Castle Howard

Easter was early this year, very early, so wrapped up in several layers ( we do not have heated jackets etc.) Roy and I set off to meet some of the others as Maccy D’s in Bramley.

The weather was dry and sunny so hopefully a dry weekend would be possible, At Maccy D’s we met up with Nigel ( Sue would be coming up later due to work commitments) Ian & Denise ( on their new Silver and black bike) Mick and Netty, Alan, Hazel and Pete, Mark and Pam and finally newbies Laurie and Jen ( more about Jen’s amazing Uri Geller skills later)

After the usual Hello’s and a brief comfort stop we set off in procession through the South Yorkshire countryside, many of the roads we had ridden on before but one has to admit that the Yorkshire roads are lovely to ride on. The weather continued to be kind to us with dry roads and sunshine. At the tea stop in Howden we were joined by Rob Wilks, on his first Elite trip and Jim and Jill in skateboard 2 (with the top down of course). Once again we were on our way through some quaint villages with names like North Cave and Skidby! After a quick fuel stop we made our way to the hotel where Ian had organised our own private parking area, everyone unpacked, sorted out the rooms, Alan as usual had a massive suite (!) and get ready for dinner. By this time Richard and Christine had joined us in skateboard 1, Joe and Izzy were there, and Sue had arrived after a long day at work. Dinner was very interesting as this is where we established that Jen could move cutlery and pick up forks with her knife by means of magnetizing the cutlery!!! Very SPOOKY!!!  Could be a useful addition to Elite Wings!! We also found out that Pam and Laurie went to the same school at the same time, it is a small world.

Our own parking space

Saturday

Next morning, after a late breakfast ( 8.00am)we set off on the days ride. Again the weather was dry but very cold and a little windy. Many of the roads were lined with seas of yellow daffodils nodding wildly as we passed by; in fact I cannot remember seeing so many daffodils and began to wonder who had planted them as some were miles from civilization. We soon reached the beautiful Castle Howard and headed for the tea room and hot drinks. The queue into the house was very long so we      decided to comeback another time, when it was a little warmer. Once again the route to the lunch stop was over beautiful biking roads, through lovely villages and farms ( the smell of which caused problems for Mark and Pam being townies!).

Our Lunch stop was at Saltburn on Sea, where the wind whipped up the surf and sand. Poor ole Pete had his scampi and chips dragged from his hands by the wind as he sat on the prom enjoying the view. There was a Cliff railway which took you up or down to the town or pier, and most rode on it at the concession rate (a benefit of being older). Ian and Roy used their skills on the grabbers and won two Lego cuddly toys for Denise and I or were they meant for the grandchildren. After a bracing walk along the pier, lunch we got back on the bikes, just as the weather began to cloud over and the wind became stronger.

Lego Cuddlys for the Grandchildren

Lift Railway

The route took us high over the North Yorkshire Moors National Park and as we approached the skies darkened and the wind roared louder through the headsets. Ian asked over the radio whether we should go round the moors or over the top as planned. “Over the top” said Roy from the back ( minus waterproofs) and so we did. It was exhilarating the bikes were buffeted about and there was no way you could stop and take in the view as you and bike would have been blown away! Just to make it more interesting, mad sheep wandered across the road or nibbled very close to the road edge, so you were never sure which way they were going to go.

We carried on regardless, I suggested Roy pulled over and put his wet gear on for added warmth but he assured me in no uncertain terms that we could not stop as the bike would be blown over or worse!.

At last the road began to descend and the winds eased a little and we entered the little market town of Malton, after finding places to park we found a lovely tea shop, with Richard and Christine where cake and any drink was £3.00, can’t be bad!. The others found another place to warm up and take some light refreshment. Alan, did not stop as he had to get back home for a party and then bring Deb back with him for the Sunday ride out. Tony decided to follow him back as far as the hotel.

After Malton we went through some villages with football association, I did not realize Ian was such a knowledgeable person on football e.g. Stamford Bridge. Soon we were back to the warmth of the hotel and ready for a hot drink and a meal.

Denise had organized a “sweet” quiz to entertain us that evening and surprise Jo and Izzy won it!!.

The Winners

Sunday

Another late start 9.30, after all the clocks had gone forward, but not until after a visit from the Easter Bunny (Denise) delivering chocolate eggs to everyone. Today it was again dry but bitterly cold, the sun did not seem to want to show itself and generate a little heat. The ride today was to Bridlington, on the East Coast and I think the wind was coming straight from Siberia, and cut right through you

Parking at Bridlington

At Bridlington we found a large Motorcycle Park and packed ourselves in, causing a lot of interest from local’s and holiday makers.  We went off in search of a warm coffee shop. Pete bought Hazel a  warm hat to wear with detachable fur pom poms, very fetching!. Rob disappeared into a place called Tilly’s and we did not see him again until it was time to leave. Roy, Mick, Netty and I found a small Italian Ice Cream parlour which was doing  a roaring trade in HOT drinks not many ices were being purchased. The wind was very strong and so we did not hang about too long and headed back inland for a visit to York. Martin and Kate , had ridden over to join us for the trip to York, it was good to see them as it had been some time since they last joined us. Roy and I decided to go back to the hotel as I was feeling poorly not sure if it was Mark’s mint and liquorice tea or the double Baileys I was forced to drink the night before!!!!

The weather was now turning nasty with sharp showers so I think the trip to York was cut short and everyone headed back to the Hotel.

Wrapping up, making sure there are no gaps

Monday

It was time to say good bye but not until both Hazel and I had been wished happy birthday, we are twins but there is 2 years between us, Mum had a rough time!!! The weather was really awful, Ian had a problem with the back brake so decided to head straight home and not do his usual twisty route.

It was a great weekend, being early in year the weather was always going to be iffy but at least it stayed dry for the majority of the time. I hope the new members, Tony, Rob Laurie and Jen all enjoyed their selves and that we see you all again soon.

Thank you Ian and Denise for organizing the weekend and hope you will join us in Stoke on Trent