Ride Reports

Sunday 12th April 2026 ride to Settle & Hawes

Starting from McDonalds at Haslingdon at 10.30am, this was to be a “true classic run” on the best roads up, into, and around the Forest of Bowland to Settle, Ribblesdale valley.

Then to Hawes, where we consumed a large portion of delicious fish and chips - across to Sedbergh and finally down to Devils Bridge. We had all completed this run many times, albeit some time ago. Memories came flooding back as this had been the first major ride out that some of us had had on their bikes.

It was final coffees, cakes & hugs at the Bridge but as the warm sunny day was still quite young it was decided to “gary-vant” in our different directions back home. A great dry riding day missing all the forecasted showers. Also, a hearty welcome to Terry and Rod, “newbies” to the gang.

22nd March ride to the Yonderman Cafe

Starting from Poplar at 10.30am on a dry and clear day was a magnificent keen turnout of 12 bikers with one pillion. A warm welcome was given to the new riders in the group.

It was then onto the biking roads through Knutsford and Macclesfield and over the tops to the cafe. The famous and busy biker's Cafe/Takeaway, overlooking impressive vistas, serving locally sourced breakfasts, paninis, burgers and home-made meals with outdoor and indoor seating.

After being fed, it was back on the bikes to continue riding through the Peak District on some of the best twisties towards Congleton. On stopping at the Winking Man, on the Leek road, we found that we were ahead of schedule with most of the afternoon to spare!! So, straight back on the bikes for one of those famous “Gary-vants” and our Shepherd treated us to an extra excursion on some of his best 'home' back roads to Stone before heading onto more twisties for final coffee, cakes and hugs at Delamere.

A special mention was noted for Manhoc saving our countryside wildlife, as proceedings were nearly halted late afternoon, when a pheasant alarming flew from the hedge row to nearly wipe out the bird and our leader. Thankfully both were saved !!!

Over150 excellent miles were covered eventually that day, thanks to Gary, our Shepherd, and in great company,

1st March ride to explore the Trough

“Chased by a bull and Lost”.

Starting from McDonalds at Haslingdon at 10.30am, it was a run up, into and around the beautiful countryside of the Forest of Bowland and as the title suggests, exploring the many great small roads that we haven't been on for such a long time. The weather was fine, and dry, and the country road surface clean, which was a bonus for the twisting narrow country lanes we were quickly riding on. As we followed our amazing Shepherd, who never took a wrong turn, we ended the morning at The Black Pig, at High Bentham, for an excellent lunch stop.

However, the morning run was not without its tales, and almost disastrous, soon after we set off, as there was a large road traffic blockage. We overtook the stationary cars and got to the scene, where a loose bullock was running all over the road. At careful opportunities each of us eventually passed with hesitation and before the animal gave chase.

Then, later on the moors we came across the usual sheep but also a small band of wild horses, who luckily, were not interested in us, but nervously too close to the road for comfort. Also, not forgetting a bunch of rabbits crossing right in front of the bikes earlier, which had to be avoided.

So, continuing after lunch, it was off again, passing Caton and taking a left back south onto further new country Trough roads. However, after a while we very surprisingly passed the same walker twice going in different directions on the same road. Our Shepherd, amazingly announced that he and we were all lost!!. Instructions were given to break out “Matilda”, my sat nav. who guided us along on more twisting back-roads to Longridge and the Market Street pub for final coffees, cakes and hugs before departing for the M6 home.

An eventful, fairytale day out for Manhoc, along great country back roads – special thanks to Gary for a great day.

8th Feb ride to the Chain and Sprocket at Ruthin

Starting from Poplar at 10.30am it was slightly down the A49 to turn right at Ridley and over the hills to Ruthin.

The weather was good, better than first forecasted as we only met the rain on the way home with a splash at 2pm.

At the biker's Cafe/Takeaway they were serving locally sourced breakfasts, paninis, burgers and homemade meals with outdoor and indoor seating. We can recommend this one with a huge breakfast menu.

Back on the bikes to continue riding the great Welsh roads, we headed to Rhydlydan but there was a change of plan from Andrew and we were then on some fab twisty backroads to Betws-y-Coed and on to the A548 Llanrwst to Abergele – wow what a road !!!. Now on the coast, the highlight of the diversion could have been to have coffees on the pier at Rhyl. But we couldn't find it!!! However, we did find the Bells of St Mary's pub.

With final coffees, cakes and hugs we headed home after another great Manhoc Day's ride

Ride to Billy Bob's parlour

We started from McDonalds at Haslingdon at 10.30am. It was a run up and over on to the A59 just past Skipton then left up to the new Billy Bob's Parlour, an exciting American Diner.

Quite a large complex and very Americano with delicious food and with tummys full, we all looked forward to a revisit.

Return was up & over in to the Yorkshire Dales National Park to Hawes. Turning south it was back through the park to Clitheroe. with final cakes & hugs at Macs.

Yes, the weather was as bad as forecasted, with light rain, mist and a bit on the cool side, but, as our Shepherd said , he had never heard such rubbish and claimed that you didn't know that you could have so much fun on a wet day!!!

Great company and day and looking forward to the next ride in what ever the weather . “Dream dare and live it”.

Here's a short video for your enjoyment.

21st Dec 2025 to Knott End

We started from Mac’s at Rising Bridge, Haslingdon at a start of 10.30am. The weather looked good with maybe a little rain in the morning, but it missed us. Though somewhat cool the roads were relatively dry.

It was an inverted route than was shown on the Manhoc web map. We now headed first through The Forest of Bowland, via Dunsop Bridge with a coffee stop at the Post office café. Then continuing through the Trough on to Knott End for an excellent lunch at the biker’s pub The Bourne Arms.

Return was south and our Sheperd then surprised us with a change of plan, to take us on some excellent country backroads to Guys Hamlet, just south of Garstang, for final hugs and wishes for a merry Christmas.