The Manchester Honda

Owners Club

Roman Remains

Well, for the wettest summer on record, MANHOC have had some really good rides - and this was one of them. For days, I had been scouring the weather reports hoping for a decent day for a long run. And I guess my prayers were answered because I woke up to glorious sunshine and white scudding fluffy clouds.

So, out with the bike, on with the waterproofs (I’m not that much of an optimist) and I headed off the the services to see who else might turn up. When I arrived, Rob was there talking to Kev and Geri, some new members. Bob and Mark turned up soon afterwards and Alan arrived just as we were setting off. So, we had 6 bikes and one pillion - a nice number for making progress.

And make progress we did. First “blast” was along some back roads to the A59 and then up the A65 towards Kendal. However, it wasn’t all good news. As we got past the M6, Rob radioed - “Alan seems to have a oil leak”. So, we pulled over. Sure enough, his old Tiger 900 had a corroding oil pipe and it was leaking all over the back tyre. We made our way into Kendal and Morrisons where the breakdown man was called out.

While we were there, it seemed a good opportunity to grab some lunch. I can recommend the liver and onion - really good value at £4.85.

Once all that was done and we had topped up with fuel, it was time for the main run - up over Shap and along the A685 to Alstom. Those who have done these roads before know how good it can be - and it was. Long sweepy bends, some tight twisties and the odd straight bit to keep us going. Ah, that was fun. But after that we had some very minor roads (OK, tractor tracks) to negotiate before getting back to the A69 and finally, the fort itself. By the time we arrived here, Geri was looking decidedly white and I was feeling a bit queasy (but some chocolate and water soon cured that).

We wandered around the fort for an hour, had some more refreshments and then it was time to go. By this time it was approaching 3:30pm, so I changed to route to go back across to Carlisle and down the A6. Once again, some nice roads down to Penrith (note to Kevin - follow “all routes” if you want to bypass the pedestrian area) and then back over Shap before we headed off home down the M6.

The only time we really encountered rain (apart from a brioef shower) was the route back down Shap - but that only lasted about 15 minutes. So, I think we got away very well. Thanks to all who turned up - it was a cracking day out.