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Post by m40man on May 25, 2015 18:03:32 GMT
Got home at 6:30 this evening - a more substantial write-up later, when I've soaked myself in tea & had a bite to eat .
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Post by m40man on May 25, 2015 18:59:28 GMT
Here's my promised extended write up of this special run weekend, planned by our very own Billywhizz, who so sadly was not around to enjoy it with us. Firstly, special thanks to Vaughan (ukdiceman) for stepping-up to lead us on both runs, Saturday & Sunday. So close as he was to the tragedy which took Roger from us, it's only natural that Vaughan had some anxiety taking this on in Roger's place & I know he was struck on the way up with reminders of the fateful day. But he did his job well & led a fine weekend. Thanks matey . For myself, I struggled at times too. But I'm grateful for the support offered. You know who you all are. Matt found us a cracking route for our stopover in Carlisle, to Callandar on the Friday. Great roads, definately the long way round but worth every extra mile. Brilliant stuff - thanks Matt . On the Saturday run we set off on some great roads, to what I'm assured was a fine lunch stop awash with great veggie offerings . I had other plans & took myself off to Glamis Castle for tea & cake. I did bother to meet up with folks again a bit later on. A nice italian restaurant fed & watered most of us well on Saturday night, & with the odd beer beforehand & afterwards & I settled down to my second night of Vaughan's strange nightime noises. It seems that a drop or two of red wine alters the tone & pitch of Vaughan's snoring - Sat night was so much more civilised than the previous night's sleep. Sunday came along, not so bright & warm as Saturday but it kept dry for 95% of the time & starting off with Dukes Pass, it was another cracking ride out. Many of us later ate at The Old Rectory, where me & Vaugham were bunked. Vaughan it appears does not like whisky, even really nice whisky. I stepped-up & helped avoid any waste . Monday arrived & the long jaunt home beckoned. I couldn't bear the thought of the M6 on a Bank Holiday, so I tagged along with the Greens down the A1 as far as the A46 - then parted to head home. Thanks for the company, Bob, Fern & Pete . Matt & Speighty were planning a reversal of Friday's jolly, back to Carlisle, so I hope they found the roads clear & dry, I'm pretty sure they've had a ball! All in all a very enjoyable time in the company of good friends & on nice tarmac, all the more comfortable for the Air Hawk from young Trev - cheers matey. Really pleased I made the effort. If those who haven't already posted could do so, let us know you're home safe. I hope to see you again for the next run .
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Post by stoph900 on May 25, 2015 21:02:50 GMT
A few less words from me ☺ A good and dry run home straight down the M74 M6 route with Vaughan.. stopped for a couple of coffees and fuel and time under 5 hours so not bad at all.. Thanks to Vaughan for stepping up and Martin for his generous gesture on Sat night....Some fantastic roads and good company. .many smiles per mile..its taken me 10 years to make the Jock run..now I know what I've been missing! Hope all made it back safely..see you again...hopefully soon ☺
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Post by Pool Boy on May 25, 2015 21:40:57 GMT
Well, I got home around 4:30 having left Callander just before 10:00 and stopped off at the Falkirk Wheel (where I bumped into Carol !) and the Kelpies (where I passed Carol again !!) [Both venues are worth a longer visit IMHO] The van did 568 miles over the weekend at 32 mpg which I reckon isn't bad for 80 (ish) mph carrying a 200kg bike and me in the dry. Carol finally got home an hour or so after me - but she had a couple more "detours" on the way including a trip to the waterfront at Liverpool to see what was left of the 3 Queens event.
Usual thanks go to:- Our dear departed friend for starting the planning - like others, I too was struck by how sad it was that he couldn't enjoy the riding with us. Vaughan for stepping up to the plate and leading us round Scotland (or bits of it anyway) - twice Martin for buying Carol & me a drink on Sunday night And everyone else for your company and good humour throughout the weekend.
Finally, special thanks to Adbru for riding 150 miles south to join us on Sunday and to Gordy for turning out on a 250 to lead us down a switch-back to a coffee stop - good to see you both again.
{P.S. Carol's nagging me to make sure I add her thanks to everyone too !}
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Post by bev on May 26, 2015 8:03:36 GMT
Glad to hear everyone's home OK.
I wasn't too well over the weekend, sorry to miss out. Some of my favourite roads were covered.
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Post by Deleted on May 26, 2015 18:31:45 GMT
Another great weekend spent with great folks as usual, I got home approx. 16:45 on Monday, the M6 wasn't as bad as I thought.
I found the weekend hard at times, especially the ride up Friday (purple grease and diesel roundabout!) but a great run thanks to Matt.
I really didn't fancy the run Saturday let alone leading it, but as Martin has already said, plenty of kind words and support and off we went!
Saturday was not a perfect run, as we managed to loose Martin just before lunch! But he was found safe and sound enjoying some cake at Glamis Castle, this was then followed by some fraught time searching for petrol late in the afternoon, but we all made it back to Callander.
Sunday in my eyes was pretty much perfect, Roger chose some great roads, and the weather was kind again. Good to see Gordy and enjoy a lorn sausage bap at the pit stop café.
Thanks to Chris for the company on the drag back home, and the cuppa at Stoph Towers!
Hope to see you all again soon.
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Post by teejayexc on May 26, 2015 19:40:06 GMT
Saturday was not a perfect run, as we managed to loose Martin just before lunch! Sounds like any other divvy run Well done Vaughan, hope to get on a rideout with you again.
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Post by m40man on May 27, 2015 9:48:12 GMT
Thanks for the reminder - that was a bit odd, that . Odd too that only you managed to find it to ride through it . Good job there was plenty of washing up liquid amongst the posse .
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