As per our usual Saturday morning ritual we started the day with a fantastic breakfast at the Touchdown Cafe, Wellesbourne before deciding to spend the day exploring the tranquil and picturesque roads of the Cotswolds.
We got as far as Halford where our paths crossed the Fosse Way and we took one look at the big black clouds and decided to turn around and head up the infamous Fosse Way.
The Fosse Way was a Roman road that linked Exeter to Lincoln and being an old Roman road it’s a very straight, and bumpy road but it has very little traffic and few speed cameras, in fact the section that we rode didn’t have any speed cameras…that we saw)
We continued north up the Fosse way until it crossed another old famous Roman road Watling Street, otherwise known as the A5, it’s rumoured that near this point (where the Fosse Way and Watling Street cross one another) The battle of Watling Street took place in around 60ad between the Britons (under the command of Queen Boudica) and the Romans.
Once onto the Watling Street we headed south east towards Market Harborough, once past we then picked up one of my favourite roads the B6047 to Melton Mowbray and our next stop for coffee and a warm by the open fire at the excellent Alpine Restaurant that is part of the Grange Garden Centre in Ashfordby.
We next headed west onto the excellent A6006 through Wymeswold and Rempstone until we crossed the A6 and then continued along the B5324 until we got to Ashby-de-la-Zouch, then it was just a few motorway miles home.
The great thing about today’s little ride was that we covered 2 of my favourite places to eat and 3 of my all time favourite roads, even if they were all covered in crap!
Sorry for the lack of photos but we were too busy riding our bikes!
Roman Roads
NEC Bike Show 2006
I must admit that I wasn't overly looking forward to this years NEC Bike Show, I'm not sure why but the last few years shows have just been more of the same and were getting boring but due to work commitments myself and a few of the others couldn't make it to the show mid-week so we decided to brave to crowds and visit the show on Saturday the unexpected bonus to this was that my eldest son Scott could also come along.
We arrived at the NEC around 9:50 and after waiting in the ticket queue for 10 minutes eventually paid our £15 for our tickets, by then the show was open but not being ones to rush around and we decided that food was more important that bikes and so we headed into Weatherspoons for breakfast and coffee.
One we had gotten into the show it was nice to see that things had not changed and that there was many young ladies in tight fitting clothes, Scotty was in heaven and so was Bob.
The show contained it usual stands displaying motorcycles, motorcycle accessories, magazines, books, DVDs and Credit Cards? but Scotty was happy as he clambered aboard any and every bike he could and he was over the mood when he found a BMW F650 Dakar and the KTM stand.
I must admit that I really enjoyed this years show, why? I'm not sure maybe it's because I didn't spend any money on any Bike Show 'bargains' or maybe it was just down the fact that we spent the day talking bikes, looking at bikes (and girls!) and eating!
More pictures of the trip can be found here
Sherwood Forest
After reading about the lads at JangleJangle going to Sherwood Forest and playing at being Robin Hood we decided to have a little ride over that way for a change as Bob wanted to audition for the role of the sheriff of Nottingham.
As with most of our trips the day starts with a excellent breakfast and today was no exception as we decided to call into the Salt Box Cafe near Derby. After finding a table as the place was packed as a bunch of guys and gals from the Christian Motorcyclists Association had also stopped here for a break while on one of their runs. Bob demolished a Tattie Breakfast in his usual gusto.
After being suitably fed and watered we headed onto the A515 into Ashbourne and then onto the A517 towards Belper. Once at Belper we went through Heage to get onto the A38 which we took north until we crossed the M1 then carried on the A38 to Mansfield, from there is was just a short ride to Edwinstowe and the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre. (note that if you visit in a car then there is a £3 parking charge but if your on a bike it's free!)
