One of the most relaxed and easy going runs of the year, Sunday's outing to Cumbria, North Yorkshire and Teesdale was pure enjoyment all the way.  Wonderful company in the form of Grey Wolf (Del) who excelled on his first occasion as Leader, Stuey (Stu & Lainey) who achieved a perfect score as Whippets (we were bang on time everywhere without anybody feeling pressured or hassled), Clive & Kit who kept us all together as Sweeper, Freebird (Davey) who we were all pleased did make it despite a hangover, George who we'd not seen in a couple of years and who it was a pleasure to meet again, IanR (Ian) whose wonderful company and excellent riding we enjoyed for a second time, Lensman (Paul & Polly) whose camera skills we enjoy here as a bonus to their being a fun couple, and XXAndy whom some of us hadn't seen since the first IXXRA Bash, and whose re-acquaintance was much appreciated and enjoyed.   The roads were beyond belief complimented by superb views and the weather couldn't have been any better.

If you couldn't make this run then you missed a pearler!

The official run meet-up was in Kirkby Stephen, although five bikes met up earlier in Skipton .  This is the main street in Kirkby Stephen and four of the eight bikes on the event.

As you can see, the sun was already pouring down upon us, as it was to do all day, even at 09:15.  And yes, that really is a Hayabusa in there, isn't it Andy?

The cafe where we had breakfast - well recommended.  By 09:45 we were off and heading along empty roads towards Brough, then on to the first break at Stanhope.

Paul & Polly had already put in some distance getting to the meet-up from Scunthorpe.

The run up to Stanhope took us literally over the 'top of the world' along empty sweeping roads - pure joy!

Here Davey, George and Andy put the worlds to right whilst Paul considers which shot to take next.

George and Clive no doubt 'talking bikes'.

Stu and Del no doubt 'talking bollocks' :-)

This first break was at the Durham Dales Centre in Stanhope, and it made a perfect short picturesque break.

Clive, Andy, George and Davey enjoy the continued sunshine.

A change of tempo, scenery and roads took us on a loop to West Auckland and then onto  more sublime roads to our lunch break at The High Force Hotel ...

... a short walk from the famous High Force Falls (good job Paul made the walk for the photo even if no one else did!).

The food was excellent and the inn has its own micro-brewery :-)

The hour spent here was thoroughly enjoyed, an opportunity to get to chat properly and catch up on all 'the gossip' before time for the off.

From High Force Del lead us on some of the best roads in the country, via Alston, Gamblesby and on to Penrith where another short break was had at the Red Rooster Truck Stop.  It was then the unsurpassed Shap run taking us to our final stop at Devil's Bridge.

Let's just assume that it was the long day, the hundreds of wonderful miles put in and the baking sun that got the better of Davey at the Bridge shall we!

Don't ask!

Definitely don't ask!!!

Clive certainly didn't know!

What a sight!  Yeah, even the 'Busa's a looker.

OK, here's the first Caption Competition.

And this just has to be the second!

You can always rely upon a flock of Blackbirds to attract admiring comments.

What a good end to a belting day.