Get On!!

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Bikes are not just for fun!!

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The Fateful Day

This Blog has been a long time in the writing. There are a few reasons for this as will probably become apparent!
Wednesday 6th April and I'm feeling a bit out of sorts, have turned down four shifts of overtime and am generally pissed off with life. Go to the doctors and decide to try and stop smoking! The doctor prescribes Champix tablets for the Smoking and arranges for me to go for a bloodtest the next week.
Thursday 7th April get pestered by work again to work overtime, tell them I cant be arsed. I really must be ill! Spend the afternoon in the company of my big sister drinking coffee and catching up.
Friday 8th April go for leisurely breakfast and try not to think about cigarettes, knowing that when Mayhem gets home in the early afternoon we are going out onthe bikes. I go down to his house early and decide to wash the bike as the previous weekend run around Keilder has left her in a sorry state. Lazy wash though, down to the local jetwash with a bottle of Muc-off and some alloy wheel cleaner. Job done and bike looking much better I jump on and head back to Mayhems house. No sign of his work van so I decide to go on ahead and have him meet up with me at Keswick (20 miles away) . I head off to Cockermouth and decide I might as well take the scenic route Around the back side of Bassenthwaite Lake. Quick stop for a ciggie in Cockermouth and then offI go. A stretch of road I know very well, road surfaces fairly good considering the harsh winter, Warm and sunny and dry on a motorcycle with good music in my ears. What more can a man ask for?
Riding along the B5291 towards Castle Inn Hotel without a care in the world enjoying everything that my senses can detect ,I bank into the last corner on this road. Brain screams "CAR" and then thinks "this is gonna hurt". A severe blow followed by a sensation of flying and then I am lieing on my side with a smell of antifreeze and hot oil in my nostrils. Brain is now saying "ohmygodyouwererightthishurtssomuch". A good Samaritan who had some first aid training and a lot of common sense Kept me talking and still until the Ambulance, police and firecrew turned up and more importantly, stopped anyone from touching me or trying to take my helmet off. The emergency services cut all my clothes off, which at the time I cared not one bit about! I got to fly in the Great North Air Ambulance too. The car was driven by a young chinese student, It was a hire car. She must have forgotten which side of the road to be on because she was trying out my side.
I sustained quite a few injuries and even though we are five months down the road, my right arm is still very stiff and painful. However My Darling Blackbird is dead, deceased pushing up daisies etc etc.
Cue my incredible older brother , William. He Insists on providing me with a replacement steed! A lovely 1985 Honda VF1000FII Bol d'Or.

I went to his house a couple of weeks ago and rode it to Mayhems garage where it now resides. My first ride on abike in five months and it was Fooking Brilliant! I cannot thank William and Mayhem enough for their support through this time, they are the salt of the earth! I have since been out for a bimble through the wonderful lake district a couple of times and I can say that I am BACK ! Slower than a nun on a C90, but I'm back!
Unfortunately my doctor discovered some reasons why I had been feeling out of sorts. I had been suffering from Hypothyroidism, Low hormone levels and osteoporosis all of which are now being treated. The one big positive to come out of all this is that the ciggie I smoked in Cockermouth at 3.05pm 8th April 2011 was the last one i have ever had! I now look forward to riding what is left of this season and getting back to somewhere near the mediocre skill level I once possessed! Come on guys , lets get out there!
Pooley Bridge.

What actually prompted me to get down to writing this missive tonight was a letter I received from the Cumbria Constabulary this morning. It was from the Traffic Management Officer and basically said that the young lady who very nearly killed me would not be charged or prosecuted as it was very likely she would not stay in the country long enough to prosecute or be Retrained.
Nice to know that British justice is so considerate. Wonder if that would have been the case if they could have proved I was speeding? Not that I'm bitter or anything!
The VF is an Ideal bike for me to get back to biking on. It is a really comfortable riding position and the engine has bags of torque and the engine braking is excellent. I have ridden almost 300 miles on her now and am getting used to her little foibles. All in all I am just so happy to be back on two wheels and getting on with life!

Sidecar?!

Ahh Its orange!

So first a quote from me, " I love motorcycles and I'm gonna be 100% dedicated to sharing it with anyone who cares to read this blog"... yea sorry couple of things got in the way cue the arrival of Dexter...
Dexter Blaine Hooton

Born 14th June (4 weeks early) weighing 4lb 12oz

This little fella came as such a surprise; when the Wife was rushed into hospital for an emergency section. I'm going to use him as the reason for not updating my outings ;) which I must add I have had even though I have mountains more responsibilities! (Nod to Jane-Anne) All is well now with Dexter and after just a couple of weeks in special care (still has ginger hair) he is home safe with Mam, Dad and big bro Wilson who insists on calling him the "Ginger Ninja".

I have a few trips to portray as follows: Croft BSB, A very VERY wet trip up to Hartside Cafe and in the words of Mr Bungle a "blap" out with the Pathfinder on his Repsol Fireblade! I'm going to let Bosnia Blog the first... speak soon

Kielder Water at Last

Mayhem at Tower Knowe Visitor Centre.

