Stu's Run
The Ferrets who were at the Skipton meet-up were Stue & Lainey (STUEY), Simon & Debbie (CHIMES), Garf & Sue (PRECIOUS METAL), Paul & Carol (ROXXO) and Clive. Rob & Julie (CANARY) met us en-route as we passed Ripon and Ian (IANR) met up with us on the way into Thirsk, but just for the break - as you'll understand when you read on. The only missing attendees were Jane & Nigs, who unfortunately had run out of time preparing for their wedding anniversary trip away, and Kit who wasn't feeling well enough - you were all sadly missed guys.
The gang were gathered together yet again at the Skipton meet-up at 09:30, quite a number considering the very short notice. It was nice to see Paul & Carol again - it seems such a long time since they were last able to get along, and on their new 'Bird as well. We've lost count of how many bikes he's had since the last 'Bird, but at least he's back to the fold once again. The sun had his hat on, but the temperature was a tad low, especially for those coming in from the east, but the day was to warm quite nicely ... barring Eskdale and our lunch stop - too near the colder east coast! But for now it was bright sunshine and a chance for half an hours chin wag.
We would have left on time, at 10:00, had Roxxo not asked if we'd all filled-up yet!!! So there was a little hiatus whilst he trotted off to fill his tank ... as everyone else had done before getting to the meet-up!
The day was Stu's creation, and he was leader with Clive and Precious Metal sharing the sweeping duties. It wasn't long before we were all out and rolling, and Blubberhouses Moor beckoned. The group was well matched, and the pace consistent, with overtaking being the order of the day to keep up that fluid progress that allowed us to get to Ripon bang on time. And there was Rob & Julie in the lay bye on the bye-pass, bang on schedule as well. As we tootled along they found little difficulty in catching up with us after donning helmets and jumping aboard their VFR.
The run across to Thirsk was very pleasant, albeit that the road was a little busy, and with a bit of ducking and diving we all arrived as a tight group on the approach to the town and past the racecourse. Now, on the radio came a voice so far unfamiliar, and the comment to Stuey of "Now, how about this for a real Triumph", which was a little perplexing at first! There was no further comment from this alien voice, and the incident was just about forgotten until we started to thread our way into the centre of Thirsk.
We parked ourselves up in the motorcycle reserved area of the market place, just outside Greggs where we were going to have a bite to eat and a drink.
As we were wondering where Ian had got to, as he was to have joined us on the way in to Thirsk, the sight of a Triumph TR2 suddenly made the penny drop! Of course, the bugger had indeed joined us on the run in, but it had been in his pride and joy, which was now parked a few cars away from us.....
And what a superb example she is too! Immaculate and obviously well cared for, she was a joy to behold. Her excellent condition has also to be ascribed to the fact that she'd spent most of her life in California, so the main thing that was needed from Ian was a decent re-spray to correct the sun dulled paintwork. But, of course, on top of this is all his care and attention that brings the edge to the car. Well done mate. On this occasion we'll let you off not turning up on your 'Bird.
Having looked Ian's TR over, in the process of saying how good it was to see him again, we retired to Greggs for some nosh.
It is to Ian's credit that he took the opportunity of having so many people captive, that he cajoled us all into sponsoring him on his Boundary 500 Air Ambulance run. If you'd like to add your contribution, then just contact us at the Flying Ferrets and we'll pass your offer on to him. Thanks must go, on behalf of Ian, to all those Ferrets who have already backed him in his sterling effort.
After a wide variety of food stuffs and beverages, and plenty of banter and chat, we were once more out in the market place readying for the off, with the prospect of some very fast roads, at the end of which lay lunch.
With fond farewells to Ian, we all filed out of Thirsk on the road up to Sutton Bank, and the fine fast and sweeping bends of the North Yorks Moors. The pace was, shall we say electric, and progress rapid, as we swept along almost empty roads towards Helmsley. In little time, having passed through the village, we were once more making excellent progress towards Kirkbymoorside, but were brought to earth momentarily for the turn off the main road onto an equally excellent, if somewhat more bendy back road, that let us swiftly climb onto the top of the mass of the moors and across a wonderful and little trafficked road to Eskdale, where we stopped for lunch at an excellent rail side pub. And, just to prove it, whilst we were tucking into our lunch, a real steam train whistled and chuffed its way past. Very nostalgic.
Although the road was without fault, the weather took a brief turn for the worse - being so near the east coast, where the forecast had warned of persistent low cloud and cooler temperatures. However, this change just seemed to add to the experience, as the pub was warm and cosy, and the landlord and landlady were very welcoming and exuded the best of a north-eastern wit and friendliness. In fact, not only did they have a caged canary, but the landlord was insistent that we photograph him and Julie by it!
The food was plain but wholesome and very tasty. Whilst helping with the serving, the landlord's wit and observations did that rare thing of quietening a Ferret's group!!! Strong characters those Geordies K
After our hour or so's sojourn, it was back to the bikes once more.
And no, there was no planned bank-raid ... just Sue and Debbie's preparation for the next stage in rather cooler conditions than previous.
From Eskdale we sped west on the last of the moorland roads and down onto more varied fare through Stokesley and on to some wonderfully varied minor roads to get us across the A19 and on to Northallerton, where we stopped for a break. It was from here that Rob & Julie left us, their ears filled with best wishes and hearty fond farewells, leaving the rest of us to make our way further west towards Ripon.
On our way, Stu & Lainey quite sensibly suggested a stop for ice creams, at a very nice spot indeed, in Masham.
Not only did we have the pleasure of some belting local ice creams, but we also got to watch Stu and Simon's somewhat alternative floorshow! And if you really do have to ask, then it was all to do with a crotch-strap. Bet you'd wished you'd not asked now!
From our ice cream break in Masham, we retraced our way the short distance back onto the road south to Ripon, where we had a brief stop near the ring road to say our goodbyes to Paul & Carol. It was then the straightforward blast back over Blubberhouses Moor and down into Skipton where we parted company with Garf & Sue, wishing them a safe journey back home. For the few remaining bikes, it was the short hop into the centre of Skipton to a Fish & Chip shop that Stu & Lainey know well for a short break before each making their own ways home.
A day of exhilaration and peaceful splendour, a chance to renew old acquaintances, and to drink in the best of our countryside and roads amongst a great gang of superb riders, all of which just puts the fine gloss onto what biking is all about.
All photos courtesy of Chimes, Roxxo & Clive
Page Updated
28/06/2008 23:54