The Cloud-Hopping Cloverleaf

Three loops, one base camp, a missing rider and a few motorcycles running on fresh air and optimism!

As we made our way towards base camp for the day, there was one question on everyone’s mind: was the fog here to stay, or would we eventually get to see something beyond the bike in front?

Still gradually waking up, we headed for our first breakfast stop. A few breakfast baps and coffees later, spirits were high, bellies were full, and we were ready to tackle the first loop.

Well, most of us were.

Somewhere along the way, we’d managed to lose one of the team. Apparently, the difference between turning left and turning right is quite significant when you’re following a route. Not that it took us nearly half a loop to work that out! 😂

So, back we went to retrieve the Lone Ranger. We attempted to piece together what had happened, quickly realised we’d probably never get to the bottom of it, and did the only sensible thing: had a cup of tea. ☕

With the team reunited and navigational confidence somewhat restored, we set off on loop number two.

And what a difference a bit of altitude makes!

Suddenly, we were above the clouds, looking down on a spectacular cloud inversion. A thick white carpet filled the valleys below, while up on the hills we were basking in glorious sunshine. It felt more like a spring morning than the end of October.

In fact, the sun was so warm that a few of us were wondering why we’d bothered bringing heated clothing. On the last day of October, in the North Pennines. Who’d have thought?

The views were absolutely stunning. The sort of scenery that makes you forget where you are for a moment, until you remember you’re supposed to be concentrating on the road rather than admiring the clouds!

The roads were dry, the traffic was practically nonexistent, and we snaked our way across Teesdale enjoying mile after mile of fantastic riding.

Eventually, a familiar sight appeared on the horizon: Rookhope Kitchen.

By this point, the breakfast baps and coffees were a distant memory. Apparently, riding motorcycles is an extremely demanding physical activity, because it was suddenly time for a toast, baked beans and cheese festival!

If there was ever confirmation that autumn had arrived, it was a group of bikers happily demolishing beans on toast halfway through a ride.

Bellies refilled, we set off on the third and final loop. This was the longest of the day, and there were still plenty of miles to enjoy.

The faster roads had us sweeping through the valleys, with barely another vehicle in sight. It was as though Halloween had frightened all the tourists away. Either that, or someone had warned them we were coming!

Everything was going swimmingly until it became apparent that a few members of the group had either been a little optimistic with their fuel calculations or a little enthusiastic with their right wrists.

Whatever the explanation, the fuel gauges were starting to tell a rather worrying story.

With a few riders disappearing in search of petrol, the Three Musketeers pressed on, determined to complete the entire Cloverleaf and make it back to base camp.

And complete it we did!

We arrived back feeling rather pleased with ourselves, only for the rest of the gang to turn up a few minutes later. So much for our heroic solo expedition. Apparently, a fuel stop wasn’t quite the disadvantage we’d imagined!

Three loops, one base camp, some spectacular roads, a cloud inversion, a missing rider, a few thirsty motorcycles and enough food to keep a small café in business.

Not a bad way to spend a Saturday!

A massive thank you to Robin and Theresa for putting together such a brilliant day. The route, the scenery and the company made it a fantastic experience.

Can’t wait to see what you come up with next year. Although perhaps we’ll introduce a few basic rules:

Cloud-Hopping Cloverleaf 2026. One to remember!