Stocky

Check that both the front and rear brake switches are activating the brake light first

That's irrelevant, the OP states that he was stationary, you don't need to be displaying a brake when sat still

Brain the size of a planet, and all they ask me to do is open doors. SIGH

effectively stopping any vehicles getting past, bar stewards

How would stewards be able to get past?

I think that with some of the tags being not so easy to photo the bike with, my suggestion is that for tags that are hard to get the bike to, be constructive, such as include your helmet in the photo or take a selfie in your gear. Just remember to include the number.

Just looking at GOG's latest pic's, there is no evidence of bike or bike gear in them. I am not doubting that he rode there but if this type of photo is acceptable then it does open up the challenge to the more unscrupulous.

Right let's get this back on track.

Four more pubs for me.

Royal Oak

Barley Mow

Castle

Cross Keys

First four pubs today:

The George

Eight Bells

Prince of Wales

The Railway

I think there should be extra points for getting the Applecross Inn, although the reward for getting there is a fantastic ride.

.....above all, it's for fun!....

WHAT, this is serious, after finishing 2nd last year my ambition this time around is to at least make GOG sweat a bit.

Is the word Inn allowed with the pub name, after Castle, Cuckoo, Windmill or Railway?

The latest range of Oxford heated grips will switch themselves off if you forget, so they can be safely just connected across the battery.

I have tested this (unintentionally) several times, and it works a treat.

They also have about 6 different heat settings, from just removing the chill all the way to WTF.

We all know some Range Rover drivers take no notice of pavements right?....

That's what most of the knobs who drive them think is going off-road.

This coming year, the ten 'sections' are more closely grouped with no 'extremities' so that you riders, who don't like the longer journeys, should be able to pick a group local to where you live and complete it in a weekend.

 

What? I've already booked my holiday on the north coast of Scotland next year, especially so that I can complete that group. Are you saying that there won't be a group for the far North?

That went straight into the diary.

Just a stunning 2 hour ride to get there, along some of the best roads in the country.

then stroke the gearbox.

What if it doesn't respond to stroking?

Do you have to kiss and cuddle it?

A little jaunt out around the North Midlands today, 470 miles and 9 tags.

Dogs Trust

Holme Pierrepont

Carsington Water

Bookstore Brierlow Bar

Sheffield Winter Gardens

Cadwell Park

On Your Marques

Ye Olde Red Lion

Wheels Motorcycles

Ban him for life.

Wales - Cornhill Inn

Wales - Y Talbot

After practising this myself I was able to consistently stop my R1200 RT (250KG bike plus whatever I weight) from 40mph in around 8 meters using front brake only.

I am pretty sure your RT has linked brakes, so although you're only using the hand lever the rear brake is also being applied.

A few tags on the way to holiday. Stayed on North Uist so no chance of any more during the week.

Puddleduck Tea Rooms

The Fat Lamb

Sanquhar Post Office

Scotland Street School Museum

Touchdown Cafe

Haddock Bay

Edinbane Pottery

Was the engine hot when you tried?

It should be hot when you drain the oil so that it flows out more effectively and quickly. The plus side is that the plug should be easier to turn then too.

Waterproof motorbike gear is a bit of a myth unless you are spending £800 upwards on stuff like Halvarssons, Rukka or Klim.

I have Hein Gericke gear, bought from ebay for about £70 total for jacket and trousers.

Washed and proofed using the Nikwax stuff you had a link and it is properly waterproof.

I have had long days in Scotland on the bike where it rained continuously and the only part of me to get wet was my hands, but then the gloves didn't claim to be waterproof.

There is a sequence with the trousers though:

1 - You think they might have leaked around the crotch a bit.

2 - You're pretty sure they have.

3 - You know they have

4 - You get to your destination, take them off, and find they haven't

I guess it's because they lose a lot of their breathability when really wet.

It may also help that I ride a BMW RT1200, which means a lot of the weather just passes me bye as long as I'm going at a reasonable pace.

Everyone should come to Scotland at least once in their lives

I try to make it at least once a year.

North Uist this August

I've fitted one to three different bikes now, it's fairly simple, but just spend some time to make certain all the pipes are routed well, and that the reservoir is easily accessible for topping up the oil.

Is your friend selling you the whole kit as it should come with numerous zip-ties, sticky pads, brackets and a small tube of superglue.

Keep an eye on the amount of oil on the chain, particularly as you head into winter. As the temperature drops the flow of oil will reduce and you may need to turn up the dial on the top of the unit.

IMO they are fantastic bits of kit, as long as you don't mind the small amount of oil that it throws onto the bike, they make chains nearly as maintenance free as shafts.

Down to the South West to do the whole group.

Bike wouldn't start this morning so bump started, R1200RT BMW and I'm only 5' 6".

Then got a puncture about 10:00 so had to abandon and head home.

Coach House to complete the pub set.

Beoveys Tea Rooms

Lemon Arms

St Austell Brewery

Market Inn

So I stopped for a sandwich at the Fovant Badges last night, and, while chomping away on my ham and salad, seemed to remember that it was one of the challenge spots.

WHAT, you mean to say that you don't plan every ride with the tag points in mind!!