Sunday 3rd April. At work on a morning shift and feeling like I'm deprived of fresh air. Talked my shift leader into letting me finish at 12 instead of 2. Yipee!!!! Home and changed into leathers, the weather looks great and Mayhem is free to come out and play. I owe him a good ride out for all the times I've been out without him! After putting our heads together we decide to head up to Carlisle and take it From there. Thirty four miles later we pull into Carlisle McDonalds with grins as wide as our helmets. That quick blast has got us in the mood for some serious riding so after a coffee, a couple of ciggies and a tank of unleaded its off to the A7 and I decide to give Mayhem a bit of a change of scenery. We turn off the A7 at Cannonbie and get on the B6357 to Newcastleton.
All the while the sun is shining down on us and the road surface isn't too bad either. After blowing out the cobwebs on the trip to Carlisle we are both ready for a good thrash and we "make progress" along this winding and challenging road. After Newcastleton the road forks and it is the right fork that we take heading for the A6088. Mayhem has never been on this section of the road before but I can tell he is enjoying it by the way he is chucking the Bird about and never dropping more than 30 meters behind! A right turn at the junction with the A6088 and a blat along to Carter Bar on the A68 where we have a disappointment as there is no burger van in the lay-bye! Oh well , there is a first time for everything. Kielder Water
After a quick ciggie I decide to head along the A68 as this section of the road is fantastic; Sweeping bends, tight bends and large elevation changes make it worth the trip! Left turning on to the A696 brings us along to Otterburn where we manage to find a latte and a great Bacon sarnie in the towns main convenience store. Ciggies, coffee and food dipatched I decide to try and get round the backside of Kielder Water where I have never been before. Taking the B6320 which crosses the A68 we wend our merry way along some tremendous roads. At last, on my third attempt, I am finally getting to go around Kielder Water! It is worth the wait, being a thoroughly entertaining road with great scenery and surface. The Tower Knowe Visitor center Beckons and we stop for yet another coffee, ciggies and crack with other bikers who have stopped here. I seems very popular with the biking fraternity and it is right beside the Osprey Ferry terminal. There are well cared for public toilets here as well.
As we sit and smoke and shoot the shit, a bit of a breeze springs up. It is still sunny and bright as we saddle up and carry on along this lovely road but looking at the sky reveals a massive black cloud and we are heading right for it! Before I know it ,it is lashing down. I start to feel the rain stinging my fingers through my gloves and realise that the shiny road surface isnt actually shiny but WHITE. Its only hoying down hailstones the size of ball bearings! A car in front of me suddenly decides he needs to slow to crawling pace so I pull over to pass , open the throttle oh so slightly and find myself riding a very heavy speedway bike! That's enough of that, I think and carry on very gingerly until the hailstones give way to normal rain. Mayhem has fallen a bit behind so I pull over thinking that as he has a heavy tinted visor on he may be having visibility issues. Sure enough , he pulls in next to me and changes his visor sharpish.
Two minutes later we are back in brilliant sunshine and dry roads. Talk about four seasons in one day! Normal service resumed we head back towards the B6357 and find ourselves back at Newcastleton having completed the loop around Kielder. Will definitely be doing that trip again,hopefully sans hailstones. Newcastleton to Cannonbie is completed at a good pace and once back on the A7 it is time to think about tanking up. A quick stop in Longtown for fuel lightens my pocket by £26, This hobby is getting bloody expensive! Nearly £50 on fuel. Never mind ,it was totally worth it. Mayhem has really enjoyed it too and we are happy to add this run to our list of Sunday afternoon runs. Longtown back to Workington and put the bike away dirty, I can wash it later inthe week when I'm on my days off. A great time was had by all....

INTRODUCTIONS 12

Bosnia

Age: 26

Years riding: almost 2

Bike: Honda CBR 600f

Mods: erm.. trickle charger?

Previous bike: None.

fascinating fact: Bosnia actually plays on PS3's Gran Tourismo 5 in his crash helmet... and it is also rumored that counter steering just doesn't work for Bosnia...

