Woodside

Another fine day for a ride. OK, I lied - it was not brilliant. The start was fine. 14 bikes turned up at the services which is pretty good considering the weather forecast. After a brief chat and complete admiration of Garys new camouflage bike suit, we set off down the motorway and across the back roads towards Lincoln. The pace was fine until we got to the M67 when Tony suddenly slowed down and pulled off. Turns out he had a puncture. Yes, the first one we have had as a group for ages (if ever). After a few minutes talking about the options (and Geoff sprinting back with his tyre-weld kit), he decided to call the RAC and go home to watch the GP.

The rest of us carried on and were soon weaving our way down the Woodhead pass and across to the M1. A few miles of that and we shot off down the A roads again. All was well until we got the signal for petrol stops - the other Tony had forgotten to fill up - as had Gary [his excuse was that it was not his bike]. But never mind, a 10 minute stop was extremely welcome. We set off again and 10 miles later arrived at the Woodside Sanctuary to discover we were about 15 minutes too late for the pig racing. But too much of a problem as the cafe beckoned and the food was enjoyed by all.

Once that was done, we all wandered around until it was time for the reptile show. Most of us were fine with this - Karen has a problem with snakes - so was always hovering at the back ready to run!!! Once the lizards came out, she was fine.

Then onto the owl flying and the ferret racing. Once again Manhoc members did us proud with involvement at all levels. John was invited to invent a name for "his" ferret, Judy had to work with the birds and Karen - well, lets just say that Geoff has a lot to do to beat what a ferret was doing down her trousers.

Once all the fun and excitement was over, we headed off down the back roads for a bit of fun. Which it was until the rain arrived. Yuk! We had a quick stop to pull on the waterproofs and another to decide what to do. At that point, we split up into two groups - one heading up the A1 to home and the other traversing the original route plus a diversion via the Cat & Fiddle road.

A good time was had by all, so I am told and here are the photos to show it (thanks to Derek and Alan for these).

At the start - arriving and just hanging around.
Then, on to the petrol stop (no pics of Tony and a puncture!). Karen and Judy just HAD to pose for us.
Once we'd parked up, the first call was food!
Someone took a quick bite of Garys cake - I wonder why....Geoff looked extremely happy (actually, it wasn't him - but I thought the photo was appropriate)
Then, on to the reptiles. Everyone had to stroke the snakes
apart from Karen - who kept well back (note her in the background)
But then the lizards arrived and she was happy again
Even Raphael got in on the act
Once done, a little "horsing" around before the start of the next show
Where Judy did us proud!
Karen had fun with a Raphael and a ferret
and John mingled with the children
while the rest of us looked on and laughed