From Devon to the TT: Dale's Royal Enfield Adventure Continues
From Devon to the TT: Dale's Royal Enfield Adventure Continues...
Another challenge completed. Another adventure ticked off. And another story worth telling.
Regular readers may remember our last blog following CMS's very own Dale Worsley and his trip to the Malle Mile aboard his Royal Enfield Bullet 350, affectionately known as "Rani".
Well, Dale hasn't exactly been sitting still since then.
As part of his personal challenge to complete 125 Royal Enfield-related adventures and experiences to celebrate 125 years of Royal Enfield, he recently set off on one of the biggest journeys yet. A ride that would take him from his home in Devon all the way to the Isle of Man TT, and back again with plenty of stories to tell.
Not by van.
Not by trailer.
But by riding the Bullet all the way there and back.
The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride
Before setting off for the Isle of Man, Dale had one more event to tick off the calendar.
The Sunday before his TT adventure began, he joined riders across Exeter for the annual Distinguished Gentleman's Ride.
For those unfamiliar with the event, the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride brings together motorcyclists from around the world to raise awareness and funds for men's health charities, supporting both prostate cancer research and men's mental health initiatives.
Trading his usual riding gear for something a little smarter, Dale joined fellow Royal Enfield enthusiasts, classic bike owners and riders from all walks of life for a day that was about much more than motorcycles.
The streets were filled with polished boots, sharp jackets, classic machines and plenty of conversation as riders gathered to share stories, admire each other's bikes and enjoy the unique atmosphere that makes the event so popular every year.
Dale also caught up with members of the Exeter Classic Bike Club, spending the day surrounded by like-minded enthusiasts and plenty of Royal Enfield chat.
The weather behaved itself to begin with before eventually reminding everyone they were still in the South West. A passing downpour left a few riders slightly wetter than planned, but it certainly didn't dampen the mood.
Good people, great bikes and plenty of laughs summed the day up perfectly.
With another Royal Enfield challenge completed and the Bullet already prepared for the miles ahead, the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride proved to be the perfect warm-up for what was about to become an unforgettable week.
The Journey North
With barely enough time to unpack his suit and dry out from the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride, Dale was soon loading Rani with everything needed for a week away.
The adventure continued with a solo ride from Devon to Liverpool. Hundreds of miles with luggage strapped to the Bullet and a ferry booking waiting at the other end.
When asked whether his partner Ann would be joining him, Dale laughed and admitted she wasn't quite so keen on a pillion trip of that length these days. This one was going to be a solo mission. I am sure she enjoyed the peace and quiet.
After an overnight stop in Liverpool, it was onto the ferry and across to one of the most famous motorcycling destinations in the world.
The Isle of Man TT.
For Dale, this wasn't just a holiday. It was another challenge ticked off in his Royal Enfield 125-year journey and another chance to experience motorcycling history first-hand.
A Week Immersed in TT Life
For most motorcycle fans, attending the TT is a bucket list experience.
For Dale, it quickly became something even more special.
Thanks to Simon Warren and the Melbray Laycock Racing team, Dale found himself right in the heart of the paddock, spending the week alongside the team and experiencing the TT from a perspective most fans never get to see.
From watching the bikes being prepared to standing alongside the team during practice sessions, he was able to soak up every moment.
At one point he messaged us saying:
"I just cannot believe how lucky I am to be part of this."
That probably sums up the week better than anything we could write.
The Melbray Laycock Racing Team
The team Dale was following certainly gave him plenty to smile about.
Throughout the week they showed impressive pace, with rider Mike Browne consistently putting in strong performances during practice and qualifying sessions.
As the week unfolded, the team found themselves towards the sharp end of the timing sheets and generating plenty of attention around the paddock.
Dale was understandably proud to be associated with the team for the week and was constantly sending updates back to us from the paddock.
One evening he excitedly messaged:
"Even better, the team I'm here with got fastest lap in practice."
For someone who has followed motorcycle racing for years, getting a behind-the-scenes look at a successful TT team was a dream come true.
There was also plenty of excitement around the team's stunning MV race bike, and before heading home Simon gave Dale a memory he won't be forgetting any time soon by inviting him to help start it up.
According to Dale, the noise alone was worth the trip.
More Than Just Racing
The Isle of Man TT is about much more than lap times and race results.
It is a festival of motorcycle culture unlike anything else.
Dale spent time exploring the island, meeting fellow enthusiasts, chatting with riders and enjoying the atmosphere that makes TT week so unique.
One unexpected highlight came when a major film production arrived on the island.
Dale found himself watching scenes being filmed for the upcoming Isle of Man movie project being produced by Brad Pitt, featuring Channing Tatum and Eve Hewson.
Not something you expect to stumble across during a motorcycle trip.
He even spotted some of the stunt riders involved in the production while taking in the action around the island, adding another memorable story to an already unforgettable week.
Taking On The Mountain Course
No trip to the TT would be complete without riding the famous Mountain Course.
So Dale did exactly that.
Climbing aboard Rani, he completed a full lap of the legendary circuit.
The same 37.73-mile course used by the world's fastest road racers.
It took him around 66 minutes.
The TT racers complete it in around 20 minutes.
That statistic alone is enough to make your head spin.
Dale admitted he was riding at no more than around 60mph in places and was amazed by the thought of racers reaching speeds well beyond 160mph on the same public roads.
His verdict?
"Those guys really are mad men."
It's hard to disagree.
A Personal Moment
Among all the excitement, there was also time for reflection.
While riding the course, Dale passed a location connected to his own family history.
A relative had sadly lost their life competing at the TT back in 1952.
For Dale, that moment brought home just how much history, sacrifice and emotion is tied to the event.
It was a reminder that the TT is more than a race. It is part of motorcycling heritage.
Back To Reality
Eventually, every adventure has to come to an end.
After catching the ferry back to Liverpool on Thursday evening, Dale climbed back onto the Bullet and pointed it south once more.
Several hundred miles later, he rolled back into Devon this morning.
And because apparently spending a week riding around the Isle of Man wasn't enough, he was back at CMS the very next morning before he'd even been home.
We are still trying to work out how he managed that.
Considering he had spent the previous week riding around the island, following the TT, spending time in the paddock, completing another challenge and riding hundreds of miles, it's fair to say he earned a well-deserved sit down.
What's Next?
If you've followed Dale's adventures so far, you'll know this certainly won't be the last one.
The Royal Enfield 125 challenge is still ongoing and there are plenty more miles, stories and experiences to come.
We'll continue following his journey here on the CMS blog and sharing updates along the way.
If you've visited the TT, completed an epic motorcycle trip, or have your own Royal Enfield adventure story to tell, we'd love to hear about it.
And if you see Dale around the shop, ask him about the trip.
Just make sure you've got a few minutes spare.
Trust us, he's got some stories to tell.
Follow Dale's Journey
If you'd like to keep up with what he's getting up to next, you can follow Dale on Facebook and subscribe to his YouTube channel where he'll be sharing his adventures, the people he meets and the places the Bullet takes him.
Knowing Dale, it probably won't be long before Rani is loaded up again and heading off on the next adventure.