First Trip of the Year

First of all I would like to say that I am delighted that the blog appears to be widely read and feel a bit remiss about not blogging from the end of last year. So I am about to remedy that. Anyone reading this is encouraged to have a comment and give us guys some encouragment!
The end of February saw me get myself motivated to get the Blackbird ready for the coming season and decided to do a full service , change the front wheel bearings, change the brake fluid and fit new pads. A scotoiler was also added, had been meaning to do that for 2 years! My mate Mayhem decided to take the plunge and buy a set of stainless downpipes for his 'Bird. We managed that with only one snapped stud which had to be drilled and tapped. A visit to the testing station produced an immaculate M.O.T. Certificate and a quick online application supplied 12 months tax.
Over christmas I worked plenty of overtime and decided to treat myself to some new gear as well. Online I found a set of leather pants that matched my Targa jacket and a nice pair of TCX Waterproof boots to replace my comfortable but shabby Oxtars. A pair of winter gloves in blue completed the purchases. Thats it then ,all ready!
I decided to get away for a few days and some old schoolmates organised a mini reunion in my old hometown of Castle Douglas(Scotland) Via Facebook for the 18th of March. Things were looking good for a trip around the Scottish Borders and on Wednesday the 16th I packed up and started my trip with a gentle trip of 80 miles or so from Workington to Dalbeattie to work out the kinks and arrived at my parents house fresh and invigorated . I spent a lovelly evening and night with Mum and Dad and then the next morning I got up early and set off to enjoy the A711 back to Dumfries and turned onto the A709 for Lockerbie. I found a nice little B road, the 7068, that took me over to Langholm on the good old A7. Coffee ,bacon butty and fags at the Whitsheil Cafe and then on to Hawick. I was in no rush as I had all day to meander around the countryside having booked a room in the Famous Star hotel in Moffat for that night. Pulling into the fuel station at the Morrisons Supermarket there I pulled of my helmet and took out my earphones and promptly lost a rubber earbud. After filling up, I went into the store thinking that I would buy a cheap set of headphones for the rubber buds. Wrong! The only in ear type were Dalmation spotted JVC's that cost nearly £20! Still , I do love my music . I tried them in and found them excellent so left them in!
I may have said before but I love the A7. It is fairly fast and flowing and as the weather was dry and bright ,if cold, I enjoyed it to the full all the way to the Edinburgh ring road. I was enjoying myself so much I got onto the A701 and blasted along to Penicuik where i decided to stop for a coffee and fags. I then carried on down the 701/703 to Peebles and on down to Moffat and my hotel. I had a lovely meal and spent the evening in the bar with the locals watching football (Rangers went out of the Europa league) and drinking rum and coke.
Surprisingly, I was up early the next morning in bright sunshine . During the night there had been a heavy frost and the bike was covered. I moved it into the sunshine and went for a leasurely breakfast which was beautiful and then settled my bill. I was slightly dubious about the roads so I decided to wash the bike off and fuel up in Moffat to give the sun time to work its magic. I then set off on what was to be a fantastic day of riding. Down the A701 to Dumfries, along the A75 to Castle Douglas and onto the fantastic A713 to Ayr.Dry roads, sunshine, good music and the fantastic Blackbird had me grinning from ear to ear. A nice lunch in the Morrisons at Ayr then I was ready for a road I had never been on before, the amazing A77. I set off not knowing what to expect and had a total blast down this wonderfull twisting, undulating , scenic coastal road. Stranraer appeared all too soon and it was on to the A75 to take me along to Newton Stewart where I stopped for fuel, coffee and fags. From there to Castle Douglas on the A75 is fairly uninspiring so the A712 to New Galloway and then the A713 back to Castle Douglas seemed a better option. Clatteringshaws Resevoir from the A712 It has to be said that the rough winter and frequent use by logging wagons had left these lovely scenic and interesting roads a little worse for wear with lots of gravel and potholes in inconvenient places. That dropped the pace a little but it was still a hoot. After booking into the Imperial Hotel and showering I had a great meal and then it was time for the reunion. I will not go into detail except to say it went on late and the barstaff were ready to drop when everyone eventually left!
Up at 7.30 after a 3am finsh and lots to drink sounds like a recipe for disaster but I was fine. Delicious full Scottish breakfast, bike packed and ready I had a wander down the main street to see how much it had changed in the last 26 years. Not much! Once the time became reasonable I popped in to visit my neice who lives close by and then went over to Dalbeattie to my Mum and Dads again. My brother came over from Dumfries and we had a ride out together and went to his house for dinner. After spending some time looking at his Project VF1000R I had to head for home as I had a backshift to do the next day. On getting back to Mayhem's to garage the 'Bird he came out to berate me for leaving him at home again! Have to make it up to him and take him out on some new(ISH) roads........................
Four good days spent in my favourite persuit and all too soon, back to work.

Watch this space!

After much consideration I've decided to carry on blogging on behalf of the Ouchmypiles guys. Everyone at the minute is up to different 'activities' and some still looking for there next bike. I am pleased that Scotch broth started to blog, and blog he did! You have posted some bloody great trips and your write ups are inspiring/awesome please feel free to keep documenting your trips, I'd love to see what your getting up to! Also i stumbled across a CaroleNash website which had a article about motorcycle blogging in which they searched the Internet and listed the top 20 blogs in which ouchmypiles featured 5th! so enough of the reasons, i love motorcycles and I'm gonna be 100% dedicated to sharing it with anyone who cares to read this blog! lets start with a new introduction...

Motivation?

Just thought I'd share these with you, they kind of motivate me anyway!!

Last Ride Out Of 2010?

