HOC Roast

A new day, a new ride. This time, up to the Lakes where Peter Steen is hosting a BBQ overlooking an air display. Sounds interesting so we have to see what it's all about.

SO, out with the FJR to give it another run (the second one since I bought my CBF1000 - I think someone is telling me something!) and off to Haslingdon to meet up with the others. Everyone seemed to be there when I arrived - and then Mark and John turned up. So I wasn't last.

After a brew, we set off. The plan was to go up the A65 to Devils bridge and then over Shap which is a lovely road. Which is what we did (or at least some of us). As we got onto the A65, Johns Fireblade decided it was tired and needed a rest. So, it flashed all the indicators and shut itself down. Derek (back marker) stopped with him and I stopped just up the road. After about 5 minutes, I went on to tell Mark waiting at the next roundabout to collect any others waiting and head for Devils bridge where we would re-convene (as I thought that is where we were having the first stop).

After another 10 minutes, the bike fired up (apparently, Johns phone was interfering with the alarm) and we set off. Got to Devils Bridge to find Mark - and no-one else. Just then, Phils voice came over the radio "Where are you"? So, the rest had NOT stopped at Devils Bridge and Phil was about 1/2 mile up the road. By this time, Mark was into icecreams and we had stopped. So, I sent Phil to collect the others and tell Steve (our leader) to text me Peters address and we would see them there. Which is what happened.

Eventually, we all regrouped at Peters pad and started to enjoy the BBQ. The planes flew overhead and behind trees and we all seemed to have a nice time. Met up with other groups (West Cost Riders, Yourkshire, Lakes etc) and chatted until around 4pm.

So, time to go. On with the gear, manoeuvre the bikes so we can get out and set off. Umm, not quite. Dereks bike wouldn't start. We faffed around for about 30 minutes and eventually left him in the capable hands of Peter and the breakdown service. The route back was pleasant and we stopped off at a nice pub in Long Preston before we all split up for the homeward journey.

Other notable incidents?

	Josh (Keiths son) has been rechristened as "The Owl" due to the way he can swivel his head around to look at the scenery.
	Jean bought some chocolate for Phil and then proceeded to eat it as we were zapping down the road.
	Keith didn't want ice in his drink and proceeded to throw it on the floor just as someone was going past.

Photos - courtesy of me, Jean and Derek:

At the start.
The stragglers turn up.
And then on to Peters. This was his drive before everyone else arrived.
And so to BBQ and chat.
Then Dereks bike wouldn't go. So we stood around offering helpful advice.
And then left him behind to go to the pub. But who is "Billy No Mates"?