Letters
Cafés keep us going
I would like to say a heart-felt thank you to all those biker-friendly café owners out there who continue to feed us well and make us feel safe and welcome (whenever permitted) during this Covid pandemic.
One might think that they have enough to contend with, but a chat with my favourite café owner pre-lockdown revealed that, in his case, things are being made even worse. I greeted him with a comment on how well organised he was and how safe he made me feel. My contact details were taken; there was a strict one-way system in place; I paid with contactless card; and my order was taken and brought to me at my seat, at least two metres away from anyone else, in a newly-built outside covered seating area.
He told me that he was repeatedly being visited by the authorities who explained that they were responding to anonymous complaints about non-compliance on a major scale. Needless to say, nothing was ever found to be amiss and he continues to trade. He went on to explain how his café was regularly being objected to by many of the locals, including some of the local councillors, who squarely place the blame on the café for encouraging the large numbers of motorcyclists who visit or pass through the town.
As you would expect, I’ve never witnessed anything but peaceful, pleasant and friendly behaviour from the bikers and the vast majority of bikes are ridden perfectly well. Maybe some people just can’t abide seeing others enjoying themselves. I know that time moves more slowly in some of these rural communities, but this ain’t the 1960s anymore, and we’re not all rockers en-route to a punch-up. Peckers up, café owners; we love you all!
Paul Smith
Couldn’t agree more, Paul. We’re all looking forward to a brew with our mates after a ride when this is all over. MW