I headed for Forton services expecting a poor turn out as had been the case with other rides from that meeting point.

When I arrived there were already at least half a dozen bikes. Then after a visit to the café for a chat with some members we came out to see that lots more had turned up. Sixteen bikes in all with seven pillions.

Call me sad if you must but I think fifteen bikes in your mirrors while blasting up the motorway is an awesome sight.

We headed for Fell Foot Park at the bottom of Windermere which AutoRoute said would take two hours. We got there in about 45 minutes.

After refreshments near the lake we set off for the nice twisty roads around Coniston and then to Kirkstone Pass. We were held up slightly by some coaches but once past them we had the road to ourselves for a short while.

After Kirkstone Pass we headed south on the A6 and then across to Kirby Stephen. After missing his turning Gary found a nice B road that turned out to be the road where he lost his Bandit last year. And with all the excitement almost failed to realise that his petrol light had come on. Most of the group needed fuel too and the Sat Navs came in handy for finding the nearest petrol station which was on the M6 where we filled up and set off home.

It was Gary’s last ride with his Thunderace. He is now the proud owner of a 900 Hornet that is already showing signs of a faster pace for future rides. So don’t miss the ride to Ponderosa next month……….

And some pictures to show the people having fun. Thanks to Geoff for these.