The sixth monthly ride out saw 13 bikes at Mc Donald's this morning. I tried to hijack four Harley's that showed up but they declined, preferring to stick to their own ride out - can't blame me for assuming everyone wants to ride with the BMAD crew!
Given that we had floods in Exeter yesterday and a severe weather warning in place for the day 13 bikes was a very good showing. The usual suspects were there and a few fresher faces. It was great to have Andy along, who was on a 125 he's ridden for 2 months on a provisional - he did a darned good job of keeping up and riding concertina fashion - well done mate! There was also a chap called Richard who claimed to be a friend of Lennie's - we all have our crosses to bear - and he has been riding on a full licence just 3 days - blimey! We tried to be gentle with him but he didn't really need it.... And then there was Pete, who says he's been out with us before but I'm sorry pal, I really can't remember, I must be getting to a more senior stage with the old grey matter!
With Mervyn, Neil, Wayne, Stu, Chris and Derek with Judith pillion and Mark with Kerri pillion, Cowboy Dave with Rosie pillion, as well as aforementioned Lennie, we set out to take the twisties to the Torpoint ferry.
For a minute it looked as if I was going to ford the Tamar, as in the lead I pulled up at the top of the wrong ramp - so nice of the ferry guys to wave at me to point out my mistake!!!
On the other side we had to find a fag and pee stop as it seems I'm not the only one with senior needs, and some people can't go more than an hour without coffee, nicotine and a loo. The Torpoint community leisure centre didn't mind us using their car park and toilet and it was here that people began to think about turning back. The sky was black and we had the first spots of rain. Chris had a sore back to contend with and he was the first to turn for home. We cajoled Wayne into staying with us and various people offered him waterproofs. I'm sure Stu's bike is a tardis in disguise, he seems to carry spares of everything without any luggage to speak of!
We pressed on, doing the inevitable losing of people when we got ambitious and went via Crafthole and Downderry. So we decided that with the clock ticking and the sky threatening we would stop for lunch at the beach cafe at Seaton. It was here that the heavens really let rip and we cowered, chips and burgers in hand, under the awnings. Neil, of course, had to empty the puddles out of the canvas roof and "make a splash" and Cowboy went and upset a nice old dog by saying "hello" to it. The rest of us tried to behave ourselves, but the banter began to get bawdy and after a while some of the patrons of the cafe seemed to think braving the weather was preferable to sharing a shelter with a bunch of bikers.....
Opinions were canvassed and only Stu said he would ride on to St Austell. He seemed to think he was Magnus Magnuson - I've stareted so I'll finish - and me, well I've never known when to stop, so I went on too!
We had no more rain and arrived in St Austell to lovely sunshine and a busy market where Stu relived his Army memories around the government surplus stall. I got a sticker for the bike and after a cuppa we hammered for home up the main road. The twisties between Seaton and Fowey ferry had been enough for one day!
So thanks, guys and gals, for your support and for turning out and braving the elements. Another ride out for the log book successfully concluded! 13 out, 2 back, but a happy bunch of bikers all the same!
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