At the beginning of August I was still on the Yacht, making daily trips betwek Monaco and St Tropez.
No sign of having a break. then it was off the Yacht, into the Appartment for a week.
Then back here, to Brecqhou.
Out of the blue, my Boss approves 2 weeks holidays.
I had been talking about the new BMW R1200 GS - water cooled.
even had a bit of a gander at one.
Nice bike, modernised, more controls and buttons than you could shake a stick at, aggressive appearance, I wanted one.
I made an appointment with the dealer for 1030 am, the first day of my leave.
I wanted that bike, he had a day off. so, I told him it would be worth it, he came in to meet me
30 min test ride and I loved it.
When we got back to BMW, Demi made me an offer for Nicole (trade-in) that I couldn't refuse.
Demi offered me about 2/3 of what I originally paid. Not bad after 5 years, 60,000 miles (100,000 kms) and just having over £2000.00 spent on her by the insurance company.
 |
| A loyal companion |
So the new bike...
So, two weeks off, what to do.
Day one, I caught the Ferry across to St Malo, France. Then I rode about an hour south to the outskirts of Rennes, I stayed there overnight. A nice slow introduction to the new bike. The next day I rode across France and on to Karlsruhe. To catch up with Nathan, Monica, meet Emma and see Mum & Dad. I visited them for a few days then it was on the road again.
North up to see the Whaley's and spend some time with Jonah. A short visit, the next day I was off to the UK. So, through Germany, Holland, Belgium and France, through the Tunnel and into the UK.
For the next day I was about to experience insanity!
As usual, I was to attempt an IBA ride - 4 corners. One has to ride around the UK visiting 4 bespoke places - Lowestoft, in the East; Land's End, in the South; St Davids, Wales, in the West; and John O'Groats, obviously in the North. Depending on direction and order the ride can be anywhere from 1400 - 1900 miles, time limit is 36 hours (24 for the Gold)
As I was already in the East, Folkestone is where the tunnel exit is, I started at Lowestoft and rode an anti-clockwise route. I had hoped to complete the ride within 24 hours, but instead of keeping to my planned route (riding into Wales to St Davids and out again, same route) I decided to ride across Wales. Never a good idea if you have a time constraint. in the end I completed the 4 corners in a time of 29 hours and 45 minutes, a total distance of 1452 miles. Despite not achieving the "Gold" I'm still proud of my achievement. A brand new bike, who I didn't really know and who didn't yet have a name.
I now understand why pressure-area-care is so important in intensive Care, after nearly 30 hours on the bike (breaks for petrol and food only) I had started to develop pressure areas on my bum and upper legs. indeed, before the ride began proper, I rode from Folkestone to Lowestoft about 3-4 hours.
It was an amazing ride, but every time I get to the north of Scotland I get frustrated. It's beautiful but desolate (is that possible?) the roads seem to stretch on for ever, two lanes only and excruciatingly low speed limits, on top of that it seems that the Scots are afraid to do the speed limit, generally travelling 5-10 mph under. I guess that's ok if you're just running down the shops for your haggis and whisky, but not awesome if you've been sitting on a motorcycle for the past 28+ hours.
The last time I stayed just near John O'Groats and it was ... not all that pretty.
This time I had booked a hotel just a bit further at Castletown. You could still tell that unemployment was a problem but it didn't seem so desperate.
It was good to have a bath, some food=d and some cider.
I slept like a baby.
The next day, no rush, I headed south. Mainly because you can't go any further north.
My goal was Liverpool, England. about a 8-10 hour ride. I took it easy as, unlike the day before, it was raining.
I arrived in Liverpool in the evening and stayed with Niki and Jig for 4 nights. It felt good not to have to ride anywhere.
We rode around a bit, explored the area, got some errands done and on the Saturday Went to Alton Towers. One of the biggest and best amusement parks in the UK. We managed to get in 8 rides including some of the biggest roller-coasters I've ever been on. I forgot how much fun this was.
Then on Sunday I rode south, once again, to Poole. I was to get the Ferry to Guernsey the next day and catch a boat across to Brecqhou in the afternoon.
But it wasn't to be. Sunday evening I was contacted by work and summoned to London. Wait, I'd just ridden past London.
So, monday morning I missed the ferry and headed back to London and work. Riding in London is like no-where else. but once you get into the rhythm, you're rock-&-roll.
So, a week in London. I managed to catch some of the Tour of Britain, some art in the form of Lowry, catch up with some old mates and recover from the "4-corners"
Then, time to return to the island. Catch up with Charl, Wash Melinda and put her away till next time.
3 weeks, 4165 miles - I guess the bike's run-in. 
 |
| City Rider...LDN |
 |
| Cheeky Monkey |
 |
| Ready for work |
 |
| Dudes! |
 |
| Liverpudlian Friends |
