Day 15 - C&A Superbikes, Kings Lynn to BMF Peterborough

The night before, Paul and I decided to meet up at C&A Superbikes, Kings Lynn around 8:30am as we had a ride-out arranged from there to the BMF Peterborough show. However no one else turned up apart from us, Paul brought along his lady, soon to be Mrs Newman x.

We waited till 9am then headed off to the BMF. It was a little windy on the way there but not too bad. When we arrived there was a few people waiting for us see above photo.

We had a few photos taken there then Bernard William Jewry otherwise known as Alvin Stardust of the Glam Rock style of the 1970's turned up on his borrowed trike, see below middle, built in Germany - best engineering of course. He was a really nice chap, down to earth and since I had to Google who he was that morning I wasn't star struck in anyway so just chatted to him about his horse riding hobby and tried my best to persuade him to not listen to his management and get himself a bike

Typically, the rain that had managed to hold of dumped itself on us. It was arranged for us to ride in column into the arena, do a bite of mike talking then a few laps and then off, so off we went. It was different than a typical weekend for sure lol.

After wards we went for something to eat and a look around. Usually the BMF if heaving but because of the weather I would say only a third turned up. The tail end event is always the best to get biking bargains and a good bit or retail therapy. The materials suit I was going to use on the trip decided to fall to bite the week before the trip, hence the Kevlar jeans, so I treated myself to a heated jacket and trousers for £45, that’s right, last of the big spender’s lol.

At least now I know what I'm working for though, to travel. Next year’s plans are to circumnavigate Ireland for two weeks then a two week trip to Rome via the Alps and maybe catch a ferry and travel back through the Balkans, watch this space.

 



 

One of the big show bikes above, was a Yamaha.

Day 14 - Southend-on-sea to Harwich then Kings Lynn to C&A Superbikes

 

Up, quick shower, pack the bikes, no oil leaks - all good. Said or farewells and his the road for a short hope up to Harwich and a local charity run project to build a full sailing replica of the Mayflower. The ship that took the pilgrims across from Boston, Lincolnshire to the US.

Harwich is a place much like Stranrear, being forgotten about by the economy with hardly any job prospect for the younger generation growing up there. The project is designed to bring back a skills base of Engineering from wood working to fibreglass and steel fabrication with recognised qualifications at the end of their apprentices to carry them on into the industry and good jobs. The government have set them a 16% pass target but so far they have been exceeding this and hitting 60% which is an incredible achievement for the dedication and enthusiasm of the founders and team involved. For the investors, a fare few from America and understandable so. By 2015 they will have a visual reward in the Mayflower which will tour using the trade winds from Britain’s through the Azores to America and then back again every 15 months much like the original did, though less crowded and with no cases of scurvy or worse hopefully. It will also tour up the coast of Britain in short hops. As someone who has sailed on 40 footers I've put my name forward, I would love to experience a real raw sailing ship.

Will put up some photos that the project said they will provide for us as at the moment they are in the process of stocking up on raw materials such Oak which will be used in its construction. At the moment they are putting the final design touches. As there is no existing designs they have had to be almost designed from scratch with a few amendments to the hull shape to make it more stable and streamlined as the original was described as a barrel with a bowsprit, not pretty but functional.

After Harwich we drove up the Norfolk coastline which, to be fare is pretty. Following the coast to Cromer, Sheringham and lovely little village called Wells next to the sea. The sun was starting to set at this time which made riding into it very entertaining.

We arrived in Hunstanton 'sunny hunny' to watch the sun kiss the ocean, adding a natural finality to our journey.

Our final run to C&A Superbikes was really quick as Paul had yet another 50 miles to cover to get home, so we took some quick photos, shook hands and parted to re-join in the morning to ride up to the BMF and Peterborough showground.

 

 

 

Day 13 - Hastings, Playing Field to Southend-on-sea

 

 

Today will be a really easy one compared to what we've had so far. I contacted a good biking friend based in Southend-on-Sea who kindly gave us his front room for the night.

Though today looks heavy with rain, so we put all our wet weather gear on, unfortunately for Paul he slit his in a very inconvenient part so by the end of the day Paul was a bit conscious of himself. Riding with cold water somewhere inconvenience the whole days not fun; been there done that.

