16 members turned up for the memorial run on a slightly cool day. As well as the usual cuprits it was nice to see Tom Crossman on his Norton ES2. Also good to see Laurie out and about again on his AFS Matchless and new member Nick on his G80S with son Kyle on an Aprilia. Phil Hesketh’s G9 looks great and sounds well.
Frank led us away, overtrousers akimbo, up the A6. We turned at Bilsborough and headed down some lovely lanes to Longridge, skirting Longridge Fell to Waddington. The long haul up Waddington Fell is always a struggle but the view from the top is marvellous, and it’s a very enjoyable run down to Newton and Slaidburn.
We had a very welcome break here at the café, warmed our cold finger ends and some lucky members enjoyed the remnants of the ‘Jampot’ cake. (Thanks to Bob’s daughter for making it once again.)
Phil remembered he’d left the gas on and left for home. It was great to see his Matchless G9 on the road after a long re-build. Well done Phil, good job!
We then left for the legendary Slaidburn to Bentham road through the ‘Forest of Boland’. No longer a forest of course but it has some fabulous limestone scenery. Just before Bentham we turn for Wray following the valley of the River Hindburn. The lunch stop was at Bridge House Farm café, Wray. Time for butties, a chat and photos. The sun was warming us up and we enjoyed the run down to Caton along the River Lune.
Turning at Caton for Quernmore, we waved off Colin who roared off in a cloud of blue smoke.
We had lovely views of Morecambe Bay as we headed for Dolphinholme and Oakenclough. Finally we re-joined the A6 at Catterall and turned into Myerscough College for a coffee at the café in the garden centre.
After a chat and a break we dispersed and headed for home.
Another good run with no breakdowns and no-one got lost!
Many thanks Frank.
Dave.