Norfolk and Norwich Group of Advanced Motorists
Registered Charity Number 1051282. Affiliated to the Institute of Advanced Motorists Ltd.
It’s the Autumn equinox and the sun is shining in King’s Lynn. 10 of us are gathered for the ride out to Keysoe international equestrian centre located near Bedford on the B660. Splitting into two groups of five we set off on a pre-planned route via Friday Bridge, Whittlesey and Kimbolton. We got as far as Whittlesey before the rain started and it didn’t stop until we got back home. I find myself now trying to avoid any puddles in the road as you never know what they are hiding and fluid filled potholes and motorcycle cast wheels are not a good mix. One feature of this particular route is that you have to cross the East coast main line just before Holme. I don’t think I have ever managed not to get stopped at the crossing and today was no exception, my group only had to wait for one train, Ian was not so fortunate and was delayed whilst 5 trains traversed the road. The B660 is very popular with motorcyclists as it is technically demanding and has not yet been strangled by punitive speed limits and although we had to cope with the inclement conditions this did have the bonus of reducing the Lycra brigade to very small numbers.
Arriving at Keysoe we parked up and were just about to make our way to the café when we heard a whistling noise coming from one of the bikes, this was accompanied by a pungent smell of sulphur. We quickly traced it to Dave Rs machine and whipped off the battery cover to find an extremely hot battery venting a steady stream of noxious gas. It was clear that the battery had been over charging for some time and given its proximity to the fuel tank Dave prudently decided to get recovered home. Its 1930 as I write this and it wouldn’t surprise if he is still there given the recovery company’s abysmal response time.
Keysoe International is an equestrian and events centre complete with Indoor Arena, International size Outdoor Arena, Cross Country Course, Barn Style Competition Stables, a Café and bar. More importantly it has ample parking and does cake. It’s a very pleasant place to have a chat outside under cover although I’m sure that the gloss has worn off for Dave.
The trip back was wet but uneventful and I’d like to thank Ian for leading his group.
The next ride out is to Poppylands 1940s Tea room on the North Norfolk coast near to Horsey. If you need a guide speak to Bob B he’s visited quite a few times this year.
Until the next time
Cheers Dave C