After playing dodge the leaf litter in the car park we parked the bikes and had a stroll around the visitor centre, which is quite a large area consisting of toilets, exhibition hall complete with the obligatory shop, restaurant and other bits and pieces. Once we had walked around the exhibition, played sword fights with wooden swords in the gift show (and nearly getting thrown out) we decided to go and find this big tree that everyone seems to talk about (Major Oak) Unfortunately after walking 100 yards we came across a sign telling us it was a 20 minute walk and Bob was unable to walk that far due to his gammy leg so we decided the best course wasn't into the forest but the restaurant instead.
Once we had warmed up with a nice cup of coffee, had a letch at a load of foreign ladies in tight jeans it was time to head home as it was starting to get dark (Bob's ASBO prevents him from going out at night)
For the trip home, due to the dark skies, we decided to jump onto the M1/M42 and head south.
Sorry for the quality of the pictures, Bob had forgotten the memory card for his camera and mine was playing up.
More pictures of the trip can be found here
Cardiff
Due to some f%%ker stealing Bonzo's Blackbird me and Bob decided to head down to Cardiff and say hello and to say wind him up about not having a bike and say hello to Ray.
We didn't really have much of an eventful ride there or back as we decided to just stick to the faster roads and rode down the M42, M5, M50, A40, A449 and M4 to get there.
One thing that I did notice in retrospect is that I didn't at any point of the journey feel unconformable or have bum ache I just rode the new ST there and back without incident or comment.
On previous trips like this after a 100 miles or so on my old ST my bum and wrists would start to ache, not much but after 200 miles the ache would gradually start getting worse and worse.
On the new ST I didn't notice any of this, thus proving that the Gel Seat and Skyking Bar Risers were doing their job.
Rig's 2004 Sprint ST
After I sold my 1999 Triumph Sprint ST I was looking around for another bike I decided that I really like Triumph's Sprint ST so I got myself another one!
I still cannot decide if I like the new 1050 Sprint ST so I decided to stay with what know and I bought a second-hand 2004 Sprint ST.
I have only covered 200 miles on the bike and my first impressions are that the new engine (Triumph updated the Sprint ST in 2002 with amongst other things) is much smoother and the gearbox is 100% better.
Modifications :
Triumph Panniers
Triumph Top box
Triumph Heated Grips
Triumph Carbon Look Heel Guard
Triumph Front Mudguard Extender
Triumph Luggage Rack / Grab Rail
Triumph Gel Seat
Scottoiler
Blueflame Dual Port Performance Exhaust
Powerbronze Colour Matched Hugger
Powerbronze Iridium Double-Bubble Screen
R&G Crash Protectors
Skyking Bar Risers
Marc's Yamaha Thunderace
I acquired my bike July 05 when I decided that my Yamaha 350f2 was not giving me the same wow factor as it once did. I was intending to get myself a Gixer 600 or something similar until a mate of mine from Chase Super bikes gave me a buzz to let us know that they had got their hands on a mint Thunderace, it wasn't a bike I had ever thought of owning but what the hell I thought and gave it a test ride anyway.
Once I'd give it a blast I was hooked, I found it hard to remove the huge grin from my face so the deal had to be done with the f2 going the other way.
It’s got 20k and has been left totally original. It’s been serviced and fitted with a new set of Pirelli dragons which made a hell of an improvement.
For such a heavy bike it handles well and it's got plenty of power to get you out of trouble (or in my case put you in it).
It’s a much underrated machine and perfect for everyday use as well as the weekend blast.
Happy biking!
Marc
Today is not a good day
Today is a sad day for me, I’ve sold the best bike I have not only ever ridden but owned, Today I sold my Sprint ST, Today I feel like a traitor, Today is not a good day.
I can take solace in that I believe the bikes new owner, Ian, will cherish, pamper and more importantly have a blooming good time riding it as much as I have done.
So after 45034 miles of great joy and fulfilment it was a very sad moment when as I watched the best bike in the world depart from my life, as I stood there and listened to the sweet sound of the bike slowly growing fainter with each passing second I will admit to a small tear in my eye.
Goodbye my friend I will miss you.
Today is not a good day.
