DG

Nowt stopping you! Get on your bike and ride, if you need any info give me a shout I do have a question, most probably dumb but here goes. How come you had to go on a ferry to get near applecross or was it just for fun? Edit: Was there many hotels up there, as i dont plan to do any camping. We took the ferry to cut out riding up through Glasgow, as soon as we left the ferry we were pretty much into the scenic Highlands. I think there are rooms available at the Applecross Inn.

Nowt stopping you! Get on your bike and ride, if you need any info give me a shout

I've had a Zumo 550 for three years now and it's been fine. It's just gone kaput on me now, though, it will only work on the bike Garmin have an excellent after Market service set up and I'm getting it refurbed for £110.00 with another 12 months guarantee. It's a great piece of kit IMO.

You don't need the locking tool, don't put the bike in first though put it in the highest gear 5th or 6th and get a pal to sit on the bike and press the rear brake. It'll be fine mate.

Best way to travel IMO, no deadlines, ride at your leisure and there's plenty of B & Bs and campsites along the way

Hey Wanners I've done a couple or three Euro trips, been to Scotland pretty much every year for the last 5, plus Ireland. I've got another Euro trip coming up mid April this year and later on in the year I'll be heading over to Northern Ireland. Check out this link http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthre ... ife+begins If you need any info or advise feel free to ask or pm me. DG

So the clutch had gone kapput A couple on a Harley who we'd talked to at the campsite stopped to see if we were ok, but they were at a loss as to what could be wrong? They gave me a name of the local garage which was around 22 miles away and then they left us in the vast silence. http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5671.jpg http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5668.jpg http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5673.jpg So we wait for a few minutes then a guy turns up on an old motorbike and has a look and asked if the large retaining nut should be loose It's the large nut which is loctited and torqued to 130 Nm How it had came loose I'll never know Anyway the guy on the bike had a big adjustable spanner which I managed to get on the nut and tighten it up. The guy then followed me to the nearest garage which was 22 miles away in Loch Carron. When I got there I blagged a large socket, a wrench and some loctite, put the bike in gear and got the guy to sit on it with the rear brake on and I tightened it up the best I could. Buttoned it up, returned the tools, thanked the stranger and we were off again Amazing cameraderie between the two wheeled world eh? We camped in Tyndrum a couple of hundred yards from the Green Welly Stop south of Glen Coe in another wooden hut to try and keep away from the damned midges! Another Barbie for dinner http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5677.jpg http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5685.jpg The hut wasn't as cosy as the previous night, but it was warm and dry and it was sheltered from the midges. We set off the following morning only to get 100 yards when I realised we had a flat rear tyre. Jack jumped off the bike and luckily there was a garage a couple of hundred yards up the road, so I rode there and Jack followed on foot. http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5688.jpg I used the side stand method to break the bead as a couple of fellow bikers looked on open mouthed and wide eyed One guy quipped, so when you gonna do the Dakar? I laughed and replied I wish! http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5687.jpg http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5692.jpg http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5693.jpg I fitted the tube and pumped it up while Jack busied herself putting the tools back in the kit http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5694.jpg http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5695.jpg It was to be a testing day. Off we finally went only to find it flat again after 20 miles or so I tried using a couple of C02 cannisters to get me onto the next major town where I was told that there was a motorcylce shop, but it was to no avail as the tyre went down straight away. Lady luck was shining on us though as 30 yards down the road was a tyre fitters, they didn't have any tubes or tyres for the bike but they did have an airline. I only had my 21" tube left, but it would have to do. When I removed the tube I inspected the tyre and saw the cause of the puntures. The rubber on the rim of the tyre had worn and the metal beads had pushed through and also broken off which was punturing the tubes. I cut the bead back the best I could fitted the tube and went onto the next town in search of the motorcycle shop. We found it and purchased a new rear tube, just in case and then the inevitable happened again. Sure as eggs are eggs, my stomach sank as the back end went all wallowy on me We were in the middle of nowhere again and I was reluctant to fit the tube with the dodgy tyre, so I sat and waited and weighed up our options. http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5699.jpg Jacks face says it all http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5698.jpg I had got a dab hand at removing the wheel and tube though http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5700.jpg After a little thinking and after a lot of ringing round all the tyre suppliers in and around Glasgow all came up with sorry we've no tyres to fit that bike Bugger! I then had a brainwave, I posted up on the UK KTM Forum as I knew there are a few Scottish lads on the forum and pleaded for help, a part worn rear tyre and a pump. Within 20 minutes I had 5-6 phone calls all offering to help Jack and I out. First up was Righanger who was around 20 miles south of Glasgow. Within an hour he shows up tyre round his midriff and a pump in the tankbag http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5701.jpg http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5702.jpg 20 minutes later we were on the road We took Righanger for a brew as that's all he'd take for his troubles and then we began the long haul home. We eventually got home just after midnight and it'd been an eventfull day to say the least! It had shown me how good a community we have on the web and forums alike, when friends and strangers will go the extra mile to help out fellow inmates! We'd had a great time despite the three puntures and the clutch basket nut.

