Club run to Sheffield - June 19th, 2011
As token photographer and thus charged with writing this report - I took the uncharacteristic step of driving the car this day. There was also talk of a southerly brewing in the afternoon, and I washed my hair last night...
A tad damp and foggy.
As usual - a great bunch of enthusiastic riders came along. Takes a bit more than mid-winter damp and a few earthquakes to put these guys off riding together. At this point I feel a bit ashamed. Never mind - we were there anyway, and it was looking good to escape the city for a few hours. Often the weather clears up out west too.
Thomas outlines the plan.
There is always that pause in proceedings when you get your gloves and helmet on - then everyone waits to see who is going to leave first. Of course - that only lasts so long, then everyone has a go at leaving at the same time. Hmmm.
No Le Mans start today.
The club Secretary/Treasurer got things moving by being one of the first out the gate.
Marian on the smallest bike of the day.
Then a brace of 650's.
As hoped, the cloud suddenly lifted, and we were in the clear. Did a bit for the temperature too. The bikes were pretty spread out as we made our way out the old west coast road - Harry had struck trouble leaving town when his engine went dead at the last set of lights. Took him a while to discover he had bumped the killswitch off. A few other chaps had stopped to see he was ok, so we had a few gaps in the pack.
Lovely to hear them at speed.
I was looking forward to being able to utilise the benefits of a stable camera platform. We were testing a new car which seemingly possessed enough horsepower to get us alongside a few bikes and then out of trouble again without causing the riders concern. I think we managed - but you feel very big being a car on the wrong side...
Ray looking relaxed. Testing the seat padding..
Max toughs it with an open face helmet. Mid-winter you know..
John giving Vaughn's 650 an outing.
Herb on his trusty 650..
.. and brother Ritchie with an alternate brand.
It was decidedly more pleasant out here than in the city. When you consider we were close to the shortest day, its a treat to be out here in the sun and something approaching warmth.
Bikes up ahead..
.. and bikes behind. Perfect.!
It didn't take long to eat up the miles to Sheffield, where the first stop was at ye olde pie shop - to stock up for lunch at the local watering hole.
Says it all really.
These guys make great pies. Of course, there are too many choices to make life easy, but it wasn't meant to be. I don't think there were any bad choices, and everyone seemed to enjoy their lunch.
Bit of juggling for position..
From here, it was a short jaunt to the pub. They seemed happy enough for us to drag our carton of pies in and proceed to demolish them at great speed. I believe our club Captain had oiled the way beforehend - so we gathered close to the fire and enjoyed the chat.
The lineup at our destination.
So that's where we came to rest. The trip home was spaced out as riders left in dribs and drabs. Pleasant day and good ride. Many thanks to all who attended, and to the club for a pie or three. Cheers, Kilroy
Riders on the day: Thomas Brown, Marian Grafhorst, Wayne Leoni, Paul Burbery, Ray O'Rourke, Max Green, Herb Hart, Ritchie Hart, Maurie Mullaney, John Kerns, Kim MacBeth, Harry Brown, Kilroy and Sue in the chase car..