Ray and Bonzo's Welsh Blast
Due to my wife fracturing her elbow I couldn't get out this weekend so Ray and Bonzo had a little blast of their own, and Bonzo being Bonzo it had to include loads of food stops!
Crossgates - Breakfast
Llandovery - Coffee
Mumbles - Ice Cream
Cowbridge Common - Coffee & Cake
More pictures of the trip can be found here
Bristol Bike Show
This was the tenth year of the Bristol Bike Show and for the last couple of years it was one of the shows that I had always wanted to attend but never got round to it, but this year was the exception.
Rather than just jump onto the M5 and head south we decided to take the more scenic leisurely route, jumping onto the fosse way just out side of Stratford-upon-Avon and then flowing the A429 south-west through nice little places such as Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water and Northleach until we ended up at Cirencester where we picked up the A433 through Tetbury past Westonbirt Arboretum and onto the A46, M4 and M32 until we reached the centre of Bristol.
Now we didn’t know where exactly the bike show was, except that it was being held in the centre of Bristol and that they close off a couple of streets, so we followed the signs for the city centre and eventually found the signs for bike parking and the yellow Day-Glo marshals helping everyone out)
One of the nice things I liked about the Bristol Show is that there’s no charge to enter, just park you bike and wander around, looking at all the bike parked up, some of which were entered in for different categories in the show, and there were some absolute cracking bikes including some outstanding rat bikes. There were also a number of small stalls selling bit and pieces and advertising different services. The really nice thing about this show is the atmosphere, everyone’s very friendly and the whole event is more like a street party than a traditional bike show.
Many thanks to Bristol MAG and everyone who helped put on a great show.
More pictures of the trip can be found here
Selling my Triumph Sprint ST
I think that the time has come to sell my Triumph Sprint ST
It's been a great bike, in fact the best bike I have over owned and it's with a very heavy heart that I have come to this decision, we have traveled all over the UK and France and had great times together.
I've placed an advert over at RigsVille so if you know anyone who is looking for a 1999 Sprint ST, 45K miles, just had it's 12K service, Panniers + loads of extras please point them in my direction.
The good news is that once I've sold Buffy (Thats the Sprint ST's name BTW) I'll be getting ANOTHER ONE!!!!
The reason I'm selling my beloved Buffy is to make way for a new Sprint ST!
Yes, I've finally fallen and decided to get a newer Sprint ST, at this stage I'm not quite sure which one, but I must admit that I'm leaning towards a 2004 955 Sprint ST and not the newer 1050 model. I've nothing against the new 1050 Sprint ST, it just doesn't grab me like the older style Sprint ST's so If you know anyone who has a 2003 onwards Sprint ST and is looking to sell, Point `em in my direction please.
Loads of pictures, including details of my life with the Sprint ST can be found on RigsVille
France and Spain
Saturday June 3rd 2006
Set out at 03.45 for ferry, for once it was not freezing cold, pouring of rain or blowing a gale. But it was a bit foggy and cold. I was supposed to meet the lads at 4.15 at Newbury services, but only allowing ½ an hour was mad, I arrived at 3.35 and still made good time.(good job the police where in bed…he he)
What a bonus the ferry booked was the fast ferry so we arrived in France at 11.45 UK time in Ouistreham. Food on ferry was crap and expensive. We set off towards Rennes on the boring motorway, had to have a bit of a blast to get the cobwebs out, we continued around Rennes on the periphery and out to Fegreac in good time. It was like having an extra day’s holiday. It was also bloody hot.
We had a trip down town into Redon where we had drink at a bar. Neighbours Jackie & Terry did us a Barbecue and admired my lilly-white legs in my old faithful green shorts (looked a right prat). Good night with a lot beer and laughs.