Got out of bed Thursday morning and looked out the window. No rain, no wind and fairly clear skies. Time to get the bike out and have a good ride out! It had been a while since I had been to Edinburgh on the good old A7 so I decided on this as a start for my route. I packed a few things in the tank bag and shoved my "best biking roads" A5 atlas in the map pocket, Checked tyre pressures and lubed the chain. With i-Pod fired up and suited and booted I set out on the first leg which was up to Carlisle and without stopping I got on the glorious A7. I enjoyed the ride on only marginally damp roads to Langholm where a stop for coffee and ciggies was in order. I stopped at the Whitsheil Cafe on the top side of the town where I ordered a mug of coffee and a bacon butty. I was amazed when I was asked for £2.90!Bargain! Bacon roll and coffee devoured and ciggies smoked I set off once more on dry roads and wound the wick up a bit. The ride was fantastic on to Hawick where it was time to fill up with fuel . Tanking up and having another ciggie took only a few minutes and I studied the map and added a little extra loop to my route. Leaving Hawick in lovely sunshine on the A698 I reached the A68 and turned north to Newton St.Boswell where there is a cracking road back across to Selkirk(A699).This was a good idea and well worth the extra miles.
Upon reaching Selkirk the route was pretty much back to original. The A707 is a lovely road with a good surface and nice scenery and I was enjoying it to the full as I motored along with some great tunes on the i-pod and the pipes on the bike playing a superb symphony. The next waypoint was Caddonfoot where the B710 takes you back onto the A7 above Galasheils and I carried on all the way up to the Edinburgh ring road. All my memories of this great road were dredged up and reinforced and I even considered just going back down it!
Instead I found a fuel station on the ring road that also sold a really nice Latte.The bike was nowhere near empty but after my near miss last time out it seemed a good idea to fill up whenever I'm not sure where the next fuel station is. As I indulged in coffee and cigarettes the beautiful weather started to take a turn. The sun disappeared and the sky turned grey. I didn't care, I was enjoying myself and had plenty of time to spare so the A701 beckoned me. The 701 didn't start too brilliantly as it is a bit straight with a few roundabouts but after that it turned into an open flowing road with a few dodgy areas of surfacing.Staying on this until Leadburn where the A703 was my choice to take me down to Peebles. This road wends its way over and through some stunning moorland scenery. It was still dry and I was riding it to the best of my ability(limited as that may be) and enjoying every mile and bend.Such a simple soul really!
Peebles appeared sooner than I expected and it was the A72 to take me back over to the A701. The A 72 is a pretty good road and very enjoyable. The weather was deteriorating steadily with mist coming down as I hit the 701 and a light drizzle soon followed. There is a famous landmark on this stretch of road called The Devil's Beeftub and I wanted to get a picture before the weather made it impossible so I bashed on and got to the viewpoint and took the photos. This is an impressive sight and I enjoyed the scene and a cigarette before motoring on to Moffat. The rain started coming down in earnest and the wind was picking up so I found a nice little cafe in the town called Rumbly Tums and indulged in ,Yes you've guessed it, a bowl of lovely hot soup! That,a double shot latte and a scone with clotted cream and jam put the stuffing back in me. I also had to visit the local public toilets which cost 20p but was really impressive being warm ,spotlessly clean and fragrant! I wish all public conveniences were this nice.
The run from Moffat to Dumfries is great in the dry but it was chucking it down by this stage and the visibility was bad with lots of spray and mist. This combined with lots of artic wagons made it entertaining to say the least!By this point I was wishing I had put on the cordura jacket instead of my leathers. Once I reached the A75 the conditions got even worse but I was determined to bash on to Carlisle where the wet and cold had got to me and I stopped for a coffee and fuel. As I was drinking my coffee and smoking my spirits revived and I saddled up and headed home.
As usual the bike performed flawlessly and the run was a roaring success with loads of different conditions and scenery. I was a bit wet when I got home but that did not matter after a nice cuppa at Mayhem's house and a hot shower. If you are ever in that area give the route a try, 300 miles with fuel available in most decent sized towns , cafes and pubs aplenty and of course , Great biking roads.
I also joined a website called http://www.bestbikingroads.com/index.php
If you are ever after a route for europe or Britain give it a try,they even have an app for i-Phone. You can join and add routes or coment on existing ones.
Well, that may have been the last ride of this year. If it was then it was worthy, if not then I hope the next one is half as good! Mayhem is working away at the moment and was not available so I was on my own again. God I must seem to be a right Billy No Mates! Hope it gets better next year.

Devil's Beeftub

Newcastle by accident!

After reading Bungles' last post I got a bit down myself to be honest. I can fully understand where he is coming from. Trying to arrange things for a group of people is exceptionally difficult. Everyone has different ideas and commitments , work and family as well as financial constraints. I have tried to arrange meets with just three people and found it was next to impossible!
I thought about it for a while and I can honestly say that I think he has done the right thing.I hope you come back to biking soon Mr.Bungle but only when it's right for you.
One of the big problems I face when it comes to getting out on my bike is that I am at work 3 out of every four weekends. I get days off in the week and ten days off evey five weeks but Mayhem (Martin) works Mon. to Fri. I also have friends from work who ride but are on different shifts to me and so getting out in a group is VERY difficult to sort. As a consequence of this I have found myself going out more and more on my own. When I get days off I see if my missus is working and if she is I take off.
Last Sunday was a really nice day and I was on morning shift. Instead of finishing at 2pm I wangled an early finish and got away for 12. Mayhem was available and we took off on the bikes at 12.30. We had a blast down through the Lakes and went over Kirkstone pass and up Hartside(it was foooking chilly up there and blowing like hell). We then went back down Hartside to Penrith and back over Kirkstone into a lowering sun which was interesting to say the least! Windermere back to Workington was accomplished as the sun set and we put the bikes to rest in near darkness.Just 177 miles covered but it was fantastic. My but the nights are cutting in!
Today (Friday) I got up early(day off,missus at work) and thought that the weather looked just about good enough for a run off. I got out the winter cordura jacket though. The temperature has definitely dropped to Autumnal freshness around here. Where to go? I had all day so I got togged up and i-Podded and Pointed the 'Bird towards Carlisle. Had an absolute blast on the A66 to Cockermouth and then the A595 to"The Border City". Getting through Carlisle can be a pain at the best of times but there was an accident which caused massive tailbacks.I filtered with care and got out to the McDonalds where I stopped for breakfast and ciggie.While smoking and finishing my coffee I thought about my last attempt to get round Kielder Water which was foiled by a road being closed. I decided to try again.
Getting onto the A7 I trundled along to Canonbie and turned onto the B6357. This was one of the best ideas I've had in ages. What an awsome road.Decent road surface for the most part and plenty of twisty bits as well as changes in elevation. The scenery is majestic too. Think I've just found another road to add to my "must do as often as possible" list! I cracked on along this road and eventually came to a junction where I turned right. I imediately recognised the new road and realised I was on the A6088 which is part of a run Mayhem and I have done many times. It takes you out onto the A68 at Carter Bar which is the border of England and Scotland. The 6088 is a cracking road as is the A68. I was getting low on fuel and knew that there was a petrol station about 5 miles along the 68 . I pulled in at Carter Bar for coffee and obligatory ciggie.
Carter Bar A68






