Yamaha Thundercats
Would you like to react to this message? Create an account in a few clicks or log in to continue.

BC7 Review - Now with Pictures!

+2
robertcains
Radar
6 posters

Go down

BC7 Review - Now with Pictures! Empty BC7 Review - Now with Pictures!

Post  Radar Thu May 28 2015, 00:46

Apologies for taking a while to post this, been very busy since I got back!

BC7: You will Never Believe it's Not Bishop Castle

I won't lie, it was with a slight sense of sadness that I made my way to Llandudno on my ever faithful Thundercat with my (hopefully faithful) wife on the pillion. BC's 1 to 6 had all been based in the quirky little Shropshire town of Bishop Castle. All had been fantastic events packed with memories that will linger with me for life...the BC1 tea stop, the somewhat eventful BC4 - the one with the helicopter. Late night 'clowning' about with bouncy castles...the list is endless. The ride outs were uniformly excellent with great roads and the very best of Welsh countryside to enjoy. The superb socials have provided myself and MrsR with a whole new circle of friends. So as the sign for Bishop castle flashed past I pressed on to our new, enforced location, Llandudno, nestled way up on the northern Welsh Coast with a slightly heavy heart. My old mate Geeg should of been with us too, but a last minute crisis at home prevented him joining us...next time bud.
The trip was pretty uneventful, the bike hummed along and MrsR was happy so long as I stopped every hour or so to buy her cake...the peak of excitement came when we were buzzed by two low flying Apache attack helicopters on the outskirts of Shrewsbury...I thought they were cutting Police budgets! Over the top if you ask me, I wasn't even speeding...
We found our charming little B&B very easily and the owner was fascinated by my Givi box, he called it my suitcase and seemed rather perplexed as to how we had got it here on the bike!
We quickly unpacked and headed to the rendezvous for the night - I tell you what; it might only be a Spoonies, but wow The Palladium is a stunning building both inside and out.  The clue is in the name as it was a grand theatre in a previous life and Wetherspoons to their credit have saved a crumbling derelict building and carried out a most impressive restoration, creating a distinctive and expansive venue.
The usual suspects were already gathered in this packed and buzzing venue. The Great Leader, Oldcat was amongst us at his rightful place at the head of the table. Nick and Ellie, Stevecat, Greencat, Snowcat, Alleycat, Paul France, TT mark, Dai-san, Weasley, Lonecat and Alleycat's Dad, the legendary Duncan were all there. As in previous years we all straight back into it, laughing joking, like we has last meet up the previous week and not the previous year!

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]
The Great Leader

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]
Dai, TT Mark and Duncan

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]
Stevecat, aka Boris Johnson...

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]
GC, Oldcat and Weasley in da house

Amazingly the first to wilt and head for bed were our two youngsters, Alleycat and Paul. They sloped off early on and to don their matching Honda jimmy-jams...and so 'Team Lightweight' was born!
Meanwhile the oldies, including Duncan, father of one of our lightweights continued on with the fun; it was great to be back with the crew and when MrsR and I wondered back to the digs we were both happy and looking forward to a good day tomorrow riding on some awesome roads.

The next morning after a good old kip and healthy refreshing grapefruit for breakfast (!) we got on the bike and headed for meet with the crew. We were greeted by the sight of an impressive and varied line-up. Only three Thundercats, like the WeeMac...mine, Weasley's and Lonecat's. Mine has done every BC, the only bike to do so! Lonecat was on her first large forum ride-out, so a significant day for her in some ways.
Greencat was also showing off his latest acquisition...a new Duke, having decided that white was the new black, he has gone for a rather natty white 899 Panigale. Lovely bike, embarrassing reg...call the DVLA when you get the chance GC and a personal plate sorted...VPL!

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]
Impressive turnout for the Welsh Beast

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]
GC and the VPL special

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]
Almost seemed a shame to move on..

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]
Dai San and wizardly self starting Triumph

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]
What a nice bunch, no Waco style shoot outs here with rivals from the CBR600 forum...

