View Full Version : AGRO 2003 - The Location
Ok boys and girls..the time has come to cast your votes for next years AGRO destination.
The choices are, quite sensibly, all sort of nearish to the centre of the UK, and so should be reasonably easily reached by everyone. Discounting those that may live in the far flung corners of course. You may raise an eyebrow or 2 at a couple of the suggestions, but I put those in for the simple reason that we don't really need wonderful places to stay in as we ride out to those :D and the nicer places to stay are usually more expensive.
Hence the Darlington and Skegness choices :eek: :eek: :PUKE: :PUKE: :PUKE: :PUKE: :}
Please, no comments if you live in either of those two, it's just a joke. Honest!!!:p :f :m :k
When the votes are all in, I'll then start the great hotel hunt!
So.....cast yer votes, and, in the unlikely event of there being a tie between 2, or more destinations, I shall have the casting vote. And that's final, so there:f
Voting will remain open until January 1st 2003, or thereabouts, depending on how hungover I am on THAT particular day.
Okay no coments about Darlington and Skegness Clive, but Chester my home town you'll have to explain"Chester for the sheep" am I missing something here?
Oh come on Chris.......it is kind of close to Wales after all!!!!:eek:
I don’t want you casting aspersions about the good folk of Chester and their habits with Sheep, it’s not our fault someone drew the Welsh border a little to close.
By the way how’s Dolly keeping?
Aahh....Dolly, .......
Dolly is fine.....fantastic actually....she's ......well..what can I say.....special...she'slike a mountain stream in a desert....like a cool breeze on a stifling day....like a warm, open inviting clam when all around you are cold shut ones:eek: .........
Oh,.........I'll, er.......er......I'll just be off now.......Dolly's bleating for me again:k ;)
Problem I've got is that I want to vote for Kendal and Chester. I think the rides around the lakes and Wales are superb.
But since the Anni bash was Wales, I think Kendal just gets my vote (even though I didn't go)
Lone Ranger
28-10-2002, 20:29
Originally posted by Muppet
Aahh....Dolly, .......
Dolly is fine.....fantastic actually....she's ......well..what can I say.....special...she'slike a mountain stream in a desert....like a cool breeze on a stifling day....like a warm, open inviting clam when all around you are cold shut ones:eek: .........
Oh,.........I'll, er.......er......I'll just be off now.......Dolly's bleating for me again:k ;)
Genuine item from today's METRO:
"A convicted animal abuser faces ten years in jail for killing a chicken while having sex with it. Michael Bessigano, 32, put the stolen bird's head under its wing to lull it to sleep before driving it to a motel in Valparaiso, Indiana. Blood, feathers and chicken feet were found in his room. In 1993 he was found guilty of unnatural relations with a Rottweiler."
Be careful out there!!
Kevin.
Originally posted by Lone Ranger
Genuine item from today's METRO:
In 1993 he was found guilty of unnatural relations with a Rottweiler."
Be careful out there!!
Kevin.
Fucking right I'll be careful............Rottweilers have got great big nasty pointy teeth!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
But for the main ride-out on Saturday, we should avoid the Lakes like the plague (except maybe the Kirkstone Pass) - full of bleedin' tourists. A short Friday evening ride over the Hardknott & Wrynose passes would be good though.
Kendal's the perfect location for the Shap (or Kirkstone) -Hartside-Alston-Barnard Castle-Richmond-Hawes-Ingleton-Devils Bridge-Sedburgh circuit though. THE BEST BIKING ROADS IN ENGLAND
But what about cheap hotels - the Travelodge is on the M6 with no facilities except a Little Thief? Could you get a good room rate for the Holiday Inn Lancaster (it's as close to Kendal as Macclesfield was to Glossop.... ;) ) ?
Sven..leave it with me. I'll get in touch with them through an agent who gets group bookings in a week or so.
Out of this list Kendal gets my vote.
But if we are going 'north' why not SCOTLAND for the ultimate of the UK biking roads?
