MCN’s great gatherings team joins Scottish charity ride-out
Raising money riding great Scottish roads
Last week we were on Paignton seafront with thousands of sun-drenched bikers, this week we headed to Scotland, where a far smaller bunch of riders were doing their bit for charity. Saltire Motorcycles’ annual fundraising ride is organised by Senior Instructor Nigel Harper, ably assisted by Saltire’s sales supremo Davy Banks. “We’re now in our third year and this time we’re riding for Macmillan Cancer Support,” said Nigel. “To date we’ve raised over £1000. Each of the riders paid a minimum entry of £10 and the coffers were boosted by donations.” We meet up at Saltire’s Gasoline Alley Café at 9.30am for a bacon roll and a coffee, then head down the bypass to the A701. First stop is the (biker-friendly) Leadburn Inn, before riding to the legendary Devil’s Beef Tub and on to Moffat.” The A701 is a smooth, flowing ride, but the expert team keep this eclectic group of riders together. “I go on all of the Saltire rides,’ said Eric Grieve, a Kawasaki ZZR1400 rider. “They really look after you and it’s always an interesting mix of bikes.”
The next stretch is one of the most beautiful rides in the UK, the A708 from Moffat to Selkirk. “It’s simply brilliant,” beams Nigel, “but it can easily catch you out.” Andy Strickland from Edinburgh added: “It’s great to join up with a gang of like-minded people and the roads are amazing – twisty and picturesque with no pot-holes, you do have to watch for sheep though!” A lunch stop at the Glen Café saw stories traded over delicious homemade food, followed by a cracking ride along St Mary’s Loch.
See great Moffat loop route in MCN’s One Gallon Challenge,
‘It’s one of the most beautiful rides in the UK’