The tourists looked on in awe as we rolled out and made our way out of Llandudno in a neat line of 14 bikes. It was really pleasing to see Oldcat out on a bike again as health issues have restricted him a little in recent times. His gargantuan BMW was impressive and the built in luggage looked like it could swallow GC's Panigale in one side and Alex's Baby Blade in the other! I was also pleased to see Snowcat on his lovely Blade after he missed out at the last moment last year.
First section tackled was a tight and twisty switch back that hugged the coast line known as the Great Orme. Slow, but the switchbacks were challenging and the views out to sea, simply to die for. Better still we went in the direction in which you don't have to pay a toll. Good work Nick and Ellie!
We then headed along the sublime A470, a brilliant road, emasculated in recent years by speed cameras and excessively long 50mph limit zones, but still slicing through some of the best countryside you could hope to encounter. All too soon we were at our first stop, well most of us were..a little mix up with marking delayed one or two folk, but nothing too bad, and not enough to earn Ellie a Numpty Point nomination! As in BC3 (I think), we stopped at the friendly little cafe at Blaenau Ffestiniog that sits alongside a picturesque lake and is over looked by former slate mines and a little narrow gauge, heritage steam railway.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]
Nice spot for a cuppa

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]
The steam train even did a 'flypast' in our honour...Nick really does think of everything!

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]
Time to get going again

After Mrs R had consumed (another) cake we headed out along the somewhat more technical B4391. The sight of a somewhat mangled BMW GS left at the side of the road emphasised to us what the potential consequences could be on this demanding, but nonetheless enjoyable road. The conditions were a little windy in places too, but hey it all adds to the fun! The marking system was working and the group was hanging together well, not too far spread out and stops as a marker were brief, rarely even getting the chance to turn off your motor before the TEC would roll up and we'd be off again.
The A4212 carried us to the first fuel stop and the now traditional petrol station chaos  as multiple bikes filling up send the attendant into mental meltdown as they try to establish who had put in £11.34 and who £9.36...somehow saying 'I am the one on the bike' didn't seem to help much...
It was proving to be a great mornings' ride. I enjoyed my time at the pointy end of the pack and my Thundercat was running sweetly as ever and MrsR was doing sterling work on the pillion. At some point I rode in and around most of the others. As on Weemac I was struck by how well Stevecat is gelling with his new MT-09 Tracer. GC was enjoying exploring his 899 on its' first serious outing and Alex was impressing me with his pace on the baby blade. Lonecat was riding gamely on her first group ride too. Dai-San's impressively modified Speed Triple looked and sounded the dog's whotsits: his remote starting party trick was fun too. Oldcat meanwhile was hussling along impressively on the Bismarck as was Paul on his Pan European 1100. they looked rather like two aircraft carriers with a escort fleet of destroyers!! The two lads on Fireblades were clearly having fun despite poor old Snowcat being sprayed by the contents of coach waste tank after the driver thoughtfully discharged it just as he overtook. Very naughty and illegal I am reliably informed.
Back on another section of the A470 and A4085 to Beddgelert and then the A498 before taking the Peny Pass to Llanberis before taking a lunch break in...wait for it...

Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch. (phew)

This isn't the longest place name in the world, that 'honour goes to...

Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu

However that is in New Zealand and we had table booked back in Llandudno (which suddenly seems easy to spell...) for 7:30pm!

It was here that I finally succumbed to the voice inside and ordered a full English Breakfast, but to my relief they knew how much I care about healthy eating and served me a salad...there were some shocked people in the group it has to be said!

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]
It isn't just the bikes that need to be refuelled

Suitably re-fuelled and refreshed we tackled a lap of Anglesey, passing over two impressive, if wind swept bridges in the process. We finished off a superb, largely incident free days riding heading for Betwys-y-Coed along the A5. One of the UKs' more interesting trunk roads!

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]
We were treated to some fantastic views all day

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]
Dai-san's Triumph might start remotely, but Mark's TT600 rides remotely!!

