Thursday 29th May
Great start to the day as the twatnav sent me 5 miles down a dead end, surprisingly no hangover from last night considering how generous the locals were with their beer and donations to the cause.
Yet another wet and windy day, at one point was considering quitting as my shoulders and right wrist were giving me considerable grief but decided to press on knowing it was going to be my longest day yet but having Oban as an overnighter helped as it's a very pretty little town. At one stage was riding through forests roads that were utterly deserted.
Wednesday, 28 August 2013
Saturday, 7 June 2008
Friday 7th June
At Arundel in a very nice hostel in the countryside just outside of the chocolate box town. Got here at about 7 O'Clock last night after meeting with Andy (Thatman) at Epping Forest hostel. Made a big boo boo with my booking in Epping and had booked for 5th May instead of 5th June but fortunately they had a whole dorm to spare for me. After introductions we set off to the Dartford tunnel and although the M25 was free flowing it isn't exactly a scenic route, neither are the anonymous towns we passed through. Finally left the urban sprawl and stopped for brunch, courtesy of Andy, cheers mate, and continued along the coast. At about 12 O'Clock it started to spit with rain so we decided to don wet gear and a good job too as the rest of the journey was pretty awful. Andy has entered the 'Round Britain Rally' so we stopped at Saltburn so he could photograph the water balance lift and from there made our way to Rye Harbour for another photo. Just as we were leaving there the heavens opened and the local drains couldn't cope so there was a lot of standing water that needed to be avoided. I had problems with my visor misting so was pussy footing round corners, I can corner better than that Andy, honest. After a while I decided to make direct for the hostel where I parted with Andy who was off for another photo shoot. The last hour or so of the ride was in sunshine so despite a wet day it ended well.
I rustled up some food at the hostel and bought a bottle of wine and sat out side enjoying the peace, quiet and wildlife. Struck up a conversation with another chap (Wolfgang) and a while later two sisters joined and we proceeded to put the world to rights with the help of alcohol. Hic!
Saturday 8th June
I am now in the local library having to pay for the Internet but at least it's reasonable at £1.25 for half an hour. Have bought some seafood and salad stuff for diner tonight, my diet has not been the best to date with arriving late at hostels and just knocking up pasta, rice and a sauce or similar.
Back to the hostel shortly to refrigerate food and do some mundane chores such as laundry and cleaning the visor on my helmet. This pm I shall go back up the coast to the part of the route I missed yesterday.
1 O'clock a group of families and their 13 strong army of the dead arrived and created havoc for the weekend, just as I was about to catch up on some missed sleep so driven out of the hostel I decided to go back along the coast but only made it as far as the outskirts of Brighton and turned back. Being a glorious sunny day every man and his dog and hordes of weekend bikers cluttered the roads so much it was almost impossible to move, even on a bike, so I gave up and went back to Arundel. Discovered that one of the families had decided my food and stuff would be better off in another fridge, I remedied that by dumping their crap on the counter and returning my stuff to where it was.
On Sunday Brian G turned up and we went for a ride on local roads where Brian treated me to a pub lunch with glorious views over the river and stopping at Boxhill on the way back.
At Arundel in a very nice hostel in the countryside just outside of the chocolate box town. Got here at about 7 O'Clock last night after meeting with Andy (Thatman) at Epping Forest hostel. Made a big boo boo with my booking in Epping and had booked for 5th May instead of 5th June but fortunately they had a whole dorm to spare for me. After introductions we set off to the Dartford tunnel and although the M25 was free flowing it isn't exactly a scenic route, neither are the anonymous towns we passed through. Finally left the urban sprawl and stopped for brunch, courtesy of Andy, cheers mate, and continued along the coast. At about 12 O'Clock it started to spit with rain so we decided to don wet gear and a good job too as the rest of the journey was pretty awful. Andy has entered the 'Round Britain Rally' so we stopped at Saltburn so he could photograph the water balance lift and from there made our way to Rye Harbour for another photo. Just as we were leaving there the heavens opened and the local drains couldn't cope so there was a lot of standing water that needed to be avoided. I had problems with my visor misting so was pussy footing round corners, I can corner better than that Andy, honest. After a while I decided to make direct for the hostel where I parted with Andy who was off for another photo shoot. The last hour or so of the ride was in sunshine so despite a wet day it ended well.
