Members Stories

Whittlesea Motorcycle Club

Hunstanton Run - Sunday 29^th March 2009

 It was the week leading up to the first real club run of the year and I was regretting opening my mouth at the last meeting.  I had strongly supported Dave in his view that the whole club should make an effort to turn out but as I walked the dog the day before in a driving hailstorm I admit to trying to think of a way out. It had been an horrendous week with everything thrown in from wind to sub zero temperatures. The only saving grace was that all the weather forecasts claimed it would be ’ a nice day on Sunday’.  

The day of the run coincided with the first F1 race on the telly. We had also put the clocks forward the night before so it was with bleary eyes that I peered out the curtains at 0530 (0430 according to my body clock) only to find that although the wind had dropped it was still ‘wall to wall ‘ rain clouds. I reluctantly went to check the tyres oil etc on the bike only to find frost on the lawn so I dug out my scruffiest but warmest riding gear and settled down with a cuppa to watch the race.

 Over the next two and a half hours there were two amazing transformations - Jenson Button finally got the rewards he deserved driving a faultless race to win in Australia and slowly the clouds disappeared to leave a bright sunny day. With some relief I set off from Stanground finally really looking forward to the day.  I stopped in the lay-by before Kings dyke to meet a couple of riders I had worked hard at convincing to give the club a try but with a no show I moved on at 10.25 wondering how many I would find on the butter cross.

 Riding down Market street I expected six to a dozen so imagine my surprise as I rode into the square and saw wall to wall bikes from the far end of the old post office right up to Station road. What a fantastic sight and at last I felt I had found a club that actually does things rather than the descent into a glorified drinking club that I have seen from so many others. A quick count revealed eighteen bikes and what a variety from old bangers like my 92 Triumph to brand new Beemers, Sports bikes to Harley look alike. A number were two up and as we prepared top move off another guy turned up so almost dead on the 10.45 departure time we had planned 19 bikes got away. The mass of bikes queuing to get off the market square reminded me of my young ‘rocker’ days when it was not uncommon for there to be 30 or 40 of us setting off in just the same way but for the Coronation Café at Guyhurn. (Well that’s given my age away so back to our trip.)

 I had hung back to take some pictures of the departure so it took me until ‘long gravel’ to catch up. I tagged on at the rear not sure of what to expect so what a pleasant surprise to see the whole line spread ahead of me in sensible staggered formation and at a speed that would see only the speeding car drivers trying to get past. Half way along the guy in front of me dived into the lay-by and thinking he preferred to be tail end Charlie and would come out behind me I carried on. Looking back I saw him off the bike and with a phone to his ear so a quick U turn and back to see what was up. Now I did not know the guy but it would seem he had received a call and a family member had been involved in an accident so he had to get back. I’ve not heard anymore on the grapevine so whoever you are I do hope everything turned out well. Come to the next club night and let us know.

 Off to play catch up again only to be pleasantly surprised to find that the last few bikes had waited for us - a nice touch that does not happen in every club. A couple of those who had waited pushed on but me and another guy who shall remain nameless but rides a HD look-alike got held by heavy traffic. Bit of fun vehicle hopping all the way along the A 47 guyhurn straight and up to the Downham turn with me misjudging it at one point and appearing alongside rather abruptly much to the other guys surprise. Once again the last few of the main group had held back to make sure we were ok and took the right route so together we pushed on . A relatively open road and the fun of the bends on the A1122 soon saw us back with the main group and on into Downham Mkt for a stop. 10 minutes natter, a look round the bikes and confirmation of the route we were going to take by Paul and once more we were off.

 At this point I should give a vote of thanks to Paul. I was near the back but understand he led all the way and gave us a great route that was varied, interesting and taken at a good pace. Most I spoke to felt the same way so thanks Paul.

 We nearly kept together on the way out of D.Mkt but traffic and a red light saw about half a dozen of us left behind and I found myself leading this group  over the A10 to follow the A1122. We soon caught up with a few of the bikes and after a ‘little’ bit of a blast from a few of us the whole group joined up again at the A47 junction west of Swaffham. Once again I was impressed with the way the main group always waits for the stragglers.

 From here we turned back towards ’Lynn on the ‘47 but soon turned right onto what I think was the B1153 going up through Gayton then right and left across the A148 staying on the same road towards Great Bircham and Docking. Interesting time through Gayton playing dodge the Manhole cover - Goodness knows why town planners don’t put these in a line. It didn’t seem to matter if I moved left or right I still found myself hitting the next one! About here I found myself behind a guy I think is called Dave ( apologies I’m still learning everyone’s names) and you certainly cannot miss him. Lovely brand new Kwacker in the brightest of colours along with a bright yellow riding jacket. As someone later commented there is not a car driver in the world that could claim not to see him. A short stop for a few of us whilst one of our younger pillion riders warmed up and swapped bikes and once more off towards the Coast and Brancaster.

 We had a slight worry when one of the bikes came to a halt with possible gearbox problems but soon sorted and off after the main group who by now, with the route clear, had pushed on to Brancaster then  turned left towards Hunstanton. Not far  behind we crested the hill before the coast and there before us was the  whole of the South Wash coast laid out in glorious sunshine on the brightest of days. I don’t care how old I get I still get that thrill on seeing the sea especially on such a bright day with the sunlight bouncing off the waves. A brisk ride along the coast road and we were turning into old hunstanton to follow the cliff road into town. Here another surprise as looking out over the Wash the whole of the North Wash coast from Skeggie back was clearly visible complete with Offshore wind farms and freighters bound for Boston. Indeed I think this was the clearest view I have ever seen. Met up with all the others and parked up on the front and everyone rushing off for fish and chips. (Or the loos depending on your age)

 After an pleasant hour or so made up of eating, chatting and looking round the numerous bikes parked alongside ours people began to drift off in small groups heading for home. I must admit this was a new one on me being used to going out as  a group and coming back together. Still I suppose it makes sense on a run not far from home. For my part I fancied stopping for a pint on the way back and was successful in persuading half a dozen or so to join me at a pub I knew in ‘Sheringham’. It was only after a few minutes that someone pointed out that this was near Cromer and hardly on the way home. Its my age you know- plays havoc on the memory - anyway a short ride and we found ourselves pint in hand at a 17^th century pub in Snetterton. After a very pleasant half hour and a chat with a local who was interested in the bikes but was desperate for us to know he drove a Porsche we headed for home. Enjoyable but uneventful ride home and I found myself waving goodbye one by one to our little group as I headed home late in the afternoon.

 My thanks once again to those who organised and led the run and to all of you that took part. As a newcomer to the club you made me feel welcome and I thoroughly enjoyed your company. To those of you who could not make it you missed a good day but I look forward to riding with you on the next run.

Ray Haynes. 3.4.09