Well as we arent allowed to go for pleasure ride, I met my mate Jon on his V-Strom, i was tasked with going out to get a paper and ginger beer. He had to meet his daughter so he could guide her to the supermarket as she is only 16, new to bikes and we thought we would chaperone her to the supermarket on her 50cc Mash Scrambler. He had to get some potatoes and popcorn. We got a bit lost on the way from my house to his and i think we didnt manage to find the most direct route, fortunately we managed to recognise some place names as we went so luckily it only took us a hundred miles or so to find our way. When we eventually got to his house, his daughter's bike wouldnt start so i had to show him where a nearby mechanic was and then go to the supermarket with his daughter on the back of his bike. Wouldnt you know it, we got lost again! Took over 30 miles to find our way again. Route i have retraced on google maps https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/5...1d-2.417891!2d51.5418739!3e0?hl=en&authuser=0 Anyway, it rained just before we set off so the roads were wet to start with but it was chilly but bright. After an hour or so we decided to stop so he could fish out his winter gloves from his top box and also so i could plug in my heated gloves. Heated gloves on low but nowhere near cold enough to require the heated jacket to be turned on. Wouldnt you know it, the most convenient place was the "Glider Cafe" who were luckily still doing COVID friendly takeaway only. Well worth the money, 12 quid for both of us. Fully loaded bap (2 sausages, 2 bacon, black pudding, fried egg and mushrooms) and coffee each were needed to keep our strength up whilst we fretted about ever seeing home again. Anyway as they say all's well that ends well and i managed to get the newspaper and ginger beer and even got a cheeky cider for later. Perhaps even more luckily despite the fact we were hopelessly lost we managed to take in some of our favourite stretches of road such as "The Ladder" (known as "The W" on google maps) Nailsworth to Minchinhampton, Bibury, the A429 Cirencester to Bourton-on-the-Water, The a433 Cirencester to Didmarton
I see you avoided the short cut through Cirencester. It normally turns out anything but. Shocking tail backs.....
Just as well neither of you crashed as the hospitals are full of ill and dying people Still you had your fun, thats all that counts, silent o
Pleasure riding on your own, with one other or with anyone in your "bubble" is allowed so no need to do a pretend shopping trip. I had an e mail yesterday from the BMF regarding this: http://www.bmf.co.uk/news/show/recreational-motorcycling-in-england-permitted-under-new-measures
The Coalition of Motorcycling Organisations (COMO) has examined legislation and guidance for the new lockdown in England. If you are not required to self-isolate, the rules do permit riding alone or with one other individual. You are still subject to the social distancing rules and other measures. Many riders have been asking whether riding alone is allowed under the new lockdown rules. The government has clearly stated that riding as essential travel is allowed. We looked into rules on riding for leisure and mental well-being, which are not so clear. We have studied both the legislation and the guidance and have concluded that the rules do permit riding for pleasure, alone or with a mate. You can ride for recreation on public roads so long as you are: - on your own - with one person from another household, or - with the people you live with (your household) or your support bubble Bikers congregating in groups is not allowed under the legislation and will draw unwanted attention, as will any reckless riding. Please use good judgement and avoid any action that will adversely affect the reputation of motorcycling. We will publish a revised version of the Covid-safe motorcycling guidelines once we understand the situation after the current lockdown period expires. The Coalition of Motorcycling Organisations membership consists of representatives from the British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF), the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG), the Vintage Motorcycle Club (VMCC), the Trail Riders Fellowship (TRF), IAM RoadSmart, the Auto Cycle Union (ACU), the Triumph Owners’ Motorcycle Club (TOMCC) and Biker Down UK.
Understand where you are coming from mate, but the guidelines are ambiguous so I can see why some folk will ride.
Had there only been 2 people on the ride then it would most likely be legal. Though I’m sure that the “intention” of lockdown is that such journeys are not permitted for individuals or pairs. But it would seem the wording has been picked over by bigger brains than mine and concluded that “recreation” includes motorcycling and “open spaces” include highways. I’m sure if the rules were revisited then they stop this.
it will be interesting to see what Plod thinks when you wave the statement from the COMO in front of him when you are asked why you are out and about.
Just go and read the regulations yourself as issued by the government. Section 6d covers it. I think that section makes it pretty clear you can ride your motorcycle for recreational purposes as long as you stick to the rules.
You can indeed ride alone or with another person. What you can’t do is go out as a party of 3. And if you are stupid enough to brag about it on an open forum you deserve any criticism you receive.