Day One
Seven members of the PECAM GS Owners Club, along with six other PECAM Members met up for Ron Coleman (UTR) and Bob Stewart’s Tour of Yorkshire and the Lake District.
The tour was to be a three-day adventure starting on Wednesday 19th April, meeting at The Sugar Mill in Bourne.
Ron had planned the 200 mile route to our destination of The Fat Lamb Country Inn, Kirkby Stephen, our accommodation for two nights.
Following on from a briefing, when it was decided we would use the intelligent buddy system, we headed off for the first leg of the tour and our lunchtime stop of The Maltings Tea Rooms, South Milford, the weather was lovely so we sat outside to enjoy our refreshments, although one of our group struggled to find a seat that would fit, which caused some amusement!
The Maltings was a great find, delicious fresh sandwiches and huge pieces of cake, the service was excellent, for such a large group, we did not have to wait too long.
Suitably fed and watered, we set off for the final leg of the day heading for our destination, the roads on offer on this leg were fabulous!
Our journey took us on twisty, winding roads, which along with the glorious scenery in the sunshine, made for a very enjoyable afternoon, riding through Yorkshire and on the Lake District and the village of Kirkby Stephen.
The Fat Lamb Country Inn was a real find, decked with auto memorabilia, a gem in the Lake District National Park, we were met with a welcoming fire, very clean, comfy rooms, a well-stocked bar and delicious homecooked food, what more could you ask for after a long day on the bikes.
An evening of chat and banter, revisiting the day, relaxing in the bar of The Fat Lamb, finished off a very enjoyable first day.
Day Two
The breakfast did not fail to impress, a range of hot home cooked food, set us up for the days riding.
I must admit I met our second day with some trepidation, after Ron announced that part of our route today would include the Hardknott Pass, built by Romans and considered one of Britain’s most outrageous roads, filled with sharp hairpin turns, the width of a bridleway, not having attempted the pass before but obviously having heard all about it, with it being one of the steepest and hardiest road in the UK, I must admit it filled me with dread!
The morning started with a ride up to Bootle for our lunch stop at The Byre, the roads did not disappoint! We were met with spectacular views of Lake Windermere and Coniston Water, the roads had a few obstacles (namely lorries!) to manoeuvre, which certainly challenged our advanced riding skills on the twisty bends, but all in all, another fabulous morning’s ride.
After lunch we headed off to tackle the dreaded Hardknott Pass…….
What can I say about the pass? Everything you hear about it is true!
It was certainly challenging, steep and narrow, concentration, throttle and clutch control is a must! Thankfully the pass was fairly quiet, we did not encounter much traffic, which was my one fear, as I did not want to have to stop.
I must thank Steph for leading the way for me, she made the experience for me a lot less stressful.
Of course, the GS Owners Club took on the challenge with relish and ease!
Whilst in the end I was pleased that I rode the Hardknott Pass and could tick it off my list (although it was never on my list in the first place!) I can safely say, I will not be rushing back to do it again.
After a well deserved breather at the bottom of Hardknott and Wrynose Pass, we set off for the last ride of the day, heading back to The Fat Lamb for our final evening. The route took in the Kirkstone Pass, through the Lakes National Park on to Grassmere, Troutbeck ending in Kirkby Stephen.
Day Three
Homeward bound today, the plan was to ride to Wetherby Services, where we would then make our own way home.
The roads to Wetherby Services, were our last opportunity to enjoy the fabulous roads, with plenty of scenery to go with it.
All in all, a fabulous three days, I could not fault anything, the roads and scenery where outstanding.
Thanks to Ron (UTR) and Kev W (Seals) for the backup navigation.
The accommodation was fabulous, thanks to Bob S, what a great find and for your TEC duties.
Thank you to everyone who organised and planned the trip and to everyone who join the trip, thank you all for your Company.
Here’s to next year!