rob m

My friend and I were going to originally ride through Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Austria but as the weather was complete pants for the week we decided on Plan B. Go where there was sun. The only place where it was likely was Northern Spain and the Pyrenees. So we rode there through France and lots of rain. We camped in lots of rain. I spent a lot of the time with wet hands and feet. You get the idea. Anyway, we got to the Pyrenees and were so glad we did. It was stunning with mind bending roads. I fell in love with the place from the get-go. It is now officially my favourite biking place on earth...until I find the next one. We rode back through France afterwards and managed to visit Normandy on the way home. Here’s the panzer loaded and ready. A bit of background. I used to tour on my 929 Fireblade (used to post my reports on here) but last year went through a marriage separation and the Fireblade was sold to keep my head above water. Fast forward to this year, I wanted a bike that suited what I like doing most…touring. The big Beemer ticks all the boxes and so much more. It was the first thing I bought for myself after the breakup. New beginnings and all that… http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1015.jpg Anyway, I was up at 03:30 and couldn’t sleep so got to Clacketts Lane services on the M25 by 05:45. Our train wasn’t until 08:50 and we had planned to meet an hour before. I was more than a little excited. I sent a text to my mate to tell him I always already there and I received a reply that simply said ‘c**t’. http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1018.jpg We got onto the 07:50 train in the end. The train wasn’t as busy as I thought it would be, maybe the weather forecast or the footy had an effect. http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1019.jpg Once off the train, we headed through North France, avoiding toll routes. We found some ok roads, but nothing special. Anyway, we thought we were avoiding the rain and then it came…and it didn’t stop for the rest of the day. I have to say that my Richa textiles didn’t let in a drop of water for the entire week away and they were tested to the max. Well recommended. My Alpinestars boots and gloves didn’t fare so well but hey ho, you have to take the rough with the smooth sometimes. http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1024.jpg ‘Do you know what they call a quarter pounder with cheese in France?’ http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1026.jpg The rain just kept coming and there was a heart-in-mouth moment when I overtook a car, opened up the K12 and the rear tyre slithered and the bike felt like it was going to have me off. Luckily it caught grip again and the bike straightened up. For a brief moment I thought I was off and decided to treat the big girl with a bit more respect from then on. Petrol wise, we had no issues at all getting petrol and we filled up in some rural places…and it was a Sunday. The sat nav sent us through some interesting villages, including this one called Armentieres-sur-Avre. Fans of Medal of Honour: Allied Assault take note. http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1028.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1029.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1031.jpg After a very wet ride we got to Le Mans at 16:30 and decided enough was enough and found a campsite. It was 24 euros for both of us and our tents. Pizza and beer was consumed and we dried off. Slept well. http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1032.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1033.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1037.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1038.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1044.jpg The next day was much of the same, we decided to head south west and get as far as we could. We hoped to get to Pau but only managed as far as Bourdeux. Ate lunch in La Rochelle. It pretty much rained form 11:00 on wards but there were periods of dry weather from time to time. I was really fed up with this leg as we took the road from La Rochelle to Bordeaux which is parallel with the coast and was there vicious side winds which had me struggling to keep the bike in a straight line and kept getting pushed to the left. Quite scary at times. We managed to get to Bordeaux by 17:00 and ended up riding through the city, it was very nice but we needed a campsite so started looking. Found one in St Symphorien and she charged us just 14.50 euros for both of us to camp there for the night. The rain kept coming and it was sideways when I was trying to pitch my tent. Was really fed up but the thought of getting to the Pyrenees kept me going. http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1051.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1052.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1054.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1056.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1074.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1077.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1079.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1080.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1083.jpg What a difference a day makes. Up early and out on the road. Yes, more rain but when we got to Pau, it was warmer and drier. I headed to a local Decathalon and bought a new tent as my Halfords £20 job was shit. Beyond shit. Anyway we headed out of Pau and decided that Jaca would be a good place to head for. The view of the Pyrenees just drew us in and the weather improved, the roads got twistier and the views were become jaw dropping. We arrived in Jaca at about 14:00, found a campsite (10 euros a night each). The views from the campsite were breath taking. http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1085.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1093.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1101.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1103.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1107.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1109.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1110.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1114.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1119.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1120.jpg We decided to head out and explore. We found some great roads but decided to take the N240 towards to Pamplona. What a road! The previous 2 days of misery was worth it. Eventually we got back to the campsite at 8pm and head for the bar. Lots of beer and paella consumed that night. http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1122.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1123.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1126.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1128.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1132.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1133.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1141.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1142.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1143.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1144.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1153.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1154.jpg The next day was all riding. After a Spanish omelette and tomato bread for breakfast, served by a stunning Spanish waitress, we headed east along the N260. What a flippin’ road. The weather was glorious and that road just kept giving, especially the twisties through the gorges. We stopped for lunch and then rode it back, it was that good! I was knackered by the evening and more beer and great food was taken on. http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1171.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1172.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1174.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1175.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1180.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1182.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1186.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1188.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1189.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1190.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1196.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1203.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1208.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1210.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1211.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1214.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1215.jpg The third day in Spain was a little less intense. I had been bitten on the ear and it had swollen up to the extent that wearing my crash helmet was really painful. We didn’t follow a plan but just explored, again finding some great roads but by lunchtime I told my mate I was heading back. So we agreed to part ways and he went off finding trails for the afternoon on his Tiger while I made my way back to Jaca. I was in a lot of pain but pain killers and anti histamines did their job…and more alcohol. http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1226.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1229.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1232.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1243.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1246.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1248.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1252.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1265.jpg On the Friday, we had to start heading back and we decided to do it by peage to get lots of miles covered. We managed to managed to get back to Le Mans by teatime and covered just shy of 500 miles. Campsite found in Saint Calais (20 euros for both of us) in and we headed into the small town for food. It was like it was stuck in time but the people were friendly enough. http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1268.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1269.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1271.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1272.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1277.jpg Saturday. As we had done so well on Friday, we had to sometime to play with on the way back to Calais so visited Omaha beach and the cemetary. I’ve never been before but would like to go back and cover that whole area sometime. The ride back to Calais was a mundane affair and we got back for our train at 18:50. http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1280.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1284.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1288.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1291.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1300.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1305.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1306.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1309.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1310.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1313.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1314.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1315.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1316.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1318.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1324.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/France%20and%20Spain%202016/IMG_1326.jpg It wasn’t ideal the way we did it but it was fun and I fell in love with the Pyrenees. If we had stayed to our original plan of riding in central Europe I’m sure it would have been miserable but sometimes being flexible pays off. I want to go back to the Pyrenees next year but I will take the ferry there and spend a whole week because we only scratched the surface this time.