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]
Another pretty rest halt

We had a final rest (and Cake) halt and the very friendly Moel Sianbod Cafe. Here GC and MrsR both indulged themselves with perhaps the largest 'slices' of cake that I have ever seen. GC cannot half pack it way for a skinny bloke! MrsR was running at around 60mpc (miles per cake)

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]
More cliff face than cake!

The final leg was also on the A470 and we all arrived back in Llandudno in one piece ready to enjoy a night socializing once more.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]
Alleycat enjoyed a brief run on the VPL special

The venue for the 2nd night was the delightful Cottage Loaf pub and eatery. Somewhat more salubrious than the Spoonies...

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

After such a good days ride the group was in good spirits, the food served was superb and the beer flowed. At one point Snowcat even sampled his much hated nemesis ..real ale...he knocked it back quickly enough for somebody who purports not to like the stuff! The ghost of BC was truly banished and the night air was filled with laughter. Even speeches from Oldcat and my good self failed to dampen the mood! 'Team Lightweight' made it well past 9pm and was most impressed with how dapper Paul was dressed. Sharp dressed man in the words of ZZ top...

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]
All ready for a good night

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]
Even the way he eats chips is refined..

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]
Some serious debate...

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]
GC was certainly enjoying himself

Of course it wouldn't be BC without the hard fought awards....

Indicator left on longest award:
(Now also known as the 'Sperm Trophy' as Gordon kindly donated his award from last year!)

Well good efforts by Duncan and TT Mark, but the clear winner, by quite literally miles was Lonecat (aka Stephanie)...over 4 miles and counting!

The newly introduced 'Cock' Award - TT Mark  - as he was exposed as the only person in the group NEVER to have owned a Thundercat! To think we let him have a go in a chopper on BC4! he seemed please with the woollen cock lovingly knitted by Ellie.

The one off - 'Welsh Dragon Poo' award - Snowcat - as small compensation for the shit he had been through today..quite laterally!

The 'Smallest Bottle of Booze' award - this went to the Great Leader, Oldcat himself...biggest bike, so the smallest bottle....

But the top prize the much coveted 'Numpty' award goes to...Duncan. The ghost of Helmet Dave was evoked when he tried to put on somebody else's crash helmet at the final tea halt. No T shirt this year, but rather 'The order of the Right Tit' another finely hand crafted creation by Ellie!

Late bids by myself and also Ellie's late braking incident just were not enough to keep Duncan from his prize!

So overall then what can we say of BC7, The Welsh Beast? We can say it was a resounding success!
A superb event, slickly re-organized as ever by Nick and Ellie at the last minute following a certain pub in BC nearly screwing up the whole weekend.

Thanks to all came along to enjoy such a superb event!  A special thanks to Nick and Ellie and of course to all those who took on TEC duties.

So on to BC8 or WB2!

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]
Nick and Ellie....thanks for a stonking weekend!


Last edited by Radar on Tue May 17 2016, 22:22; edited 9 times in total (Reason for editing : Left some out!)
Radar
Radar
Admin2
Admin2

Status :
Online
Offline

Number of posts : 2066
Registration date : 2009-02-15


Back to top Go down

BC7 Review - Now with Pictures! Empty Re: BC7 Review - Now with Pictures!

Post  robertcains Thu May 28 2015, 07:24

Brilliant mate!
Pretty much sums it up including 'team lightweight' sharing a double bed rofl
Your speech & write up always rounds the weekend off perfectly wink thumb up
Big thanks to all who attended & helped with TEC & to Tel for his kind words & the port Guinness
robertcains
robertcains
Admin2
Admin2

Male Status :
Online
Offline

Number of posts : 2160
Humour : Lol. No chance!!
Registration date : 2009-01-10


Back to top Go down

BC7 Review - Now with Pictures! Empty Re: BC7 Review - Now with Pictures!

