The Wandering Waltons

Saturday, 11 August 2012

Day 1&2 The Wandering Walton's quest for Olympic Gold! .... "Post Boxes obviously"

What can I say, it’s been a busy month with both Lilie Rose and Ben on their school holidays. Holiday Club’s, Sports Club’s and who can forget “The Olympics”. After such an amazing opening ceremony it could only mean one thing for Team GB and the British Nation as a whole, GOLD Medals , lots of them.

As I start this write up Great Britain is placed third in the Olympic Medal tables with 25 yes, 25 GOLD Medals. How fantastic is that? I for one am Proud to be British. Team GB have raised every single persons spirits though out Great Britain to levels of excitement and happiness not seen on these shores for many a long year. I for one would like to thank each and every competitor, organiser, volunteer, guard, police person and our fantastic military machine for making the 30^th Anniversary 2012 Olympic Games the most uplifting, inspirational event ever seen on the planet. Thank You One & All from the Wandering Walton’s.

“Back down on plant Raymondo” Mr T had been sat still, very still indeed to be quite honest. Apart from a couple of jaunts around Derbyshire with Jeannie & a ride down to J&S Motorcycles near Chester with Ben the two of us had ground to a halt.

Scooting through the few websites I frequent, YamahaSuper Tenere Forum, The Manc Riders Forum, & TheIron Butt UK Forum where on the 4^th of August I was pleased to spot Bunnyman’s thread aptly named “Ride Idea” which read:-

“Apparently a post box is being painted gold in the home
town of each Team GB gold medal winner.
Only staying gold for 6 months, but visiting them all
should make an interesting ride”.
Cheers
Martyn

And so the seed was sown and The Wandering Walton’s quest had begun. Martyn I’ve just got to say your idea is both inspirational and brilliant, well done that man.

My first thought after looking at the link Martyn had posted to the post offices official location site Gold Post Box Finder was this is going to be fun. After quickly plotting the 16 Gold Post Boxes into MapSource I came up with a few figures and a basic SS1000 Route which I posted as a reply on the IBA UK Forum

“Just hooking them all together and back to Manchester is 1774 miles.

1378 without the return trip.

Plus the games have not even finished yet ”

Cheers

Ray (Roy)

At this point I had no idea Team GB were just about to go into Gold Medal overdrive!

After a few posts request help to get the exact coordinates from fellow IBA UK Members I started plotting the Gold Post Box sites in MapSource by looking at their locations, putting this into Google Maps and finding a local post code. How I wish I’d done things differently but with a list of 38 locations I was ready to hit the road, the aim to visit each and every one, taking photos of them all whilst enjoying a leisurely ride around our Great British Isles.

Wednesday 8^th August 2012 - Day 1 Days Mileage 119 Miles – Total 119

Huddersfield. This was my first destination, local and quite simple to find taking that I had just done a search on Google Maps and acquired a post code for the local hotel on the other side of the square. “Road Closed” What a great start to my quest! Still that’s the beauty of being on a motorbike, up over the pavement and parking at the side of the box I “bagged” my first ever Gold Post Box, I was off!

Huddersfield Railway Road

Ed Clancy Gold medal Men's Team Pusuit

Hebden Bridge. “Sorry love there’s no Gold Post Box here, you need Hebden in North Yorkshire” said the very helpful Post Office attendant.

“This is going to be a long day” I thought to myself as I walked back to Mr T.

Colne. Sure enough there it was Hebden on the Garmin 660 Sat Nav, 32 miles away luckily for me Colne was on the way and as it was only 17 miles away that was where I headed. The local postman was doing a collection just as I arrived, after asking the local traffic warden where the box was, I was 200 meters short “not too bad from a postcode search” I thought. The postman was happy to take my picture just as soon as he had locked his van. A crowd gathered (something which is starting to become a regular event) asking me what I was doing, I explained I was visiting all the Gold Letter Boxes within the next 6 months as that’s how long they were to remain gold before reverting to their original pillar box red.

