Sunday April 30th was a very special ride out, this ride out was in Memory of our late member Dave Coombs.
Dave started his biking life early, as soon as he was old enough, he bought a bike and went on to have many different bikes over the years.
In 1987 he became a Motorbike Instructor with Camrider, sharing his knowledge and biking skills with others.
During his biking life he had many European holidays, biking throughout Germany and France, as well as enjoying ride outs in the UK on his own, that always ended with coffee and cake.
Dave joined PECAM in July 2009 and passed his advanced test in February 2010, he was an enthusiastic member of the group, a huge advocate of the Sunday Ride Outs and was always the first to volunteer for TEC duty, he really enjoyed attending the promotional shows such as Motorcycle Festival of Speed and chatting to people about the benefits of IAM Roadsmart and encouraging people to sign up to PECAM.
Dave retired early November 2022, on his 69th Birthday and following a holiday with Lesley became unwell and was in hospital two weeks later.
Unfortunately, in early December he was given a terminal diagnosis and passed away on 19th February 2023.
Kevin Hudson was approached by Dave’s widow Lesley and asked to organise a rideout in Dave’s memory and as Wymondham Windmill was one of Dave’s favourite destinations it seemed only fitting for Kevin to plan a route there.
The ride started out from our usual spot of Haddon Services, it was touching to see so many Members turn out for the special ride, 24 bikes with two pillions and following the briefing by Kevin Hudson with a reminder to all attendees of how the drop off system worked as well as how to safely mark junctions, with Barry Wroe donning the pick vest for TEC duties, the sun shining and promise of cake at our destination, we headed off for the mornings ride.
The route took us took us through some excellent biker friendly roads, the conditions were good and the roads through Rutland and Leicestershire did not fail to deliver, rolling countryside and twisty bends.
Whilst the café had 24 bikers, two pillions, as well as six other guests in our group, to serve, we did not have to wait too long for food, some opted for hot food, but in honour of Dave cake was also consumed.
Lesley was overwhelmed and moved by how many PECAM members had attended the ride, she said it was so nice to put faces to names that Dave had spoken about.
She thanked us all for coming, she said Dave would have been honoured to see so many people turn up for him, she particularly thanked Kevin H for organising the ride and Dee for taking her to The Windmill.
Our route back was to our destination stop of The Boxwood Café at The Barn Garden Centre, Oundle, where a few of us stopped off for more coffee and cake, before making our way home.
Under the circumstances an emotional but enjoyable day, it was a fitting tribute to Dave.
Thank you to Kevin Hudson for organising the ride, to Barry and Darren for TEC duties and to Dee for bringing Lesley to The Windmill.
I would also like to thank everyone who attended and made the day very special for Lesley.