Call me crazy, but I love to ride my bike.
Melinda is just over 12 months old and I've covered more than 19,000km so far.
The BMW mechanic was surprised that I'd done so much, the closest other bike has just 3,000miles (5,000 km). I've already gone through one set of rear pads (brakes) and a set of tyres.
The new tyres seem to be much better than the OEM, time will tell.
I know that it can get a bit chilly in Winter.
But up until now winter has hidden it's ugly, chilly face.
Actually that's not quite true, it was up until I took my Winter ride.
There is no such thing as the wrong weather, just inappropriate clothes to ride in.
Despite my clothing being "waterproof" I did end up getting wet.
Guess they're not designed for swimming.
Riding in the UK will always present certain challenges: rain, cold, wildlife, UK road network.
It's all part of riding here and I must admit, the UK is probably my least favourite European country to ride in.
In saying that, ANY ride is a good ride.
No it's not. Any ride is an AWESOME ride!
I had 7 days off, unfortunately the ferry is now on it's winter timetable and the times were unfavourable.
It meant staying with some friends (Henning and Ronan) in Plymouth before and after the ride North.
The actual ride was about 1,050 km and about 12.5 hours each way.
I saw plenty of Deer from Glencoe to Skye, on the way north. At night, on a bike that can be a bit of a challenge. I'd hate to hit one.
So, when a local overtook me, I stuck to him like a dag to a sheep.
With his local knowledge and my fearless riding we came through unscathed.
On the way back the only thing I encountered was rain and the winds blowing off a snow-capped Ben Nevis.
When I eventually arrived in Skye, I was greeted by a cheery Lorraine and some of the locals.
Next day we had a tour of the area and up to Portree (Skye's capital). In the evening we headed to the local.
A trip away wouldn't be complete without a medical emergency and none of the locals wanted to oblige so it was up to a woman who lived in Portree to challenge us that evening.
I shan't go into details but lets just say that heads and tiled floors should never meet.
As far as I know, she's ok. Let's hope that she learns to stay on her feet in future.
Next day we joined Lorraine's father for a bit of fishing. It was awesome, not that I'm very good at picking up the crabs, worried they're going to nip me. I'll never be a successful fisherman.
All-in-all, it was an awesome trip: 2,575 km, Visited a few places I'd never been, caught up with a few mates, kept someone alive, killed a few beers and whisky's. I think I'll do it again next summer.
Warm and sunny will be a change.
Now Melinda has been washed, rinsed off, covered and parked up for the winter.
I hope it's a short one!
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| From the "tropics" to Skye |
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| Portree |
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| Fishing with Lorraine's Father |
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| Aird |
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| The rugged landscape was so beautiful |
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| Picture-postcard! |