Colne Albert Road

Steven Burke Gold medal Men's Team Pusuit

Hebden North Yorkshire. What a fantastic ride from Colne to Hebden through some of North Yorkshire most beautiful countryside, all A & B roads with a couple of single track lanes thrown in for good measure. The Post Office is so picturesque and tucked away at the back of the village. Shame a Land Rover had parked straight in front of it but still managed a nice picture all the same.

Hebden Village

Andrew Triggs Hodge Gold medal Men's Four Rowing

Day One - 3 Gold Post Boxes

Friday 10^th August 2012 - Day 2 Days Mileage 95 Miles - Total 214

Manchester. Ben decided he would like to join me on me trip today so we headed off to “bag” another 5 Gold Letter Boxes. As Manchester is on our doorstep and I used to work 20 feet from its location on the corner of Albert Square it was a quick and easy ride through Chadderton and down into Manchester city centre. Traffic was as it always is but once through the roadwork’s on Chadderton Broadway it was plain sailing. As luck would have it there was a very friendly female photographer who offered to take our picture. One down, four to go.

Manchester Albert Sq

Philip Hindes Gold medal Men's Team Sprint

Bolton x 2. As luck would have it there are two Gold Letter Boxes in Bolton one on Churchgate and the other around the corner on Deansgate. We had to wait a little while at the Churchgate box as there were a load of children making a documentary for school about the Olympics and being filmed and having their pictures taken in front of the box. The teacher asked if Ben would like to be interviewed on camera but he declined. So I was quizzed about our ride and what we were doing. Luckily it was not on film but the teacher did take down all our replies and photographed us instead. In all the excitement I forgot to ask her to take a picture of us both with my camera!

Bolton Churchgate

Jason Kenny Gold medal Men's Team Sprint

The Deansgate box turned out to be a bit of a pain to find only as I had taken a short cut through the town centre. I parked in front of Fred Dibners’ Memorial Statue were I was lucky enough to ask a very helpful young man who pointed us 200 meters down the road to our destination. Postcodes don’t you just love them! Arriving at the box we had to wait for a couple of locals to finish taking their pictures and once again out of the blue a chap asked if we would like him to take our picture together which he did. Do you notice a pattern forming here? Even the Gold Post Boxes are bringing the Great British helpful side out of everyone.

Bolton Deansgate

Jason Kenny Gold medal Men's Sprint

Chorley. Turned out to be the easiest and quickest box of them all to find. I stopped the bike at the side of the box, got off, took the picture with Ben astride Mr T, then got “bibbed” by an old couple wanting to pass. Still I think it’s the best picture I’ve taken so far. I remounted and pulled out of their way only for the female driver to almost reverse into us as we plumbed in our next destination! When in Chorley, Bikers beware of old ladies bearing “Blue Badges” as they cannot reverse for toffee!

Chorley Market Street

Bradley Wiggins Gold medal Men’s Cycling Time Trial

Eccleston. Damn post codes are driving me to distraction! No I do not want to park up in a cul de sac to cause the local “curtain twitching brigade” to go into total shock! Still with assistance of a local chap out on his bike we soon found our way to destination number five the Carrington Centre. Parking on a “No Parking” zone to get the picture we were in and out as quick as you like. So that was that, job done for today. As a reward I took Ben to lunch at Millennium Motorcycles in St Helens where we enjoyed a tasty bacon and egg bap before taking a steady ride back to Wardle.

Eccleston Carrington Centre

Bradley Wiggins Gold medal Men’s Cycling Time Trial

So far so good however when I returned to the computer to take a look at the post office web site I was both shocked and surprised to learn we now have a total of 46 Gold Letter Boxes. I set to zooming right in to street level viewing and also discovered I can plot each and every location within 10 meters by just taking my time. I got to bed at 1.30am, tired but very, very happy that I’ve now plotted each and every Gold Letter Box that were available as of Friday the 10^th of August. Now all I need to do is get out there and take some more pictures, lot’s more!

Day Two - 5 Gold Post Boxes

“Stop the press, Team GB have won another Gold……………….. Come ON!”