From here I thought I would get onto the Kielder road which is just after the Petrol station at Byrness but this was not to be. The fuel station had gone bust and I was on fumes! I carried on along the 68 but knew from experience that there were no fuel stops before Hexham which was way further than I would manage. I had never been on the A696 before but figured there would be a fuel station somewhere so I turned onto it and kept going. After passing through Otterburn(no petrol) I saw a sign that said "Border Riever Shop and Petrol 8 miles". Huge sigh of relief! I carried on and got to the station at Kirkwhelpington where I filled the bike to the gunwhales with fuel and then did a double take at the price. £1.29.4 a liter! Cost me £27 to fill up. No wonder it was called the "Border Riever", Dick Turpin would have been proud of the guy that owns this spot! The cashier explained that it was the only fuel between Jedburgh and Ponteland and therefore he could charge what he wanted. Got to say that if I'd noticed before I had filled up I would have only put a tenner in and filled up in Ponteland!
Anyway, tank brimming and ready to boogie I got back on the road and carried on the 696 to Ponteland. Nice road with lots of lovely sweeping fast bends and I really enjoyed the ride. I started to get the feeling that I kind of recognised the road and then I saw a hotel called The Highlander. Suddenly it dawned on me that I had been in that hotel for my brothers' Wedding reception. Next thing I know I am on familiar roads into Newcastle. I didn't hang around and got myself out on the A69 and as soon as I figured a route ,got onto the A695 for Hexham from where ,via theB6035, I could get onto the brilliant A686 for Alston. This scenic and challenging road also incorperates Hartside where I stopped for another coffee and fags.







Hartside and Cafe.

I like Hartside but it is tricky and also bloody cold no matter what time of year you are there. I took my time down to Penrith and thought about just blasting along the A66 to Workington. Still plenty of daylight left so I decide to go over the Kirkstone Pass to Windermere , Again. I love that road and it is so much more interesting than the A66! Windermere along to Ambleside and Keswick was tricky too because the road surface is poor and it was very busy. The road was slightly damp although it was not raining until I got to Keswick. It was a quick blast to Workington after that as it was getting very wet and a bit dark. All in all a very satisfying ride even though I was on my own. Around 260miles of some of the best roads you can get. Thats why I do it.
I swear I will get round Kielder Water one day!

The Times They Are A Changing

Oh Dear!

Well..........Hello peeps.....I know, I know it's been ages since I last posted. A few explanations are in order me thinks............Starting with..........

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2093216.htm

I have been dreading posting that little link, but there you go.

I have been getting more and more frustrated with biking life over the past 18 months. I have tried and tried to keep things fresh and involve the guys in this blog and in runs and weekend trips. But the problem is that apart from those very weekends away not a lot gets done. I started this blog to encourage the guys to become more proactive and to come up with ideas for further adventures and such like.

I think it all started to go wrong when K.G (Remember him?) chucked in the towel due to a biking injury and he was soon followed by H-Boss who had to sell his bike to try and bail out his failing business. Now, I'm not knocking these guys for doing that, of course, after all there are far more important things in life than biking, and I am assured that both will be back with a bang next year.

It was K.G who organised the trips and the days out and would not take no for an answer, whereas I just don't have the balls to shout at people and make people feel guilty like K.G used to (He truly is great at that).

As far as the rest of the guys go, I think I am closest to Zippy, in terms of riding and in terms of family life (we took our tests together and supported each other every step of the way) but Zippy rarely reads this blog, unless he is told about a particular article.

Fruit'n'Barley is pretty much the same and is a very infrequent visitor. Papa Phallus, on the other hand, has been a star. He supports everything we try and do and regularly comments and posts on the blog. Also outside of the blog he is very generous in loaning me garage space for my(?) Blackbird.

I am not trying to knock people or apportion blame for my current state of mind, I was sort of hoping that our Scotland trip would re-ignite fires in us but in all honesty since then I have been on one short blast to Whitby and back, and poor Zippy has not been out at all.

One of the real positives to come out of Scotland was meeting Scotch Broth, I have said it before but he really taught us all a lot and I know my riding is better for it. He is really keen to post on this blog and does so very well, and I hope he continues to do so, and but for a huge amount of lethargy on our part we would (and should) have joined him on his recent trips over to our side of the country. Sorry dude.

Now, before I took up motorcycling I used to do a fair bit of mountain biking and I must be frank and say that nothing, and I mean nothing, comes close to the exhilaration of flying down a sketchy trail on a mountain bike. I stopped mountain biking about 5 years ago, mainly because the job I do was at that time stupidly time consuming and I got very little time off, so the expensive mountain bike had to go. fast forward 2 years and work had calmed down but I didn't think I had it in me to go back to mountain biking so I chose a different path and took up motorcycling. But, fast forward again another 3 years and my youngest son (nippage) buys himself a mountain bike and I promise him that I would buy another bike and show him the ropes. Well, what can I say. It all came back to me within a couple of rides and it was fantastic. I was out riding with both of my sons (we have been out over a dozen times now) getting a little fitter and healthier each ride and just enjoying time spent with my two lads.

So, if the Blackbird sells, (I have had a bit of interest) I think I will be taking a year out of biking and coming back fresh and fired up next year with the rest of the guys. I think Zippy is thinking along the same lines and, in fact, he is already sans bike.

I will continue to post on the blog and keep you informed on what is going on and when I have my new GSXR750 (whoops, let the cat out of the bag there) I will let you all know.....

Sorry for the miserable post

Bungle

NorthYorkshire Again!