Post  0ldcat Thu May 28 2015, 12:17

Radar wrote:...the peak of excitement came when we were buzzed by two low flying Apache attack helicopters on the outskirts of Shrewsbury...I thought they were cutting Police budgets! Over the top if you ask me, I wasn't even speeding...!
............................................ rofl
[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Brilliant write up mate . . . as always. great

Cheers
Tel
Toff
aka 0ldcat
and now also
Capt. MS Graf von Bismark
0ldcat
0ldcat
founder

Male Status :
Online
Offline

Number of posts : 5229
Hobbies : Motorcycling, Cooking, Rugby
Humour : It shrank in the wash
Registration date : 2008-11-05


https://www.yamaha-thundercats.org

Back to top Go down

BC7 Review - Now with Pictures! Empty Re: BC7 Review - Now with Pictures!

Post  Radar Thu May 28 2015, 22:43

0ldcat wrote:
Radar wrote:...the peak of excitement came when we were buzzed by two low flying Apache attack helicopters on the outskirts of Shrewsbury...I thought they were cutting Police budgets! Over the top if you ask me, I wasn't even speeding...!
............................................ rofl
[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Brilliant write up mate . . . as always. great

Cheers
Tel
Toff
aka 0ldcat
and now also
Capt. MS Graf von Bismark

That picture is alarmingly accurate, except there were two of them!!
Radar
Radar
Admin2
Admin2

Status :
Online
Offline

Number of posts : 2066
Registration date : 2009-02-15


Back to top Go down

BC7 Review - Now with Pictures! Empty Re: BC7 Review - Now with Pictures!

Post  yamahamad Fri May 29 2015, 17:07

Excellent write up as ever! Will try to make it next year.

Paul
yamahamad
yamahamad
6Gold
6Gold

Male Status :
Online
Offline

Number of posts : 2002
Hobbies : Bmw technician. Weight training. Music. Beer.
Humour : big american 4x4?
Registration date : 2009-11-16


Back to top Go down

BC7 Review - Now with Pictures! Empty Re: BC7 Review - Now with Pictures!

Post  Radar Sat May 30 2015, 07:02

Be good to have you along, the more the merrier!
Radar
Radar
Admin2
Admin2

Status :
Online
Offline

Number of posts : 2066
Registration date : 2009-02-15


Back to top Go down

BC7 Review - Now with Pictures! Empty Re: BC7 Review - Now with Pictures!

Post  MrNutt Sat May 30 2015, 14:20

Cracking write up as always Tony! Gutted to have missed it this year, but already working on brownie points for next year!
Though I do need to know what the number plate is on the 899?
MrNutt
MrNutt
5Gold
5Gold

Male Status :
Online
Offline

Number of posts : 1767
Hobbies : Events
Registration date : 2011-05-03


Back to top Go down

BC7 Review - Now with Pictures! Empty Re: BC7 Review - Now with Pictures!

Post  robertcains Sat May 30 2015, 17:39

It is hidden in the write up Dave, how's about VPL pmsl
robertcains
robertcains
Admin2
Admin2

Male Status :
Online
Offline

Number of posts : 2160
Humour : Lol. No chance!!
Registration date : 2009-01-10


Back to top Go down

BC7 Review - Now with Pictures! Empty Re: BC7 Review - Now with Pictures!

Post  Radar Sat May 30 2015, 22:03

VPL =

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
Radar
Radar
Admin2
Admin2

Status :
Online
Offline

Number of posts : 2066
Registration date : 2009-02-15


Back to top Go down

BC7 Review - Now with Pictures! Empty Re: BC7 Review - Now with Pictures!

Post  prime Thu Jun 18 2015, 15:04

im gutted i wasnt able to make it. pesky exams getting in the way of good times.
prime
prime
6Silver
6Silver

Male Status :
Online
Offline

Number of posts : 376
Hobbies : mature student at salford uni, my little family, music (all types), riding and the great outdoors.
Registration date : 2013-01-10


Back to top Go down

Back to top

- Similar topics

 
Permissions in this forum:
You cannot reply to topics in this forum