After a day of poor weather including quite torrential rain the forecast of clearing skies brought 12 members to the Petrie Arms to sample Frank’s Evening run. Dave B had turned up on his Matchless G3LS after only riding it for a few miles after a total rebuild so this was going to be a shakedown run and it was nice to see Lawrie on his bike again after the conclusion of his treatment.
Off we set through Billington to Whalley where we turned right to get to the A571 and the turn off to Sabden. As usual Frank took us on one of his uncharted roads (on Google Earth anyway) over the top of the hills where the views were lovely and down into Sabden. The weather held good even though the skies were, at times, very threatening. We followed him from Sabden to Sabden Fold and on through Barley to our rest stop at Downham where the sun was shining and village looked lovely in the evening sun.
Dave seemed to be struggling with his gears at times but he seemed to think it was the rider not the bike as he has been riding Japanese for the last few years and was sometimes getting his feet mixed up! Yes I think we know all about that Dave, having done it myself a few times! A crowd of evening walkers was impressed by the gathering in Downham as they passed through the village and admired the bikes (from a distance!) Why? We don’t bite!
After 10 minutes we set off to return to Frank’s house at Copster Green via Chatburn, Clitheroe, Barrow and Whalley.
Oops nearly lost Dave at the A59 roundabout as he followed a cyclist with a yellow reflective top on going to Skipton! Richard waited for him to guide him back to Frank’s house and we all arrived safely to be greeted with a neighbour acting as David Bailey wanting to get lots of pictures of the Youles branch of the Hells Angels arriving.
So after stripping off the boots and jackets we went in to be greeted by Barbara who had produced a big tray of corned beef hash and some big bowls of delicious, cream topped, trifle.
A smashing hour of eating, chatting and drinking tea (served by Hells Angel Dianne!) was had by all.
Thanks to all for a great turnout and profuse thanks to Frank and Barbara for a wonderful evening. PS. I think the bike passed the test Dave!