What a great tour! What a great bunch of people.
A small tribute to Ian G here (standing next to me, behind my Fazer in the photo), who very sadly fell ill, and passed away just a short time after this "Best of Three" tour last year. Despite being no Spring Chicken, he'd taken up biking later in life, and just couldn't believe how rewarding it was. Only having ridden for just over a year, he splashed out on a brand new Aprilia RSV Mille (a special, top-of-the-range version I think) and tentatively joined his first "Tour".
I was honoured, because he let me have a ride of his new bike, which I rode from Ulpha to the ferry crossing over Windermere. The rest of the group were green with envy. "How did you wangle that?" they asked. I just asked him nicely, was my reply. And I didn't fill it up with Diesel! (in joke, Scott)
Ian was such a nice bloke, who oozed enthusiasm for his new-found hobby. He gave off an almost a palpable passion to continue his motorcycle touring. Sadly, it wasn't to be. We're all going to miss him this season.
Tour feedback from this Best of Three Tour....
"Just back in the office getting ready for a return to Cumbria tomorrow, and wanted to say, again, many thanks for a great three days. I learned a lot by doing my best to keep up, like the others of us who passed our test in late 2004 (Ian and Chris were especially good company; Clive was at a riding level well above me), and hope I didn’t upset too many by not being as confident as they were. Your advice was especially welcome, and the whole group was a pleasure to be with. I shall enthuse about the weekend to my Tuono-riding colleague as we cross the Pennines tomorrow. Sorry about the traffic you all had to cope with on the A1 – I hope it improved" Ian G.
"Just wanted to thank you for a truly fantastic weekend and one I shall cherish for the rest of my life. I reviewed the pictures I took this morning and relived it all over, especially the tricky Lake District passes – mind blowing. A good crowd of bikers made the trip great fun too and just reinforces why motorcycling is the pastime of the gods. I have attached only one picture which has too be one of the best views from a pub garden in the UK…
I am seriously considering the Alps trip but need to get my head around the dates and work commitments and also talk this through with my wife and I know she doesn’t want to come…I will get back to you on this ASAP. Richard L"
Bill ,
Just a short note to thank you for organising such a wonderful trip .
The only problem is that I have made myself very unpopular at work by
telling at length , all and sundry , what a great experience I had at the
weekend !
You were a great leader and the group were a joy to spend time with .
Thank you all.
Yours,
Philip
Most of these folks have re-booked and are joining me again in 2007. | 
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