Before we headed off from Hastings we stopped off at the petrol station again and had a quick bite to eat for breakfast. There was a lot of traffic to we stopped there for half an hour to let it die down a little. Was interesting to see the stress on people’s faces as they struggled to work and also I noted there was a lot of cars with only one person in them!

We gave up on waiting for the traffic and joined the fray stopping off at Folkestone services for a coffee and breakfast. Whilst we sat outside enjoying out overly expensive coffee and wafer thin bacon butty's a Triumph with French plates rode in. We haled him over and soon found that both side new very little of the others language. But thanks to Google translator we managed to get by. Turned out he was from Paris and was over here to do a bit of touring and his first stop was a famous biker’s haunt in east London called the Ace Cafe. He needed direction so I popped into W.H.Smiths and grabbed and map of London for him, unfortunately the exact place he needed was just of the page but again with the help of Google he managed to get some useful directions and with some parting advice from Paul 'London is a dump' he left happy and another aspect of being a biker was experience from both sides. Doesn't matter who or what you are as long as you’re on two wheels we look after each other.

Paul then had a text about doing a recording for the radio to be played the next day. So we waited for them to call and for Paul to then do his bite before we hit the road again. We were chatting about what not to say on the radio when I suggested he suddenly get Tourette’s half way through the interview when the phone went. I stared at Paul who had the hold his mouth to stop laughing so I quickly went to the other side of the car park and left him to without any distractions lol.

Ps, there was this random frozen text on a TV monitor at the services I took a photo off:

You never know we might just be, jot having seen any news for two weeks lol.

We then headed off to Dover, from there on I had drove these roads before so for me a little the trip was over. We stopped at Dover a far while, chatting to the fisherman catching whiting from the pier, had some bad seafood from a small trailer food stall but much better tea and cake at the end of the pier cafe. Siting outside the cafe we were contemplating a cruise liner that was birthed on the opposite pier. I did a quick wiki search and entertained both of use by reading out all the incidents that had happened in its life staring of by the Judy Dench not being able to brake the bottle on its bow to it nearly capsizing a few years ago and all the other unexplained by the company incident. We wish we had a megaphone we would have wished the passengers a safe journey lol.

Back on the bikes we coasted up to Southend-on-Sea and my good friends, soon making the front of their house look like a bike paddock. We had a very good evening with lots of bike chat and had a good lunch at a favourite Indian restaurant of theirs.

 

Day 12 - YHA Salcombe, Devon to Hastings, Playing Field

 

Woke up to the above view from the YHA.

Woke up too early for breakfast so got packed and loaded the bikes, luckily there was only a small amount of oil under the bike so must have just been some excess from the air box, phew, tough bike. Paul was extra nervous this morning about the hairpins going back down the hill from the YHA. I plugged into the satnav our next destination and we started the day and luckily half way down it told us to take another turning away from the rest of the hairpins which Paul was happy about but even he said that the one's he did have to do where not as bad as he expected they would be, certainly no Applecross.

We briefly stopped at Slapton Sands and had a really good breakfast at a cute cafe called sea breeze. Slapton Sands is a curios place from a geological point of view. Though having a geotechnical engineer explain their idea of what’s going on it seems logical. If you look from a plan view the seas current travels not directly to the shore but along it. So there’s no force pushing inland to break the land barrier to get the fresh water. There is a bridge on the southern side with a culvert to allow the fresh water to exit out to the sea but no salt water enters due to the pressure of the fresh water. There you go.

 

 

Apart from the geological education there’s some WWII history to the place with a floating Sherman Tank or funny's as they were nick named. They were designed to be launch from landing craft positioned off shore and using a prop driven if the drive shaft, where motored on to the shore where the large skirt that surrounds the tank where dropped and fighting was engaged. The problem with the design was that if the seas where even a bit choppy the water would slosh over the side of the skirt and quickly drown the tank and if the crew where not quick enough to escape they follow it to the bottom. Slapton Sands was where they tested these tanks and off course a few of them sank. In the 1970's a local man, with a lot of effort, found and recovered on that sank 65 meter off shore, to be displayed as a monument. You can just see it to the left in the above image.

 

 

We arrived here at 8 am but the cafe was not open till 9 am so we had a wonder around including the shingle beach with its sea warn rocks and alcoves. There was also a nice route up the cliffs providing a good view. I was very surprised at the warms of the water, having only ever experienced on our shores cold, very cold or F*** etc seas. Wish I'd though I could have brought some swim clothes and enjoyed the sea, next time. Defiantly going to re-visit.

