S-Westerly

My dahlias always die. Given up on them.

When my son did his DAS he was straight on to a Suzuki 750 of some type. My son in law did his on a Honda 650 so small bike isn't necessarily what the school uses. A decent school should update its bikes reasonably often. Eg: Circuit Based Training, Mallory Park.

There were a fair few of them trundling along in the Pennines. Like you say they're easy enough to get past it's the 12 cars behind that make life difficult.

Rode it home - according to Tomtom it was 301 miles and 6h 37m riding. Average speed 45 and max "ahem". The first bit through the Pennines to Kirkby Lonsdale and Devil's Bridge was pretty good, not too much traffic. Was going to have a brew at the Bridge but it was rammed with bikes so didn't bother stopping. Next bit- A683 - to Lancaster used to be really good. Alas no more as it is covered with average speed check cameras and most of it is 50 mph or less. Then it got worse. The M6 was awful so ended up filtering for damn near 30 miles. Followed 3 loud Harleys for a good bit of it and it was like Moses parting the Red Sea. As soon as I got south of the Mersey I headed for the A49. That was pretty good all the way down to Leominster. Although traffic was moderate there were plenty of opportunities to overtake and from Leominster it was a straight forward run to home. A bit weary but really happy with the bike.

I've flown on occasion but then I've got the hassle of getting to and from airport and all the crap of flying. Door to door it doesn't save that much time and even riding on a motorway is more fun than that.

That said on my way north on Thursday I passed a bunch of Dutch bikers who looked to be heading off into the Peak district judging from the exit they took off the M1.

Growing up imo is grossly overrated and should be avoided at all costs.

When I was in Galicia last year just about half of the bikes I saw where British. The only time I've seen a Spanish bike in the UK was a chap on his way to the TT. If I was based in Spain I'd not be rushing to ride our over crowded 3rd world roads either.

Dad's fine. A bit hungover (which may have had something to do with his fall)! Having been told that he needs to spend more as otherwise he'll lose benefits due to savings (stupid system I know) he's splurged almost £1500 on high quality booze. At almost 94 there's not much else to spend it on but I think the champagne hit him harder than he expected!

From the experience of my son (in Bristol) and my son in law (Swindon) you have a very poor school. Change them ASAP and find somewhere else.

Managed to get someone so he'll be here later today.

Not a good morning at all. During the night my Dad fell over in the bathroom. He seems OK but in the process managed to somehow dislodge the toilet which is now leaking so having to try and get a plumber at short notice. Great.

Done it before from Cirencester to Lincoln but I didn't get away on time due to a previous appointment so ended up doing the whole thing on motorway.

Rode it north but God I hate motorways. Endless roadworks with average speed 50 for mile upon mile. Variable speed limit motorways with cameras every 3 miles or so and absolutely dense traffic with effing idiots in lanes 2 and 3 going 50 - 60 mph or in the 2 lane sections trucks trying to overtake at what seems like a metre per mile. Then there's the filtering for when everything goes stationary or nearly so and the knobs who try and squeeze you out. 5 hours riding and 2 x 30 min stops to recover slightly. Get to do it allagain on Sunday when I come south but going down the west side as I'm totally hacked off with the A1M etc.

Nope. Just the bike as I don't like distractions while riding.

About to leave Glos. for another grind up the motorway to Northumberland to see my Dad. May do the Fosse Way to Leicester to at least ameliorate some of the boredom. Adds only about an hour time wise so it's nearer 6 than 5.

There used to be a visitor centre near the lake which did decent coffee. Was it shut? There's never been anything at Hermitage or much down Liddesdale until you get to Canonbie.

Because Portugal is better at football than us!

What!? You don't believe the Blessed St. Greta? How could you be so cruel. Oh wait. I also think she's a demented little witch.

Sounds like a scam to me. At the very least meet in a neutral ground with backup mates in case of dodgy business.

Been there and done that. Deeply depressing trying to make progress when the weather gods aren't playing nice.

15 if you don't mind!

Jeez. Sounds an absolute nightmare created by an incompetent idiot.

Nice tidy looking bike. Doesn't look like a 125 but I can guarantee it won't be long before you want something a bit bigger!

Rode up to Halesowen to do the Bike Sure day with West Midlands Police. Had a great day in perfect weather and actually learned a bit. Had a one on one session for about 4 hours which was really good. Quite recommend it especially if you've not done anything before. I mainly wanted to find out if I'd picked up any bad habits like you tend to and was pleasantly surprised to find out I didn't have anything too bad. A good day.