Miles covered: 340
Sunday June 4th 2006
Got up 5.45 am ready for the early start and set off before breakfast. We had a near miss 18 miles from the house with a roaming Alsatian dog running around in the middle of the road, I braked hard everyone but Darryl manage to stop, he clipped the side of Ray and shot off down a grassy bank, missed the dog and (all be it gently) stopped but he landed in a grassy bank. We had to pull the bike out the ditch and remove a lot of grass. No damage done though and we set off again; down to Bordeaux on the N137, around on the periphery out on the N250, we turn off on the N134 and on to Pau, travelled about 394 miles today had a problem with Bank card in one garage (they don’t like English cards in those petrol pumps) but about 30miles on found another garage.
Have just booked into the hotel Ibis (85 euros per room, bloody expensive). It is clean and tidy though and nice bar with cold beer.
I had a narrow escape in a local restaurant. Luckily they got my dinner order mixed up with Darryl’s I only had to scrape his sauce of his steak (what I ordered came raw with an egg on top) yuck. Darryl ate it though and said it was good. We had a nice sweet, bottle of wine and more beer.
Miles covered: 394
Monday 5th June 2006
It was an early start had breakfast (jam and bread) and we cracked on across the Pyrenees through the mountains, good views. We headed off down towards Madrid. We end ended up staying about 50 miles further on past Madrid. Hotel was a truck stop with bar and restaurant and it was cheaper too. The room was 50 euros and 6 more to park the bikes around the back where it was locked at night. We have done some miles today and I am knackered.
Got to get a drink!
Miles covered: 456
Tuesday 6th June 2006
Started off early towards Benalmadena, made it to the Triton hotel early afternoon, it is very busy here, we had to stay in the annex, which really pissed us off as it’s a but of a jaunt from the main hotel. This was the only place that wanted the room paid for up front, which really pissed Ray off (don’t mention it, he had the broom cupboard as well) he he.
The price has only gone up slightly from 3 years ago it was 160 euros for two nights.
Weather red hot and Bonzo, Ray and Darryl are all in shorts I’m the prat in jeans, straight down to the bar for plenty of refreshments. At least this year we will not be the only prats in leathers on the beach, but the site of those knock knees is not nice. He he.
Had a nice shower, and race down to the bar, loads of beer, nice meal at a local restaurant and I fell asleep in the hotel foyer. The lads woke me up and slung me into my room after taking silly photos of me.
Miles covered: 232
Wednesday 7th. June 2006
Day off, big breakfast of fruit, eggs and bacon, croissants (don’t mention what Bonzo had) so with full belly lets go for a bike ride! (Must be mad) Had a lazy day! Only 151 miles or so with a couple of café stops. We popped to Gibraltar and back had to do the cable car what a view and again we eat at the top in the café (pasty and chips, lovely). Loads of idiots on scooters fly past you at break neck speed and cut in front of you, all you want to do is give them a smack! It was very busy to get off the island, had to show passports again. There must have been a hundred bloody scooters trying to get off the island as well.
We had a late start about 12 .00 and got back amount 6.30, nice shower and back to the bar. We went along the promenade to find a restaurant and had a nice meal and more beer.
Miles covered: 151
Thursday 8th June 2006
Had an early start pack bags, make the jaunt back to bikes to load up. Had nice breakfast in the hotel, should have seen the size of Bonzo’s breakfast would have fed a normal man for a week. We started off heading up around Malaga towards Andalusia, went around Granada up the E-902 towards Jaen, then turn off on the A-316 through Ubeda, towards Albacete, then went up the N-322 to Requena by then we are knackered, tried to fine local hotel but the one we went to was fully booked so we headed off towards Valencia on the A3. We found a hostel and stayed the night. This hostel had right funny shower trays very high and small inside (just like a hand basin/ toilet), with just a curtain around. I was the only one with hot water, he he. It was very basic but clean and friendly. It only cost 30 Euros.
Miles covered: 397
Friday 9th June 2006
We had a thunder storm about 4am only Bonzo woke up and heard it, had a sprinkling of rain which made the bikes look shitty, and covered in gray dust.
We then set off towards Valencia on the A3, we then join the A7 heading for Barcelona, we cut around on the periphery and took the C16 and the E9 towards Andorra.
