough to meet up with his daughter.  So, by this point we'd had the pleasure of the company of, and had said fond farewells to both Silverone and George.

At the appointed hour, the remaining group of 10 bikes and 15 people left the town to refuel and prepare for the Individual Section run down to Helmsley, via Pickering.

Leaving Whitby proved a little problematical in that IanR managed to get separated from us all, until he rejoined us at the refuel stop.  With full fuel tanks, the group were introduced to the Individual Section of the day.  It was explained that, for this section, all the usual group ride rules were to be suspended, so there was no leader or sweeper, and everyone was free to travel exactly as they wished, at whatever pace they fancied - free to overtake at will - naturally with all due care, of course.  The only rule that was retained was that Racing is Not Allowed.  The straightforward 32.6 mile route was described, paying particular attention to the few  necessary junctions to be turned at (just two roundabouts) and the nature of the roads along the section - fast and furious with a couple of surprise bends, one being a hairpin!  Everyone was then told to leave whenever they fancied, and that we'd all see each other again for the break in Helmsley.  And away we all eventually went.

The stupendous run down to Pickering, once Sleights has been passed through, stood up to all expectations and was fortunately not marred in any way by the weather, as visibility couldn't have been much better.  Both belting views and a belting biking road.  There's a good chance that whatever time may be lost later, due to poor visibility, would certainly have been minimised by the greater than planned pace on this section!  Although the Individual Section idea fell by the wayside a few years ago, the general view this time was that it was definitely something that should be reintroduced, and proved to be a very popular aspect of the run.  So, watch out for more of these in subsequent events.  A right turn at Pickering, and it was then on the mix of fast roads between the slow villages that took us all along the southern edge of the moors that we had just shot across, and into picturesque and well-appointed Helmsley, busy with bikes but not as busy as usual.

It was at Pickering that Canary (Rob & Julie) left the party to continue on south and back home, their company having been well enjoyed by all.

The Helmsley Break

This far inland, we were certainly into warmer weather, and visibility was no longer a problem.  So, the stop for ice creams, drinks, toilets, fags, and the like was very pleasant.  It was here that we decided, albeit a little too late to include some people, to have the group photo.  In fact, Freebird must've set off fairly late for the Individual Section as he was only just arriving as we took the shots!

Once refreshed, and fully recovered from the dash from Whitby, with Clive leading and Stuey sweeping, we took in what was left of the high pace roads across the North Yorks Moors to the precipitous decent of Sutton Bank, with it's spectacular views - not disappointed by any mist or cloud.  We were then back down into the vales of York and Pickering, with the first town being Thirsk through which we continued until the next break on the southern outskirts of Ripon.  Moderately paced roads, with a good variety of bends and road types, all bound together by pretty views and beautiful surroundings.

The Ripon Break

A penultimate chance for a coffee or tea, or even a McDonalds, if you're that way inclined!  Or, just another fag.

From Ripon we took the most direct A-road route down towards Harrogate, skirting to its west to pick up the very fast Blubberhouses route over the tops and down towards Skipton, and the end of the run.

The Skipton Finish

A wonderful day draws to a close, with about 250 miles having passed beneath most people's tyres, the last chance to have a natter, and clean the visor for the umpteenth time.  Skipton was a little noisier and active than usual, as England appeared to have surprisingly won their world cup game against Equidor, that had been happening that afternoon.  So, there were quite a lot of whippersnappers, having imbibed their fill and who were painted in red & white, wandering the streets chanting and screaming.  Very colourful!

We even took the opportunity to view Del's new sylph-like outline!

So, another wonderful day amongst good friends, simply enjoying the bikes, the roads, and the scenery.  Whoever it was that suggested we re-run this event deserves a good pat on the back, for the routes and venues all stood up to the best of expectations.  A truly fitting setting for enjoying a day amongst good folks - a classic event.

Of course, there's always the odd ones!

Photographs courtesy of Chimes, Silverone and Clive

Page Updated

28/06/2008 23:54