After 8 solid weeks of work I have finally got some time off! Of course the first thing I did was waste two days recuperating and sleeping. So Wednesday dawned grey and not very promising but the weather forecast assured me that the best weather in the country would be North Yorkshire. Dithering and wondering if I should trust the forecast cost me about an hour and then I thought "bugger the weather , I need to get out and enjoy myself". I chucked some clean clothes into my tankbag, checked the i-pod was charged and got out my new "Skull-candy" earphones. Yorkshire here we come!
Predictably as I got the bike out and checked oil,tyre pressures and lubed chain it started to rain. I ignored the rain and pretended it was sunny and warm.Didn't even bother with the waterproofs and just saddled up and pushed on. I took a pretty indirect route down to Kendal by going down the A595 and turning of at Silecroft and going round to Coniston and then Ambleside and then Kendal. I was really looking forward to the A684 and I was not disappointed as the road was bone dry and the sun was shining. I really got a wriggle on and was in Sedburgh in no time only to find that the road to Hawes was closed. A diversion up the A683 to Kirby Stephen and back down the B6259 to Garsdale Head got me back on track. I did not realise that I had missed the famous Buttertubs Pass by a few miles. I cracked on along the A684 through Hawes and Wensleydale to Leyburn where my stomach reminded me that I was not part of a Honda and that it required sustenance. A lovely cup of coffee and a Masham Pork sausage butty refuelled me and I was off again towards Northallerton where I decided to go to Thirsk where I desperately had to refuel. That is the first time ever I've got 175 miles on one tank. The A170 and Sutton Bank were next and after negotiating that I decided to get onto the B1257 for Malton.
Malton to Pickering and on to the Hole of Horcum where I stopped for a photo or two and then a visit to Goathland. The scenery was stunning and the village is immaculate and there are even a couple of Ford Anglia police cars and a steam train! From Goathland I stayed on the minor roads to join the A171 for Whitby and after a quick visit there I got back on the 171 and continued down the coast to Scarborough where I had a coffee,fag and photo stop. I also had a chat with a chap on a Rizla liveried GSXR1000 who had a sticker on his bike that said he had been on the Timmelsjoch Pass between Italy and Austria. We had a reminisce about that as I have been over it too(2840m and snow flurries in August). He also told me where the Buttertubs Pass was and I new I wouldn't get to do that on this run. It was now about 6.30 pm and the clouds had come down and it was looking decidedly murky. Having put some clothes and a pair of trainers in the tankbag "just in case" I thought about looking for a B&B and staying over. I headed back along the A170 and down Sutton bank to Thirsk where it started to rain in earnest and I thought the B&B was a winning idea. I pulled in at a pub but they were full and so was the next, the Vale of York, but the manager phoned around and found me a room at the Poplars which was only 50yds down the road. Quick shower and shave(I always carry toiletries in my tankbag) and back to the Vale of York for tea and a few libations to cure the aches and pains. I was absolutely bushed and after my tea and drinks I headed back to the Poplars for a well earned kip. (Quick aside here; My mrs was not too chuffed with me, she was on a nightshift!)
Thursday dawned bright and sunny. No it bloody didn't! It was bloody pissing down and misty. After a quick fag (and nicoteen rush) I was provided with a sumptuous breakfast of finest Yorkshire produce and then I had to brave the Elements and don my waterproof jacket. Yes, its still too tight but the magic still works! As I motored along the A61 the sun broke through and I quickly re-evaluated my options and after reaching Ripon the Buttertubs Pass beckoned. Up the A6108 to Leyburn(quick stop for fuel, antacid tablets,water and fags) and then along to Hawes where I found the turnoff and ,with some trepidation, headed ove the pass. The Blackbird is probably not the best tool for this sort of road but it was still fun even with standing water and dubious road surface. I thoroughly recommend it , preferably in the dry.
By this time I was trying to think of ways to prolong my ride out and delay the homeward trail. From Thwaite along to Nateby and back down the B6259 to Garsdale Head and then back to Hawes for a trip down theB6255 and past the incredible Ribblehead Viaduct. Forgot to stop for a photo, Doh! This road took me onto the A65 to Kirby Lonsdale and Devil's Bridge where I stopped for a cup of tea and a chat with a chap on a BMW1150RT. Nice bloke and enjoyed the chat.
I put off going home by getting on the A583 back up to Sedburgh and then the A684 back to Kendal where it started raining but I kept going and soon ran out into sunshine again.The run to Windermere was uneventful and Ambleside came into view. Time for a pee stop and a decision on my route home. Ambleside to Workington via Keswick 38miles , Ambleside to Workington via Coniston, Broughton-in-Furness, Holmrook and Whitehaven 68miles. Coniston it is then!
On the way home just after Whitehaven it started to rain like it was trying to re-enact the Flood of Noah and I got thoroughly soaked in the last 8 miles of my nearly 600 mile journey! Still ,I will not complain and it was bloody brilliant. I am so glad I took the chance to get away , all that would have made it better would have been some company.

Whitby and Yorkshire moors

What a fantastic day i have just had! Myself and Mayhem decided to make a day of it and set off this morning at 9.30 to get over to the East coast and enjoy the Yorkshire Moors. We set off from Workington and got to Keswick in short order. We got onto the A591 and enjoyed the ride down to Kendal and then onto the A684. What an absolute treat this road is,twisty and challenging. I had never been this way before and was blown away by the road and the scenery .I will definitely be doing this road again although I hope the stretches of Tar-and-chipping resurfacing will have a bit less loose gravel next time!
We stopped at Leyburn for a smoke and a drink and then carried on to Northallerton,Brompton and A19. A quick blast up to the A172 and Stokesly where we turned onto the B1257. Although this is classed as a B road it is a two carriageway road and is really good. It does have the obligatory "number of Motorcyclist casualty" signs as do most of the roads in this area. This does cause me to wonder why there aren't signs saying how many four wheeled accidents there have been as well. Surely someone must realise that roads like this attracts bikers so there are likely to be more accidents, probably not helped by the number of car drivers that don't know what mirrors are for!
I decided to follow the B1257 all the way down to Malton and then turn onto the A169 and go up to Pickering and over the Goathland Moor. What an incredible experience it was with the sun shining on the heather and a very enjoyable road. I hope to do this route again very soon.
Arriving in Whitby we quickly found the famous Whistlestop Cafe. I was looking forward to some Whitby Scampi and chips but it turned out we were too late and I settled for a bit of Quiche and the biggest slice of chocolate cake I have ever seen. Mayhem went over the road to a chippy and got fish and chips(smartarse). After refreshments and ciggies it was time to head for home and as I was in charge of navigation I got on the A171 and then over to Darlington. I then got onto the A68 and followed this until I could get onto the A689 for Alston and over Hartside to Penrith.This stretch of road from the cafe down to Melmerby was as demanding as ever with its tight hairpins,blind corners and the usual traffic.You just have to relax and take it steady. A quick blast along the A66 saw us arrive home at 8pm having completed over 360 bloody great miles,two tanks of fuel and some fantastic Yorkshire scenery. I still have a stupid big grin as I write this!
Mayhem had enjoyed himself as much as I did and we both hope to do it again in the company of Mr.Bungle,Zippy and crew. Hope to see you soon guys!