An extra few hours travel would be worth it. :)
Just looked at the results,
Shame about our North East friends nil points !!
why not SCOTLAND for the ultimate of the UK biking roads? Its a WEEKEND:rolleyes: I want to enjoy it not spend all day getting there to turn round and ride back after an quick coffee.
Centennial Man
02-11-2002, 21:43
I guess that depends on whether you already live in Scotland or not? I'm in Aberdeen, which makes anywhere in the UK a long way off. I'd like to come, but the further south into Englad or Wales the venue gets, the more I'm going to think the same as Ace. We do have some great roads though!!
ABZvfr
Unfortunately , the best roads in Scotland (and Britain) are north of Loch Lohmand, so for the SE contingent it's a 10 hour ride.
IMHO, the roads in Northumbria/Cumbria/Yorkshire Dales, whilst not a patch on the Highlands of Scotland, are much better than the south of Scotland - and I've ridden both extensively in the past few years.
The only problem is keeping the ride-out down to a reasonable distance. On the North of England ride-outs this summer we've (or should it be I've ???) got into the habit of too much riding and not enough eating, drinking and socialising i.e. 300 mile+ days with only a stop for lunch.
IMHO the best ride-out we had this summer (after the "Wee Weekend in the West") was Kendal-Kirkstone Pass-Hartside-Alston-Barnard Castle-Reeth-Hawes as we had plenty of stops and stunning roads with FA traffic except for the Kirkstone Pass. That's why I've suggested a similar route for the AGRO - although the usual Northern posse would meet up to plan the best route (good excuse for a pub lunch this winter).
Centennial Man
03-11-2002, 20:59
Och Aye, 'tis true that most of the best roads in Jockland are in the North. Most in fact north of Fort William as there is next to no tourist traffic (compared to Englandshire) and virtually no speed cameras
Kendal is my choice as I've never, ever been to the Lake District.
ABZvfr
Clive,
seeing as this will be the third time we've stayed at a Trabelodge as a group together in 12 months - would it be worth while speaking to someone at their head office and asking for a whopping discount - perhaps in return for promising to stay at another Travelodge later in the year for the ANNI Anibash (what we did in Hereford!)
Mike
Originally posted by MikesViffer
Clive,
seeing as this will be the third time we've stayed at a Trabelodge as a group together in 12 months - would it be worth while speaking to someone at their head office and asking for a whopping discount - perhaps in return for promising to stay at another Travelodge later in the year for the ANNI Anibash (what we did in Hereford!)
Mike
I will do Mike, IF we do stay at a TravelInn (wasn't it, rather than Travelodge?). But I'm hoping I can find a nicer, cheaper, proper hotel....leave it with me mate.
Its a pity about Darlington there are some nice roads around there easy access to yorkshire dales. Once did a dales tour based near there. Stayed a t a place called Wallworth Castle brill for food and long evening piss ups. About 20 to 30 mins from Scotch Corner...Biker friendly as well. Not sure about the price..think around 35£pppn with full brekky.
Leatherboy
07-11-2002, 16:39
For me a number of the suggested venues are rather too close to home (particularly Darlington) and I would prefer to take the opportunity to ride some unfamiliar roads. Hence I voted for Chester....
Didn't someone from this site go on one of these. I forgotten the name of the company that ran them.
But he did mention that one of the tour guides owned the hotel
where he stayed.
Said it would make a good venue for the AGRO. Need to do a search for this.
All the places you have mentioned are fine by me IF I'm
around when it all happens, I missed this year due to work
in Africa and an opertion this summer so hope to meet up
next year for sure.
John S.:B :B :k
disco stu
13-11-2002, 23:26
[QUOTE]Originally posted by sven
[B]But for the main ride-out on Saturday, we should avoid the Lakes like the plague (except maybe the Kirkstone Pass) - full of bleedin' tourists. A short Friday evening ride over the Hardknott & Wrynose passes would be good though.