Having had a very enjoyable breakfast, Paul going for the English breakfast and myself the American with pancakes and bacon. Off course I ate the bacon first then the pancakes, I'm not weird!

We then headed on to Dartmouth and our first ever ferry, crossing the river Dart. On the way into Dartmouth from the South, I had to stop as the little bays with all the little boats moors up looked so pretty, lovely little place. It also has a steam train running along the far shore, see video below I took during our crossing:

 

 

We had a fun moment before boarding. We were in a queue for a few minute so we decided to hope of the bike and stretch our legs. I also monitored the still slow drip of oil from my air box, but there was no difference in my oil level so I didn’t worry to much. Whilst I was looking the other way the ferry had arrived and the cars in front where on the move, so a mad scramble ensued to get on the bikes and catch up. We parked the bikes in a small layby dedicated for motorbikes kept a secure hold on them most of the way across. It cost us £2 each for the crossing.

We then carried on to Brighton where we stopped near the sea front for fish and chips watching the constant stream of runners and people who really like to keep fit. We did think of giving some of them a chip but thought better of it. After a while feeling a little out of place for not doing anything energetic and feeling a little tiered from watching them we decided to bale and head on to Hastings.

Arriving at Hasting petrol station after dark, we were shattered from the day so I went off on a hunt for a campsite spot and luckily just around the corner there was some playing fields, see above photo, with no one around or nearby. We managed to squeeze the bikes through the gate and with just enough energy get the tents up and slide into out sleeping bags.

Day 11 - YHA Land's End to Land's End to YHA Sharpitor, Salcombe, Devon

Up, packed the loaded the bikes. A quick chat with the biker chick/dude then, for Paul, the joy of the dirt track leaving the YHA. Destination Land's End for some photos and a fridge magnet Paul had to get for his mom to complement the one he picked up in John O'Groats, Scotland.

Always on the lookout for a good photo opportunity, I spotted the leaving gates and thought the above photo was a good set up.

Please note Lands End does not open till 10am. We were there for 9am so had loads of time to wonder around. Had our photo taken at the sigh, don’t have to pay here unlike John O'Groats, Scotland. Helped take some photos of other bikers their and a load of cyclists starting of up to John O’Groats.

The bikers we naturally had a natter to, find out what there riding, from where and to where. Told them what we were up to and one of them later that morning just before we left came up to me and said he think I'm an amazing biker to be doing what I'm doing. Never had anyone say that and I dare say look up to me, I'm always looking up to other bikers now it appears I'm one. Don’t worry, it didn’t go to my head but you cannot help letting yourself for an instant enjoy the compliment. I know I'm only really just starting out in my biking career and have a hell of a lot more to learn, from off-roading to long distance overlanding outside the UK, can’t wait hehe.

 

On the road again, we headed to get around Plymouth. We stopped for fuel and found that we were almost dead on our feet so we looked at the map and decided today we will need to have a more restful day to looked for a YHA near Torquay but the nearest YHA was Salcombe so that’s where we headed

 

 

The above is a photo of the YHA at Salcombe and behind me was the view below, it really felt like a tropical jungle apart from a random pigeon flying past!:

 

 

We had enormous fun climbing the twisty hill to get to this place. I went ahead to give Paul a line to follow and he was doing well till the last hairpin where a car appeared around the corner and made me stop suddenly at which point I promptly fell over and did a parachute drop and roll down the hill lol. I was fine and the bike can take it, poor thing. Getting the bike back up wasn’t easy and the wheels where pointing up hill so I could only get it up so far before then using the wheels to turn is facing the other way before standing it up. I let the car go then got back on and proceeded up and to finish the climb. Meanwhile Paul had parked up on some gravel near where I tumbled but couldn’t help as his bike kept slipping down the hill so could only look after his bike whilst I sorted myself out. He made it around the corner ok. He started with too much throttle and realising this he backed off, saving pulling a wheelie all the way up!, and took it easy up the climb in to the car park. I helped him park the Triumph by supporting the back and we made sure it was left in gear with a rock under the rear wheel.

