18th June
We boarded the ferry without too many hassles, (only got lost once), and settled in for the hour and a half trip across to Dover. The ferries are really nice, like a cruise ship, with shops, restaurants, and lounges with TV’s, even kids areas. There are about 6 levels, with the bottom 2 being for vehicles. Even though it was really windy, conditions were described as “moderate”, and the boat only had a slight roll. I got lost trying to find my bike at the end of the trip, going to the wrong end of the ship, and have earned the initials WWC, for Wrong Way Curt. I think some people have far too much time on their hands…….
We boarded the ferry without too many hassles, (only got lost once), and settled in for the hour and a half trip across to Dover. The ferries are really nice, like a cruise ship, with shops, restaurants, and lounges with TV’s, even kids areas. There are about 6 levels, with the bottom 2 being for vehicles. Even though it was really windy, conditions were described as “moderate”, and the boat only had a slight roll. I got lost trying to find my bike at the end of the trip, going to the wrong end of the ship, and have earned the initials WWC, for Wrong Way Curt. I think some people have far too much time on their hands…….
There was a planned ride by HU members from Dover to Donnington, and we were to meet up with British members in Dover near the ferry terminal, so we fuelled up and waited for all to arrive, so we could head off together. About 16 bikes were their, so we set off on our cold ride to Donnington, only losing one person on the way. Just as well someone knew the way, as we would still have been trying to get there….Lyn’s vest was playing up, the faulty wiring turning it on and off all the time. Grant and Susan led us in through the gates of the meeting to a reception committee, where we registered and set up camp for the next few days.
19th - 22nd June, The Horizons Unlimited meeting.
A great meeting, with probably around 1,000 people there, trade displays, and talks from a heap of presenters who had travelled all over the world, some in some pretty amazing places, and with all sorts of vehicles, from bicycles to scooters to 4x4 trucks. After the last presentations, there was always a drink to be had, (and bands on two nights) and it always seemed to be the next morning before we got to bed, probably because it didn’t get dark till after 10.00 pm. We met some really great people from all over the world, including some other Aussies. The tents were scattered over 3 paddocks, and we were lucky with
A great meeting, with probably around 1,000 people there, trade displays, and talks from a heap of presenters who had travelled all over the world, some in some pretty amazing places, and with all sorts of vehicles, from bicycles to scooters to 4x4 trucks. After the last presentations, there was always a drink to be had, (and bands on two nights) and it always seemed to be the next morning before we got to bed, probably because it didn’t get dark till after 10.00 pm. We met some really great people from all over the world, including some other Aussies. The tents were scattered over 3 paddocks, and we were lucky with
the weather, it was fine most afternoons after the sun had burned off the morning cloud. The area backs onto Donnington Park racetrack, so during the day you could hear the bikes and cars going around the track. We were invited out for a roast lunch on Sunday (haven’t had a roast since we left Australia) by Julie who looked after the kitchen there, so we rode to her house nearby and joined her and her 3 children for the afternoon, a great time, thanks for that Julie. Most of the people left on Sunday, so it was fairly quiet on Sunday night, probably a good thing…
23rd June - 1st July
We are still getting used to the longer days here, Sunset is at 10.10pm, and then there is a long twilight, so we tend not to go to bed till around 1.00am. It just means later starts the next day.... We packed up and said goodbye to the few remaining campers, and headed down the road to Market Harborough, where my cousin Liz who I hadn’t seen for 50 years lives. It was only about 2 hours ride, so we got there around lunchtime, and settled down to catch up on the last few years gossip. I wanted to do a bit of maintenance on the bikes, and sort out some of our gear, I was trying to lighten the load a bit. By now we had an idea what we were and weren’t using, so maybe some stuff
We are still getting used to the longer days here, Sunset is at 10.10pm, and then there is a long twilight, so we tend not to go to bed till around 1.00am. It just means later starts the next day.... We packed up and said goodbye to the few remaining campers, and headed down the road to Market Harborough, where my cousin Liz who I hadn’t seen for 50 years lives. It was only about 2 hours ride, so we got there around lunchtime, and settled down to catch up on the last few years gossip. I wanted to do a bit of maintenance on the bikes, and sort out some of our gear, I was trying to lighten the load a bit. By now we had an idea what we were and weren’t using, so maybe some stuff
gets sent home? I also wanted a map of the UK, and to pick up our Garmin, which Lou and Sue had sent out to us, (thanks guys), it actually arrived the same day we did. All we had to do now was get the Europe maps on it, and that is a whole new story….. Liz doesn’t have wi fi, so we were making a few trips to the library to use theirs for all sorts of things, it is amazing how much you miss things when you don’t have them. My other relations from the area had been warned of our impending arrival, so there was a get together organised on Wednesday, and it was really good to meet relations I didn’t know I had. My father was born and raised in this area in the early 1900’s, so there is a bit of history here for me. The replacement wiring for Lyn’s
vest turned up, so that’s another job to do before we leave. Thanks to the guys at Touratech for pushing that through for me. I wanted to change the oil on the bikes, so had bought some at a local shop, but the weather wasn’t helping, and I had to work outside as Liz doesn’t have anywhere undercover. Friday the sun came out in the morning, so I took my bike around to the area in front of the garage in the back lane, and it was handling like a pig, I looked down and saw the front tyre was dead flat. Bugger! The tyre was worn anyway, so I thought I’d replace it the same time. There were no tyres to be had in Market Harborough, so a trip to Leicester was planned for
Saturday. We did the trip to Leicester, and no one had
Saturday. We did the trip to Leicester, and no one had
tyres in stock, so it was inflated, and stayed up??? Maybe someone didn't like bikes in their street? I managed to twist my back while pulling the front wheel off, so had to take it easy for a few days, and visit the chiropractor. While we were there, we went for a walk along the canals, and had a look at the narrowboats, they are about 6 foot wide, and 30 to 40 foot long. Max speed, about walking pace. People live on them,and there are some available for hire, but not cheap.
2nd - 4th July
Ariel view of Keith and Patricia's house, near Weston-super-mare.
After leaving Liz's, we headed down to Weston-Super-Mare, south of Bristol, and stayed with Lou's cousin for a couple of days. I wanted to avoid the motorways, so we got lost again, (are you noticing a trend here?). Lyn cracked it again, and I am not allowed to have anything to do with maps ever again.... Lyn had been complaining of a wobble in the front, so I fitted a new front tyre as the original was worn out, and it cured the problem, happy with that. Keith and Patricia took us in to Weston-Super-Mare in the car, had a great lunch overlooking the sea. The tide seems to always be out here, everywhere we go there is miles of exposed beach, apparently winter is the time for high tides. We went down the local pub for a couple of pints, and I managed to drink too much scrumpy, so I was taken home before I caused problems with the local Morris Dancers. Apparently I commented that they weren't very manly...... I had to rest my back the next day....... Thanks very much for your hospitality guys, we really appreciated it.
Ariel view of Keith and Patricia's house, near Weston-super-mare.
After leaving Liz's, we headed down to Weston-Super-Mare, south of Bristol, and stayed with Lou's cousin for a couple of days. I wanted to avoid the motorways, so we got lost again, (are you noticing a trend here?). Lyn cracked it again, and I am not allowed to have anything to do with maps ever again.... Lyn had been complaining of a wobble in the front, so I fitted a new front tyre as the original was worn out, and it cured the problem, happy with that. Keith and Patricia took us in to Weston-Super-Mare in the car, had a great lunch overlooking the sea. The tide seems to always be out here, everywhere we go there is miles of exposed beach, apparently winter is the time for high tides. We went down the local pub for a couple of pints, and I managed to drink too much scrumpy, so I was taken home before I caused problems with the local Morris Dancers. Apparently I commented that they weren't very manly...... I had to rest my back the next day....... Thanks very much for your hospitality guys, we really appreciated it.
