Dartmoor Cream Tea 2011
23rd July 2011
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The annual Cream Tea Run has proved to be a success over the years but is quite dependant upon weather. This year a sacrifice to the Sun God by designated ride Captain Pat worked and good weather prevailed throughout. Unfortunately what Pat had forgotten was another sacrifice to the God of Not Dropping Your Bike With Foot Underneath so was only able to attend the start and cream tea (he’s not so daft) by car! President Pete stood in as Ride Captain, so thanks for that Pete.
The day started well with 20 bikes assembling at The Haldon Grill, mostly for the usual super breakfast first, with a body count of 28, including Pat. It seems that the word is spreading amongst newer members that ride-outs can be fun and the turn out was brilliant. Those attending were (thanks Si) :- Kevin an Susan Adamson, Simon Anderson, Claire Anderson, Brendan and Julie Brookshaw, Simon Brock (about to join), Penny Bull, Paul Desbois (Claires brother and previous attendee), John Cooke, Shane Dick, Sher Dick, Ray and wife (sorry Ray, only details I have), John Gillman, Graham Leggatt, Roger and Nicola Hopes, Glynn and Ruth Kettleborough, Pete Lambourn, Ed and Sandra Meacham, Malcolm and Annette Palmer (Eng 4 – welcome to another ride folks), John Rolfe and Matt Townrow.
As most of you will know when I do a ride out I don’t normally know the route, I make it up as I go along with a rough idea of where I am. On this occasion, as most of you may have noticed I did not have a clue when we left Haldon Grill but followed a very small road on the map which eventually brought us out on the Mortonhampstead road, what a sigh of relief, it worked!! Having spoken to Pat we decided not to stop at Sourton Cross for a break. Last year you could not get near the toilets let alone get a drink. This year having found a new watering hole at Winkley it was my plan to stop there. When we started there on a recent DAAT ride, we did find the service a bit slow. I did say we would restart 15 minutes after the last person had been served, 45 minutes after Brendon had ordered a burger we were on our way.
Apart from the odd tractor the roads were very clear, not like the A30 which we crossed over and was at a standstill. A lot of roads to practice your cornering skills!! We did have one slip up, someone either missed a junction or left early, either way people got lost. Fortunately Cookie, the sweeper, knew where we were going and put the ride back on track. Not life threatening and it didn’t spoil the ride but it was a good example of how the second man drop off makes the ride go smooth if you get gaps.
The ride terminated, as arranged, at the Badgers Holt café, Dartmeet with Pat and Carole already there taking photos of the arrival. Despite it being a Summer weekend with good weather there was plenty of parking space and free outside tables near the river for all. It seems to continue that the place is a well kept secret! As usual, Simon and his trike attracted interest and one of the few tables already occupied had former owners of a well travelled Yamaha FJR1300, from Lincolnshire, swapping tales with similar bike owner Pat. Cream teas were consumed and a good laugh had by all I think. New member Graham was asking about a spare BK waistcoat and one appeared but must have required the slaughter of a herd of cattle as it fitted both he and mate John! See the photo for proof!
Once again, a successful day and thanks again to all who attended to make it so. That’s what being a BK member is all about.
Pat Sturman
Pete Lambourn
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