To be continued……………………

Monday, 23 July 2012

Dad's 'n' Lad's Big Adventure - RBLR1000 2013

COME ON! Let's make this a MASSIVE RBLR1000 Event in 2013 and get registered NOW! right here!

I'll be riding next year and taking Ben as Pillion. Possibly the youngest Pillion in the events 5 year history.

Who's going to join us?

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If this guy can do it on a Yamaha 125cc so can YOU!

Only 333 Days to go!

Please, please Sponsor Ben & I on our Dad's 'n' Lad's Big Adventure

The Wandering Walton's Just Giving Page

Just getting the word out there on Twitter from @Jap_STi_3 https://twitter.com

The Wandering Walton‏@Jap_STi_3

@SamManicom Fancy a go at this next year Sam, Ben & I are riding, come and join us Entry for 2013 #RBLR1000 now open! http://rblr1000.co.uk/index.php?page=register-2012

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Tuesday, 17 July 2012

HUBB UK 2012 “Star Struck, Who me? Never”

It’s been over a week since I had packed up Mr T. and rode over the Derbyshire Peak District towards Lumb Farm near Ripley to attend the 12thAnnual Horizons Unlimited Travellers Meeting 2012.

An Inspirational Weekend

To be honest I thought I had registered straight after the 2011 event last year when I’d paid for the weekend but only managed a brief 4 hour visit. Having my Dad with me at the time really made last year’s event very special to us both and I swore there and then that next time I would attend for the full 4 days.

So, after being prompted by the Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers' e-zine email, I had a look back through my PayPal account and could not find any record of payment sent. “Very Strange” I thought to myself.

As I read the e-zine email about who would be speaking at this year’s meeting I immediately had a chat with Jeannie who to my surprise already had the dates in the family diary and had organised cover for my Friday “get up” that was back in June. I dropped Sam a brief hello email as I’d not spoken to him for some time and had noticed in the e-zine that Sam and Ian would be running the event due to Grant’s ill health. Sam replied prompt as ever but I received his reply as I was heading to Spain on our family holiday. I replied to Sam only to find the reply in my iPhone “send box” along with 4 other replies I thought I’d sent whilst in Spain, just great! As soon as I got home I dropped Sam a quick reply saying I’d be delighted to be a “Volunteer Helper”. So before I knew it I was on “recycling duties” which turned out to be the best decision I’ve made in a long time.

Now before I get too engrossed in this write up can I just pass on a massive thank you to Grant & Susan, without who’s travels, their web site Horizons Unlimited, the HUBB their your imagination and foresight this event would not be as amazing as it is today day, so thank you both so very much. Seeing the two of you on the live hook up on Saturday night just made the weekend just “magical”. Here’s wishing you both all the very best for the future. I know there are so many people involved in the organising and running of this event with a special mention going to Sam Manicom & Ian Harper for running this year’s event. Not forgetting the list of helpers, I thank you all right now. Now if your bored already I don’t care, I’ve got my message over.

“Stop Raymond your running away with yourself again”………….“sorry!”

Just where do I start? I really am struggling to condense such an amazing event into something simple and easy to read. The biggest worry I have is not wanting to come over all “Star Struck” but it’s going to be very difficult not to.

When you have Ted Simon the God Father of Motorcycle Overlanding signing his new book “Rolling through the Isles” behind you whilst chatting with Sam Manicom about the shower block. Austin Vince walk’s past and says “Hi”, Ed March is stripping and rebuilding his C90’s top end live for charity with Matthew Cashmore commentating and selling Ed’s stock pile of umbrellas, all for charity mind, and keeping us all in stiches. Matthew is a born entertainer and hilarious with it.

To my left is Paddy Tyson of The Hunt for Puerto Del Faglioli fame manning his Overland Magazine stall, at the side of him stands Jupiter's Traveller - Nathan Millward signing his book “Sydney to London on a 105cc postie bike named Dorothy”.

