A regularly updated collection of reports about motorbike rides undertaken by "The Wandering Waltons" including detailed features on how the bikes were setup.
It's hard to believe but it's been a month since our last Blog! Note the 'our' last blog, as Ben wrote 'The Big 1000' which is still sat at the top of our Top 10 read blogs. We also had the local paper the Manchester Evening News take a keen interest in Ben's exploits sending round a photographer who spent 2 hours with us. Sadly the papers editors chose the picture with the least amount of RBLR badges showing. I did contact the writer to explain it was not a race, he promised to try and get the article changed on line but as I cannot find the online version I have no idea if this happened. His take was that it was a “race against time” i.e. the 24 hour deadline for IBA verification.
Manchester Evening News
Thursday 4th July 2013
I did ask Ben to compose another blog about our recent Hadrian’s Wall End 2 End ride but he's in 'school holiday' mode so I'm afraid your stuck with my ramblings for the time being.
After the success of the RBLR1000 I thought it would be good to wind down a little but life had other ideas. At the beginning of the month the plan was to get a little admin sorted, Steve of All Year Biker, kindly came round and gave ‘Trinity’ a liberal coating of ACF50 to ensure I have no issues with rust and the like. Then it was onto eBay in search of the illusive ‘second bike’. Ben had loads going on as he was into his last week of junior school, leaving show’s, disco, visits to his new school and the like.
The second week I had planned to ride back down to Spain to sort out a little business but a last minute change saw me at the back of the wheel of J's car. As nice as that was its not bike so I'll just fast forward a week.
After months of searching for a Repsol Rep. Fireblade RR1000 I eventually found the perfect specimen over near Liverpool. Sadly reality bit when I tried to get insurance. A quote of £890 saw that dream duly crushed once and for all. So it was back to the drawing-board.
Not one to be beaten that easily and having had a brilliant time in Wales on one of Nick's Yamaha XT660R's I changed my tack and found a locally based bright orange XT660X Super Moto at a really comparative price. So after a quick look around and a night to get insurance quotes I'm happy to say there's been a new addition to the Wandering Walton's Chop Shop! ‘Tangoed’ is now looking well after some sorely needed TLC but I plan to follow this blog with it's own write up so more on that project soon.
I've had a few short ride out’s but the most significant two have been one last Saturday organised by a good mate of mine (thanks to Twitter) Kieron the owner of the Filling Station Cafe in Keswick. Kieron organised an End 2 End (E2E) ride raising £1,000's in aid of Help For Hero's.
This E2E was very different from my normal 1000 mile Land's End to John O'Groats via London rides. This E2E was from one end of Hadrian's Wall to the other end starting and finishing at the Filling Station Cafe. Both Ben & I had a brilliant day, setting off from Kendal at 0700 hours to make sure we arrived at the cafe with plenty of time for breakfast.
The start of a brilliant
Hadrian's Wall End 2 End Ride
After a hearty bacon and egg butty we set off due East on the A686 which is an amazing bikers road which takes you up over the tops past the Hartside Cafe joining the A69 on past Hexam. Our first stop was called the Segedunum Roman Fort and Museum in Newcastle. This is where we got our first ‘Hadrian’s Wall Path Passport’ stamped in the shop.
We then turned around and headed back out of Newcastle to ride due West out of Newcastle and onto the B6318 also know as Military Road which pretty much runs the full length of Hadrian's Wall.
Stop number two was is at the Robin Hood Bar and Restaurant where you will find the official Hadrian's Wall straps in a wooden box at the side of the front door. Next it was Chesters Roman Fort and Museum, then Houesteads, next Birdoswald Roman Fort, then Tullie House in Carlisle and finally The Bank’s in Bowness-on-Solway. The stamp just happens to be behind the bar of the King’s Arms which was quite welcome. We then headed off to find some fuel and return to The Filling Station Cafe for a late lunch which we both devoured with ease.
Ben giving the E2E Ride
Thumb's Up!
How straight is that road?