5th July
From Keith and Patricia's, we headed off to Lands End, the country side is postcard stuff, rolling hills and fields, and we were lucky with the weather, mainly sunny, and hardly any rain. The roads are good, with minor roads very narrow, with high hedges on each side, which they mow!!!
That night we booked into a hotel in Camborne, (Cheaper than the B & B's), Had to save some money, you have to pay for everything here, even getting into Lands End, as it is privately owned now!
From Keith and Patricia's, we headed off to Lands End, the country side is postcard stuff, rolling hills and fields, and we were lucky with the weather, mainly sunny, and hardly any rain. The roads are good, with minor roads very narrow, with high hedges on each side, which they mow!!!
That night we booked into a hotel in Camborne, (Cheaper than the B & B's), Had to save some money, you have to pay for everything here, even getting into Lands End, as it is privately owned now!
We haven't been camping, but will have to start doing more of it, there are quite a few camping areas, but they aren't cheap either, and wild camping is difficult, as it's hard to find places to camp. Lyn had posted on the HU site for anyone in Wales that had tent room, and Bob and Helen had replied that they had plenty of space, and a spare room as well, so we headed up there the next day. They live near Newtown, in central Wales, but Lyn thought it was Newport, near Cardiff, so we arrived at Cardiff at around 5.30pm, only to find we had another 180 kms to ride yet! We were met with a big plate of hot food, a drink, and great company, makes it all worthwhile.
Bob is a biker, currently riding a Harley, but is looking at changing over to a BMW, going away from the dark side!
He also has a Yamaha based trike, that will probably be Helens ride. While we were there, we took advantage of Bobs workshop, and did some maintenance on the bikes, including an oil change on Lyns bike. My tyres, which had both been on since I left home, were pretty shabby, so I replaced them both, the front with a tyre from Bob's old Africa Twin, which has a few miles left in it yet. I was lucky that the owner of the bike shop Bob uses has a Tenere, and had replaced the rear tyre from it from new with his favourites, so I got his nearly new tyre at the right price.
He also has a Yamaha based trike, that will probably be Helens ride. While we were there, we took advantage of Bobs workshop, and did some maintenance on the bikes, including an oil change on Lyns bike. My tyres, which had both been on since I left home, were pretty shabby, so I replaced them both, the front with a tyre from Bob's old Africa Twin, which has a few miles left in it yet. I was lucky that the owner of the bike shop Bob uses has a Tenere, and had replaced the rear tyre from it from new with his favourites, so I got his nearly new tyre at the right price.
9th – 10th July
After a great couple of days at Bob and Helens, (thanks for the hospitality guys), we left for Anglesey, at the northern tip of Wales, through stunning countryside, including the Snowdonia National Park, where we went for a short walk along a hiking trail to take in some more of this amazing place. It has high windswept hills covered with nothing but short grass and rocks, it even looks cold in the sun. There are a few sheep grazing in the area, kept in by stone walls that snake their way up the steep sides. If you are ever in Wales, you must ride through here. The roads are good, with sweeping curves through the hills, as if they were designed by bike riders. As you come around the corners,
After a great couple of days at Bob and Helens, (thanks for the hospitality guys), we left for Anglesey, at the northern tip of Wales, through stunning countryside, including the Snowdonia National Park, where we went for a short walk along a hiking trail to take in some more of this amazing place. It has high windswept hills covered with nothing but short grass and rocks, it even looks cold in the sun. There are a few sheep grazing in the area, kept in by stone walls that snake their way up the steep sides. If you are ever in Wales, you must ride through here. The roads are good, with sweeping curves through the hills, as if they were designed by bike riders. As you come around the corners,
another “wow” view opens up in front of you, just terrific riding. From there, we hit the coast, and visited little fishing ports with rock walls on the harbours. It always seemed to be low tide, and there were boats stranded on the mud. Through the villages, some of the roads are so narrow that only one car at a time can get through, so some one has to stop and give way. I’m glad I’m not driving a truck through there. Coming up a steep hill from one, Lyn had pulled into a yard and I hadn’t seen her, and I tried to stop when I spotted her as I went past. In the wrong gear, I stalled as I went to move forward, and over I went in the road, and rolled down the hill. No damage, just my pride, my first fall of the trip.
The bikes are only light, but not with all the gear on.
The next day we headed down to another HU members place near Lampeter in Wales. More fantastic scenery and great roads, Wales really is a riders paradise. Dennis had also replied to Lyn’s email on the HUBB, and had offered us a bed for a couple of days. Dennis is also a bike rider, and has been leading trips on Honda C90’s from the UK down to Gambia in Africa as a fundraising venture for the Bansang Hospital Appeal. The scooters are then donated to the charity, and the riders fly home.
The next day we headed down to another HU members place near Lampeter in Wales. More fantastic scenery and great roads, Wales really is a riders paradise. Dennis had also replied to Lyn’s email on the HUBB, and had offered us a bed for a couple of days. Dennis is also a bike rider, and has been leading trips on Honda C90’s from the UK down to Gambia in Africa as a fundraising venture for the Bansang Hospital Appeal. The scooters are then donated to the charity, and the riders fly home.
11th July
Dennis and Ali took us on a ride through the Elan Valley, which is not far from where he lives. This picture and the next just don't do it justice, there are good roads, (some of them a bit narrow in places), sweeping corners, and hardly any traffic. Everywhere you look, there are hills, valleys, the odd sheep here and there, and streams running into lakes. We passed a few bikes on the roads, not surprising, it is perfect for them. Just awesome riding.
Dennis and Ali took us on a ride through the Elan Valley, which is not far from where he lives. This picture and the next just don't do it justice, there are good roads, (some of them a bit narrow in places), sweeping corners, and hardly any traffic. Everywhere you look, there are hills, valleys, the odd sheep here and there, and streams running into lakes. We passed a few bikes on the roads, not surprising, it is perfect for them. Just awesome riding.
More of one of the roads through the valley, it goes for miles, then up and over the hills, and down into the next valley, more terrific riding. We stopped at the information centre and had lunch, good food. There is a dam there, and a hydro electricity scheme that pumps power into the grid in the area. There hasn't been much rain lately, so no spectacular pics of water pouring over the spillway, but still a pretty spot. Anyone riding in Wales with any time at all really needs to do this ride, it is spectacular. Thanks for showing us Dennis, we wouldn't have even known it was there if you hadn't taken us.
12th July
The following morning we were off to Ireland, so a big thanks to Dennis for his hospitality, and we headed off in a light drizzle of rain to Fishguard in Wales, where we caught the ferry to Rosslare. It is a three and a half hour trip, and there is only two ferries a day, one at 2.oo am, and the other at 2.30 pm, so guess which one we wanted!
We arrived in Ireland just after 5.30, and after riding twice as far as we needed to, (yes, lost again), we got into Knoctopher Abbey where we were staying in County Kilkenny about 9.00pm, damp from the drizzling rain. We slept well that night........
The following morning we were off to Ireland, so a big thanks to Dennis for his hospitality, and we headed off in a light drizzle of rain to Fishguard in Wales, where we caught the ferry to Rosslare. It is a three and a half hour trip, and there is only two ferries a day, one at 2.oo am, and the other at 2.30 pm, so guess which one we wanted!