Behind me at the side of Ted are Birgit keeping a close eye on proceedings and looking after Sam’s book stall. On her left is Graham Field, with his first book 'In Search of Greener Grass' and by his side stands Sjaak Lucassen Famous for riding 250,000km through 75 countries on an R1, and it’s only mid-day Saturday.

My adventure started at 11.00 on Thursday, with a leisurely ride across the Woodhead Pass towards Sheffield then dropping down the M1 towards Alftreton and on to Ripley. Arriving at 12.45 to warm and friendly welcome from the volunteers on the gate. Everybody was so helpful telling me where everything was, toilets, showers and the like. As I rode past the first of the vendors stalls I spotted Ray who I’d met last year and kept in touch with via the Super Tenere Forum. Ray was Team Leader of the “Recycling Crew” and I’d need to report to him once I was organised.

I wanted to be in the thick of it so rode up into the main field and set up amongst the early arrivals on the right. Camping chair off the bike, jacket on the back and helmet on the seat I erected the tent which went up a dream. Just as well really as I’d acquired a small audience of admiring spectators. Cot bed set up and installed in the tent I just had to show off a little and duly rode Mr T into the vestibule to unpacked in comfort. Once set up I set off to find Ray who’d just finished telling a couple of the other crew members where everything was. That done Ray took me around again. It was great to meet Ray again and we took full advantage of the weather as just for a change the sun was shining plus the fact that there were so few people on site that the areas were still very clean. There was nothing for it we just had to sample the local brew which we can both tell you, was superb, much like the second pint too. It’s always nice to sit and have a chat with a like minded person. Where we differ is Ray’s living the dream as opposed to me still dreaming the dream but enjoying everyone else’s adventures. To say Ray as “been there, done that and a whole lot more besides really does not do this man justice. I’m proud to be able to call him a friend & Ray, you really do need to write that book. Make sure you put me down for the first copy, signed of course.

Outing number two for Mr T's birthday present.

I’d printed off the Presentation Schedule that had been emailed to all attendee’s and by 17.30 I needed to get something to eat ready for the evening presentations which started at 19.00 in the Africa room. The presentation I wanted to see didn’t start till 20.00- Stephen Clark, Getting the most out of two weeks without it turning into an "Iron Butt ride" so got stuck in and cooked a chilli steak and thick vegetable broth for my tea.

Stephen was entertaining and very thought provoking with his approach being a full 180 degrees opposite to that of my own. “Stop and talk to people” “Take a break have a coffee, chat to people” by the end of the presentation I could have screamed……….. “I ride so I don’t have to speak to people!” Still it was a good talk which once I’d calmed down and thought about it realised Stephen made some good points, just not ones I wanted to hear. Later on Friday evening I suggested to Stephen that next year we do a presentation together but sadly he declined as he won’t be there. Shame really as it would have had the audience in tucks……

Happy Campers despite the rain!

I’m not going to bore you all with all the presentations but attach a list at the bottom with all the details on once I’ve received permission which I’ve requested from Grant & Susan.

The rest of Thursday evening I spent alone listening in on other peoples trips of around the world travels, transcontinental adventures of every description on everything from the Honda C90 to Yamaha R1 and of cause the might BMW GS1200 Adventure. By 22.00 I was back in my tent listening to the rain tapping away on the tents roof whilst I cooked myself some super.

Friday flew by, up with the larks at 06.50 I bumped into Sam at the shower block, first signs of a drainage issue raising their head. The entrance to the main camping field was turning into a mud bath that resembled Glastonbury. After a “Full English” as per usual my day started with a walk around both camping area’s taking a few pictures of the bikes. During the day I met and chatted to so many people it was unreal. Folks just came up and asked for a guided tour of my tent as it seemed to impress so many visitors. Dave an IBA member had emailed me to say.

If you bump into Rupert Utley and Fanny Fang (very pretty Chinese lady) on a pair of KTMs and just ridden up from Cape Town, then say hello from me. Rupert and I were in the HK police together.

Guess who I watched ride up the hill and enter the registration tent. It’s unbelievable what a small world we live in. I caught up with Rupert later that day and had a great chat with him.