Going Home

The Scotland Trip has been very excellently documented by Mr. Bungle and there is not much that I can add except to say that I did not do much waiting for anybody . It was great fun on and off the bikes. When we reached Dumbarton I had to split from the guys as I was heading to Dumfries to visit my brother. We headed over the Erskine Bridge and I got on the M8 to head for the coast and get onto the A76 to Dumfries. The sky was black and it appeared that I would be able to skirt the storm , or I would if I hadn't took the wrong turn that was taking me right into it! All of a sudden the visibility was down to 20 Meters and the motorway was inches deep in water. The cars were making bigger bowwaves than the ferry had! I looked for the next exit and managed to get turned in the right direction but the delay meant that instead of skirting the edge of the storm I would be in and out of the front all the way to Dumfries. Hey Ho, thats the way it goes sometimes. I dont mind riding in the rain but the wind was really bad at times and that can be scary.
I had meant to get onto the A737 but had turned onto the Westbound side of the M8 and after I had got onto the Eastbound carriageway I had to ride in that freakish wind and rain back to where I wanted to be. On the A737 down to Irvine I could get the speed back up a bit and even enjoyed the road. It is pretty damn good in the dry. Some of the idiot car drivers were driving along in the spray off the vehicles in front with no lights on . Apart from the spray it really was pretty dark. Irvine to Kilmarnock was fairly dry but as it is dual cabbageway there was no shelter from the bloody wind and as Mr.Bungle said when you are leaning over to go in a straight line it kinda puts a dent in your fun!
From Kilmarnock to Dumfries was great as always as it is fairly sheltered and once again I was out of the rain. I really got the hammer down and enjoyed this fantastic road. I got to my brothers house where he showed me his new Arai and his wifes new Flip front helmet with built in sun visor. The Box was really smart but the Arai was just really special. (Green with envy) He then showed me the route he has planned for his two week motorbike holiday in the alps and Lake Maggiorre in Italy. (Positively bloody Green with envy) . After spending some time with him and his wife I headed back to Workington. On getting to the outskirts of Carlisle the wind was not trying to push me sideways, instead it was trying to lift my helmet off and I can say that last 35 mileswas the most uncomfortable ride I've ever had!
It was still the best fun you can have with your clothes on and I would travel anywhere with this bunch! Can't wait to get over to the North East to see what the roads are like over that way.

Scotland Trip Day 4

"Gusty Gusty Windflap"

And so, after three superb days of riding some of the best roads our little island possesses. It was time to head home. Five weary but happy travellers facing all that the weather Gods could throw at them.

It had been pretty much persisting down all night and the morning seemed no better as we headed up the singletrack road out of the village. The little babbling brook that followed the line of the road was by now a raging torrent of copper coloured, foam topped water that was being fed by water streaming down the sides of the mountains. It was awe inspiring to witness. It was like Mother Nature had decided to put on a display of power and majesty to make sure we would never forget our little foray into this truly beautiful part of the world.

None of us had breakfast that morning so we agreed we would call in to a suitable café in Arrochar for a bacon butty and a warming mug of coffee. We found a suitable place just on the outskirts of Arrochar, it was a converted church. The bacon butties were excellent, and gave us a bit of respite from the driving rain.

We got ourselves suited and booted once again, but this time in glorious sunshine. Zippy approached his bike ready for the off, turned the ignition on and the bikes alarm/immobiliser kicks in. Zippy tried to disarm the alarm, but nothing would turn the bloody thing off. The poor lad. What with all the MOT trouble he‘d suffered, he didn’t need this. He made a quick call to enquire about using the breakdown cover on his insurance, it was good to use but would take an hour two to reach us.

We decided to have a look and see if we could sort the problem ourselves. Myself and Scotch Broth both come from a mechanical background, so we had a little usable knowledge on tap.

We stripped off the nose cone and screen to get at the alarm which was mounted just underneath the clocks. Scotch Broth pulled out the alarm multiplug, bridged a couple of terminals, and hey presto, the bike started. Zippy was a happy chappy. And Mr. Broth, you’re a genius…

Back on the bikes we headed of along the A82 past Loch Lomond and onto a fuel stop at Dumbarton. After fuelling up Scotch Broth told us that he would be heading back down the A76 to Dumfries to visit family, where as we were going to blast along the M8 and down the M74 and get home in time for Sunday dinner. So we said our farewell’s and parted company just after the Erskine Bridge crossing.

The wind was really starting to pick up by now and felt almost gale force in strength. It was going to be no fun at all traversing the moors on the M74.

