Sunday the 10th of August seen myself and Caleb once again making the 900 odd mile round trip south to Stokesley for the annual Jack Taylor ride/get together.
This year I was on the '83 Super Tourist while Caleb chose to ride his much loved Wester Ross. While my Super Tourist is always ready to roll it was still given a quick once over and lubed as it hasn't seen too much action the last 6 months as my Super Clubman is my everyday ride Jack Taylor.Caleb's Wester Ross had a set of SKS guards fitted and while a bit tight in places on the front due to the close clearance, they worked fine for the weekend and the trip away.
We left home early hours of Saturday morning with a 9 hour drive in front of us according to Google maps. It was a bit wet when we left but just got sunnier and warmer as we went south. We had a hotel booked at Stockton on Tees so arrived there late afternoon, grabbed some dinner and then some much needed rest.
Sunday dawned sunny and warm which was a welcome sight. We were up and out pretty early for the 15 minute drive to the start where we pulled in to be greeted by Eric who was just getting setup. We quickly pulled the bikes out, adjusted and sorted and parked up while we got some breakfast. The rest of the morning was spent catching up with fellow enthusiasts, friends, many of which I only really see here these days, and looking at bikes and chatting about bikes. I really love this event as it is so sociable. It was great to see Caleb off on his own discussing the different bikes, components etc while being so welcomed. Quite a bit of interest in his Wester Ross especially as his is a Scottish built one where most down that way were built just out of Whitby.
We then set off on the ride over now familiar ground on a route that would take us to Swainby where we would all regroup for lunch at the Rusty Bike cafe. The day had gotten hotter as it went and it was brilliant riding weather as usual, over rolling hills through farmland on small, narrow, and very quiet back roads. Perfect.
Again a very sociable lunch before a similar ride back to Stokesley completing a really lovely circuitous route. It seemed to go by very quickly as it was a relaxed and chatty ride.
Once back we packed up and then sat about with a cold drink before eventually saying out goodbyes and heading for an early dinner at a nice hotel recommended by one of the locals. Nice it was as well.
Unfortunately Ken couldn't be with us again this year, he has been in care getting physio after a fall and so we wish him all the best for a speedy recovery and Eric will often call in and see him and give him our best wishes as well as visiting passing on our best wishes to Honor.
Somehow came away with some bits and pieces as usual, Eric had given me one of the original NOS cycling caps he got from Ken many many years ago, and then realising he hadn't any for Caleb he gave him one from the batch mad from one of the bike shows in America in the 1980's. Caleb didn't take it off for the next three days!
I did also buy Kens old musette bag. It was for a good cause the money being raised and the fact it was Kens I was happy to have it.
Caleb and I stayed at Stockton on Tees again as we had planned on heading to Grossmont to ride the North York Moors Heritage Railway. Caleb had been working so hard this school holiday with his job and with Heather being not well for most of it I thought he needed to have a break away before heading back to school.
So we had a great few days away as the glorious weather continued and the steam train trip and engine sheds etc were the perfect break. Old bikes, old trains and we both had a great few days away.
Caleb was back out on his Wester Ross again today so long may it keep him enthused for old bikes.
So here are some photos though Caleb took quite a lot with his film camera so once they are developed I will copy and post them here.
Jamie













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