Wonderful part of the Lake District Sven,
but don't you think Hardknot and Wrynose are a little extreme for a large rideout, especially for newer or less experienced riders?
Stu.
I think stu's right sven. A long tail of riders over those passes could mean that if someone stops for whatever, (car comming other way) someone eventually may have to stop on a not too nice place and down goes the bike.
I know a nice road with not too many cars between connistan and broughton in furness.
To be perfectly honest, I think the Lakes isn't a very good area for motorcycling, especially in large groups, unless you head over to the coast road - you'll have to excuse my ignorance though as I'm not a local.......
But if you're going to see the Lakes, you may as well see the most spectacular bit. And besides, ride-outs soon break into small groups anyway - although I do agree that some riders may find the climb over the Wrynose (the one with the Roman fort) difficult.
The other scenic orad I like is the Borrowdale/Honister Pass and you can connect the two, Also the one from Broughton-in-Furness up to the Hardknott/Wrynose road.
Originally posted by sven
To be perfectly honest, I think the Lakes isn't a very good area for motorcycling, especially in large groups, unless you head over
Sven's right. Basically there's not many roads in the central Lakes at all. Having said that there are a number of great B roads spinning off the middle axis as well as the classic passes - that also include Newlands, Whinlatter and Kirkstone as well as Honister and Hardknott. The north/south routes through the Lakes - the A6 and A591 can be great rides if you find them free of traffic. They have both been buggared up by trenching though so watch the banding when its wet.
There are also some nice, but short diversions round the back of Skiddaw.
Take care.
:):) :)
Clive I think we need to be mindfull that well over half the riders who came last year were from the South,ish!
Maccelesfield was just about right (in terms of distance) as it gave MOST people half-a-chance.
Any further north is asking to much IMO.
Maccelesfield would be my choice again.
We know the route.
Travel Inn was good and extra places nearby.
On site Food.
Good rideout area that we half know.
Brian
Brian,
Don't forget we have far more members now and I think you will find people attending from all areas.
Whilst I do realise it's a hell of a treck for someone like you in Kent, I think a change of venue is not a bad thing, and if it happens to be on my doorstep all the better:} :} :}
Any way I thought that was the reason for the poll; seems a bit daft to have a poll which shows a clear majority voting for one venue and then ignoring it.
Or is that me being a bit simple in the head again.:rolleyes:
Nev
And it's 415 miles from Port na Long in Skye back home from the "Wee Weekend in the West" next weekend (and others have further still to travel).
Seriously though, from a geographical spread perspective, this years events have been:
AGRO - Derbyshire (central England)
Muppets bash - Hampshire (south of England)
Anniversary - Mid-Wales
Wee Weekend in the West - Scottish Highlands & Isles
End of Season bash - Devon (south west of England)
So, I think it's fair we have the first one in the North of England next year
My comments in response to Ace making a similar point to Beast on the AGRO date thread a few months back.
The idea behind Skipton/Lancaster/Preston was so we could easily reach Cumbria (Lakes)/Northumbria/the Dales whilst not being too far North for our Southern members. Kendal is only one hour further north.
Brian,
I know what you're saying, but as Nev says, there is the poll and Kendals coming out as the clear favourite. I'll leave till after Xmas as I said I would, but that looks like where it'll be. Anyway, what are you whingeing about, even an old git like you can make it that far!:} :} :} :k
Besides, we'd never hear the last of it from Sven if we don't go a bit further up this time:rolleyes: :D
Maybe I need to explain myself a little clearer.
IF you live in Ashford area ish!/ Southampton area ish!/ Exeter area ish! and wish to ride up with others (as most do) you are then looking at 4/5 hours ride to reach Maccesfield.
Make it Kendal and your adding at least an hour more to that.
To me it makes no odds, as I can & do please myself when I work.
Most cannot do this (hence my comment about distance) and lets not forget that most will need to get home on the Sunday at a reasonable time as work will be calling for them on the Monday.
Maccesfield was decided on for those very reasons last year (yes I know there was a poll) but the arguments were put first.
