Hi Bill
Just wanted to say a big thank for the ‘best of 3’ weekend. As this was my first organized tour I wasn’t sure what to expect, but from the moment we all met in Nottingham everyone hit it off with about 50/50 split of new guests to repeat customers on bikes ranging from a Fireblade to a Bonneville.
I liked the way you led the group through Derbyshire keeping as far as possible off main roads and motorways although I did think at one point we had done a wrong turn when we had to open a gate and drive through a farm yard! But after keeping a weary eye out for bulls the road opened out over lovely countryside.
Once onto open roads we made fast progress which allowed me to open up the Bandit a bit heading north via Winnatts Pass near Castleton (They mine ‘Blue-John here). I particularly enjoyed some of the sweeping roads from this point up to the lunch stop at Strines Inn.
Our base in Dent (North Yorkshire) was reached by early evening, that first glimpse of the place as we headed down that tiny gated road into the valley was fantastic. Dent is like something out of a time-warp with cobbled streets and two pubs both of which were filled by tired but happy bikers looking forward to a meal and some of the locally brewed Dent beer.
Day 2 was again sunny and warm and after the obligatory full English breakfast we all headed for the Lake District, it was nice not having the tail pack on the bike I’m sure John was happy to lose his yard wide panniers on the GS. As today was a lower mileage day it felt that bit more relaxed and the long lunch at the Old Dungeon Ghyll pub in Langdale had to have some of the most impressive mountain surroundings in England.
After lunch the party then headed for HardKnott Pass; one of the most challenging roads in the UK, with a series of 90% hairpin bends ascending at a rate of at least 1 in 3. What a blast! The sense of achievement making it safely up and back down the other side. I think I heard Gerry muttering expletives while coaxing his GSXR round a particularly tight corner, but he made it.
Warning to anyone who’s riding experience is limited to riding Harley type machines along straight roads you should perhaps give this a miss!!!
I am glad you decided to extend the day so as to ride round into Wasdale, the sight of those massive slate cliffs set against the deepest lake in England was magnificent (hope you can send me some of the photos - click photo here!) I think for me this was the highlight of the tour. After a stop at the Wasdale Head pub (do I see some pattern of navigation here) its back to Dent using the Ferry to cross Windermere have your pound ready.
Sunday saw us heading through some of the most remote, bleak yet beautiful countryside Yorkshire had to offer again a detour to a pub was called for, this time the Tann Hill Inn Swaledale the highest pub in England. As we walked in I though I was seeing things as a little lamb strode across the slate floor to join 2 others warming themselves by the open fire.
The day was completed with lunch at what looked like one of Yorkshires largest bike meets followed by a quick visit to the local cheese factory (that cheese I bought had got a fair whiff to it when I eventually got it home). Finally having to get onto some larger A roads to make progress home seemed a bit of a grind but necessary as some of the lads had still to carry on to London.
I would have no problem recommending Bill Roughton and Bike-Tours UK and look forward to rebooking in the future.
Best regards,
Richard H.
Richard is STILL coming back (2010) - can't shake him off :) | 
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