Blog by Tim Helstrip
The morning of the first day of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) in the autumn of 2025 was a beautiful clear, sunny, and dry one, which was invitation enough for 28 PECAM members to assemble on the Patio area of Peterborough Services at Haddon (A1 / A605 junction). This was the largest group of members we have seen for some time.
The ride was promoted with a slight variation to our usual format, with the Tail End position being taken by the Chief Observer, in order for him to provide individual and / or group feedback on any notable ride ‘situations’ that he noted.
We were joined by 5 associates (members of PECAM yet to pass their Advanced Test) with their Observers present or their Observers’ blessing. This should mean that in the opinion of the Observer they will cope with an advanced ride, without it compromising their own ride, or ride limits, that they are comfortable with.
After an extensive briefing, which introduced the new joiners to the 2nd man drop off system of keeping the group riding the same route, we set off to our destination of Wymondham Windmill.
The 63 mile route took us along some familiar roads to Ketton, and then on the fantastic link to Normanton, crossing the quarry on the new bridge road, and onto Empingham, and then more fun running from Great Casterton to Ryhall and onto Corby Glen. There was a bit of traffic on the Bitchfield Bends for some of the group, but the lead few had a great run up to Grantham, Colsterworth and onto the Windmill for a welcome coffee / breakfast / cake etc. Considering 28 motorcyclists turned up all at once, service was amazingly quick, and the food and drinks as good as ever.
The Feedback from the Chief Observer at half time was very largely positive, although one or two of the group were personally disappointed by not getting Bob’s personal accolade of ‘nice ride – you’re a hooligan!’
The associates all seemed happy with the first half and seemed to manage the ride within their own capabilities. This is the important point – in a group setting ‘you ride your own ride’ and do not get sucked in to ‘group think’.
Unfortunately, the weather turned during our break and we emerged to wet ride home. This did have an impact of how well some members coped with the changing conditions on the road. However, for the majority the smooth elegance taught on the Advanced Course stood them in good stead on the wet roads and we enjoyed the ride to Oakham, round the Rutland Water Reservoir to Caldecott, down through Harringworth and under the Viaduct ‘twice’ to Corby and the ever-brilliant A427 to Oundle. A quick wiggle round the exquisite town and using the back roads to Wansford, where the ride ended with a coffee at the Haycock Manor Hotel.
