The Diocesan motorcycling team are revving up for an Easter trip this Saturday with a ride out to the most northern tip of our diocese.
The group of like-minded clergy got together in the wake of the creation of the new diocese in 2014 as a way of getting to know each other and some of the nooks and crannies of this new diocese by biking all the way round it.
So far they have enjoyed a number of road trips – including two which followed in the footsteps of our saints – one to Ireland and a five day trip to Iona. (Later this year two more Revs Bikers Pilgrimages are planned one to South Wales and the seat of St David and in October to Santiago for St James de Compostela.)
And on Saturday (April 8) there will be 15 bikes and four pillions meet up at St Matthias Church in Leeds before heading out on the 70 miles together to Tan Hill Inn - Britain’s highest pub and the northernmost part of our diocese.
They will meet for breakfast at the first Burley Bikers Breakfast held in St Matthias Church Centre in Burley cooked by West Yorkshire Christian Motorcyclists and friends from Leeds Motor Action Group before the party head out through Ilkley, Addingham, Burnsall up to Buckden, Aysgarth and then across the Buttertubs and Keld to the Tan Hill Inn for lunch.
It will be a leisurely ride with plenty of stops factored in. Lunch is either in the pub or BYO. And they will return down Arkengarthdale to Reeth and Leyburn before ending up at Ripon Cathedral to make their own ways home.
Anyone wanting to know more should contact the Revd Canon Stephen Kelly, pictured leading Communion on Iona beach, on 01226 382550.