In actual fact the wind on the M74 was bad, but nowhere near as bad as it got around Carlisle and the open sections of the M6. For quite long stretches we found ourselves in the inside lane doing 55-60 mph just to avoid being blown across two lanes. After 30 minutes of buttock clenching we reached the relative sanctuary of the A66, the wind was now at our backs so we could relax a little and make up for lost time.

Before long we were home, the bikes were filthy, we were knackered but very happy.

It was a fantastically successful trip. On a personal note, I have learned loads over the four days and I can’t thank Scotch Broth enough for joining us and putting up with our limited abilities and basically being an all round good egg. You’re a top man Mr. Broth.

And so another year, another OMP road trip. So where to next year guys??????????

Bungle

Scotland Trip Day 3

"I Neeeeeeed Alcohol"

Day 3 started with another visit to the shop in the middle of the holiday complex. Myself, F’n’B (naturally) and Zippy elected to walk rather than ride this time, for 2 reasons, to get a bit of fresh air and also to give Scotch Broth time to finish his colossal breakfast banquet.

Inside the shop we, once again, noticed the shop assistant giving F’n’B the eye. I nudged him and tried to get him to go across for a chat but I think the poor lad was a little shy and resisted all attempts.

we picked up our Crunchy nut Cornflakes (tut!) and milk and headed to the counter. Zippy was stood perusing the chocolate bars and shouted across “Anybody want owt?”. To which F’n’B replied “Yeah, I’ll have a Lion Bar”. Once again we all fell about laughing, in front of a very confused shop assistant.

Today’s ride was going to be a short blast to Stirling. Basically to try and find a bike dealer. F’n’B’s visor had turned opaque the previous day and now Papa Phallus’ had gone the same way. We still have no idea what caused the problem, it looked like both visors had been cleaned with a petrol soaked rag, but of course this wasn’t the case. It would have to be a case of, grin and bear it until we found replacements in a suitable bike dealers.

We had no idea if Stirling had any bike dealers, but being a fairly major city, it was reasonable to assume that at least one dealer would be found. Checking beforehand on Google was out of the question because mobile phone signals were none existent in Lochgoilhead.

The clouds overhead looked a touch angry as we set off along the Lochgoilhead to Rest and be Thankful singletrack road. This could be the day we all get a good soaking.

Next it was along the A83 to Arrochar and then Tarbet and onto the A82 which hugs the coast of Loch Lomond. This is a very twisty stretch of road and would be superb but for hundreds of tourist cars and caravans and quite a few sections of road works. Not that I’m complaining about the tourists mind, that is what we were after all and who am I to deny people access to this beautiful area.

We passed through Inverarnan and continued on to Crianlarich in search of a fuel stop, none found, we continued a little further north to Tyndrum where we found fuel and a great little café with dedicated motorcycle parking. Their were about 2 dozen bikes parked up, all manner of types on show from Fireblades through Fazers to a group of three 500cc Scooters (Ahem, Mr. Broth).

The coffee’s we ordered and the smattering of bikes on display gave us a much needed distraction from the heavy rain shower now passing through the area, we timed that one perfectly.

So, back on to our main objective. Re-tracing our steps soon found us back at Crianlarich and from here we picked up the A85 to Callander and Stirling. The journey to Callander (now on the A84) was pretty uneventful with both F’n’B and Papa Phallus taking it steady due to poor visibility, one or two heavy downpours didn’t help matters, but we soon found ourselves in heavier traffic on the outskirts of Stirling.

One small point to note, we once again bumped into the three 500cc scoots (ahem!). Made good headway they did….

In Stirling we parked up at McDonalds for a healthy, nutritious lunch. Well, apart from Scotch Broth of course who was still full from breakfast. We now had a full mobile signal and could search around for a dealer. One found, we set off in search. It had closed down a while back, we were informed. The nearest one was now in Falkirk, Oh hum!

A short blast and we were parked outside of Jim Allan Motorcycles. A quick chat with the very helpful staff, two visors fitted and we were on our way back, re-tracing our steps back to Lochgoilhead.

The journey back was superb, the roads had dried out completely and were now virtually empty so good progress was made.

The A85 back to Crianlarich was fantastic, not particularly challenging but stretches of the road were nice and wide with good long straights. Perfect for getting a bit of wind in you’re sails. Papa Phallus and Scotch Broth were like men possessed and soon disappeared out of sight, only to wait a few miles up the road for the rest of us lagging behind.

Before we knew it we were back at our digs and getting ready for a night on the er….village.

It was Papa Phallus’ birthday so we were determined to get a bit drunk and celebrate in style. Rumours of us throwing him in the Loch were totally unfounded although the thought did cross our minds.

We sampled a bit of local fair in the shape of Haggis lasagne, doesn’t sound right but is actually superb. A good few beers, a few single malts and rums and everyone was starting to relax and basically look totally knackered but a good time was had by all. It was time to call it a night, so we gathered outside the pub where Scotch Broth was doing his utmost to add to his fine array of midge bites (he is an avid collector) when we were approached by the local wrecking crew (actually 2 girls and a guy) they said they had been to a party at the local village hall but were now on the lookout for alcohol. “I neeeeeeeed Alcochol” shouted one of the girls. Poor Nippage looked a little nervous in the face of this outburst as he was the only one carrying any booze, namely a half drunk bottle of Bud. But in all honesty they seemed nice kids and soon went on their way to find a suitable supplier.

Which left us to retreat to our apartment for a lovely game of Buckaroo and Operation, and you will be pleased to find out we managed to complete both games quite easily with a fine array of extra furnishings, stories about which we will leave for another day

Bungle