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
NEC Bike Show 2006
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
