Variety is the spice of life, or so they say, and PECAM’s recent Sunday rideouts have certainly demonstrated that there’s more than one way to enjoy a day on two wheels. From a decidedly damp breakfast run, through a magical mystery tour of English history, to a brewery that just happens to serve breakfast, there’s been something for everyone.
September 13th – Four Hardy Souls and a Sycamore
Our first adventure took us south towards Billing Village, near Northampton, with the Sycamore Café providing the excuse for an early Sunday morning outing.
The plan was simple enough: an hour and a half of enjoyable riding each way, different roads for the outward and return journeys, and a decent breakfast in the middle. What could possibly go wrong?
Well, the weather, obviously.
With rain falling at the start, the pre-ride briefing was relocated indoors, and just four hardy souls turned up. Whether they were dedicated motorcyclists or simply hadn’t checked the forecast remains open to debate!
Undeterred, our intrepid quartet headed off into the damp Northamptonshire countryside, enjoying a well-planned route and the opportunity to practise smooth, progressive riding in less-than-perfect conditions.
The Sycamore Café delivered a welcome breakfast, and the return journey even featured an unexpected appearance by that increasingly rare British phenomenon: sunshine.
Unfortunately, the sunshine also dried all the road grime onto the motorcycles, ensuring that the day’s entertainment would continue with a bucket and sponge once everyone got home.
Four riders, some wet roads, good food and excellent company. Proof that you don’t need glorious weather or a huge turnout to have a thoroughly enjoyable ride.
The Magical History Tour – The PECAM Historical Society Takes to the Road
Our next outing was something rather different. What started as an experimental route, cobbled together from a couple of previous rides, evolved into what participants enthusiastically christened the inaugural meeting of the PECAM Historical Society.
Eight riders assembled at Haddon for a route taking in Melton Mowbray, the ever-popular Buttercups Tearooms, Market Harborough and the historic battlefield at Naseby, before returning via Kettering.
Now, PECAM rideouts are generally about enjoying the roads, improving our riding and finding somewhere that serves a decent coffee and cake. This time, however, there was the added prospect of learning something!
The route included a visit to a viewpoint overlooking the site of the Battle of Naseby, where the group received an impromptu history lesson about one of the decisive engagements of the English Civil War in 1645.
Who says motorcycling can’t be educational?
The riders certainly appreciated the change of pace, with the outing variously described as a Magical History Tour, a Mystery Tour and an Intellectual Magical History Tour. Clearly, the educational content made quite an impression, although at least one participant admitted that some further reading might be required back at home, preferably accompanied by a mug of cocoa.
Buttercups Tearooms proved another popular choice, with the food and coffee receiving enthusiastic reviews. There was even some unexplained excitement about a high chair, although perhaps that’s one piece of club history best left unexplored!
Despite another encounter with the rain, the eight riders enjoyed a relaxed pace, interesting roads and a successful outing using PECAM’s Intelligent Buddy System, with a Tail End Charlie keeping an eye on proceedings.
And the verdict? An excellent day out, a thoroughly enjoyable route and a little more historical knowledge than anyone had expected when they climbed onto their bikes that morning.
Perhaps the PECAM Historical Society will ride again. After all, Britain has plenty of history, and we have plenty of motorcycles.
October 11th – Breakfast, Bedford and Emergency Beer Supplies
For our third outing, the destination was Brewpoint in Bedford, a brewery and taproom that also happens to serve an excellent breakfast.
An inspired choice, some might say.
The ride leader had planned a scenic route through the countryside, passing Elton, Great Gidding, Winwick, Catworth and Kimbolton, before continuing through Bolnhurst and Thurleigh towards Bedford.
There was, however, one small departure from normal PECAM arrangements. The departure time was brought forward to 9am sharp, accompanied by the rather firm announcement that “this is not a democracy”.
Clearly, breakfast was a serious business.
Fortunately, the weather decided to cooperate this time, providing lovely conditions for an enjoyable ride through some of our region’s quieter roads. Several riders discovered stretches they hadn’t ridden before, always a welcome bonus when exploring familiar territory.
Brewpoint itself proved a hit. Good food, good coffee, an interesting venue and plenty of time for the usual PECAM conversations about motorcycles, roads and just about everything else.
Being a brewery, there was also the opportunity to purchase some liquid souvenirs to take home. The pre-ride suggestion that an empty top box might be useful suddenly made perfect sense.
Naturally, any beer purchased was strictly for later enjoyment, once the motorcycles were safely parked up!
The return route included a stop at the Talbot Inn in Stilton, adding another opportunity for refreshments and conversation before the riders made their way home.
Feedback was universally enthusiastic: lovely weather, interesting roads, a good pace, excellent company and a venue that several members are already keen to revisit.
One rider even reported being pleasantly surprised by the quality of the beer. Clearly, the club’s commitment to discovering new and interesting destinations extends beyond the usual tea and cake.
Different Rides, Same PECAM Spirit
Three Sunday outings, three very different experiences.
One demonstrated that a little rain needn’t spoil a good ride. Another combined the pleasure of motorcycling with a fascinating journey into English history. And the third proved that an excellent breakfast and a brewery can make surprisingly compatible destinations.
What they all shared was the real attraction of PECAM’s social rideouts: good roads, considerate riding, friendly company and the opportunity to discover something new.
A big thank you to everyone who planned and led these rides, those who volunteered for Tail End Charlie duties, and, of course, everyone who turned up and made them such enjoyable occasions.
Whether you’re a regular participant or haven’t yet joined one of our social rides, there’s always another adventure around the corner.
And who knows? Next time we might even get three rides in a row without rain.
Although that might be asking rather a lot as we head into autumn!
