Frostbite Run 2019
A report from John Renwick with a few additions from myself and a couple of photographs. Eddy
I had planned to
lead the run into the picturesque Peak District, starting at Tutbury
car park to gain an advantage to get the group of riders of classic
and vintage machines up into the Peak as soon as possible. The
national forecast was poor with heavy rain and high winds,
particularly in the Southern Regions but there appeared a gap of
clear(ish) skies north of Birmingham. The day dawned, cloudy but dry
encouraging some optimism, but unfortunately this was short lived.
Following breakfast, getting togged up then wheeling out the
Matchless G11 small drops of rain landed on the headlight shell. A
very short ride to Tutbury car park and the rain soon got
progressively heavier and it looked “in for the day”.
First to join me was Vic on his A7, then Mick Waterfield on his
Honda 750/4, Eddy Grew on his Vincent Rapide followed by Mick Leach
on his 250 AJS Lightweight. At 10am we set off, unfortunately Mick’s
AJS objected to the rain and at Fauld he, unfortunately, had to turn
back for home. The remaining four of us rode on gallantly, in by now
heavy rain, with water flowing down each road. We had to remain
vigilant for gravel wash, mud from farm vehicles and large
collections of wet leaves, plus other four wheeled vehicles
approaching.
On the plus side and certainly on the lanes of the chosen route
there were not many other vehicles, no pedestrians, no one jogging
and no horse riders. Strangely enough there were not any other
motorcyclists either, modern or classic. It must have been the
televised Rugby World Cup keeping people indoors.
Pressing on we negotiated a single track gated road, a couple of
hundred yards on the A515, more dry stone wall lined lanes, rode
alongside a swollen river Dove before coming to the Manifold River
and our planned tea stop at Hulme End. After a brief discussion,
before helmets were removed, we unanimously decided to extend our
stay at The Tea Rooms, have a bite to eat and then make our way back
home.
After refreshments, a good chat and each leaving a substantial
puddle of rainwater on the floor, we heaved on our wet and heavy
riding gear, including coaxing fingers into soaked gloves, started
our trusty bikes and headed for the A515. Once on the A515 we had
fairly spirited ride, interrupted by a steady 30mph run through a
very quiet Ashbourne, onto Sudbury, then each individual making
their own way home.
Within a few minutes of me arriving home the rain stopped, the sun
made a brief appearance, I am sure as a reminder, that whilst you
can plan a seemingly good scenic route suitable for 25+ year old
motorcycles you cannot organise the weather. Of course this was
endorsed the following day as it remained dry if overcast with a
light shower late afternoon.
Regardless of the weather each participant politely told me they enjoyed the ride. I appreciate their support by turning out despite the weather forecast and a Rugby game on the telly. John Renwick.
If you want to
read a little more here is some of an email that I sent to my
brother John to tell him about the day:
The weather forecast for the day of the Frostbite Run was dire and
unfortunately pretty accurate. Gloria said she didn't fancy it.
(Clever girl.����) Not many others fancied it either as there were
only five of us at the start, Mick Leach, John Renwick, Vic
Carrington - Porter, Mick Waterfield (Waterfield, a most appropriate
name for this day of deluge) and myself. I don't think we'd done
more than a mile or two before Mick Leach's bike drowned out and
stopped. It eventually started again with a push. He decided not to
risk going any further and headed back home. A good choice although
the bike might not have made it all the way home under its own steam
which would have meant some pushing.
We splashed onwards joining the A515 towards Ashbourne and soon
turned off onto "B" roads up into Dovedale. At times we rode
alongside the Dove which was in full flow, the roads were flowing
quite well too in places!
The "coffee stop" was at Hulme End with another planned stop for
lunch at The Bulls Head, Moneyash. At Hulme End cafe a we made the
decision that we would call it a day and after having tea and
something to eat we would make for home. (It actually wasn't a
difficult decision.) John had a cake and three of us had tomato and
chile soup which was quite warming. Vic and myself also
managed to force down some very nice treacle tart.��������
Our riding kit had drained somewhat and formed quite a decent size
lake on the floor. We put on our wet kit and set off homeward. We
hadn't been riding more than a few miles when the weather cleared up
a bit and there was even the odd glimpse of a hazy sun behind the
clouds. Who'd a thought it!
I was going back to Hinckley so when we reached the A50 I left the
others having decided I would shoot down the A50 towards Derby,
getting off at the A514 to take a more interesting route via
Swarkstone Bridge, past The John Thompson pub to Ticknall, Smisby
and then Ravenstone and A447 through Ibstock. It wasn't the
shortest route but once I got off the A50 I quite enjoyed the ride
cross country and ..... it wasn't raining.
It was probably not the best day I have had riding my Rapide but at
least we didn't have to call out Air Sea Rescue or the Lifeboat. ����
Eddy.
The Hulme End Tea Drinkers