The car park had one live bamboo wall, a really odd thing to see in the UK, but you do have the Gulf Stream bringing a milder climate to the area. I forgot about this else I would have gone swimming or paddling as I can’t swing though I enjoy sailing. I have total belief in my buoyancy aid.

When we stopped Paul notice I was dropping oil. With a bit of investigation we discovered it was coming from my air box breather pipe. Having owned an ER-5 that decided to hydraulic lock on me I realised that when it was on its side pointing downhill the hot runny oil must have gone up the engine breather tube into the air box and saturated the box and probably the air filter too. Not much I could do, it was getting dark as well so I decided to leave it till the morning. If there was a massive pool under the bike something more serious must have happened if not then the excess would just run out eventually, we shall see.

The YHA is definitely one to bookmark. It has an extensive garden with beautiful walk and friendly people running the place. We met two brothers form Wisconsin, USA, over here visiting their relatives as their family descended from the area. We had our dinner with them and a few drink and put the world to rights. A lot was discussed, though a few interesting points where raised which was that Americans are sick of politically sticking their nose where it doesn’t belong and generally being the world’s cop. They can also see themselves handing over there superpower title to other countries in the near future.

After a few drinks we hit the sack and had a good night’s sleep.

 

 

 

 

 

Day 10 - Llanedi Services near start of M4 to Lands End and YHA Land's End

 

We stop at all the exotic locations.

We arrived at the M4 at around 10 last night to head down to Bude, Cornwall. As you can see from the picture Paul's tented up but I chose to just put by airbed next to the bike with a tarp over it, tramp style.

Trust me I was nice and toasty, but yes I admit it's a bit hardcore or daft but i was just as comfortable as in a tent. Might ditch the tent for a bivvy bag and basha.

Well this is the start of another long day, yesterday was 14 hours!

In addition;

Jumped onto the M4 this morning and blasted down to ear Bridgewater before jumping back on to the B-roads to Bude.

When we got to Bude it was only half way through the day so we decided to carry on to Land's End.

We got to Land's End and both had a moment where we shook hands and it felt very poignant. All we had now was a blast straight across the bottom of the UK then familiar roads back home.

We had both spotted a YHA 10 miles back up the road so off we went looking for it. We must have been tiered and blind as we didn’t find it. In total we visited Land's End twice, not sure if that still counts lol. We pulled in after nearly colliding on a roundabout and I Googled the nearest YHA which was 10 miles north. So off we went.

We had another moment similar to The Black Isle, winding tight dark road leading somewhere creepy only our imaginations conjured up. The only nightmare was the track leading into the YHA, for my little off roader no problems but Paul wasn't entertained lol.

I was definitely tired though, I parked up next to a small blue car and since the parking lot was cambered I promptly fell onto it! Paul assures me I left a small dent in the door panel, though I couldn’t see much apart from a small rub mark. I was surprised the alarm didn’t go off but discovered the next morning talking to the oldish gent who owned it that it was not fitted with one. Luckily he was stuck in the 1950's so hopefully he won’t notice, never mind karma will get me and I'll accept it I'm sure, especially since I then picked up the bike and moved it to the other side of the lot as if it wasn't anything to do with me.

There was another bike parked up there and Paul was keen to discover who owned it. Talking to another guest passing by we were informed that it was owned by a lady, however that was debatable as we found out the next morning after having a present chat to this very nice lady with large hands!, the jury still out. But as I say doesn’t matter who or what you are as long as you’re on two wheels you’re alright by me. The main curious matter was she was really tall but the bike was lowered and but have been a bit uncomfortable on a long trip, but we were assured she loved it and 'it goes like stink!' lol Love the random people you meet in this world, makes it a multi interesting place to be.

Also to note, when we checking in we bumped into a few Chinese that where holidaying. The one lady we spoke to as we checked in was attending University in Bristol to become a teacher back in China. We told her what we were about and she was seriously in ore, luckily there was a map behind her on the wall which helped put into scale what we were doing.

Later that night we bumped into her on our way down stairs to have lunch, she wished us good night and after giggling a little scampered of to her room! Leaving us in the hall with cheesy grins on our faces. Paul's thoughts where to get back to his lady and I was contemplating the difficulties of learning Chinese lol. We obviously left a good impression on her.

