Steve_M

Outward bound ferry booked for our September tour. Travelling from Harwich to Hook of Holland which allows us to visit Norfolk friends and my son/grandson. Return date two weeks later via either Hull or Newcastle from Rotterdam/Amsterdam depending on which is cheaper. That’s all the pre-booking done, we’re aiming for near Grenoble across to Switzerland, into Italy and Austria before heading back to the ferry through Germany. Excited? Moi?

We got two. Both on my phone, 15minutes apart. We’re both on Vodafone and are both at home (so same mast). it seems not enough testing was carried out before final testing took place.

I’ve just tidied my kit cupboard to discover how much old and redundant bits of kit I have stuffed in odd corners. They’re not worth much but still have some life left in them so wondering if there’s some sort of scheme where I could donate them to, say, young riders.

I’m not vegetarian but it wouldn’t stop me eating there. I did stop off at the Eskdalemuir community hub. A grand facility with motorbike parking (see photo above) and friendly staff.

A more scenic and interesting route to Newcastleton would be to head through Lanercost then head North through Kershope Forest. it’s my go to route when I’m heading that way. MyRouteApp link

Had new boots fitted. Michelin Road Pilot 6’s. Better wet grip and longevity (allegedly) over the Road Pilot 5’s. On previous bikes a new set of tyres have made an immediate sea change to the feel and handling of a bike. As of 15 miles of riding home, no discernible improvement. Ho hum.

I used to camp at events (BSB / WSB / Bulldog Bash / track days). Never cooked, though, as I can burn salad.

I’m slowly getting the hang of the area (we’re not far from Brampton) having moved up here just before lockdowns. We’re ideally placed for some excellent days out. I’m enjoying the variety of the roads, and the fact they go up and down as well as left and right (I moved here from Norfolk… up and down is not a familiar concept there ).

If it could just add moles to that. Bloody things.

I’ve heard similar from a mate from my youth. He runs a very successful landscaping company and he got all sorts turn up. Mind, I wouldn’t work for him… even in his 70’s he’s working harder in a physical job than most.

Signing on is important to maintain your NI record towards your state pension. The few quid I got in benefits (ten years ago. Doesn’t time fly) was a handy contribution but I’d started drawing my works pensions so wasn’t dependent on it. If you do load your CV up to a database then be prepared for some very odd vacancy opportunities appearing. I had an agency contact me to apply for an architect role as my CV included a role as an (IT) Infrastructure Project Manager with a successful rollout of a product called Systems Architect.

We have a stoat appear in the garden occasionally which we think is living in our lounge wall as we can hear the occasional scrabbling noise . I think I’ve found where it’s getting in but I’m not sure I want rid.

Yesterday I had a rather splendid little potter around the above areas. 200 miles in total using a mix of A, B and unclassified roads. The weather was perfect and I also discovered a couple of places of interest to visit with my good lady. It was very much made up as I went along - my satnav’s buggered so I decided to just follow my nose and explore a few new-to-me roads as I found them. The Route (ish) starting at Lanercost tea rooms

I have a double height kitchen cupboard - actually two cupboards, one stacked on top of the other due to our low ceiling height. It holds four sets of textiles, one set of leathers, two helmets, two pairs of boots and other associated miscellaneous paraphernalia.

Definitely too far but bloody useful information. Thanks

I’ve just phoned my local Motorrad dealer to enquire about fitting new tyres to the GS. “We don’t have anyone in the service area to take your call, can you call back Monday?”. Astonishing lack of planning not to have cover, and on a Saturday which, I guess, is probably a busy day. Now looking for alternative supply/fit…

I used to do Triathlons before they were quite so well known. I did 28miles a day to and from work and got fairly fit. I must have been off my rocker.

Not sure I’d have appreciated the 25km/h speed limit in urban areas in the days when I cycled to work. My average was well above that.

Err, no.

Sign seen in Allerdale, Cumbria.

I had a vasectomy because I didn't want to have kids, but when I got home they were still there.....

As a young, fit, and moderately good judoka, visiting and training at the Kodokan was an ambition. Too bloody old to do that now but I still like the idea of visiting. Beach holidays are my idea of hell.

Decidedly envious…

In a couple of ways. On the Tourmelet and the Bonette there was a big sign displaying their website next to him and at the col. At Prescott there was a colleague with a laptop ready to show your image when you got back to the paddock. Trackdays usually let you know if there will be a photographer there.

I have several photos of me on the bike. A number from track days at Cadwell Park, a couple from my run up Prescott Hill with pillion, a set from off the Col de Tourmelet and another set from the Col de la Bonette last year. Oh, and one from when I went to Andorra. EG