I rustled up some food at the hostel and bought a bottle of wine and sat out side enjoying the peace, quiet and wildlife. Struck up a conversation with another chap (Wolfgang) and a while later two sisters joined and we proceeded to put the world to rights with the help of alcohol. Hic!
Saturday 8th June
I am now in the local library having to pay for the Internet but at least it's reasonable at £1.25 for half an hour. Have bought some seafood and salad stuff for diner tonight, my diet has not been the best to date with arriving late at hostels and just knocking up pasta, rice and a sauce or similar.
Back to the hostel shortly to refrigerate food and do some mundane chores such as laundry and cleaning the visor on my helmet. This pm I shall go back up the coast to the part of the route I missed yesterday.
1 O'clock a group of families and their 13 strong army of the dead arrived and created havoc for the weekend, just as I was about to catch up on some missed sleep so driven out of the hostel I decided to go back along the coast but only made it as far as the outskirts of Brighton and turned back. Being a glorious sunny day every man and his dog and hordes of weekend bikers cluttered the roads so much it was almost impossible to move, even on a bike, so I gave up and went back to Arundel. Discovered that one of the families had decided my food and stuff would be better off in another fridge, I remedied that by dumping their crap on the counter and returning my stuff to where it was.
On Sunday Brian G turned up and we went for a ride on local roads where Brian treated me to a pub lunch with glorious views over the river and stopping at Boxhill on the way back.
Wednesday, 28 May 2008
28/05/2008
Oban - Having to resort to prepaid internet access as wifi is unheard of in YHA's.
25/05/08
Met Dave Silburn on Sunday, sorry you couldn't make it Vic, and we merrily set off for the coast. Hit rain and spent most of day testing waterproofs, Draggin' Jeans Oilskins are not waterproof when subjected to continuous rain for several hours. Got lost on the peninsula but eventually found the road to Conwy. We encountered fallen trees, road closures and a twatnav diversion that sent us down a lane where we had to duck under overhanging trees and avoid rubble in the road from collapsing walls.
We parted on the outskirts and Dave made his way oop North to see his daughter and I checked in at the YHA. Great outlook over the castle and town but being half term full of school kids running amok. Had some generous offers of food from hostellers but was still stuffed from the fish and chip lunch Dave bought me - thanks Dave it was very welcome on a wet and windy day.
Monday 26/05/2008
Set off for Ingleton in the Lake District and once through Liverpool and the other sink holes on the coast had a very pleasant but extremely windy day. The YHA was a pain with a drunk teenager effing and blinding in his sleep half the night. Discovered a rash on my torso and arms that gradually got worse and guessed it was a reaction to the thermals I was wearing so left them off for the next leg.
Tuesday 27/05/2006
Off to Glenluce and it chucked it down with rain all day and still very windy, stopped in Carlisle to chew the fat with Peter off the Maxi Scooter Riders Club and bought some new thermals that are doing the job just fine, thanks Peter.
Went through some glorious forest roads and never saw a car for at least an hour and the smell of the pines was just wonderful. Finally got to the hotel/pub at 9pm, bloody long day and too late for a hot meal so had to make do with soup and a sandwich that the landlord rustled up, one of the best ham sandwiches I've ever tasted. Had a few pints of Big Lusty May and chatted with the locals. There was a fine array of single malts behind the bar but it really wasn't the time and place. The full Scottish Breakfast at the hotel was sublime and set me up for the day.
The rash started to fade so I guess it was the underwear.
I was in a sorry state physically with my right wrist giving me hell which I believe is an aftermath of the off in St Albans the other week. Was wondering if I was going to make the first week at one stage.
Wednesday 28/05/2008
Another wet start that lasted most of the day and cut out the South West peninsula, also left the coast for part of the route as it was pretty dire but the run up from Loch Lomand was pretty spectacular and the air was filled with the smell of Bluebells that were still in flower as the rain had eased a little the last hour and the leg was completed in the dry.
Will expand more when I don't have to pay and try and add some photo's too.
Oban - Having to resort to prepaid internet access as wifi is unheard of in YHA's.
25/05/08
Met Dave Silburn on Sunday, sorry you couldn't make it Vic, and we merrily set off for the coast. Hit rain and spent most of day testing waterproofs, Draggin' Jeans Oilskins are not waterproof when subjected to continuous rain for several hours. Got lost on the peninsula but eventually found the road to Conwy. We encountered fallen trees, road closures and a twatnav diversion that sent us down a lane where we had to duck under overhanging trees and avoid rubble in the road from collapsing walls.
