Police World Edition 1 2014

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A New Peak for the Motorcycle Group National Motorcycle Group members enjoy the summer sun

visit: www.ipa-uk.org/ Motorcycling-Group- Chesterfield-Tour

Over the August Bank Holiday the National Motorcycle Group held a ride out in the Derbyshire Peak District. Group Secretary, Martyn Ripley, tells of their two wheeled adventure. S ixteen Motorcycle Group members and their partners headed for Chesterfield, for a two day tour of Derbyshire. strengthened as we regaled each other with biker tales and memories of the day’s ride.

Phil has lived and served all his life in Derbyshire and knows the roads and byways like the back of his hand. He rides his BMW 1200 Adventure around lanes which you would never discover without him. He skilfully led us away from bank holiday traffic jams, which we smugly viewed from nearby hillsides and vantage points. The countryside was magnificent and he took us via uncongested back roads to many of the traditional places the area is famous for, including the Blue John mine and the High Peak. “Why go abroad when you have all this on your doorstep?” There is certainly no need if you get the weather we were now enjoying. The Peak District provided us with rugged wild geography at one point and gentle sloping hills later on. This area can offer some of the best riding in England, which will compete with Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. We stopped, some two hours later, at a lovely moors pub just outside Buxton, in Upper Hulme. We stretched our legs and had a cuppa while enjoying each other’s company. The day finished in Bakewell, and most of us headed off into town to sample one of the original Bakewell puddings at a local tea house. This dish was served with fresh cream and custard. Note that these are Bakewell puddings and not tarts. The traditional dish is not like the tart you buy at your local bakers. You must try one at least once if you are in the area. It was then back to Chesterfield for our evening out in a local restaurant where the ‘Red Shorts’ made a further appearance. Friendships were

The following morning it was all over. After months of planning and 48 hours the weekend would move from the present to a fond memory. After breakfast and a final chat about the weekend and its success, we all started to ride off home - star bursting off North, South, East and West. We all vowed to meet up again soon. The IPA is all about friendships, and this Special Interest Group has led to some very sound and deep friendships being formed.

This event had been the brain child of Mick Marlow, who had researched the attractions in the area, and now his plan was seeing the light of day. We all met and stayed for two nights in Chesterfield - over a Sunday and Monday bank holiday. Mick’s plan was to stay in a local hotel, allowing time to explore and enjoy a relaxing time, whilst catching up with friends. Two new members, Harry and Judith Shone, joined us for the first time. They quickly went from being new friends to old friends. Harry’s bike, a Honda Gold Wing, impressed. It was a massive machine built to eat continents, which was surprisingly nimble on the country lanes. We were joined by locals, Bill Storey, Phil Goodwin and his wife Jean. The atmosphere at the evening meal became lively with banter - with Mick Marlow’s red shorts being the target of much leg pulling. It was accepted that at some point in the future Mick will exact some friendly revenge on some of us. The following day began with a leisurely breakfast in the hotel and then we left in convoy for our day’s ride. We set off from Baslow and began our six hour adventure. Phil led the way. Baslow is adjacent to Chatsworth house - the iconic stately home of the Duke of Devonshire. The day was warm and sunny, and perfect for the day’s riding in the spectacular hills and dales of the Peak District. We were joined by other Group members and our ranks grew to 19 bikes with 26 of us in total.

Motorcycling is often seen as a solitary hobby, which is to some extent where the phrase ‘Riding Solo’ comes from. But as a Group we have proved that it actually is a great way to make friends and an excuse to combine the riding with an enjoyable social event. We plan to repeat this type of event next year - so if your are interested get in touch: motorcycling@ipa-uk.org Martyn Ripley , Secretary, National Motorcycle Group

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POLICE WORLD Vol 59 No. 1, 2014