North East Past
Events
NORTH YORKSHIRE MOORS RUN – SUNDAY 2nd JULY 2006.
This was the third of the new series of Moors Runs organised but this time I failed to
realise in my planning that this run clashed with at least two other events on
the MR2 calender (please accept my apologies!).
Anyway, it looked like we were in for a bright, sunny day as I drove over from
Scarborough to the start point at Sutton Bank Car Park (about 6 miles east of Thirsk on the
A170). I had arranged to meet up with Gordon and Alison Moffatt at
Kirkbymoorside who had travelled down in their newly purchased MK2 the day
before. It didn’t take long to find them a) because Kirkby isn’t that big a
place and b) no-one else in the village probably owns an MR2. After fuelling up
we arrived at Sutton Bank to find Fred and Doris Sanderson already there in Doris’s
fine Helios blue T-bar. (Fred had indeed got both sets of keys this time in
the light of last year’s unfortunate “Uri Gellar” experience!) Shortly
afterwards Stuart Wilson (I hope I got that right) and his partner arrived in
their MK2, Mac and Jacqui Sheavills in the Supercharger, and Greg and Jean
Bloodworth with their girls. Greg was driving his newly purchased Ferrari whilst
Jean and the girls were in the Grand Cherokee. I think this spectrum of cars
highlights for me a great aspect of the club, which is the quality of
relationships that can be built up; even after MK1 ownership has perhaps stopped
(for the time being).
We set off and wound our way though the beautiful villages of Coxwold, Wass, Ampleforth and
continued into Helmsley. We then followed the A170 east back to Kirkbymoorside,
and onto Pickering, before turning north on the A169 to head north into Whitby.
Amazingly we all kept together, that is, until we reached Whitby.
As we drove along the harbour, it quickly became obvious that the world and his wife
were there and that our agreed parking venue of the marina was not going to
accommodate us. Greg had suggested West Cliff, so we tried it out, but
unfortunately lost Greg and Jean in the process. After 20 minutes of driving
round searching for them I had to admit defeat, so we decided to head to the
fish and chip restaurant in the village of Sleights (just outside Whitby and a lot quieter).
Unfortunately the fine weather was starting to fade a bit and we were glad of shelter in the
fish restaurant as July’s only bit of summer rain came down. I’m pleased to
say that the rain was short-lived and we were able to enjoy the afternoon
stretch of the run in fine weather once again. Departing from Sleights, we drove
along the Esk Valley and up over Blakey Ridge (one of my personal favourites: I always try to
include it on the run) before dropping down into the picturesque village of Hutton-le-Hole
to complete the run at the village pub.
Aside from the problems of losing the Bloodworths in Whitby
and the parking issue this was probably the best run yet. The weather was
excellent apart from a small shower when we were eating inside anyway, and
everyone’s car worked fine. I was also great to hear that people had really
enjoyed the run.
A note to new and existing members, particularly in the Yorkshire/Northeast areas:
I intend to organise the Moors Run every year, typically the
first Sunday in July. If you would like to come on next years’ run, I would be
delighted to hear from you. My email is stevenraettig@tinyworld.co.uk
I include this primarily because there may be members out there who may not be
aware that this run takes place. If you like driving sweeping country roads in
superb scenery then this run’s for you. Please look out for the date of next
year’s run in the first 2007 edition of the club magazine.
STEVE RAETTIG