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Lessons from an 800 mile tour


JesterPilgrim
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So I just got back from my first lengthy road trip. I have some observations, and a question at the end!


1. Some roads simply shouldn't be on a map. They're just tracks of wet mud between two fields.

2. The United Kingdom is beautiful.

3. Riding on motorways is awful.

4. Heated grips were an absolute Godsend. Earplugs too.

5. Next time, pack DAILY contact lenses. You never know where you might leave the bottle of fluid for the monthlys. Glasses get steamed up too easily.

6. With luggage strapped on the back of the seat, getting on and off is a bit of a merry dance and a hop.

7. Some bikers acknowledge you. Some don't.

8. Filtering is scary but so satisfying.

9. 50mph winds aren't fun but I've discovered I can stay rubber-side down in them.

10. After chatting about Jesus with some random bikers at Squires Cafe, my biker name is now apparently "The Preacher"


A QUESTION - my left arm really hurts, all around my elbow. I noticed it hurting on the second day while operating the clutch. Any idea what's going on there? Anything I could change? I noticed that the clutch is in a position where I actually have to straighten my arm to operate it - do you think it would help if I raised it a bit further towards me so that my elbow stays bent?

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Maybe try some bikes with different handlebars or handlebar positions. Find the most comfortable and buy them. You can buy some bars with mega adjustability, known as Jota bars

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I think everyone is over analysing this.


From what I gather... you are a recent biker passed early december and no sooner had you passed your test and bought a bike, you had an unrelated accident that put you off the road for 6 weeks.. to the start of January, and a month or so later went on an 800 mile tour. In winter. Amid the worst Winter storms for quite a while and now you're sore.


Im not in the least surprised by any of this. I doubt very much its the bikes fault... its your.. mmm.. new biker enthusiasm.


I think there is just one answer to the thread title:


LESSONS FROM AN 800 MILE TOUR.


DON'T DO IT IN WINTER!!!


especially with just a month or so experience on the bike you used.

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If you rode 800 miles in this weather and the only bit that is sore is your elbow then your doing well.


Riding in winter is not something I do for fun, I ride in the winter only because I have to. Riding for fun I leave for warmer weather.

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DON'T DO IT IN WINTER!!!


especially with just a month or so experience on the bike you used.

You're probably right in all you say, but the reality is that I had an amazing time! I took my training in the ice and hail, so figured I had a good head start on bad weather riding - but this was the first long trip and so I'm just reviewing what I can/can't or should/shouldn't do.

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So where did you go on this epic excursion ?

From Fife to Durham via Edinburgh & Jedburgh. Next day to Stafford for a weekend conference (that was the hardest, less pleasant day). Then up near Keswick where I camped overnight before heading back up through the western lowlands.

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So where did you go on this epic excursion ?

From Fife to Durham via Edinburgh & Jedburgh. Next day to Stafford for a weekend conference (that was the hardest, less pleasant day). Then up near Keswick where I camped overnight before heading back up through the western lowlands.

 

Fair play to you, 'you're a better man than I am Gunga Din'. Me, I'm Just a fare weather rider these days only riding in the wet and cold when there's no other choice.

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From Fife

 

Scottish so you came south for good weather I bet it was like summer in Stafford :mrgreen:


Rising in wind is often a matter of relaxing and keeping safe space around you, you soon learn you can react without stress. I grew up riding pushbikes on the coast. I love the roads that a little bit more wild but try and stay of them at this time of year, they can create more adrenaline than you wish...


Motorways on Motorbikes are terrible, google has function that avoids Highways, using this and a little imagination you can avoid a fair few without adding too much time on to your journey.. Alternately I like Tomtom it has a fair few routing options https://mydrive.tomtom.com/en_gb/


Luggage strapped to seat is FAR better than a rucksack for safety and comfort.

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