Thanks for the comments guys Archiec we did the trip at the end of August last year. On with the report So we parked up and picked up the keys for the hut and we took a much needed shower and change then grabbed a bite to eat before we took a walk along the bay. http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5612.jpg http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5607.jpg http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5609.jpg http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5620.jpg We spotted a couple of deer grazing in the long grass. http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5623.jpg As we headed back to the Applecross Inn the sun was beginning to set across the bay. http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5618.jpg A couple of pints of local ale and the black stuff before we went inside to eat. http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5627.jpg http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5626.jpg Ususlly when I do a ride report I like to record the fine or foul fodder we eat along the way, but I got lost in the fresh bay king prawns and forgot all about the pictures While we were eating we noticed the the Inn was emptying quite fast and we looked at each other wondering what was happening Anyway I followed suit and went outside to see what all the fuss was about? Suddenly seeing the stunning sunset I went back inside for my camera. The pictures don't really do it justice, but it was one of the best I've ever seen. http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5628.jpg http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5631.jpg http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5632.jpg We finished off our fine food and then headed back to the hut armed with a good bottle of red http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5650.jpg After another good nights sleep we got up the following morning and packed up our kit and headed off for an eventful next two days the plan was to take the scenic coastal road and do a loop back down to Loch Carron, first off we went the opposite day to look at the picturesque harbour. We both did a double take as we saw a large deer grazing at the side of the road as we left the campsite. http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5654.jpg http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5655.jpg The peaceful harbour http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5656.jpg http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5659.jpg http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5661.jpg We set off in the opposite direction and after around 6 miles I had no drive as it felt like the clutch was slipping. I stopped and put the bike in first and let out the clutch while I gave it a little gas.......... Nothing We were in the middle of nowhere, but luckily we managed to get a phone signal http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5670.jpg I pulled the clutch cover and had a look to see if I could see anything amiss. After a call to a mate, he suggested I mix the clutch plates around to see if it made any difference, but no http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5669.jpg http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5667.jpg To be continued, I gotta go to work

Thanks fellas. Inspiration TC that's what it's all about! I urge every one of you to do this ride. I'm just getting ready for graft, but I'll try and finish it off tomorrow

