The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2
Technical Discussion => Ride Reports and Event Reviews => Topic started by: thrang on July 05, 2015, 05:43:59 PM
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5uWViMfuUw
Typically after a week of lovely weather it was chucking it down, as I rolled the 'Bimbo' my 1981 R65ls out of the shed for the National.
Decisions, decisions do I go for the fully waterproof but very warm full textile suit, or the more comfortable if it gets as hot a forecast Kevlar jeans and leather? In the end I opted for a compromise, my comfy jeans with light weight over-trousers and my waterproof textile jacket. Needless to say by the time I done the 60 miles to my nearest start control in Preston I was regretting my choice of jacket and the insulating liner was quickly retired to the tank bag.
The National Rally is a scatter navigation rally run by the ACU comprising of 65 checkpoints scattered around England. I was entering the daylight class and as I was aiming for a gold award I needed to plan a route to take in 12 of them in ten hours with a mileage of no less than 265 miles but no more than 280 miles, and complete on special test. The checkpoints are laid on a matrix and you can only travel between checkpoints that have a connection showing the 'rally mileage' between them. It is this 'rally mileage' that you use to work out your mileage total, and it sounds more complex than it really is.
Other than to bypass Manchester and the sprawl of Leeds Bradford I had planned my route to avoid motorways where possible, which probably cost me a little in time but was a lot better for the 'Bimbo' and more fun for me. My route from the start took in the Lancashire Pennine moorland roads, following the line of the motorway as far as North Manchester before I hopped on the M60 round the city until I could head towards the motorcycling paradise that is the Peak District. Only to find the lovely roads almost ruined by the highway arterial plaque of MAMIL cyclists who seem to think that 20 of them riding in a peloton is respectful of other road users...
With much swearing in my helmet about getting past one Lycra clad flock only to get stuck behind another flock of the vermin I eventually found some great roads. At last I got enjoy some serious R65ing as we trundled along at around the speed limit enjoying the lovely scenery of Derbyshire as I ticked off two more checkpoints including my special test at the Ashbourne checkpoint. The test was having to judge the height and width of the local Halfords from across the car park, since I had no ambitions of winning my class I treated it as a bit of a laugh before I jumped back on the Bimbo and headed south.
After four hours and 125 miles on the rally I arrived at my sixth and most southern checkpoint at Donnington Park services. As the rally regulation said I had to take 45 mins worth of breaks I stopped for coffee, cake and a natter with the marshals and other riders. It was all very friendly and I met some really good people before I headed off on the next leg, which took me back north though Sherwood Forest before being forced onto the motorway for 20 miles between Rotherham and Barnsley.
The M1 motorway was its usual awful self, and I was glad to be off the dam thing as I headed cross country to Squires Cafe on the eastern side of Leeds where I took another break. Squires is one of those long time 'biker' gathering places and rally checkpoint tent was right by the gate of the carpark. As I got my card stamped they offered me a very welcome orange squash to accompany my wander around the carpark looking at the interesting machinery on view. Not that the Bimbo was left out as she attracted more than a few admiring looks and few of “Wot's that then mate?” questions as I checked my route to Harrogate, again avoiding the Motorway.
Time however was ticking on and although I would have loved to dally around and find the owner of a very tasty looking R60s but I had to be on my way. Following the line of the A1 I eventually picked up the A59 east of Harrogate, and as usual all the lights were red as I made my way through the town. West of Harrogate the A59 heads up into the Pennines and trundling along at a steady 55 past the golf balls of RAF Menwith Hill (that's where the NSA allegedly spy on all our emails and phone calls) looking for my penultimate checkpoint in a layby opposite a pub.
After a quick chat with the marshals I headed to the highlight of the day because just as I crested the top of Bubberhouses the sun was starting to fall in to a red orange ball in the sky. With the Bimbo ticking along like a Swiss watch between my legs I was in that perfect place and I really enjoyed the final few miles to my last check point at the Route 59 cafe near Skipton with 30 minutes in hand.
With a mug of tea (the cafe was staying open for the event) I was able to consider the day, and I found myself asking why the hell had I never done the National Rally before, because its a smashing day out on the bike.
It would have been nice to have just sat there and enjoy the evening but I still had the 75 miles home to do
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Thanks Tony, looks like you had a great day out. I enjoyed the video too.
The musical interlude was most impressive and I was reminded of a few words I have not heard for a while!
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That was absolutely fantastic, Tony. Very entertaining. I had the pleasure about 10 years ago of spending time in the Lakes District, work related, so not much time for viewing. Inside factories & abattoirs mainly, but got a few tours in by Car. A few twilight walks in the Fells. I admired the roads re motorcycling at that time.
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Nothing like that in these parts. Sounds like an excellent rally. Nice ride report, too. [smiley=beer.gif]