The Pet Food Run

Saturday March 8th


There was some initial confusion after the winter break as to what to do with a motorbike although this was soon resolved.


Saturday March 8th. Its now officailly summer because we`ve had the Darlington MAG Petfood Run and the sun came out. Oh yes indeedy.

About 50(ish) bikes gathered outside the Black Swan in Darlington for the run to the National Canine Defence League at Sadberge via Croft, Hurworth and Neasham. That used to be a local saying, "eee, y`d go round Croft, Hurworth and Neasham `t get `t Darlington", meaning stop gibbering and get to the point. I remember me gran saying it. Anyway I digress...


The Staff from Morrisons hand over a load of doggie nosh to a hoard of grubby bikers. Later reports that members of Darlington MAG scoffed the lot are unfounded, although it must be said Hilly`s breath did smell slightly of Pal for a day or two afterwards.


The run took in a visit to Morrisons, Yarm Road, Darlington who generously donated a collection of doggy nosh to the cause. Unfortunately the photographer from the local paper did`nt make it that far but there are various pubs in the vicinity and he may of got delayed with an exclusive scoop on reduced price pork scratchings at one of these establishments. Alternatively he may of been nobbled by Aliens or slipped into a different space-time continuim (the place where all those c-clips go to once your backs turned).


Helen (of the Fiendish Delights) - smug cow with a TRX850


The sun came out and for the first time I had a go at marshalling which is an absolute hoot. A chance to howl up the outside of the run (in second for best effect), ride straight into the path of oncoming traffic and stop them. Don`t try this at home without a) a lime green vest, and b) several other bikers to back you up. Now I see why the Plod are always grinning (and riding like twats) when they get a chance to escort a run.


Jo Meynell (absolute babe) and Martin (ZZR1100 pilot and guilty as charged)


Eventually the convoy reached Sadberge and the National Canine Defence League Rescue Centre. They provided tea and biscuits, we provided a "great big pile" (tm, Steve Hill, Darlington Rep) of dog food. We where met by Jo Meynell, NCDL External Relations Officer and absolute babe, who was well chuffed with the results.

Glad to help Jo.


A big thankyou to :-
All those who donated to the cause.
Morrisons, Yarm Road, Darlington.
North of England Newspapers for the coverage.
A1 FM Radio Station.
Darlington Police for allowing us to get on with it.
Darlington`s car drivers for putting up with the chaos.