Arrived at Andorra had a touch of déjà vu Ray had to have a new tyre, but if you have to have a new tyre this is the place as it’s cheaper and quicker than Spain. We booked into the hotel Pyrenees, nice hotel if you go there, highly recommended.
It’s right in the town centre and was only 50 euros a night per room. They have a lock up garage to park in. We stayed there last time we went down to Spain and they still had us on computer. We went out to a nice restaurant, but walking back to the hotel Darryl and Ray nipped into a fast food store and had a burger (greedy gits, both need worming).
Miles covered: 362
Saturday 10th June 2006
Travelled up through Toulouse and then took the right hand fork in the main road. We stopped at Tournon D’Agenais on the D102 for a drink it’s very scenic this way. The weather is so hot glad I brought some padded jeans for this trip and did not have my leather trousers on; if there had been more room in my top box I would put my jacket in it as well. Room was 69 Euros in the Campanile Hotel just outside Bergerac. We hired a taxi to take us into town where we found a couple of nice bars and an outside restaurant, we meet some nice French and Belgian people who could speak English.
Miles covered: 240
Sunday 11th June 2006
Bonzo and I are up and ready so we oil the chains on the bikes and load our top boxes.
We meet Ray and Darryl have a nice breakfast and we meet the French people from the restaurant the night before, we pay the bill and head for the town centre. Thank god for GPS units. We have spent the morning going across country to Nantes via Noir. It is still very hot, gloves are in the top box and my hands are covered in flies. I had to wash of the dead flies off my hands to eat my food in a services and I am starting to ach a little now. We arrive at our house in Fegreac, strip off and put our hot feet on the cold tiled floor (heaven). We had to open all the doors and windows in the house tonight as there was a strong smell of feet, lovely.
We crawled back onto the bikes to have a Pizza in Redon tonight. Only a couple of beers, then back to house put film on TV then plenty of beer, Darryl went bed first knackered then me about 1am Bonzo and Ray stayed up till gone 2 still drinking (piss heads).
Miles covered: 314
Monday 12th June 2006
Me and Bonzo were up so I flashed up a light English breakfast of 3 eggs 2 sausages 4 rashers of bacon and beans each. We just had to call in to Mont-Saint-Michel so we made good time, got there by 1 p.m. and we then had a nice ride back up to Caen to catch the 5 p.m. ferry. The boat arrived in Portsmouth at 9.45 pm
We road up to the M4, said good bye boys, see you next week and head home. I arrived at 12 midnight, Ray and the boys about 12.30 in Wales.
Miles covered: 360
Cost :-
Ferry £130.00
Petrol about £250
Total spent £1100.00
Worth every penny. Bob
(I want to go again) he he
More pictures of the trip can be found here
Aberystwyth
We started the day meeting up with Bonzo at Fromes Hill Cafe where we had our usual excellent breakfast before heading down the A417 and then onto the A44 and a quick stop at Crossgates Cafe
We then stayed on the A44 and followed this great road all the way into Aberystwyth
Once we had parked up on the seafront next to loads of other bikes we had a wander around the town before we decided that it was time to head home.
More pictures of the trip can be found here
Hunstanton
Early on Saturday morning Rig and Bob left Tamworth for a trip to the seaside and down one of my favourite roads from Ashby-De-La-Zouch to Melton Mowbray where we picked up the B676 to Colsterworth where we stopped for breakfast at the A1 Truck Stop.
After an excellent breakfast we then took the A151 into Bourne and then staying on the A151 we went through Spalding
After getting slightly lost in we eventually found the A17 through Sutton Bridge and into Kings Lynn and finally arrived at our final destination Huntington
After paying our £1 to park on the seafront the first thing we did was to have a little walk along the seawall and check out the other bikes parked up. After having a chat with a couple of the other bikers we decided to grab a drink and to find some where to cool off out of the sun.
We spent a nice couple of hours admiring the view (OK I mean the ladies, especially Becky who works in the donut stall next to the bike show - Phew!) we decided to brave the heat and head back home.
More pictures of the trip can be found here
