3rd ANNUAL LAKES RATBASH 19th - 21st JUNE 2009

lundi 6 juillet 2009

Hosted by Durham RAT, the Annual Lakes Ratbash in 2007 saw some 35 Rats attend, 2008 saw attendance increase to 55 or so, and for 2009, well, the hotel was full by 17th March and there was a total of 90 guests PLUS at least another dozen or more in other accommodation. Jonathan, the manager, and the rest of the staff did a magnificent job catering for the needs of everyone. The restaurant and kitchens, which can only cope with 75 at a time, pushed themselves to the limit and coped with 90. The food was absolutely 1st class (as always), served quickly and efficiently and with a smile from the excellent restaurant staff.
 
Saturday saw typical Lakes weather with a few light showers but some spells of sunshine also. This was just as well as there was no fewer than 3 "led" rides leaving on separate routes at 1030 1045 and 1100 o'clock. Each ride was carefully selected to appeal to riders of different skills and abilities. We took in the beautiful Honister and Whinlatter passes, Wrynose pass, the fearsome Langdale Pikes hairpins, Shap and the sweepers on the old A6 and half the lakes in Cumbria. Some riders , including Bev and "Big Robin" even made it onto the water with their bike on the Windermere ferry. All rides met for lunch at the Wilson Arms in Torver, far from the crowded towns of Ambleside, Keswick etc. At least it wasn't crowded ,until 50 or 60 Triumphs plus a couple of interlopers arrived. Luckily the landlady had been warned by Maureen, Mrs Pack-leader, that the pack were on their way, so she was able to do the biz with light lunches - toasties, burgers etc.all round. She did everyone proud!
 
RATs who so desired further thrills were later escorted to the Holker Hall motor museum and some to the Buddhist Temple at Conishead Priory, before heading back for a RAT-Dinner at the Patterdale. And can you believe it - it was even better than Fridays meal. Amazing!
 
Dinner over, everyone had great fun doing a charity auction in the bar. Triumph Motorcycles, Woods and M&S had donated shirts, t-shirts mugs and other items which we auctioned for over £200. A great laugh was had by all!  A collection at the start of the rides on the morning by Carolann got another £75 or so and individual donations pushed the sum raised to £325 which will be donated to the Great North Air Ambulance. As usual, the Patterdale put on a singer for entertainment, and Pack Leader,Stu, joined him on-stage for a couple of duets.Thanks go to Alan for lending us his microphone again. A super night where we kept the bar open until past 3 o'clock. 
 
Durham RAT was pleased to see each and every one  and to hear that ALL of their  members and guests seemed to enjoy their weekend so very much. Needless to say, Durham RAT extend an invitation to all to join them again in 2010 for the "4th Annual Lakes Ratbash" where they have negotiated sole use of the hotel accommodating 120 guests.
 
Details of the 2010 Ratbash including dates and booking code, will be published about the 1st September 2009.