We arrived in Ireland just after 5.30, and after riding twice as far as we needed to, (yes, lost again), we got into Knoctopher Abbey where we were staying in County Kilkenny about 9.00pm, damp from the drizzling rain. We slept well that night........
13th -16th July
Lyn outside the Abbey. Someone on Trip Advisor stayed there and commented "it was a bit dated", - hello, it was first built in the 13th century...... The rooms are self contained, so we went to the supermarket and stocked up with groceries, trying to save some money on food.
We took a trip into Kilkenny, about 20kms away, and had a look around. The town has 86 pubs in it, not the place to do a pub crawl. The weather has been changing all the time, fine for a while, then rain, so it makes it hard to plan trips, but we spent one day in Waterford, about 50 kms away. This is the home of
Lyn outside the Abbey. Someone on Trip Advisor stayed there and commented "it was a bit dated", - hello, it was first built in the 13th century...... The rooms are self contained, so we went to the supermarket and stocked up with groceries, trying to save some money on food.
We took a trip into Kilkenny, about 20kms away, and had a look around. The town has 86 pubs in it, not the place to do a pub crawl. The weather has been changing all the time, fine for a while, then rain, so it makes it hard to plan trips, but we spent one day in Waterford, about 50 kms away. This is the home of
Waterford Crystal, so we took a tour of the factory, really interesting stuff. Easy to see why it is so expensive, it is all hand made. While we were there, we also had a look around the museum that is just over the road, and learned a bit about the history of the place, and the vikings that came over to do the raping and pillaging thing that they did so well. We met up with Dave and Trudi, a couple who used to live in Perth and who were also staying at the Abbey, and spent some time touring around with them, to Carlow Castle, and a Dolmen, which is a collection of large rocks set up as the entrance to a burial tomb. The four of us went to a pub that night for dinner, a great night had by all.
17th July
We left the abbey today, as we wanted to ride the "Ring of Kerry", a circular trip around a peninsular in the south west of Ireland, before heading up to the HU meeting, and it was well worth the extra day. The scenery we had so far seen in Ireland did not compare to Wales, but that all changed on this ride. The road went up and down around cliffs, along beaches, and over passes, all the time with awesome views out over the clean but cold looking water, and small islands offshore. We were lucky with the weather, no rain or low cloud, so we had clear views, unlike some other people we spoke to, that had been twice before, but
We left the abbey today, as we wanted to ride the "Ring of Kerry", a circular trip around a peninsular in the south west of Ireland, before heading up to the HU meeting, and it was well worth the extra day. The scenery we had so far seen in Ireland did not compare to Wales, but that all changed on this ride. The road went up and down around cliffs, along beaches, and over passes, all the time with awesome views out over the clean but cold looking water, and small islands offshore. We were lucky with the weather, no rain or low cloud, so we had clear views, unlike some other people we spoke to, that had been twice before, but
had not been able to see anything for the clouds and rain. Passing through the small town of Portmagee, we spotted a small pub overlooking the inlet that was busy serving freshly caught seafood to the locals, so we joined them, sharing a super fresh seafood platter, and a pint of the local ale, a great lunch. From there we finished the loop by riding through "Black Valley" or the valley of death as I called it, a narrow road winding through a desolate valley, and up over a mountain. The road was bitumen, but had grass growing in the middle of the road in some places, and the corners were so tight that it was 1st or 2nd gear in parts. When we met a car coming the other way, we had to stop to
let it get passed. The scenery was fantastic in parts, with views along the valley lined with barren and windswept hills, and streams running along next to the road which crossed it with little stone bridges, all picture postcard stuff. Unfortunately I am no photographer, but if you were, you could spend a day there, and it still wouldn't be long enough. Because travel through it was so slow, it was now about 7.00pm, and we still had a long way to go, so pushed on to a small town called Abbeyfeale, where we got a great pub room nice and cheap, and slept like babies, it had been a really tiring but fulfilling day.
18-19th July
Set off the next morning in light rain, but it didn't last long. We rode up the main road, and stopped just for meals and fuel, a pretty boring ride after yesterday, but we needed to get to the HU meeting as soon as we could, as it starts today, and we wouldn't get there until late. We arrived and set up camp on a football field, then spent the next two days in the company of some great people. Seems to be common thread here, bike riders, and great times. There were some terrific presentations, and better stories told over a beer at night. A thoroughly enjoyable meeting, more low key than Donnington, but just as friendly.
Set off the next morning in light rain, but it didn't last long. We rode up the main road, and stopped just for meals and fuel, a pretty boring ride after yesterday, but we needed to get to the HU meeting as soon as we could, as it starts today, and we wouldn't get there until late. We arrived and set up camp on a football field, then spent the next two days in the company of some great people. Seems to be common thread here, bike riders, and great times. There were some terrific presentations, and better stories told over a beer at night. A thoroughly enjoyable meeting, more low key than Donnington, but just as friendly.
20th - 21st July
Six of us set off for Northern Ireland after the HU meeting, picture at left shows Paul Graham, Graham Field, Nich Brown, Lyn, and Trevor Angel at a stop beside the road overlooking the sea on the North Ireland coast. We road to Larne, north of Belfast, then followed the coastline up to Cushendall, where we had a great night and lots of laughs at the pub. The coast road is stunning, with million dollar views over the North Channel, where we were lucky enough to have weather clear enough to see all the way over to the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland. We followed the tourist road around Torr Head, more awesome views. A
Six of us set off for Northern Ireland after the HU meeting, picture at left shows Paul Graham, Graham Field, Nich Brown, Lyn, and Trevor Angel at a stop beside the road overlooking the sea on the North Ireland coast. We road to Larne, north of Belfast, then followed the coastline up to Cushendall, where we had a great night and lots of laughs at the pub. The coast road is stunning, with million dollar views over the North Channel, where we were lucky enough to have weather clear enough to see all the way over to the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland. We followed the tourist road around Torr Head, more awesome views. A
problem with riding these roads is that a normal camera can't do the scenery justice, and panorama pictures are too big to put on the net. After a while it just becomes " another shitty million dollar view". We visited the Giants Causeway, the Carrick Rope Bridge, along with the Bushmills Whiskey Distilliery on our way to the Magilligan Point Ferry, where we crossed over into Southern Ireland again, on our way to Malin Head, Irelands most northerly point. It is a bit of a joke here, that the most northerly point in Ireland is in the south ! It is interesting the different points of view, while stopped looking for accommodation on the north coast, one shop owner came out with a bag so Lyn could cover over the Union Jack on the Aussie flag on
her bike, so no one would take offence to it and trash her bike!! We didn't stay in that town that night... Another pain is every time you cross from north to south the currency changes from Pounds to Euro, and distances from Miles to Kilometers.
The Giants Causeway, hexagonal stone columns of varying heights pushed up through the earth by volcanic activity millions of years ago.
At Malin Head, Graham headed off as he was catching a ferry the next morning from Dublin back to England, while the rest of us booked into a hostel for the night. A visit to the supermarket got us some supplies, and we cooked up a feed of pasta, and sat overlooking the bay having a great meal and a glass or two of red, while watching the sun go down. It's a tough job, but someone has to do it............
The Giants Causeway, hexagonal stone columns of varying heights pushed up through the earth by volcanic activity millions of years ago.
At Malin Head, Graham headed off as he was catching a ferry the next morning from Dublin back to England, while the rest of us booked into a hostel for the night. A visit to the supermarket got us some supplies, and we cooked up a feed of pasta, and sat overlooking the bay having a great meal and a glass or two of red, while watching the sun go down. It's a tough job, but someone has to do it............