We continued down stairs to the kitchen to heat up our dinner that we picked up from a Petrol station on the way. Why we bought it was simply because of the smell. As soon as we walked into the station the smell of Indian cooking hit us and our stomachs and we both thought what a good idea as they were already packed in Tupperware ready to go and being sold by an Indian who according to him was famous in the area for his cooking.

It was a little funny though as we were eating our Indian in the communal room. Paul had chosen to eat lotus style by a coffee table with fingers, I did my best to join him. While the other Chinese tourists ate western style next to us. Quite a culturally mixed situation and observation lol.

 

 

Day 9 - Holyhead to Llanedi Services at the start of the M4

Up, packed and a quick coffee. I mentioned to Paul that if looking for a tyre for me was going to be difficult then he was to go ahead and I'll catch up later. To Paul's credit though this was the last thing he wanted.

 

 

We had parked up next to a country parks with facilities, so on my bike I rode in to use them. On my way back Paul had only just finished chatting to a local walking his dog who had informed him of a bike shop back up the road at Bangor. A quick Google and I had the post code and off we went.

Once there I rushed in and quickly told them what we were about and my situation. Their jumped into action and informed me that they had 3 tyres that would fit, be about an hour, score!

About an hour later they took my bike in, ten minutes later the mechanic came out and asked if I also fancied renewing the front brakes? Why I asked, because you've not got any! Oops, yes please!

15 minutes later all was well; they even solved the rattling I thought was coming from the gearbox. Turned out that 1 chain link was a bit stiff and the chain was lose all the miles had stretched it.

We had them give Paul's bike a quick look over too, as it was rattling as well. Had enough brakes and rubber on it to see it through the rest of the tour, so back on the road we went.

The ride went well, I was told to take it easy on new rubber. I didn't but also didn't haven't problems.
 

 

Day 8 - Southport to Holyhead

An excellent night’s sleep was had. It was really good getting to know the couple we stayed with though a little difficult concentrating on what they were saying though as the TV was on. It wasn't noisy, it's was more because it mesmerized us, having not seen one for over a week. It's nice not seeing a TV and being out of the loop for a while.

Dinner and a warm bed where provided us the previous night. If Paul 'Souse' had just stayed the course for 2 more hours I'm sure his spirits would have been much better by morning. It was weird finishing the day without a third rider to look out for.

 

 

A small ride out from Southport's seafront was arranged for us till the tunnel.

Half way there we noticed that the couple where not amongst the group on there Triumph Tiger. We got to the tunnel turn off and where waved on then got promptly lost but one of the group kindly led the way for us. On the way we bumped into the couple at the correct tunnel turn off. We said our goodbyes and where sent on our way to Holyhead.

We stopped at Colwyn Bay. I spotted a bike parked outside this pub, and since bikers know where good food is presumed as much. So we settled down to a Sunday Carvery with all the trimming plus extra lol. Yes our eyes where bigger but we managed lol.

Heaved ourselves onto our bikes, fighting the post food sleep, to get ourselves to Holyhead. But before we left, Paul noticed my front tyre or lack of one as I'd worn the tread down to less than a millimetre. Best take it easy then. So 70mph hauling down to Holyhead we went with me thinking most of the way if this pops I hope the ends quick. I'm not afraid of death but being crippled that would be difficult to live with.

The thoughts that go through one’s head when you’re on the road. Random songs spin around and if you choose to sing along, listening to the surround sound of your own voice in your helmet you will swear doesn't sound so bad and you've got a great voice lol. It's when you start randomly laughing at your own craps jokes you need a break lol. I did think I'd have a good serious think on this trip about my life and it's direction but I found peace in simply switching off and concentrating solely on what was needed, navigation, fuel, time, traffic, scenery, random cool cars or bike you see passing by, any overtaking opportunities for two bikes, pot holes and drain cover avoidance, getting the best line through corners either a safe one or a race one, avoiding gravel and oil, choosing the correct gear, learning to ride one handed so you look chilled and cool - just me on that one lol, make sure your looking after your ride buddy, making sure their still there, saying hello to other bikers on the road no matter what they ride from hair stores to Harleys and even cyclists especially in the highlands because you know they’re there for some serious distance riding so fare play to them.

We got to Holyhead and on the way in we spotted a garage that might be able to help me and my bike. We decided to head out and find somewhere to pitch up for the night and check in with them in the morning.