After a good nights sleep under canvas we de-camped and headed to the local store for breakfast. http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5547.jpg http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5548.jpg http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5549.jpg We headed back for a blast through Glen Coe, this road is one of the best I've ridden, it has stunning views as it winds its way dwarfed beneath the impressive mountains. "> http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5560.jpg http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5556.jpg http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5557.jpg http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5563.jpg On the way we passed the Commando Memorial just outside Fort William. It is set in this particular place due to the peaceful surroundings and it is also the training ground for the commandos. We stopped off and paid our respect and soaked in the magnificent views and serenity. http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5577.jpg http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5574.jpg Ben Nevis in the background. http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5565.jpg http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5567.jpg http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5566.jpg Small memorial garden which honours commandos from the second world war to the present day. http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5575.jpg http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5576.jpg Sobering thoughts and it was so peaceful, there was a real sense of tranquility in the air. We donned our helmets and golves and on we rode through Glen Etive which was indeed as my mate had told us and it was beautiful. The surrounding scenery reminded me of riding through the Alps a few years ago while we were on our honeymoon on the Ducati. http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5581.jpg http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5579.jpg http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5583.jpg http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5587.jpg I cannot believe how stunning the scenery was as we were dwarfed beneath mountains which were reflected in the Lochs below, we rode along in the sunshine between gorge after gorge and loch after loch. Stunning Next stop was the Eilean Dornie Castle which is on and island where the three sea lochs meet. More info here http://www.eileandonancastle.com/ http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5590.jpg http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5592.jpg We stopped for tea and scones with lots of jam and clotted cream, Jacks' favourite chatted to fellow bikers and sat and soaked up the wonderful views. http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5588.jpg On we went and we were nearer our destination as we skirted around Loch Carron and then saw the famous Applecross sign http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5594.jpg http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5596.jpg We soon reached the top after a few hairpins and switchbacks Once again the views were spectacular with Loch Carron at the bottom. Ladies and Gents I give you Bealach Na Ba http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5597.jpg http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5599.jpg http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5606.jpg http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5598.jpg http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5603.jpg After taking a load of pictures we headed down the pass on the other side and finally made it to our campsite. We had booked a camping hut, which looked pretty cool on the campsites website and we weren't disappointed, equipped with electricity, lights and a heater all we needed here was our sleeping bags. http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5610.jpg To be continued.

So here we go, I think I mentioned this last year just after we returned. A pal of mine mentioned the place called Applecross, in his words "there's nothing much there, but the ride to get to it is amazing" He wasn't wrong. This is where we begin; So...............Not having a lot of spare cash this year due to me paying off the new ride we couldn't afford a long trip abroad this year. Instead we headed for a tiny village up in the Highlands on the west coast of scotland, a place called Applecross. It's situated in the Scottish Highlands on the west coast. http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/854973f4.jpg We set off early Monday morning to avoid the bank holiday traffic and before long we were winding our way along some great roads with great views. We managed to get to our ferry point in Gourock where we would cross over to Dunoon, taking this route would cut out the journey through Glasgow. http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5502.jpg Jack went to sort out the tickets while I waited with the bike. http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5504.jpg She came back with a coffee each as well as the tickets for the boat http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5507.jpg The weather was beautiful and we didn't have to wait long in the sunshine before we spotted our boat coming in to dock. http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5511.jpg Once we were on board I spotted a vice on deck and I quickly asked one of the crew if I could use it to loosen one of my mirrors which had siezed and the position just wasn't quite right. The fella gave me the go ahead and I went to work. http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5514.jpg http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5516.jpg Jack went for a wander upstairs. http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5520.jpg The crossing was very smooth as the sea was like a mill pond http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5512.jpg http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5518.jpg The ferry crossing was only 20 minutes and we were off and straight into the Highlands where the scenery was stunning again. We followed a single track road which ran alongside a river which snaked its way over the rocks and glistened under the bright sunshine. http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5522.jpg http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5524.jpg http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5534.jpg We'd had enough for the day and we found a campsite at the foot of the Awsome Glen Coe. http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5537.jpg BBQ for tea washed down with a few beers http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5541.jpg http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5542.jpg Stunning views http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5535.jpg

If there's one place you want to visit it's here. Ride report coming soon

A few randoms Salters Fell, Slaidburn. http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/wales%203/DSCF5771.jpg Puncture Repair at the Green Welly http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5692.jpg North West Scotland http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5581.jpg http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Applecross/DSCF5592.jpg Rydale Rally http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/Rydale/Rydale07.jpg

