`THE BORDER TRAIL`
4th-7th June 2004.
Weather - much hotness
Distance covered - approx 950 miles (well Budge was leading)
Accommodation – Graham Arms Hotel Longtown Nr Carlisle (Top Place)
Budge/Di Bird
Graham Bailey R1150RT
Mike Gomm Blade
Will Nicholson R1100RT
Dave Preest GS1000
Martin/Angie Le Fevre PAN
Simon Forryan 1200 Bandit
Lloyd Fenech R1
Godfrey/Gill VFR800
Eric/Jill Bush R1100RT
Stewart/Jan Williams PAN
Bill Carter FAZER 1000
Eric Moody BMW K1000
Nick Twissell PAN/VFR800
Dave Graham FJR1300
Matthew Hill VFR800
John Jacobs FJR1300 (shame!!)
Friday the 4th of June 7.30am, dry weather conditions with an element of heat brings the commencement of an exciting weekend with our group already in motion, with a 100 mile 2 hour ride ahead of us before our breakfast at the Truck Stop, and we were ready for it upon arrival.!
After the most important stop of the day, we continue on are journey using a combination of both the A49 and some very interesting filtering techniques on the M6 in order to make reasonable time, which will allow us later to deviate into the lake district to soak up a bit of the scenery in and around some of the lakes and mountains, and perhaps individually reflect on life whilst slowly sipping away on our hot coffee and the like.
Pressing on we eventually arrive at our respite for the weekend, and are genuinely impressed by the warmness of the staff (stop it Budge! keep your hands to yourself) and the amenities (bar) at our disposal prior to the sumptuous evening meal waiting in the wings.(well it was chicken!)
Saturday morning after a full English and we are all here with the exception of Nick, his PAN had uncharacteristically developed gearbox problems only 15 miles from home (luckily) and he had to call in the troops (his wife and Dave Howell) to deliver the now stationary bike to Branson’s for further investigation, and then without so much as a second thought, kitted up the VFR and trawled on up in the early hours to be with us at 10.00am this morning, now that’s what I call commitment!!`Well done Nick`.
We all eventually split up into small groups and spent the next day or so exploring the glorious demands of the local roads whilst trying to enjoy the mountainous scenery that seemed to go on forever, such places like the Glen café alongside St Mary’s Loch, Kitty’s tea shop in the main street of New Galloway that boasts a highly polished ceiling that started life as the decking of a sea going Galleon and serves wonderful home baked delicacies with real tea, and the Bikers café 1900 feet above sea level 3-4 miles south of Alston on the A686 to Penrith road are just some of the places to visit when in the area.
Although if you are really `up for it` try the run south from Haydons bridge on the A686 all the way to Penrith which is a downward spiral of the most demanding yet entertaining road you will ever come across, it even had Will see the `red mist` as 2 innocent sports bike riders passed him only to become a number on his fairing as he went `to guns`in the midst of their wailing cries `God this guys good, he’s all over us, oh no he’s got missile lock on us, we`re done for!! As he sails past in a vain attempt to catch both Lloyd on his R1 and myself on the RT as we simulate a preying hawk in free fall towards our sea level destination.
Sunday evening gave way to a wonderful roast lamb meal followed by the traditional SAM round the table comments by all, giving each an opportunity to reflect on their experiences (no not yours Godfrey, you can keep your banana!!) and their general opinion of the weekend,(ask Martin and Angie,they had the bridal suite!!) I’m glad to say that it was unanimous that the weekend had been a complete success (only marred by the absence of `fast Sal` ….oh alright, and you Father!!) with everybody enjoying them selves to the maximum.
Much thanks was conveyed to every single person that attended and contributed to the huge success of the occasion, especially the `French Chapter` (Eric moody, Bill Carter) that had traveled so far to be with us, with a final slap on the back for Budge, for playing a huge part in the organizing of the event, and to providing us with `in house` entertainment both on and off the bike!! (Don’t worry I’m not going there) Thanks again Rigar`you can be my reo any time!.
Capt Canary (gawd this titles killing me) `follow if you dare, pass if you can`.