The view from the hostel at Malin Head
Lyn, me, Paul, and Nich at the waterfront at Malin Head
Another million dollar view on Irelands north coast
22nd July
We left Malin Head behind, along with Trevor, who decided to take a different route, and we headed further around the coast, with still more fantastic scenery over the sea, with offshore islands, inlets, and cliffs providing a backdrop that was constantly changing, but always superb. In the afternoon, it started raining, and continued all the way to Killybegs, where we booked into another hostel to dry out. My supposedly waterproof boots weren't, so I was glad to get them off and wring out my socks. The lady running the hostel had a big boiler room, so all the riding gear got hung up there to dry. A great feed at a nearby pub and a few drinks topped off another magic day.
We left Malin Head behind, along with Trevor, who decided to take a different route, and we headed further around the coast, with still more fantastic scenery over the sea, with offshore islands, inlets, and cliffs providing a backdrop that was constantly changing, but always superb. In the afternoon, it started raining, and continued all the way to Killybegs, where we booked into another hostel to dry out. My supposedly waterproof boots weren't, so I was glad to get them off and wring out my socks. The lady running the hostel had a big boiler room, so all the riding gear got hung up there to dry. A great feed at a nearby pub and a few drinks topped off another magic day.
Looking down from the highest sea cliffs in Europe
23rd - 25th July
Nich headed off to Belfast today to catch his Ferry, and Paul had a plan in mind, so they headed off, while Lyn and I finished a few things off at the hostel, then headed out to Carrigan Head, where the highest sea cliffs in Europe are, and Malin Beg, the point. Just more stunning views, Ho Hum. From there, back through Enniskillen, and down to Kill, near Dublin, where we were catching up with Merv and Sarah, a couple we met at the HU meeting, who had spent two and a half years touring around South America in a Unimog. They had graciously offered to put us up for a few nights. When we arrived, Merv's sister
Nich headed off to Belfast today to catch his Ferry, and Paul had a plan in mind, so they headed off, while Lyn and I finished a few things off at the hostel, then headed out to Carrigan Head, where the highest sea cliffs in Europe are, and Malin Beg, the point. Just more stunning views, Ho Hum. From there, back through Enniskillen, and down to Kill, near Dublin, where we were catching up with Merv and Sarah, a couple we met at the HU meeting, who had spent two and a half years touring around South America in a Unimog. They had graciously offered to put us up for a few nights. When we arrived, Merv's sister
Ally and husband Dom were there, so we had a BBQ and a few drinks, another late night........ I must admit I wasn't the best next morning. Over the next few days we did a bus tour of Dublin, visited the Guinness factory, the museum, and Lyn even talked me into going to see the show "Dirty Dancing", as well as spending some time talking to Merv and Sarah about their trip. On our last night, the four of us went out for dinner in Temple Bar, and another great night was had by all. Thanks for your hospitality guys, it was really appreciated.
Me, Sarah, Lyn, and Merv, just before we left.
Bye Bye Ireland, thanks for a great time.
26th July
We headed out from Merv & Sarah's bound for Belfast, we had booked on the ferry for Cairnryan in Scotland the following day, and wanted to have a look round Belfast before we left. Unfortunately it started raining up the road, and the further north we went the worse it got, so by the time we were near Belfast we just wanted to get out of the rain and dry out. We had stopped at a servo that had free wi fi, so Lyn found a cheap Air B & B on line, and we headed there. It turned out to be fairly ordinary, so we slept in our sleeping bags, you get what you pay for. At least it was dry.
We headed out from Merv & Sarah's bound for Belfast, we had booked on the ferry for Cairnryan in Scotland the following day, and wanted to have a look round Belfast before we left. Unfortunately it started raining up the road, and the further north we went the worse it got, so by the time we were near Belfast we just wanted to get out of the rain and dry out. We had stopped at a servo that had free wi fi, so Lyn found a cheap Air B & B on line, and we headed there. It turned out to be fairly ordinary, so we slept in our sleeping bags, you get what you pay for. At least it was dry.
Edinburgh Castle
27th July
We headed straight down to the docks to catch the ferry, and lined up with about a dozen other bikes, and there were more arriving all the time. After passing through the checkpoint and lining up, we heard someone beeping us, turned around, and there was Trevor, who we had left behind in Malin Head. Arriving in Scotland, we lost him after he turned off the road up to Glasgow. We continued on to Edinburgh through light rain, to stay with a school friend of Lyn's she hadn't seen for years. Her and her husband had kindly offered us floorspace at there flat in Leith, an Edinburgh suburb, and we found it without getting lost!
We headed straight down to the docks to catch the ferry, and lined up with about a dozen other bikes, and there were more arriving all the time. After passing through the checkpoint and lining up, we heard someone beeping us, turned around, and there was Trevor, who we had left behind in Malin Head. Arriving in Scotland, we lost him after he turned off the road up to Glasgow. We continued on to Edinburgh through light rain, to stay with a school friend of Lyn's she hadn't seen for years. Her and her husband had kindly offered us floorspace at there flat in Leith, an Edinburgh suburb, and we found it without getting lost!
28th July - 3rd August
We spent the next week with Lisa and Stuart, touring round the area, and spent a night up at Lochearnhead, where there is an interesting statue of a chrome dude standing to attention at the edge of the loch. Not sure what it's all about. While in Edinburgh I took my camera in to get looked at, it was declared terminal, so now I have to replace it, bugger! We ordered some replacement tank bag waterproof covers, as Lyns had got lost in our travels, and mine was a bit tatty. Scotland is notoriously wet, so we knew we would need them. We booked tickets for the Edinburgh Tattoo, a great night, just coincidence that it was on while we were here, as was the Fringe Festival, three weeks of arts, comedy, and loony performers. While all this is happening, the population of the city triples, with tourists coming from all over the world. Over at Glasgow, the Commonwealth Games were on, so the whole area was really busy. Stuart and Lisa took us for a drive to Dunbar, a small fishing village, very scenic and peaceful, complete with a seal in the harbour.
We spent the next week with Lisa and Stuart, touring round the area, and spent a night up at Lochearnhead, where there is an interesting statue of a chrome dude standing to attention at the edge of the loch. Not sure what it's all about. While in Edinburgh I took my camera in to get looked at, it was declared terminal, so now I have to replace it, bugger! We ordered some replacement tank bag waterproof covers, as Lyns had got lost in our travels, and mine was a bit tatty. Scotland is notoriously wet, so we knew we would need them. We booked tickets for the Edinburgh Tattoo, a great night, just coincidence that it was on while we were here, as was the Fringe Festival, three weeks of arts, comedy, and loony performers. While all this is happening, the population of the city triples, with tourists coming from all over the world. Over at Glasgow, the Commonwealth Games were on, so the whole area was really busy. Stuart and Lisa took us for a drive to Dunbar, a small fishing village, very scenic and peaceful, complete with a seal in the harbour.
Lyn at Dunbar Harbour, with the old fort in the background.
Edinburgh is built around two extinct volcanos, with the castle on one, and the other is a parkland area known as Arthur's Seat. Very scenic, we went for a drive through it.
In a lot of European cities, you can go on free walking tours, very informative, and you just tip the guide at the end of it however much you think it was worth. Our guide told some great stories, with a lot of interesting facts thrown in, including info about the Harry Potter books, (author JK Rowlings wrote most of them from here), and showed us a few landmarks that gave her some inspiration for the stories.