The place we found to stop at was a farmer's field. Having made sure there were no angry bulls anywhere and shutting a gate into the next field just in case we lugged our tents over the main gate and pitched up behind a wall out of sight of the road.

I promptly fell asleep for a few hours whilst Paul walked to the nearest shop which wasn't near as he thought. But the walk helped loosen up his joints he explained when he got back.

The view we had was out to the ocean with a lighthouse nearby and a few boats moored up dotted around. At night you can hear there large engines thrumming.

Day 7 - Stranraer to Southport

Woke to horrible wet weather, it had to happen sometime, so on with all rain great. Its going to be a Long ride today to Southport though we do have the good fortune tonight of kindly being put up by a couple of bikers who have been supporting us.

First however is about an hour’s ride to Dumfries to finish of Day 6 and start Day 7. Also meeting a chap, James Docherty, who has a healthy check from some fund raising for us. Meeting him at a garden centre just next to the Peter Pan statue that was unveiled by Joanna Lumley, we were informed has a house nearby.

James rode for a while with us on his Triumph Tiger which was very similar to mine and I enjoyed keeping pace with him as he knew these roads intimately and new every corner.

Today was long and wet and when it came to Morecombe it took its toile and Paul `Scouse` had had enough and went his separate way, bye mate best of luck.

We pushed onto Southport and arrived at 8pm, 2 hours later and 12 hours of riding over.

Chris and his lady Ang, who kindly put us up for the night and did a wonderfull lunch for us. Ang has an autistic son much like Paul's.

Day 6 - Balmacara, near The Isle of Skye to Thistle Inn on Stranraer

Today we are travelling to yesterdays destination first, Fort William, then start Day 7 proper to Dumfries.

The above image shows you the scenes we had to enjour :-), Last nights temperature though did drop to 4 degrees, my nose was a little cold lol.

Not much to report today, weather looks like it will be a little wet though. Packed up and headed out to ride to Fort William for breakfast, 80 miles seems just down to road now when you’re covering hundreds.

Stopped briefly at a petrol station in Fort William, fuelled up and grabbed a chocolate bar then pushed on, not really eating well, doing the best we can though.

We decided to cut off Stranrear but by a wrong turn ended up heading there anyways. The weather was getting worse and we all felt we needed some R&R so we bundled into the nearest B&B which had, conveniently, a Pub down stairs, plus we needed a place to dry the tent out as well.

Once roomed we got to work rearranging the furniture and draping the walls with wet tents and making the place look like a parachute drying hanger. We soon noticed that the heaters didn't work nor the TV and in general the whole place had a dishevelled uncared air to it, the same can be said of our first impressions of the people.

Once set up in the room we navigated to the bar and where soon joined by some local lads curious as to who these strangers where. After chatting to them they shed some light on Stranrear's situation.

Due to the ferry port moving and prospects off the train being cancelled, job prospects in the area are dwindling and the education system is very poor. The lads we met where very enthusiastic to work and generally make a better life for themselves but they feel let down by the system and feel that the area has been forgotten by the economy. I whole heartedly wish them luck, really friendly people; just don’t judge the book by its cover.

After few drinks at the bar we had a good sleep.

Day 5 - Ardmair, near Ullapool to Balmacara, near The Isle of Skye

 

After filling up we heading out from Ullapool for the Isle of Skye. The back roads following as close as you can to the coast where for me the best I've ever been on no only for riding but the views and colours where stunning. But you have to ride a light bike here or without panniers or much luggage, else you will find it hard work as the Paul's have, however it’s still very rewarding

 

Filing up at Kinlochewe petrol station on the A832 half way through these wonderfull roads we befriended a lovely German lady called Petra riding a blue Suzuki Bandit who ended up staying with us most of the day as we found ourselves travelling the same route. A fascinating lady who has ridden all over Europe and Canada, it was an honour to have her along for part of our journey, I've swapped emails so hopefully there will be some rides in Europe with an experienced guide.