Hi J welcome to the madhouse When are you thinking of taking the plunge? What time of year are you thinking of? Finally how long are you planning on going for? You've got to take these facts into consideration and it depends on the kind of gear you're going to need and how much. Pack light, the first time the missus and I went off touring we packed far too many clothes, things we both never wore. Personally I wear one long sleeve T shirt for travelling in, it does humm a bit after a couple of days, especially if the weather's hot, on the plus side you can wash it out and get it dry. Minimal socks and underware as you can wash these out every couple of days too. Essentials I'd recommend; check you're covered by your insurance company, get your bike serviced before you go, check your brake pads and fluids are in good order, then get some breakdown cover, you've got to prepare for the worst case scenario and if anything did happen to yourselves or the bike at the very least you can get yourselves and the bike re-patriated. Take a couple of copies of your docs (license, insurance, V5, passports) keep them together in a waterproof zip folder and keep your original ones safe, don't forget your E11 medical insurance cards either. Basic first aid kit, even if you take/beg/steal/borrow a satnav make sure you take a good European map with you. Satnavs are great until you hit a busy town and your satnav tells you it's lost signal and it's searching for satelites, V frustating look up campsites/B&Bs on the Internet before you go and jot down the addresses or put them I to the satnav as way points as a back up (we did almost three weeks touring this year and we didn't book any accomodation before we went) Make a loose plan/route, but don't think you've got to stick to it, when you're on the road things can change and don't always go to plan so be flexible. If you're happy with your bike then it'll do you, maybe do a shakedown get the kit together and have a weekend away just to see how you both cope and test yourselves and the kit out. Get the Chunnel or ferry booked and then get saving, for me it's the only way to travel and you see so much more and meet so many people, it's fantastic! We did 17 countries in 18 days, we got as far as Croatia and we can't wait to get rolling abroad again on two wheels. Go for it mate and enjoy, if you need any more info don't hesitate

Outside a cemetary in Yeadon, I was helping a guy who lives in Oz. He's collating all the regiments gravestones which are dotted all over the globe. Happy to help the guy http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/ducatigav/war%20graves/DSCF4725-1.jpg

+1 on that T! I hate it especially the gusty stuff, coming back from Hull getting off the ferry earlier on this year it was awful no fun fully loaded and two up.

I ride all year round, and the wet is a tad 'interesting' with the knobblies on I've got to be careful because a few times when getting the power down I've had the back wheel spinning up a few times An the grates that are on the roads? Why oh why do they put them on the road just where we turn? Junctions, bends and turns! Does my head in!!

She did it yesterday and passed with flying colours I think she's going to take the lessons after Chrimbo

Cheers Dude!! I got plenty more

Well she really really enjoyed it. It wasn't her full CBT though, as she'd only been round a small circuit at the NEC a couple of years ago with the BSM training school. With this in mind and the missus and I not really knowing if it was something that she'd like I spoke to the guy at the training school and he suggested a pre-CBT. This entailed of an hours ride in the training school yard, going through the basics and getting her used to the gears etc, etc. Well I picked her up and she loved it, the trainer couldn't believe that she'd only had half hour on the CBR 125 at the show and said she was flying, he asked her if she knew anything about the bike, to which she pointed out the clutch, the gear lever, the brakes and the throttle. Right get on with it then And she did! Full CBT booked in for next Monday 26th. Thanks for the replies and I'll keep you posted how she gets on. Cheers

Wish I could afford it T but no unfortunately.

Well she's looking forward to it tomorrow, booked in for 8.30 she's asked if I'll take her. Bless, can't believe how excited she is!

Seriously this depends on how far you wish to take the matter? Is it worth the time and the effort? If you think it is and it's got your back up, take the visor bag back to the shop and quote that "it's not sold fit for purpose" tell them that you've been in touch with trading standards and if they don't exchange it or give you your money back you'll take them to court. I did it 18 months ago over a pair of motorcycle trousers, they assured me was 100% waterproof, first big downpour and they leaked. Long story short; I got in touch with trading standards, I had an independant test carried out on the pants, several letters were sent recorded delivery, phone calls were made. In the end I got my money back If you need any help give us a shout.

Take it back to the shop with a sawn off and demand your money back, if they dissagree give em both barrels

Lol!! Absolutely no way on the big Katoom! I couldn't even do it trials bike I had, too knarly and overgrown now