In a lot of European cities, you can go on free walking tours, very informative, and you just tip the guide at the end of it however much you think it was worth. Our guide told some great stories, with a lot of interesting facts thrown in, including info about the Harry Potter books, (author JK Rowlings wrote most of them from here), and showed us a few landmarks that gave her some inspiration for the stories.
Campsite at Loch Eil
4th -5th August
We headed off from Lisa & Stewarts towards Fort William, on the way to the Isle of Skye. Thanks so much to Lisa & Stuart for looking after us, it's great to have a roof over your head and local knowledge to help you around. The road from Callender to Fort William was a good ride, hardly any rain, and good scenery, more mountains and lochs. We found a campsite in Fort William beside Loch Eil, and set up for two days. At the campsite we met Rennie and Margaret, travellers in a motorhome, and shared a few drinks with them in comfort, and away from the swarms of midges. A great night guys, with heaps of laughs. The following morning
We headed off from Lisa & Stewarts towards Fort William, on the way to the Isle of Skye. Thanks so much to Lisa & Stuart for looking after us, it's great to have a roof over your head and local knowledge to help you around. The road from Callender to Fort William was a good ride, hardly any rain, and good scenery, more mountains and lochs. We found a campsite in Fort William beside Loch Eil, and set up for two days. At the campsite we met Rennie and Margaret, travellers in a motorhome, and shared a few drinks with them in comfort, and away from the swarms of midges. A great night guys, with heaps of laughs. The following morning
On the road to Ben Nevis
after a late start, I took Margaret for a ride on the bike, she had never been on one before, really enjoyed it, maybe another convert? They headed out, and left us to explore the area a bit more, so we headed out towards Ben Nevis. There is a pub at Glen Nevis, where we had a great lunch and a pint, before riding to the end of the road and the start of a walking track along the creek and up into the ranges. Due for some exercise, we headed along the track for a few kilometres, before we came across guy that had had a fall and broken his leg, so some other hikers had arranged for an ambulance to get him out. All exercised out now, we headed back to the bike and camp, where we cooked up a feed and fought off the midges before a fairly early night.
On the way to Malliag, more great roads
6th - 7th August
After another late start due to rain, we headed off to Malliag, where the ferry to the Isle of Skye leaves from. We had checked on the net, and were aiming for the 2.15pm ferry, so had plenty of time. Checking out the views and stopping for some photos, we arrived at about 1.00pm, only to find our ferry was booked out, and we would have to wait until 6.00pm. We were parked next to a guy on a Harley, and chatting to him and his wife, and were surprised that all the tourists walking past never gave the Harley a second glance, but spent ages checking out the mighty Yamahas, that would have to be a first. Must be the Queensland number plates, and luggage piled up on them. We had plenty of time for lunch and to feed the seagulls, and visit the library to charge up computers, cameras, and our headsets. I had had a few issues with my Hotmail being hacked, so had tried to change the password and had it blocked, and could not contact them to get it resolved, still no luck.
After another late start due to rain, we headed off to Malliag, where the ferry to the Isle of Skye leaves from. We had checked on the net, and were aiming for the 2.15pm ferry, so had plenty of time. Checking out the views and stopping for some photos, we arrived at about 1.00pm, only to find our ferry was booked out, and we would have to wait until 6.00pm. We were parked next to a guy on a Harley, and chatting to him and his wife, and were surprised that all the tourists walking past never gave the Harley a second glance, but spent ages checking out the mighty Yamahas, that would have to be a first. Must be the Queensland number plates, and luggage piled up on them. We had plenty of time for lunch and to feed the seagulls, and visit the library to charge up computers, cameras, and our headsets. I had had a few issues with my Hotmail being hacked, so had tried to change the password and had it blocked, and could not contact them to get it resolved, still no luck.
Hand feeding the seagull at Malliag
I tried ringing them, but no good, after 5.00pm, not in office hours, so will try again when I have both phone service, and wi fi. We finally got on the ferry at 6.45pm for the half hour trip to Skye, and then started to find somewhere to sleep. Asking at a pub if we could pitch a tent near them, Lyn spoke to a guy about the bikes and our trip, and it turned out there was a field next to them we could stay on. Winner! Following them back to their place, we just beat the rain putting up the tent, and our new friends invited us in for dinner. As usual, a few drinks followed, and another great night
Campsite on Skye, next to Rod & Lisa's place
followed. Rod and Lisa were staying in Rod's fathers cottage with their children, along with their friends Marcus and Penny and their son. They had graciously given us the use of their bathroom, and welcomed us in for breakfast in the morning. It had rained all night, but we were nice and dry in the tent. Rod had been coming to Skye for years, and gave us some great tips on what to see, so we headed off to Applecross for a ride the next day, and it would have to be one of the best rides on the planet.
On the road to Applecross
The road is narrow, but there are lots of passing places, and the views have to be seen to be believed, cameras just don't do it justice. It is about 12 miles to Applecross from the turnoff, but it took us over an hour, with the stops for photos, and just to look at the views. The summit is just over 2,000 ft, and then you drop back down to sea level again. At the end there is a pub where we had lunch, and then did it all again on the way home. It rained at the summit on the way back, but didn't last long. The road is called "Pass of the Cattle", Google it, and watch the video, but it is obviously better when you are riding it yourself. We arrived back at Skye at about 6.00pm, and had another great dinner and drinks with our hosts.
Marcus and Rod at the back, with Penny, Lisa, & kids
8th August.
The next morning dawned with more rain, and it was still raining when we left, so a miserable ride through to Lewiston, on the edge of Loch Ness. Unfortunately too wet for Nessy as well, she was a no show, so no astounding photos of monsters from me. Word was that a bad weather system was moving in, so we tried for some accommodation in the area, but it is peak season, and the Commonwealth Games had just finished, so I think everyone had moved north from there. We managed to find a couple of beds in a hostel in Helmsdale, on the east coast, so we raced the rain up there. The coast road was really good, with the usual stunning coastal views that we were becoming
The next morning dawned with more rain, and it was still raining when we left, so a miserable ride through to Lewiston, on the edge of Loch Ness. Unfortunately too wet for Nessy as well, she was a no show, so no astounding photos of monsters from me. Word was that a bad weather system was moving in, so we tried for some accommodation in the area, but it is peak season, and the Commonwealth Games had just finished, so I think everyone had moved north from there. We managed to find a couple of beds in a hostel in Helmsdale, on the east coast, so we raced the rain up there. The coast road was really good, with the usual stunning coastal views that we were becoming
Typical scenery on Scotlands east coast
used to. It is sad that scenery that used to wow us is now becoming the norm! We found the hostel OK, (we are getting lost less often now we have a GPS), and moved in to our rooms, (girls in one room, and boys in the other, no hanky panky going on here!!!). I shared with four guys that were riding push bikes from Lands End to John O' Groats, they were doing it in eleven days, and would finish tomorrow. And people think we are mad!! The hostel was good, we went down to the village shop and got some goodies to cook up for dinner, and some instant porridge for me for brekky. Lyn did the toast and spaghetti thing.
