On most Sunday mornings a section of the car park just off Pateley Bridge High Street, is packed with a leather and denim clad brigade who come to town on motorcycles of many colours and engine sizes.
This stop-off point for men, women and their machines has been firmly-established on the motorcyclists’ map for decades and this year, more than any other in recent times, they are providing a welcome boost for a local economy emerging from the coronavirus lockdown and attempting to make up for lost time and lost earnings.
Cafes, takeaways and shops are among those to benefit from the flow of business brought by riders who are seeking refreshment, before setting off on the next stage of a journey that takes many of them through the Dales and on to destinations on the East Coast.
Motorcyclists head out of Pateley Bridge and onto their next stop-off point
Nidderdale, with its combination of long, winding and steep stretches of road, was in the national and international spotlight when the Grand Depart of the Tour de France came to Yorkshire in July 2014.
It is a Mecca for travellers on two wheels – both pedal and petrol-powered, who are out in force on summer Sundays.
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For friends Mike Haste, Alexander Kubansky and Keith Weston, who hail from West Yorkshire, Pateley Bridge is akin to a resting point on a pilgrim path that leads to the sea and home again, with return journeys often covering 200 miles plus.
Mike, whose 1700cc Harley Davidson is one of a limited edition model produced in 2013 to celebrate the 110th anniversary of the world-famous motorcycle maker, told The Stray Ferret:
“Every Sunday, if there’s blue in the sky, we are on our bikes and heading for Pateley Bridge – our first stop-off point.”
He added:
“Over the years you get to know the places that are biker-friendly and we share that information with other motorcyclists.”
Alexander, whose pride and joy is a 21-year-old Honda Valkyrie with a 1500cc engine, said:
“Pateley Bridge is a nice place to come to. We can park up safely, have a cup of tea or coffee and use the public toilets before heading off again.”
Keith, with his BMW K 1300 GT, started taking part in rides with his friends a few years ago and highly recommends it. He said:
“It’s a great way to enjoy a Sunday day out.”
With the Pateley Bridge stop off lasting between 15 and 30 minutes, riders who head for the road are soon replaced by the next group, providing a stead stream of customers, who come to rest awhile and take refreshment beside the River Nidd.
