Starting from Mac’s at Rising Bridge Haslingdon for an earlier start of 10am. The weather continued to be good following the glorious week, and only let us down with a rain shower later in the afternoon.
It was up to Skipton, then onto the fab roads of the Yorkshire Dales via Leyburn and the Manor café where the smell of bacon butties was too much, so it was to be an early lunch. On to Richmond, and then to Barnard Castle. A charming, historic old town named after and built around a medieval castle on the northern banks of the River Tees. Here the squares and surrounding roads where full of lovely horses and carts from the travelling community. It was their National Whit bank holiday meet.
Following some large ice-creams, the returning ride westward, continued again in the heart of the National Park and then south to Sedbergh, Devils Bridge, passing Lancaster and a short ride down the motorway to Lancaster Services for final coffees, cakes and hugs.
Another great Manhoc ride out.
4th May 2025 to Newark Air Museum
. The weather kept dry after a glorious week, but with a cool 12 degrees. It was a run over the Woodhead Pass through the stunning northern Peak District, then directly to Newark on Trent to the Aircraft Museum. Here, we explored the history of Aviation located on a former World War Two airfield with some 76 aircraft to see. After lunch, with some excellent paninis, it was then back on the bikes. Returning through the striking southern Peak District, through Mansfield and Chesterfield with a stopover at The Highway, where Rich treated us to a hot brownies and ice creams!! This was the final stop with final hugs. Then it was homeward bound.
Video below shows where we ended up.
13th April 2025 to Statfold Railway
The weather was good and a great turnout of 13 bikes were ready and departed on time from Poplar Services at 10.30am for one of the long runs in the year. It was a warm and hearty welcome to the club for 3 new riders. So, it was down the great A49 and right onto the biking road of A51 to Lichfield, a coffee stop, then onto Tamworth Statfold Country Park. Home to an award-winning narrow-gauge railway which runs both steam and diesel trains. A heritage museum housing over 20 working engines and lots more static engines which had been gathered from all over the world – a very impressive place, with the country park and an exciting ride on the steam train ending the visit. “There is also Toby’s Barn, with roller disco, Play & Climb, Toby’s Dig It, or Strawberry Play Park to our woodland nature walk and Fellumpa Mini Golf!” Our return skirted the Peak District on the A50 to Macclesfield via Leek for a petrol and coffee and cake stop. Our final coffees, cakes and hugs was at Pops. Another great fun manhoc run.
B-Road Blast - 23rd March
Gary’ excelled himself again with the first B-Road Blast which took in the best biking roads in the North Yorkshire Moors, starting from Mac’s at Rising Bridge, Haslingden at 10.30am.
The morning started damp after the heavy overnight rain, but things cleared quickly with a welcome warming sun, the day produced perfect biking. It was via the B roads to Slaidburn on to the fab Ribblesdale valley to Hawes for a hearty ‘English breakfast’ dinner for all. Then, onto the famous “Buttertubs Pass”, where a stop cannot be resisted to enjoy and take a video of the stunning vistas (see movie below). Back on the bikes, with a slight detour from Andrew, to take in more gorgeous views over the mountainous moors. Then back on route across the top moors to Leyburn, Bridge Inn, and a coffee stop. Finally, back down to our Shepherds favourite road to Skipton and to Mac’s at Clitheroe for final coffees, cakes and hugs.
The route was back by popular demand from last year and, wow, did not disappoint. Gary, our faithful shepherd, can you please include this classic route again next year. Thoroughly enjoyed by all.
Sunday 2nd March 2025 to Swallow Falls
We set off from Poplar, with a great turnout of 11 riders and 2 pillions, for the second ride of the year. Taking in a full circle in North Wales on the best biking roads to the final destination stop at the Falls. However, at Corwen, which is just before Betws-y-Coed and the Falls, we approached the posh Rhug Estate farm shop & grill, where we initially stopped for coffee only. But, after seeing their excellent menu, couldn’t resist trying it out! With stomachs very full now, it was back on the bikes with a short ride to the Falls where some ventured in. Return, was back to Betws for afternoon coffee and cakes with some good exciting back roads that our Shepherd had only just discovered (A544 wow!!) The return route included Denbigh and Mold. It was a completely dry day with hints of spring sun. Another fun Manhoc rideout, and not forgetting a warm welcome to our new pillion Janet.
To Pately Bridge - 9th Feb
Manhoc ride Sunday 9th February 2025 to Pateley Bridge, which took in a full day’s circle of the North Yorkshire Moors, on its best biking roads. The lunch stop was at Wildings Riverside Café, Pateley Bridge, with great homemade meals, as recommended by Andy. A hearty welcome was given to our new member Andy, riding his new black Goldwing – and, as noted by Rich, that’s now 5 Goldwings in the club! The day’s weather was generally poor, but with stunning scenery as always over the moors. Good road surfaces with glimmers of sunshine and a slight mist, not stopping the gangs’ enthusiasm. There was a further coffee and cake stop at the Kingshead at Leyburn, before heading south for a final stop in Colne at Macs. An excellent fun day’s riding with full tummies.
To Yonderman Café (or not) - 19th Jan
We left Poplar services onto very damp roads. So the pace was much slower than usual. Everything was fine until we got Macclesfiel and the route to Whaley Bridge. The road was closed due subsidence, so we re-routed and went over the Cat and Fiddle.
It was cold with icy fog and patches of ice on the road. I decided not to aim for the Yonderman and turned towards Leek, and the Flash café.
After a lovely meal and chat with some Peak district rangers, we left in opposite directions, with Mark and Dave going back into Buxton and heading for Stockport, while Richard and Gary headed for J&S via Leek, Congleton and Winsford.
After more drinks and cake, Richard and Gary went their separate ways home.
A great day was had with great company but not so great roads.