9th August
Saturday wasn't raining, but cloudy, so we headed off expecting the worst. We passed the pushy riders up the road a bit, they had left before I woke up, and were well on there way to reaching their goal. It was an easy ride up to John O' Groats, so we took the obligatory photos, and chatted to a couple of guys riding GS 1200's, that had ridden up from the midlands for a few days. From there we headed west along Scotland's northern coastline, and saw a sign to Dunnet Head, the UK mainlands most northerly point? I thought that was John O'Groats, but apparently not, so went in there and got more photos, had to make sure we had it on record. From
Saturday wasn't raining, but cloudy, so we headed off expecting the worst. We passed the pushy riders up the road a bit, they had left before I woke up, and were well on there way to reaching their goal. It was an easy ride up to John O' Groats, so we took the obligatory photos, and chatted to a couple of guys riding GS 1200's, that had ridden up from the midlands for a few days. From there we headed west along Scotland's northern coastline, and saw a sign to Dunnet Head, the UK mainlands most northerly point? I thought that was John O'Groats, but apparently not, so went in there and got more photos, had to make sure we had it on record. From
At Dunnet Head, the UK's REAL most northerly point.
there we continued west following the coast, the rain held off, and we made the best of the good riding. Now hardened to the stunning coastal views, we had given up trying to capture them on camera, so just gave the cliffs and ocean scenery a casual glance as we rode along the great roads, lots of twists and turns, and slowing down for the small towns and villages. We came across some huge kites flying over a village on the way, and found it was for a school fete, so stopped for a bit of lunch and had a walk around, checking out the old tractor display and the stalls. It made a nice break, except every time we tried for the public toilets, another bus load of septuagenarians pulled up and the waiting line just got longer. Very frustrating.
Another boring coastal scene.
Finally, we found a hairy coo.
We had found a hostel at Inchnadamph, in the middle of nowhere on the west coast, so were heading for there. The nearest town was 12 miles away, and Lyn's fuel light was on when we pulled up, so we unloaded the bikes and headed in to Lochinver for tea, and to fuel up, but when we got there the servo was closed, so we would have to ride back to the hostel, then back again tomorrow for fuel. Cutting it fine....... and fuel was 1.45 english pounds, about A$2.90 per litre. We had a nice pub meal for tea, and rode back to the hostel. This time we were lucky enough to have a room to ourselves, no other takers for the spare bunks. Happy about that!
Strange trees on a little island on Loch Assynt
10th - 11th August
The day started bright and sunny, with a totally clear blue sky. We rode back to Lochinver for fuel, but only put 10 pounds in each bike due to the price, before heading south to Ullapool. By the time we left Lochinver the clouds were back overhead, and when we passed our hostel again the rain started, and didn't stop all day. From Ullapool we continued on to Inverness, where we tried again for some accommodation, but there was nothing available, however we found some in Elgin, so headed there for the night. A long, wet, and cold day's riding saw us booked into a motel, with a warm, dry, room to ourselves, and a double bed, yippee!! The next morning when we woke up and looked out of
The day started bright and sunny, with a totally clear blue sky. We rode back to Lochinver for fuel, but only put 10 pounds in each bike due to the price, before heading south to Ullapool. By the time we left Lochinver the clouds were back overhead, and when we passed our hostel again the rain started, and didn't stop all day. From Ullapool we continued on to Inverness, where we tried again for some accommodation, but there was nothing available, however we found some in Elgin, so headed there for the night. A long, wet, and cold day's riding saw us booked into a motel, with a warm, dry, room to ourselves, and a double bed, yippee!! The next morning when we woke up and looked out of
Allan Douglas with his sweet looking F800, and Lyn.
the window, the wind was blowing trees over to 45 degrees, and it was pissing down, so we decided to stay another day. We had arranged to meet up with another HU rider, Allan Douglas, so changed our plans over breakfast with him, and rescheduled our departure for tomorrow. The remnants of the typhoon had arrived from America, and there were 200 people evacuated from Elgin due to flooding, our timing was perfect, not! We tried to rebook for an extra night, but the price had jumped up 40 pounds, so we found another guest house, and rode the 2 km down the road in the rain to it. It was a great room, smaller than the motel, but cosy and warm, and there was a cooked breakfast included, all for about half the price of the other place. Scotland
Sammy the Yammy near a bridge on the road down to Blairgowrie.
is very expensive this time of the year, school holidays, all prices are peak period.
12th August
Allan called round in the morning as discussed, and we followed him down some very scenic roads south through the Cairngorms National Park, and passed Glen Shee ski fields, which usually have snow on them right up till about May. In the summer the chair lifts are used by mountain bike riders to get their bikes to the top, and then they try to kill themselves hurtling back down. Looks like fun..... Because of the rain, a lot of gravel had washed onto the roads, and I had a front end slip around a corner, but didn't lose it. Gets the heart racing though.... Lyn had a rear tyre
12th August
Allan called round in the morning as discussed, and we followed him down some very scenic roads south through the Cairngorms National Park, and passed Glen Shee ski fields, which usually have snow on them right up till about May. In the summer the chair lifts are used by mountain bike riders to get their bikes to the top, and then they try to kill themselves hurtling back down. Looks like fun..... Because of the rain, a lot of gravel had washed onto the roads, and I had a front end slip around a corner, but didn't lose it. Gets the heart racing though.... Lyn had a rear tyre
At St Andrews Golf Club
lock up and a bit of a slide, she also stayed upright. There was still light rain, and strong winds in some places. There was a caravan in pieces next to the road at one spot, obviously too much wind there yesterday. Allan left us at Blairgowrie, he was heading back north again, while we headed on to Dundee to a hostel we had booked there. We found the place on a mall in the city, but there was nowhere to leave the bikes, so we couldn't stay there. It wasn't that much further to Edinburgh, so we decided to push on and head back to Lisa & Stuarts. We stopped in at St Andrews on the way, where Lyn got out some left over pizza to snack on, only to have it stolen out of her hand by a seagull. Scared her half to death, it came from behind!
13th - 16th August
Lisa & Stuart welcomed us back, nice to have that support behind us.
My Alpinestar boots that were supposed to be waterproof had leaked from the start, and I was sick of living with wet feet, so sent an email and pictures off to them, but have had no reply as yet. The heel is also coming off, and the sole is nearly worn through, all after four and a half months on the road, so I went out out and bought another pair, definitely not Alpinestars. Lyn and I walked into town and I replaced a pair of jeans that had gone missing, I must have left them somewhere??? Lyn's hair had been annoying her for some time now, and while we had some time she
Lisa & Stuart welcomed us back, nice to have that support behind us.
My Alpinestar boots that were supposed to be waterproof had leaked from the start, and I was sick of living with wet feet, so sent an email and pictures off to them, but have had no reply as yet. The heel is also coming off, and the sole is nearly worn through, all after four and a half months on the road, so I went out out and bought another pair, definitely not Alpinestars. Lyn and I walked into town and I replaced a pair of jeans that had gone missing, I must have left them somewhere??? Lyn's hair had been annoying her for some time now, and while we had some time she
had decided to do something about it. Check out my new girlfriend on the left!!!!!!!! An email came through from Sabine, Daniel, and their girls, the people we had an early morning drink with in Germany, they are in Edinburgh at the moment, so we met up with them, ended up having a great time eating, drinking, and playing baseball!! On the last night before we left, we headed out to a local restaurant and met up with some friends of Lisa & Stuarts, where we ate and drank too much (again), just one more late night. Another great stay in Edinburgh, thanks again to Lisa and Stuart for looking after us, we had a ball.
Ken, Gwen & I at Carluke
17th August
After the late night, we left late and rode the boring main road towards Glasgow, and turned off down to Carluke, where we were staying at Ian Maddill's cousin's for the night. Thankfully the rain held off, just a light drizzle for a few minutes. Having the GPS made it easy to find the address, thank god we were over those dramas. Ken and Gwen made us very welcome, and as it was Sunday they had a houseful, all the family gets together for a roast dinner in the evening, a great time to catch up with who is doing what, and have a few laughs. Good people, and a very funny night. Thanks for having us guys, it was great to meet you.
