Famed for once undertaking Gary on the Isle of Man and then reaching across to turn Gary's ignition off mid corner! A keen biker both on road and off. Currently without a road bike having recently sold his BMW R1100S Boxer Cup - which replaced a BMW K1200RS. Off road he rides a KTM 450 EXC. Chris's philosophy to life is summed up in his belief that "the liver is there to be punished".

 

 

Andy has joined the group for this year's 2011 tour to the Pyrenees and Massif Central. A keen shot who has represented Somerset at Skeet, Andy has known Philip for many years. Historically Andy has ridden a heavily modified Hardly Ablesome, but recognising that it wouldn't be the most suitable bit of kit for the twisties Andy has just invested in a new Ducati Multistrada.

 

 

Bobby was recruited to the group in 2009 for the tour to Italy and the Dolomites. He acquired his licence in the autumn of 2008 and after getting it he didn't hang about. His first purchase was a Suzuki DRZ400 and he spent the winter months green laning and off roading. For the road he bought himself a Honda Fireblade and this set him up for his first summer tour.

 

 

Pete's early career included scraping the pegs on his Honda Fireblade with Nora, his wife, on the back and resumed with a Yamaha R6. Quickly realising the R6 was not for him, Pete graduated to a Honda Blackbird (it turns out that this was only so that his bike matched Gary's when they attended the Gay Biker meeting in Santander) and then found his metier with a Kawasaki GTR1400.

 

 

A late comer to biking after doing an 8 to 10 stretch (working overseas in Asia) but now making up for lost time. First bike was a Suzuki SV650S which was stolen but promptly replaced with a SV1000S. Rides by a highly sophisticated sonar system that has been developed over time to compensate for the fact that he's blind as a bat. Took delivery of a new Suzuki GSX-R1000 in March '09.

 

 

Philip's job is to keep the younger members of the group in line and heading in the right direction. He's failed miserably in the first but has had more success in the latter. Rides a BMW K1200S on road and until recently a Yamaha WR250F off road. Took delivery of a new BMW HP2 Sport in March '09 and then a new BMW S1000RR in time for the 2010 tour to the Nurburgring.

 

 

Cat's had mixed fortunes since his return to biking in 2007 on a Honda VFR800. Decided he prefered a naked bike and bought a Aprilia Tuono. Life was good until he handed the keys to Gary on the way up the Col du Galibier where it developed a terminal death rattle. Took delivery of a new Yamaha V-Max in March '09 - the frame plate reads "catnopep". Rides a KTM 200 EXC off road.

 

 

Famed for his decisiveness (a man who can decide between tea and coffee before you can say "Bacon or sausage sandwich, Taj?") , Taj demonstrates the same qualities when riding his Honda Fireblade. An extremely competent rider who once gave Phil and Kyle a demonstration on how to get your knee down on about twenty consecutive hairpin bends descending the Col de Mente.

 

 

Philip's appointed hitman - if anyone has the audacity to overtake Philip, Gary is unleashed on his Honda Blackbird to hunt them down and teach them the error of their ways. Usually behind Philip because, despite now owning a GPS, his preferred method of navigation is to follow Philip. Also an accomplished off road rider with his Honda XR400 and trials rider with his GasGas.

 

 

A jack of all trades, and master of some, Mark will try anything once especially if it involves climbing up, jumping off or flying over something. His enthusiasm sometimes exceeds his ability so it’s worth hanging around to witness the outcome - if only to help pick up the pieces! Currently riding a Honda Blackbird on the road and a Husqvarna WR250 and GasGas TXT321 off road.