HomeArticles by: Dave Irwin

Author: Dave Irwin

Three bikers stop for a break on a yarm motorcycling club ride out.

2026 Sunday ride outs kick off over Easter with some cracking rides.

by Dave Irwin

Easter saw the 2026 season for Yarm Motorcycling club kick off with three separate rides to some of our best destinations; Tan Hill, Grosmont and Skipton.

On Good Friday, with the weather looking set for rain, the plan was to aim front wheels to Middleton-in-Teesdale for a cuppa.  From there to Tan Hill for lunch via Brough, and a return route via Richmond.  The clouds looked ominously low and dark when the group left Conyers.  After Middleton, Mother Nature threw everything bad their way.   She forced them down to 30mph at some points.  When the trio reached Brough, conditions were so bad, two bailed leaving Steve, the only one to make Tan Hill.   If there’s a YMC end of year prize for the most tenacious rider, Steve should get it.  

Easter Sunday saw the group start as usual at Conyers, heading first to Redcar to collect a few more. After a short cup of scorch at the Stray Caff, 9 riders headed off to Heartbeat Country to check in with Greengrass, Ventress and Rowan.  Then it was off to Grosmont for some train porn and home.

Easter Monday group saw a much brighter start riding through North Yorkshire’s best scenery to Skipton via Northallerton, Ripon, and return via Kettlewell, Buckden and the obligatory, Hawes.

A great start.

 

Stray Cafe
Conyers
A break
Three bikers stop for a break on a yarm motorcycling club ride out.
Sharing a joke
Mr Organiser

Club member Gavin on DGR fundraising journey

by Dave Irwin

Club Member Gavin North is taking part in his 2nd North Yorkshire Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride. 

Gavin was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in late 2024 which required surgery in March the following year.  As part of his recovery process he gave himself the daunting target of completing his first DGR only two months later.  Gavin says, “It was a struggle but you need something to aim for”.  Now a year on, he says his recovery is going well.  Well done Gavin and good luck for this year’s ride.   

gfolk.me/gavinnorth632955

The Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride is a themed charity event founded in Sydney Australia in 2012 to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health.  In 15 the years since; 500,000 riders across 121 countries have raised $60M USD.  All the money raised in the UK, stays in the UK and last year’s event raised over £1.6M. This year’s event takes place on the 17th May 2026.  So sign-up, swap your normal biker gear for dapper chinos and waistcoat or show your support for Gavin by donating to a great cause using the link below. 

gfolk.me/gavinnorth632955

gentlemansride.com/events/england/north-yorkshire 

Ulverston – The Lakes Summer Ride

by Dave Irwin

Summer ride to Ulverston.

YARM MOTORCYCLE CLUB MEMBERS ONLY
 
SUMMER WEEKEND
Please let the club know if you are interested in a ride to Ulverston with an overnight stay in the Premier Inn, Ulverston over the weekend of the 11th and 12th July 2026.
The Suggested Journey:
  • Ideally we would avoid bypasses and motorways.
  • The best route for a rider cuts directly through the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District, offering a mix of fast-flowing curves, technical climbs, and legendary scenery.
  • The “Biker’s Choice” Route (approx. 90 miles).  This route avoids the “boring” A66/M6 slog and instead uses the A684, often cited as one of the best biking roads in the North.
  1. Yarm to Leyburn (via Bedale): Head southwest through Northallerton towards Bedale. This section is a gentle warm-up with decent visibility and open countryside.
  2. The A684 “Wensleydale Run”:
    From Leyburn, the A684 takes you through the heart of the Dales. It’s a scenic stretch passing through Aysgarth.
    • Pit Stop: Hawes is the ultimate biker hub. Stop at the Pennygarth Café for a bacon sarnie and a coffee; there is almost always a line of bikes parked outside.
  3. Hawes to Sedbergh:
    This is where the road “goes mental” in the best way possible. Expect tight stone-walled bends and significant elevation changes. It’s technical but incredibly rewarding.
  4. Sedbergh to Kendal:
    The road stays twisty until you reach the edge of the Lake District at Kendal.
  5. The Final Leg (A590):
    From Kendal, follow the A590 towards Ulverston. While this is a busier dual carriageway, it offers sweeping views of the Morecambe Bay estuary as you approach your destination.
    • Alternative: The “High Pass” Route (More Challenging)
    If you have extra time and want more technical “bucket list” roads, modify the middle section:
  6. Buttertubs Pass: From Hawes, head north over Buttertubs Pass toward Thwaite, then loop back south. It’s one of the most famous climbs in England with steep drops and hairpin bends.
  7. Devil’s Bridge: Instead of heading straight to Kendal from Sedbergh, drop down to Kirkby Lonsdale to visit Devil’s Bridge (A683). It is a legendary weekend gathering spot for hundreds of motorcyclists.
  • Ride Home;   We can either do the same journey back or vary the return with your own ideas.   
  • Essential Tips for the Ride.
  • Sheep: The Dales and the fells are “open range.” Expect sheep on the road, especially on the unfenced sections past Hawes.
  • Fuel: Fill up in Northallerton or Leyburn. Fuel stops become sparse once you get deep into the Dales until you reach Kendal.
  • Weather: The weather can change instantly as you cross the Pennines. Even if it’s sunny in Yarm, it could be misty and 5 degrees colder at the top of the passes.
  • Ulverston:
    There are a couple of pubs; The Farmers and The Sun Inn where we can enjoy a Saturday evening in for proper home made cooking and real ales.

Please state if you are interested via this link to our facebook page or via the Facebook link below.    Its a great opportunity to enjoy a couple of days riding on some of the best roads in the north with a bonus night away with friends.
If this idea works, there are plenty of other Summer Rides that can be planned each month.

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