Rupert & Fanny waking up full of the joys of spring.

Follow their epic Big Bike Trip.

Now Friday evening was always going to be a tough one for me as both Sam and Bruce Smart – Teapot One where presenting at 19.00. I really do have to apologise Bruce but I had to attend Sam’s presentation being such a big fan of his books. Mind it was great to catch up with you in the bar on Saturday and many thanks for charging my damned iPhone.

Like I said it’s so hard not to become “Start Struck” sat there chatting Bruce on one side and Tim Cullis on the other telling us all about Morocco and his fantastic web site Morocco Knowledge Base. Life just does not get better than this.

Sam was followed at 21.00 on Friday by THE presentation of the weekend for me Sjaak Lucassen “20 Years and 500,000km Around the World”. The presentation was just fantastic and if you ever get chance to see Sjaak or just sit and have a chat with the guy, take it, he is just amazingly entertaining. I’ve just received the first few chapters of Sjaaks new book which I paid just 7 Euros for. Each time a section is ready for publishing Sjaak emails it out in PDF format. I’ve not read much yet but what I have read is brilliant.

Saturday was great, all bar the weather which was intermittent rain. What with recycling duties, show block diversion duties and just getting totally immersed in the world of the overland travellers I really enjoyed the atmosphere. I met so many people the list would be huge but I would just like to thank Caryl for the loan of her iPhone charger both Friday and Saturday as the damned mobile kept going flat on me. Also a quick hello to Andy, hope we can stay in touch mate it was great to meet you. I’m looking forward to a guided tour of your bikes as long as it comes with a test ride on the 675 Daytona.

One thing I’ve forgotten to mention about Stephens presentation on Thursday night. Once Stephen had finished his talk he asked if anyone could help an Australian rider called Ben who needed somewhere to store his bike whilst he returned to Australia to earn a few more “Travel tokens”. Without a moment’s hesitation I tapped Ben on the shoulder as he just happened to be sat directly in front of me and just said “Speak to me later”. I now have two things, a new Australian friend called Ben and a Kawasaki KLR650 in my garage. Now this is me just doing what I would like to be done for me, I’m not looking for glory or stardom I’m just really happy to help a fellow rider fulfil his dream. Plus listening to Little Ben interrogate Big Ben all about Australia the USA and Africa on Monday night is payment enough for a lifetimes bike storage.

Ben as been all over Africa on this KLR 650

So folks, I hope I’ve kept it short and to the point, I could go on about the rain, the mud, the bikers falling off entering the field but to be quite honest all that did was bring everyone closer together. It was a brilliant weekend and if anyone is really into adventure on two wheels but just can’t get away for whatever reason please do yourselves a massive favour. Attend the next available Horizons Unlimited Travellers' Meetings. You will not be disappointed I guarantee you.

Did I mention the Mud?

What a Star!

The poster said it all

"Been There, Done That!"

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Books - get your signed copy direct from the Author!

Ted Simon with his brand new book 'Rolling Through the Isles', plus the classic 'Jupiter's Travels' and 'Dreaming of Jupiter'.

Austin Vince will have his DVD's for sale as well as his books 'Terra Circa' and 'Mondo Enduro'

Dennis Robinson, 'Scooters in the Sahara' Nathan Millward, with his first book 'The Long Ride "Home"'

Robert Wicks new book 'The World's Great Adventure Motorcycle Routes' and the rest of his series: 'Adventure Motorcycling', 'Adventure Riding Techniques', and 'Building the Ultimate Adventure Bike'.

Sam Manicom, with his books 'Tortillas to Totems', 'Distant Suns', 'Under Asian Skies' and 'Into Africa'

Paddy Tyson, with his book 'The Hunt For Puerto del Faglioli'

Graham Field, with his first book 'In Search of Greener Grass'

Overland Magazine, the great new publication from Paddy Tyson

Jerome Bullard, 'Life on the Line'

Rollo Turner from Panther Publishing will be there with several great travel books.

Lists re-produced by kind permission of Grant & Susan www.HorizonsUnlimited.com