After the late night, we left late and rode the boring main road towards Glasgow, and turned off down to Carluke, where we were staying at Ian Maddill's cousin's for the night. Thankfully the rain held off, just a light drizzle for a few minutes. Having the GPS made it easy to find the address, thank god we were over those dramas. Ken and Gwen made us very welcome, and as it was Sunday they had a houseful, all the family gets together for a roast dinner in the evening, a great time to catch up with who is doing what, and have a few laughs. Good people, and a very funny night. Thanks for having us guys, it was great to meet you.
Lyn at the England / Scotland border.
18th August
After a big breakfast at Ken & Gwen's, we hit the road with a bit more blue sky, but it didn't last long. There were a few showers by the time we got to the England Scotland border, but that didn't take much away from the view, more great scenery. Funny though, looking north to Scotland it was cloudy and wet, while looking south over England, the sun was shining, I hope that was a sign of things to come. We continued down to Amble, a town on the east coast where Lyn and Ash had camped in a camper van when they were here 4 years ago. Unfortunately it was raining again, and there were no campsites available, although we did try to find a wild
After a big breakfast at Ken & Gwen's, we hit the road with a bit more blue sky, but it didn't last long. There were a few showers by the time we got to the England Scotland border, but that didn't take much away from the view, more great scenery. Funny though, looking north to Scotland it was cloudy and wet, while looking south over England, the sun was shining, I hope that was a sign of things to come. We continued down to Amble, a town on the east coast where Lyn and Ash had camped in a camper van when they were here 4 years ago. Unfortunately it was raining again, and there were no campsites available, although we did try to find a wild
The beach at Amble
camping spot, even down a pushbike track. I think we might have too, if we weren't really low on fuel, so that became a priority. By chance we found a friendly pub, the Wellwood, where Julian the owner looked after us with a nice room and great meals at a good price. I would recommend it to anyone passing through Amble.
19th August
Heading down the coast the next day, we tried for a new rear tyre for Lyn's bike in Newcastle, quite a big city. There were a few bike shops and tyre places, but none had that size, so we pushed on towards Hexham, our destination that night. Daniel, Sabine and the girls were staying there, and we had arranged to meet up with them.
19th August
Heading down the coast the next day, we tried for a new rear tyre for Lyn's bike in Newcastle, quite a big city. There were a few bike shops and tyre places, but none had that size, so we pushed on towards Hexham, our destination that night. Daniel, Sabine and the girls were staying there, and we had arranged to meet up with them.
Part of Hadrian's Wall
On the way we passed Hadrian's Wall, so had a look around the area. While parked there, we met another aussie touring by bike, a guy named Ben, on a KLR650.
He had had his bike pinched in Edinburgh, but was lucky enough to find it again, long story, but I think he was very lucky. He had to have some repairs done, and lost some stuff from his panniers, but at least still had his bike. We found Daniel & Sabine in the campground, and managed to get the "pod", a wooden "A" frame tenty thing with a wooden floor nearby to camp in, a good thing as there was more rain around, and at least this was dry. That night we met another German couple touring in a motorhome, so we all shared a few laughs and stories.
He had had his bike pinched in Edinburgh, but was lucky enough to find it again, long story, but I think he was very lucky. He had to have some repairs done, and lost some stuff from his panniers, but at least still had his bike. We found Daniel & Sabine in the campground, and managed to get the "pod", a wooden "A" frame tenty thing with a wooden floor nearby to camp in, a good thing as there was more rain around, and at least this was dry. That night we met another German couple touring in a motorhome, so we all shared a few laughs and stories.
Inside the "pod", our home in Hexham
Lyn outside the York Cathedral
20th -21st August
Daniel & Sabine were catching the ferry over to Amsterdam, and Sven and his wife were off back to Germany, so we headed down to York, being guided by our faithful? GPS. We went totally the wrong way, and then it corrected itself, and took us through some great little country roads that we would never have found ourselves. On one road, so narrow you could never pass another vehicle, and steep enough you needed first gear, there was a gate that had to be opened to keep the sheep in the right paddock! Fantastic scenery, with wild grouse, quail, and deer for company. A terrific ride.
Daniel & Sabine were catching the ferry over to Amsterdam, and Sven and his wife were off back to Germany, so we headed down to York, being guided by our faithful? GPS. We went totally the wrong way, and then it corrected itself, and took us through some great little country roads that we would never have found ourselves. On one road, so narrow you could never pass another vehicle, and steep enough you needed first gear, there was a gate that had to be opened to keep the sheep in the right paddock! Fantastic scenery, with wild grouse, quail, and deer for company. A terrific ride.
The road over the mountains to York
Where do they get these street names from?
We had booked into a cheap guest house, and found it with the help of our GPS. Fairly small, but OK, and the lady that ran it was very helpful. A short walk over the road to a pub with an indian restaurant for tea, and a fairly early night for a change. We did a free walking tour of York the next day, with a guide from the National Trust. Quite interesting, learned all about York and its wall, one of the only cities left with the wall still reasonably intact. Not sure about the street names though, the one on the right is the shortest street in York, just 2 shops in it. No idea what it means, but a street is called a gate, and a gate is called a bar.... We met Colin, a Scottish guy who now lives in Switzerlnd, touring around on his Royal Enfield, it
Lyn at a building dating back to 1317.
would be nice to catch up with him later and have a good chat. He was travelling with another couple from Switzerland, and they were going, so no time now.
We left York about 3.00pm, and set off for Accrington, via Harrogate, where we were staying with Steven and Brenda and their daughter. We met Steven and his daughter Nikita at the Ireland HU meeting, great to see someone a bit younger keen on bike travel as well. The road took us through part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, and there was more fantastic scenery through there, though we missed seeing a lot of it due to the cloud and rain, which spoilt what would have been a great ride. These pommies have some terrific roads, shame about the weather. We arrived at Accrington very wet, and were made welcome as soon as we got there. Happy with my new boots, nice to have dry feet for a change, and our riding suits keep us dry unless it is really teeming down, so it is not too bad.
We left York about 3.00pm, and set off for Accrington, via Harrogate, where we were staying with Steven and Brenda and their daughter. We met Steven and his daughter Nikita at the Ireland HU meeting, great to see someone a bit younger keen on bike travel as well. The road took us through part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, and there was more fantastic scenery through there, though we missed seeing a lot of it due to the cloud and rain, which spoilt what would have been a great ride. These pommies have some terrific roads, shame about the weather. We arrived at Accrington very wet, and were made welcome as soon as we got there. Happy with my new boots, nice to have dry feet for a change, and our riding suits keep us dry unless it is really teeming down, so it is not too bad.
Glenda, Lyn and Steve at Accrington
22nd August
A day to just chill, and organise a rear tyre for Lyn's bike, it is still running the original one I fitted when we got the bike, but now the tread in the centre is getting thin. There was none around here, but we set one up for near Wigan, our destination the next day. Steve was working, so I spent some time on the computer, and generally just chilled out, while Lyn and Glenda did girl things. We did manage to get all the wet things dry, ready for the next soaking.... Thanks for having us and our little puddles of water guys, and it was great to talk to Steve about his six months tour of europe on his R1200 GS.
A day to just chill, and organise a rear tyre for Lyn's bike, it is still running the original one I fitted when we got the bike, but now the tread in the centre is getting thin. There was none around here, but we set one up for near Wigan, our destination the next day. Steve was working, so I spent some time on the computer, and generally just chilled out, while Lyn and Glenda did girl things. We did manage to get all the wet things dry, ready for the next soaking.... Thanks for having us and our little puddles of water guys, and it was great to talk to Steve about his six months tour of europe on his R1200 GS.
