Sunday 12th December was the final ride out for 2021, which 13 PECAM members attended Peterborough Haddon Services A1/A605 Junction, to enjoy the predicted unusually glorious weather.
After a briefing by ride leader Brian Wingrove on the route and destination, with so many bikes in attendance, the drop off system would be used for the days ride, two associates had not used the drop off system before, so a reminder of how the system worked was discussed before setting off at 10.30am but not before a cautionary reminder from Brian, regarding the road conditions and that there could be some challenging conditions due to the time of year.
Brian led the ride to the destination of Buttercups Tea Rooms, Billesdon a ride of approximately 50 miles, with Jimmy Duff on TEC duty.
There were some superb roads, with new roads and ones not ridden for a while, taking us through Rutland and Leicestershire. The conditions of the roads were mixed, the temperatures hitting a high of 12 degrees, barmy weather for December, with the low sunshine on wet roads making for an interesting ride in places, a progressive pace was made to the new destination
Buttercups Tea Rooms was a particularly welcoming stop, with fabulous cakes and food on offer, it will definitely be on the list of destinations in future, especially worth a visit to see the Llamas!
After enjoying the refreshments on offer, we headed off for the final leg, with a further 40 mile ride through glorious countryside, the roads now, thankfully a lot drier than the morning ride.
Our final destination was Wansford, with an intended stop at Wansford Country Lounge Café, after saying our goodbyes to the majority of the group, we found that unfortunately they were closed for a private party, so the remaining five of the group headed across he road to The Haycock Manor Hotel for coffee. We were very much welcomed into the exceptionally festive bar for teas and coffees and homemade shortbread.
A fabulous day was had by all, perfect ride and coffee stops to end the 2021 season, next job to get home and clean the very dirty bikes!