Scala Rider G9x. Does all of those things.

Ha ha!! He's my new hero

Ah guitar shops. Both a pleasure and a pain. Here's a vid of what I play in guitar shops when I want to annoy one of the shop assistants. I pull out the Gary Moore lick at the end when they are about to take the guitar from me https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sV3ILtwfBK4

Happy Birthday Stu

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/33DCFA56-BDC6-4970-91DF-CCF4BEEB1DB6.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/07ACB3DE-73D9-4C9A-AE73-9CA34E99F0EA.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/65731C65-A941-4732-B507-9D9AE3860B8D.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/7210C62E-F383-460F-8405-BE9C54EEC5FC.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/ED74B9FE-ED59-4848-8C02-9C3A6BF76011.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/D5387AA5-7AFD-4003-AB05-2BB2D3D81C1F.jpg Ola! We're camped in Jaca. Roads and scenery are sublime. Staying until Friday.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/C94A2728-3092-4DA3-9931-336B7E824AF4_3.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/F638BB01-0208-4322-BD15-5686A88E4173.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/4B5923F1-710B-405C-810D-E843B1024984.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/F49663EC-7EBE-4BE3-B0B0-5E0A8DB178AB.jpg A few from today. A few words to describe my experiences so far: Wet. Arse-clenching wheelspin. Cute French women. Le Mans. Camping. Pizza. Beer. 377 miles covered, heading for the pyrenees tomorrow.

We already had the pyrenees as a contingency so we are now following roughly what you said. The weather later in the week improves so we can come back through the south of France, Switzerland, black forest then home. We're pretty flexible though so we'll play it by ear. We're sticking to camping though, we do like the sense of adventure. Just had a set of Michelin Pilot Road 4's fitted, looking forward to seeing how they perform.

We already had the pyrenees as a contingency so we are now following roughly what you said. The weather later in the week improves so we can come back through the south of France, Switzerland, black forest then home. We're pretty flexible though so we'll play it by ear.

Cheers Stu Not long until your trip is it?

Heading out on Sunday morning for 7 days and the weather forecast for the week is wet, wet, wet. Should be a giggle anyways, I'm going with my buddy on his Triumph Tiger 800. We're camping and heading for the Black Forest, Switzerland, Italy/Dolomites and Austria. That's the only plan, if you can call it that. We're winging it and trying to avoid the showers the best we can. As before, plenty of pictures will be uploaded as and when

Hee hee! House prices are remaining stable but everybody around here wants to vote out of Europe so who knows what'll happen? I think somebody should start a thread about that, I reckon it'd be popular. I have a sneaky suspicion that they all voted Tory in the last election. If they find out there's a Red living here, it'll be flaming torches time. They like the bike though, it matches the cars on their drives. By the way I know who the person was who influenced me to buy a BMW. He'll be buying me a large glass of wheat beer in September when I see him

https://youtu.be/0hlHrcqP11w There's one for the 'Illegal silencers' thread

...turned into a 100 mile ride. I want to marry this bike http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/IMG_0994.jpg

Congrats to Micky D in the superbike race yesterday, obliterating the lap record in the process. I was there in 2014 when he won 4 TT's, my money's on him doing it this year.

I wouldn't worry, you what they're like. They'll burn some tyres and a few sheep on a motorway then just carry on as usual....

Looks great already. I'm heading that way with a mate next month. Can't wait!

Got my voting card yesterday. Shame I can't vote 'in' already.

I'm a mobile phone tart, been with vodafone for donkeys years but have never taken out insurance. I stay on sim only contracts and buy the handset, much cheaper in the long run.

Oh no .. He said Muslim... whatever you do don't insult them. I wasn't insulting anybody, just celebrating diversity. I notice the forum poll is edging ahead for the 'stay' campaign.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/cruxiform/13164282_10100385860521448_1040706021614985342_n.jpg

FYI I turned left I agree, the ride from the hotel is just a taster...and also the tip of the iceberg.

Just playing around with iMovie and some of the video I took on my trip this week. This is an early morning ride from the hotel straight onto some great roads. The music isn't the usual stuff I listen to but I found the lyrics quite profound. I heard it on another youtube bike video and thought it summed up how I feel at the moment. After a marriage break up, selling my old bike, my house and other shit I've had to endure over the past 12 months, I've come to realise that life's too short, you just have to appreciate it and get out there and seize it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYFCqsRDQNQ

Congratulations

Cheers mate! Absolutely, if I could I would do all my riding out there. I'm always disappointed when I get back to the UK, usually within 10 minutes of leaving the eurotunnel when some nimrod cuts me up on the M20 I can almost guarantee that Stu