Lyn with Skye and Ryan at ride time.
23rd-25th August
We headed down to Wigan, and caught up with Rod, Lisa and the kids, who we had met at Skye, and stayed with them for a couple of days, one of which was spent in the back yard playing soccer, and rounders with friends and family, a great fun day off the bikes. Our hosts took us for a drive around the area, checking out the narrow boats on the canals, and the other sites in the area. We managed to catch up on the washing, and Lyn took the kids for a ride, they both loved it, so maybe some more bike travellers in the future? Once more, fantastic hospitality from people we have met on the road
We headed down to Wigan, and caught up with Rod, Lisa and the kids, who we had met at Skye, and stayed with them for a couple of days, one of which was spent in the back yard playing soccer, and rounders with friends and family, a great fun day off the bikes. Our hosts took us for a drive around the area, checking out the narrow boats on the canals, and the other sites in the area. We managed to catch up on the washing, and Lyn took the kids for a ride, they both loved it, so maybe some more bike travellers in the future? Once more, fantastic hospitality from people we have met on the road
Lyn & I with Peter & Heather
26th - 27th August
Leaving Wigan, we headed over to get the tyres fitted, a rear for Lyn, and a front for me, so I was happier riding now, felt a lot safer, the old ones were pretty bad. From there, we headed over the mountain past the Cat & Fiddle Pub, (a well known biker haunt, great roads) , down to Coton-on-Elms, near Burton, and stayed with Peter and Heather for a couple of days, a couple we camped next to at the Donnington HU meeting. They have a B & B there, and looked after us really well. My sunglasses had finally died, so I bought a new pair in the bike shop in Burton. Lyn doesn't like them, white plastic frames, she thinks they are for 20 year olds, I don't understand..........
Leaving Wigan, we headed over to get the tyres fitted, a rear for Lyn, and a front for me, so I was happier riding now, felt a lot safer, the old ones were pretty bad. From there, we headed over the mountain past the Cat & Fiddle Pub, (a well known biker haunt, great roads) , down to Coton-on-Elms, near Burton, and stayed with Peter and Heather for a couple of days, a couple we camped next to at the Donnington HU meeting. They have a B & B there, and looked after us really well. My sunglasses had finally died, so I bought a new pair in the bike shop in Burton. Lyn doesn't like them, white plastic frames, she thinks they are for 20 year olds, I don't understand..........
Bikes in the main street in Matlock, "On Any Sunday"
28-31st August
Peter and Heather rode with us to Market Harborough through some backroads Peter knew, and it was great to be able to blame someone else if we got lost, (we didn't). Slight drizzle, just enough to be a pain, and keep the narrow roads damp. A quick coffee, and they headed back home, while we visited cousin Liz again, and caught up with some other relations for the last time before we headed back to Europe. A couple of days there, and we were off the long way to Coventry, via Matlock, where on Sundays during summer bike riders come from everywhere to meet, drink beer, coffee, chat and ogle other people's bikes. A fantastic sight, there would be 700-1,000 bikes there, the rally
Peter and Heather rode with us to Market Harborough through some backroads Peter knew, and it was great to be able to blame someone else if we got lost, (we didn't). Slight drizzle, just enough to be a pain, and keep the narrow roads damp. A quick coffee, and they headed back home, while we visited cousin Liz again, and caught up with some other relations for the last time before we headed back to Europe. A couple of days there, and we were off the long way to Coventry, via Matlock, where on Sundays during summer bike riders come from everywhere to meet, drink beer, coffee, chat and ogle other people's bikes. A fantastic sight, there would be 700-1,000 bikes there, the rally
More bikes, the other way up the street
you go to when you don't go to a rally. The weather was good, nice and warm for a change, until we closer to Coventry, when it got cold again. More good roads, these pommies know how to put corners in roads. We stayed with Nich Brown and his wife there, thanks guys, it was a great night. Nich is the Sub Editor of "Overland" magazine, a great read, and he rode with us in Ireland after the HU meeting for a few days, it was good to catch up with him again.
Graham, Lyn and I in Colchester
1st September
We left Nich & Heather's in the rain, and moved further south via backroads towards Colchester, where we were staying with Graham Field for the night. Graham also rode with us in Ireland after the HU meeting, and I was keen to pick his brains some more about riding in western Europe. For those of you who don't know Graham, he wrote "In Search of Greener Grass", and "Ureka", two of the best bike travel books available, a very knowledgable and funny guy. We drank too much and laughed a lot, another great night. Seems to be a pattern emerging here..........
We left Nich & Heather's in the rain, and moved further south via backroads towards Colchester, where we were staying with Graham Field for the night. Graham also rode with us in Ireland after the HU meeting, and I was keen to pick his brains some more about riding in western Europe. For those of you who don't know Graham, he wrote "In Search of Greener Grass", and "Ureka", two of the best bike travel books available, a very knowledgable and funny guy. We drank too much and laughed a lot, another great night. Seems to be a pattern emerging here..........
Lyn and I with Dave and Trudi
2nd - 4th September
After changing the oil on my bike at Graham's, he showed us the way to Maldon, a town we wanted to visit on the way to London. The pirate radio ship featured in "The Boat that Rocked" was anchored just off Maldon, but the GPS sent us in the opposite direction for some reason, and we ended up miles passed it on our way to London, so didn't go back. Not happy, Jan.... We found our way to Dave and Trudi's apartment, where were staying in London. We had met them in Ireland at the Abbey in Knocktopher, and they had kindly offered us a bed for a few nights. They live in the old Arsenal Football Club Stadium, which has been converted into units, with a park in the middle
After changing the oil on my bike at Graham's, he showed us the way to Maldon, a town we wanted to visit on the way to London. The pirate radio ship featured in "The Boat that Rocked" was anchored just off Maldon, but the GPS sent us in the opposite direction for some reason, and we ended up miles passed it on our way to London, so didn't go back. Not happy, Jan.... We found our way to Dave and Trudi's apartment, where were staying in London. We had met them in Ireland at the Abbey in Knocktopher, and they had kindly offered us a bed for a few nights. They live in the old Arsenal Football Club Stadium, which has been converted into units, with a park in the middle
At the Ace Cafe, London
where the field was. There are a couple of foxes living in there as well now, we did see them while we were there. Dave is a mad keen Arsenal supporter, he even has a red toaster that puts the letters AFC on the toast when it cooks them...... Our hosts were terrific tour guides, and over the next few days we did a walking tour of London, taking in the Camden Markets, Central Canal, Regents Park, St Pauls Cathedral, Houses of Parliament, Tower of London, London Bridge, the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, a Dungeons Tour, a boat tour on the Thames, and a show in West End. "Warhorse" was great, very cleverly done.
888,248 ceramic poppies at the tower of London
We also managed to squeeze in a visit to the Ace Cafe, and a football match between Norway and England at Wembley Stadium. The ceramic poppies at the Tower of London were a very sobering sight, each one representing the death of a British military person during the First World War, which started 100 years ago. The poppies represent the flow of blood from the window in the tower into the moat below.
After our whirlwind tour, and some sore feet, we packed up for our departure to France the next day, but wish to send a huge thank you to Dave & Trudi, thanks for all you did for us, it was greatly appreciated, a terrific end to our time in the UK.
After our whirlwind tour, and some sore feet, we packed up for our departure to France the next day, but wish to send a huge thank you to Dave & Trudi, thanks for all you did for us, it was greatly appreciated, a terrific end to our time in the UK.