We parted on the outskirts and Dave made his way oop North to see his daughter and I checked in at the YHA. Great outlook over the castle and town but being half term full of school kids running amok. Had some generous offers of food from hostellers but was still stuffed from the fish and chip lunch Dave bought me - thanks Dave it was very welcome on a wet and windy day.
Monday 26/05/2008
Set off for Ingleton in the Lake District and once through Liverpool and the other sink holes on the coast had a very pleasant but extremely windy day. The YHA was a pain with a drunk teenager effing and blinding in his sleep half the night. Discovered a rash on my torso and arms that gradually got worse and guessed it was a reaction to the thermals I was wearing so left them off for the next leg.
Tuesday 27/05/2006
Off to Glenluce and it chucked it down with rain all day and still very windy, stopped in Carlisle to chew the fat with Peter off the Maxi Scooter Riders Club and bought some new thermals that are doing the job just fine, thanks Peter.
Went through some glorious forest roads and never saw a car for at least an hour and the smell of the pines was just wonderful. Finally got to the hotel/pub at 9pm, bloody long day and too late for a hot meal so had to make do with soup and a sandwich that the landlord rustled up, one of the best ham sandwiches I've ever tasted. Had a few pints of Big Lusty May and chatted with the locals. There was a fine array of single malts behind the bar but it really wasn't the time and place. The full Scottish Breakfast at the hotel was sublime and set me up for the day.
The rash started to fade so I guess it was the underwear.
I was in a sorry state physically with my right wrist giving me hell which I believe is an aftermath of the off in St Albans the other week. Was wondering if I was going to make the first week at one stage.
Wednesday 28/05/2008
Another wet start that lasted most of the day and cut out the South West peninsula, also left the coast for part of the route as it was pretty dire but the run up from Loch Lomand was pretty spectacular and the air was filled with the smell of Bluebells that were still in flower as the rain had eased a little the last hour and the leg was completed in the dry.
Will expand more when I don't have to pay and try and add some photo's too.
Thursday, 22 May 2008
Pre trip service
Got the bike serviced on Tuesday, new tyres, belt and rollers all courtesy of Piaggio UK. Managed to get out of St Albans safely this time :)
I've had a back rest made but on a trip at the weekend discovered that the brackets are too flimsy but that will be sorted before I start. Just waiting for a gel pad to arrive and I've only packing left to do then.
I've had a back rest made but on a trip at the weekend discovered that the brackets are too flimsy but that will be sorted before I start. Just waiting for a gel pad to arrive and I've only packing left to do then.
Saturday, 26 April 2008
Preparation
My bike dealer offered me a free service in preparation for the ride and I took him up on his offer last Wednesday. On the way back I was filtering past stationary traffic when a car pulled out of the line and sent me crashing to the floor. I suffered only minor injuries but the bike has a few damaged panels that I fear won't be sorted before I start the ride. The bike is still roadworthy so it's not a great problem but I would have preferred to have had a pristine bike to show off.
Thursday, 10 April 2008
Friends
I have been amazed at the number of people offering to accompany me on various parts of the trip and the very generous offers of a bed, food, petrol and a laugh on the way. Some of the offers are from people I only know from forums and it will be good to see them in the flesh.
Missed some people due to tight schedule but to those who did meet me, feed me and supply fuel thank you for everything, it made a big difference.
Missed some people due to tight schedule but to those who did meet me, feed me and supply fuel thank you for everything, it made a big difference.
Accommodation
Let down by the YHA, they failed to confirm one booking and I now find that I have to book into a B&B, more costs । *sigh*
Update: Managed to find a B&B close to the YHA so no need to change route plan *phew*
Edit: YHA cancelled a booking in favour of a group and wanted to shunt me into a hostel many miles away but told them it was impossible because of my schedule so they booked me into a B&B at their expense. It works out better for me as the B&B is right in the middle of Salcombe.
Update: Managed to find a B&B close to the YHA so no need to change route plan *phew*
Edit: YHA cancelled a booking in favour of a group and wanted to shunt me into a hostel many miles away but told them it was impossible because of my schedule so they booked me into a B&B at their expense. It works out better for me as the B&B is right in the middle of Salcombe.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)