Muppets do/Wee weekend/End of season, although they had an open invite, it was not expected that many people would turn up from far away places (as was the case ?)
I therefore stand by my point on Maccesfield being about right ;)
Please feel free to shoot me down in flames!
Brian
:shooter: :shooter: :shooter: :shooter: :shooter: :shooter: :shooter: :}
Sorry Brian,
Couldn't resist.
Nev
Hope there are at lest a travel inn and travel lodge nearby as with this number your gonna want to book both of them.
There is a travel lodge, Burton in kendall off the M6 (nbound). Another one in penrith and two travel inns at carlisle (both quite big).
I think thats it...unfrotunately once u get into the national park area there are none of that ilk because of planning restrictions.
I suppose its down to how many peeps are going.
Originally posted by Beast
Maybe I need to explain myself a little clearer.
IF you live in Ashford area ish!/ Southampton area ish!/ Exeter area ish! and wish to ride up with others (as most do) you are then looking at 4/5 hours ride to reach Maccesfield.
Make it Kendal and your adding at least an hour more to that.
To me it makes no odds, as I can & do please myself when I work.
Most cannot do this (hence my comment about distance) and lets not forget that most will need to get home on the Sunday at a reasonable time as work will be calling for them on the Monday.
Maccesfield was decided on for those very reasons last year (yes I know there was a poll) but the arguments were put first.
Muppets do/Wee weekend/End of season, although they had an open invite, it was not expected that many people would turn up from far away places (as was the case ?)
I therefore stand by my point on Maccesfield being about right ;)
Please feel free to shoot me down in flames!
Brian
Damn it.....Nev beat me to it!!!!!:rolleyes: Still, just for the sake of it....ok......:shooter: :shooter: :shooter: :shooter: :shooter: :p :D
I follow your reasoning Brian, but the response to the poll says it all really (and Maccy was one of the choices). People obviously don't mind the extra hour, and must realise that they'll need that length of time to get home, but also most last time left after breakfast on the Sunday, which gives you all day to get home, which should be long enough. I think this year we're gonna see more members from up north and from over the border, which is good coz we get the chance to take the piss out of em face to face:} :} :}
I think thats it...unfrotunately once u get into the national park area there are none of that ilk because of planning restrictions. Anyone got a big top as were going to need one for sleeping in with all these clowns turning up:p :D
Originally posted by Muppet
I think this year we're gonna see more members from up north and from over the border, which is good coz we get the chance for em to take the piss out of us face to face:} :} :}
I don't think anyone would be crass enough to abuse such an opportunity Clive..........http://www.plauder-smilies.com/rough/terminator.gif
Originally posted by Schtum
http://www.plauder-smilies.com/rough/terminator.gif
Nay lad, I hast not.
Originally posted by Schtum
I don't think anyone would be crass enough to abuse such an opportunity Clive..........http://www.plauder-smilies.com/rough/terminator.gif
Now now Mike.....stop changing me worms around like that......it's not cricket!!
:rolleyes: :}
makemdan
10-01-2003, 14:22
Best roads in Scotland North of Lomond??? Rubbish, try this :-
Carlise, take the A7 through Longtown to Hawick, lovely fast bends and no flashy things. From there head for Selkirk and along the side of St Mary's Loch to Moffatt. Wonderful bendy bits.
In fact so nice go back to Selkirk the same way. Back toward Hawick but turn left just before for Bonchester Bridge. 1 M past here turn right for Kielder but continue back to Ccarlisle through Langholm. By now all the tourists should have gone so back along to basenthwiate keswick, Ambleside etc.
Best roads in Scotland North of Lomond??? Rubbish, try this :-
I have ridden most of the roads you mention and they are also good, though not necessarily better than the roads I listed.
Strangely enough, I have some proposals for the Saturday rideout which actually involve some of your favourite roads......and mine.
The Northern Posse will be meeting before long to agree the route(s) - you're welcome to join us.
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