Applecross. Bikers with loaded up heavy bikes beware. Paul almost had a fit on the first hairpin on the way down. Applecross pass is fantastic; it reminded me of photos I've seen of the Himalayas. Fantastic views, steep hill climbs with technical cambers and long steep drops. I had loads of fun. For Paul though it was an uphill learning curve, forgive the puns lol. Paul mentioned that as we passed other bikers coming the other way they were giving him funny looks, he was soon to find out why. Even some American we bumped into mentioned we will have fun, though they were not specific, so we were happy in out ignorance. Getting up the steep slopes where ok but the decent was a trial. The first corner Paul didn’t realise how tight it was and had to do his best to break just before the steel barrier to the drop off, then holding this heavy bike he managed to get off pull the bike backwards uphill then steer it around a few feet. Get back on and finish the turn, after that the rest where OK, but he did have hardly any back brakes by the bottom of the decent.

We briefly rode on the Isle of Skye, the Northern peninsula, in a circuit. Stopping briefly at a beautiful waterfall looking back across the sea to where we started the morning ride.

We ended up the day free camping near the road on the mainland just a few miles south, but still in view, of the Skye Bridge and finally have an open fire to melt the marsh mellowed on.

The objective tonight was to get to Fort William, 77 miles South East. But after 12 hours riding even though we stopped for 10 minutes here and there, silly mistakes are starting to creep in so for our safety we've decided to stop and get some sleep. Some people have said this trip will not be challenging, I beg to differ, profusely if I had the energy lol.

Anyways, night all x x x

Day 4 - The Black Isle North of inverness to Ullapool via John O`groats

A pleasant sleep was had by all, despite Paul `Scouse`s` phone getting damp and ending up looking like the ring from the horror film of the same name.

 

The A9 up to John O`Groats went smoothly. Once there we got some good photos, a few including the Motorcycle News (MCN) to send on to them to hopefully be included in there next issue.

The Pauls where very impressed with Scotland so far and Caithness showing is beautiful side in the sun. However I knew the good views where only just starting, as I had been over the top of Scotland in February before after a spot of Snowboarding on Glen Coe, I drove the opposite way we were taking today, so knew what to expect.

Back on the road and after being reassured by bikers coming the other way not to worry about fuel, as we were worried about the distance between fuel stops, we pressed on to Durness where I was the only one to stop and fill up, as I like to know I've got a full tank, then we ploughed on to down the West coast to Ullapool through a spatter of rain.

With tiredness kicking in I spotted a campsite near Loch Canaird shoreline with a beautiful view. Reception was closed till 9am the next morning, so we pitched up anyway with the usual plan to be away early.

It was decided that it might be a good idea to have an open fire so I swooped of to the nearest garage in Ullapool to grab a large bag of fire kindling as the nearest wood to hand was the benches which we reckoned would be a tad anti-social of us to use. By the time I got back however the rain had caught up with us so the open fire plan was scrapped till the next day. None the less Scouse managed to rustle up an omelette for everyone which was very welcome, top fella.

Around 10pm silence fell then like roaring train the expected storm front that one of the locals had informed us about, pounced our tents and tried its best to wrap them around our ears till 5am.

I managed to get some sleep but Paul unfortunately only got an hour, so looking a bit white and haggard in the morning. We packed up only having some chocolate for breakfast and headed to the Petrol station to start Day 5 proper.

 

Day 3 - Monifieth, Dundee to The Black Isle (Moredor) North of Inverness

Up early, packed and ready to go, we met and got to know two new folks, Derrick & Donna (the devil's daughter) over breakfast, who had pre-arranged to meet us at the campsite.

Not such a good day for Paul 'Scouse' however, whilst spending sometime in the showing he knocked out a replacement tooth he had made up down the drain plug! Apparently £2000 of work down the plug hole!

A hefty breakfast was had and after a few photos we were off around the Grampian coast, following Derrick since he knows these parts best.

 

Stopped off at Aberdeen, where Donna headed back, traffic was a little heavy there due to an oil company fest.

Then stopped off at Peterhead and a few small fishing villages along the way, getting more and more beautiful and scenic.

Stopped shortly in Inverness where we said our goodbyes to Derrick, who has short 150m / 3 hour ride back home and stared over at the Black Isle with the bridge to get to it looking very much like the land of Mordor, and with the prospect of our first wild camping, axe murderers where racing through our imagination. The entrance to the Black Isles by roads didn’t help fill us with joys either, see below.

