Peak District, Sat 8th April 12.00 MIDDAY

April 9, 2017

9 hours ago, Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - WSCC AO Rep said:

...And a sad reminder both to be careful out there, and to enjoy what time you've got, 'cause none of us know when it'll be up.

"Amen"

April 9, 2017

7 hours ago, Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - WSCC AO Rep said:

Derbyshire Police have since confirmed that as a result of a collision between two motorbikes, one man did indeed die at the scene. The condition of the second rider, or if indeed he was even injured was not given.

A salutary reminder for those of us out and about, blatting in groups to take care amongst ourselves as well as around other motorists.

There but for the grace.... and all that.

RIP fellow biker

April 9, 2017

10 hours ago, Julie (One Careful Lady Owner) - Peak District AO said:

I give to you, blonde pigtails, in a yellow Westfield, how good is that!

In a sunny Matlock we met Alan, Chris, Gail and Ali and eventually we hooked up with Dave

We set off through Matlock Bath with all it's motorbikes

Off up the twisty 'Via Gellia' road, now with Dave in a 5 car convoy.

to meet the Manc's crew for lunch in the Bull

8 Westfield's became 9 when we came out of the pub to find another Westfield parked up. A man and his son on a run out from Lichfield, so we invited them and they joined us on our journey to Edale. 8 Westfield's in my mirror looking great.

We must have been an eyeful as we whipped along the dry, country roads and slowed through the pretty villages, so people could get a proper look at us all. Loads of people were sat outside pubs in Bradwell, Tideswell and Castleton. Then, it was up the Winnats Pass, with no cyclists and being relatively empty, it was good fun. Up and over Mam Nick, where I had warned everyone that we needed to go slow on the way down, or you will lose your sump. We got there and surprisingly there was all this lovely new tarmac, although we still went slow, for the views, I can't wait to come back and go UP it on a quiet day. The cyclist might not overtake us then! We arrived at The Rambler Inn for drinks, with views over Kinder Scout and the Mam Tor ridge.

After a refresh Dave and Wendy, Terry and Carolyn, and Graham headed North West over the Snake Pass. Chris peeled off towards Sheffield and the rest of us went back to Matlock.

We had a quick pit stop back at The Artist Corner and said our goodbye's to Gail and Ali. We first met, and last saw them, on the parade lap at Silverstone, where they had promised to join us sometime in the Peak District. I am very glad that they have kept their promise and come all the miles to be with us today, thank you.

That just left Dave, Alan and us, dirty stop outs to pop into Willersley Castle for a last brew in the sinking sunshine. As we left Matlock we rather grimly watched someone doing chest compression's on a motorbiker, who was laid bleeding on the pavement. As we sat at the Castle the helicopter went over, with blue lights everywhere, it did not look good for the man, who was probably nearer 70 than 60.

We all finished the day in good spirits, albeit we agreed to feed children to polar bears, oh dear the conversation did it's usual nosedive, it must be the fresh air. No alcohol required.

Thanks for coming everyone, it's been an absolute joy.