mite do a mock run with me tank bag straped on to me tail fullly loaded. down the mway tomorrow and then find some twisteys to see if it falls off after tomorrow will have to start counting SHEEP TO SLEEP WITH 4 DAYS TO LIFT OFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
Just need to find some room for the sticker then. In terms of luggage, get it ridden as i had to faff around with extra straps when i tested mine out the other week, and i'm loading up my mates tomorrow and gonna follow him around to see if they're ok too.
Font for text may be slightly different but similar to that Good idea to test luggage - and don't trust your mate who says 'Its fine Al, adjust it at the top of the hill' or this can happen
Hello gents, Looking forward to the impending fun and games. Been busy with all last minute madness here, getting ready for my next attempt at a RTW trip! (Al thanks for the call and offer of help on Sat night bud, much appreciated). Been chatting with Jimbo and Dave, I'm going to have to meet you guys up at the guesthouse in Hawick on Thursday evening as I need to stop at the Cenotaph and Darlington for a few things to do with charities and sponsors for the trip. I reckon I'll be there about 1730hrs if that's ok? Cheers, Bruce
forget about the weather - I rode up last weekend with sleet / hail and snow on my visor one moment, 20 mins later I'm sat in Edinburgh in bright sunshine. Pack the right kit and get on with it -even in pissing rain its kind of cool rarely had a full trip of continual rain - and anyway its way too early to be anyway near accurate.
Bought myself a North Face waterproof, windproof keep everything out glorified cagoule for the trip today as yet again the weathermen got it wrong in North Wales and I was bloody freezing again!
what ever the weather brings we will be ok were hard as fek we ride blades and wil find a nice warm pub
You're so kind Alan. In fact I didn't actually pay for it myself, gave Giv some spiel about bringing the wrong card and he coughed up 160 spondoolies for it! Said he'd do me easy payment terms over 5 years.
Sort of felt sorry for him .He was whining that he was cold and then the lip started quivering so I took he under my wing and it was like seeing a child in a lollipop shop .Can I have this one dad ? Does my bum look big in this Giv ? It went on for flaming ages but seeing the boy tucked up in his new coat sort of brought a tear to my eyes and took me back to when my sons were young and pestering
4 more sleeps till the border crossings are opened, and the tour begins. Let's all enjoy this trip, and hopefully we can all take something away from this trip to remember. Really looking forward to meeting all you guys, and having a cold 1 at the end of each night for a bit of banter.
All, this will be printed on the ride / tour flyer but thought it worth printing here to read in advance: If anyone has any ideas to add to this please get in touch Some pointers gained from experience of other group rides: * Ride within your limits – Some riders may be more confident than you, know the roads – this is a tour not a race. If you notice a faster bike behind let them past safely – all bikes on this trip are evenly matched for speed in a straight line but cornering ability / speeds will be different. * Don't rush overtakes – Traffic volumes in Scotland are much lighter than you may be used to – if you are not 100% sure just wait for a gap – it will be seconds away. Don't get pulled into following a group overtake unless you can see it is clear. * Expect the unexpected – one risk is Deer – if you see one run in front of you its often followed by a second. * If you are the lead bike in a group and perform an overtake and the road ahead is clear it can be helpful to stay on the 'offside' or right hand side of the road indicating right to show following bikes that it remains clear to pass – if you cut back in quickly after the overtake following bikes will assume you have seen oncoming traffic. * Ride in a staggered formation – gives more space and a safety margin if bikes need to stop. * If you want to stop (for photo / toilet stop etc.) but all OK give a clear thumbs up so others will carry on and can mention if needed. * Buddy up on fuel stops – 22 bikes is loads at fuel time. Find a buddy and alternate fill ups. * Speed limits – please observe these in 30 / 40 / 50 posted limits – don't make others feel they have to 'rush' to keep up in restricted areas – the group will get spread out but soon re-group * There will be a 'tail end charlie' wearing a high vis jacket. This will make it easy to know the whole group has got to a location. * If we stop at the side of the a road ONLY line up in single file – 2 bikes side by side is almost as wide as a car, and very hard for cars to judge. * If you stop and need to speak to rider next to you switch off your bike – with ear plugs, lids loud cans helps a huge amount. The 'Drop off' marker system – please take time to read and understand this: We will run the 'drop off marker' system – if you are the 2nd bike in the group on approach to a junction prepare pull up and stop in a safe location before / just after junction to be able to 'point' / show others the way / turn etc. - if you are bike 3 or 4 as you approach a junction expect the bike in front to pull over and stop – i.e. don't follow them and crash into them! With 20+ bikes the group will get spread out over quite some distance – this will keep the day flowing by avoiding 'I'm lost where are you' texts / phone calls' The “tail end marker” will be obvious and when you see them pass you if you have stopped you can then follow and overtake the tail end bike. With such a large group this should avoid the group getting split up. You take part in this tour at your own risk – Neither Colin nor Alan who have planned the trip nor any other member are responsible for your own riding, actions and any resultant problems, accidents or damage to you, your possessions or motorcycle. You are riding on public roads not a racetrack – respect other road users
As one of the poor saps that isnt going on this trip i would like to say... Have a bloody good time chaps, it sounds like it is going to be bloody epic! I hope you get some good weather but if you dont still enjoy it your making yourselves some classic memories! rest assured those of us not going are as jealous as feck and are looking forward to reading and seeing the accounts. have fun guys!
Sat in work just now after heading out at 6.15 this morning for a ride beforehand, and I honestly can't get my head to switch over to work mode. I nearly said fook it to work and just go for a day long blast. I'm now sitting going thru all the things I need to take with me and have a small list of things to do now. Excited ain't the word
I am really looking forward to it just wish my wife would share my excitement she is a worrier so Thursday can't come quicker enough to be with a group of like minded people.
Judging by the weather forecast think I may leave the leathers at home and get the textiles out nothing worse than getting in and out of one piece waterproofs