 

Our night on the Black isle turned out to be anything but a horror film. I managed to find a farm house and ask about the use of a likely field I spotted at the bottom of there drive. Turned out what we thought was a farm was in fact a private house, with manicured lawns. Still we pressed on up the drive and knocked on the door to be answered my an English gent by the name of 'Tim' who suggested we camp on his lawn, as long as we were off first thing and with the free use of a tap a very comfortable night was had by all. Even though Paul 'Scouse's' phone had gotten damp from his shower at the campsite the night before leaving the screen with a black water circle looking uncannily like The Ring. Good job I was kind and didn’t show him some YouTube excerpts from the film, I wouldn't do a thing like that, would I? ;-)

I was going to start a section on what we see on the road but it's a bit grizzly, so far 3 foxes, 1 badger and a few unfortunate cats and TBC, one mushed squirrel! By me, guilty face :-(.

On to the highlands proper tomorrow and up and over to Ullapool and our 2nd night free camping.

In Addition;

No mushed squirrel was spotted on the way back of the Black Isle, may be there’s a satisfied fox somewhere?

Day 2 - Withernsea to Monifieth, Dundee

Today's run has been a gruelling 450 mile, 10-11 hours.

Up at 6am packed and breakfasted and bugged out at 07:30. We had to stop for 1.5 hrs. before the end of our scheduled stop of Day 1 the day before so this day's ride will have to be a long one to catch up.

The first roads out of Withernsea where lovely and flowing bends with great views, best done after a good night’s sleep, deserve a revisit. Glad we did those this morning rather than last night when we we're tiered.

Windy today again, but once you expect it and with some confidence it's not a problem. Both the Paul's bikes are sports tourers, fully loaded with luggage that are heavy with a low centre of gravity so you tend to be more heavy on the brakes going into corners then throttling up to pick up the pace on the straights. Whereas my bike is more a duel sports, i.e. trails frame, off road frame with a smaller engine, no planners and a higher centre of gravity, I can flick it lightly around corners maintaining my speed through the bends. Therefore I can't wait to get at the west coast of Scotland's twisty roads where my bike will come into its own.

Around 10:30 today we ended Day 1`s scheduled route and started Day 2 - Whitby to Dundee. Not much to comment on, good weather, clear roads, the Paul's where enjoying gliding around the flowing roads. Mr Newman getting to know his triumph better. Stopped a few times but today was all for catching up as we had pre-arranged to meet the following morning, two other riders, one doing his own charity ride and following us on our route to Inverness, so no photo opportunities today.

Got to our Dundee stop for the night around 8pm, where the owner stayed to let us in and allowed us to pitch in a sheltered spot behind the office. Luxury camping, showers, Chinese food down the road and with the prospect of a hearty breakfast at the camps cafe for not much in the morning, hard life this ain't, so far lol

In Addition;

 

Paul had a small incident and dropped the Triumph as he was getting on at a Petrol Station. Was bound to happen on a trip like this, may be not so early on but it is to be expected.

 

 

We intended to cross over the Mersey on the Manchester Transporter Bridge; however we arrived to discover that it’s currently under overhaul and will not be open to the public for another 40 days, so a small detour was made.
 

Day 1 - Start - Kings Lynn to Long Meadows Holiday Park, Withernsea

 

Phew, Day 1 over with...

 

We where scheduled to stop at Runswick Bay however we've ended up running 1.5 hours late...oops.

 

So we've got a lot of catching up to do tomorrow on our way to Dundee. The day's riding has gone well, Paul's triumph has run very economically. The only issue has been wind buffering. Going over the Humber Bridge was very entertaining. I was leading today's leg and since my bikes the tallest the others recon the angle my bike was leaning into the wind was at 45 degrees minimum!, all I know was I was finding it very entertaining, laughing away in my helmet like a mad'un...mmm maybe a head check's in order!

 

Tonight we find ourselves camped at a park resort in Withernsea, directed to us by the few locals we could find on the sea front.

 

 

 

 

With our riding boots already a bit wify we are enduring some kids entertainers in the resorts restaurant waiting our grub. Start time tomorrow will be, 5am, to catch up, fun times lol.

By the by the sea was eventually sighted at Scarborough, up untill then we where starting to think it was a funny coastal ride having not seen the sea.

 

 

In addition;

 

The night before myself and Paul Newman where to set off Paul 'Scouse' (Last name TBC) notified Paul of his intention to join our voyage around the UK. Paul seemed a keen chap, from Swaffham, riding a Suzuki Bandit, see photo far left.