One of the many Roman Forts and Museums
Housesteads
All in all the route covered 218 miles with 9 stops in total and was ridden by over 60 riders. There was a reporter at the cafe in the morning from the Keswick Reminder who chatted to most of the participants. I was delighted when Kieron Tweeted me to say that the reporter had used the photo he had taken of Ben and I as we were leaving, in the paper.
This is a cracking photo of Ben
Spot that beaming smile
The Keswick Reminder Friday 26th July 2013
So we've appeared in two papers in the last month, not too shabby for a couple of 'Wanderers'.
Thursday I was out with the Manc Riders on one of our regular Compo's Chippy Run’s. It was a cracking little ride with LBK up front on his new stead, a Triumph 800 which looks the business. With BadBoyBez, Oggy, Dave & LBK now all on Triumphs the Manc Riders feels more like a Triumph Appreciation Society every day. Still I was really pleased with the grin factor 'Tangoed' brought to the ride. Made better still by discovering Steve has an XT660X too, so hopefully he’ll leave the FJR1300 at home next time!
I'm lost for word's
(Cheers BadBoyBez for the photo)
Sunday 28th saw me back out on Mr T riding through Manchester at 0715 hours to take part in the inaugural running of the ‘Henshaws Sausage Run’ organised by Glen one of our very own, Manc Riders not forgetting Jo looking after the admin side of life.
The ride was publicised on a number of open forums along with FaceBook and Twitter. We all rode from Henshaws head office on Talbot Road near Old Trafford over A and B roads to their Arts & Crafts centre in Knarsborough for a famous, Henshaws Sausage Sandwich. Seth and PanMan took the lead with LBK and I bringing up the rear. Seth did an amazing job of keeping the riders together with PanMan’s help at the roundabout’s. Made considerably worse by the sheer number of traffic lights between Old Trafford and Bury!
The first of many, many traffic lights!
Half an hour in and we needed a brew!
That's a fine pair of pins you have there Glen.
Top Mark's to Glen & Jo for a cracking ride
There were about 20 riders taking part all having made a donation. We all received a very well designed ‘Ride Pin and 2013 year bar”, plus the all important token for the Famous Henshaws Sausage Sandwich at the end of the ride. After the butty I thinned out calling in at Squires Cafe Bar on the way home, well it would have been rude to have ridden straight past!
Monday the 29th is the 12th anniversary of my Mum’s passing, three months to the day before Ben was born so it was only fitting that Ben joined me on my 12th trip to show our respects.
We miss you million's Mum x x x
I have to say this months has just flown buy what with organised rides, trips to Spain, refurbishing ‘Tangoed’ and finally a wonderful ride around Derbyshire with me very “Precious Pillion" Ben to share it all with.
One last note, as we were heading towards Matlock a Peugeot 205 with flash wheels, lowered suspension and tinted wheels, passed us on the other side of the road belching so much smoke out of the exhaust we could not see where we were going for almost a mile.
Then as we rode down the hill towards Chapel-en-le-Frith another car passed us at break neck speed, luckily on the duel carriageway sounding as if it had no oil in the engine what so ever.
Ben piped up over the head set “ There’s some reet owd sheds on the roads around Derbyshire Dad, int the!” I swear he just sounded like my 70 year old Dad! I had trouble not falling off with laughter. Ben, don’t ever change sweetheart your an absolute “Star” and I love you to bit’s (as I do your Mum and Lilie Rose I hasten to add).
So folk’s that was July! Now watch out Bike World because here comes “Tangoed”
If only the lights had been so kind to us all morning!
What can I say? I’m the proudest Dad on the planet. At 11 years old my son Ben has successfully become the youngest pillion ever to complete the the RBLR1000 in it’s 5 years history. This is his story!
It was a Friday afternoon and I was just setting off from school with mum, getting ready for my big adventure. "So are you looking forward to your ride?" asked Mum. At the time I was just smiling at her telling her that I was nervous and Mum said "Dad’s got something to help you relax” and I looked at her and replied "the swimming pool!". "How did you know, I thought that Dad hadn't told you yet".
We got in the car and set off, ready for what was to come. When we got there Dad had already got the bike out and was raring to go. "Right Ben, get your clobber on and we'll set off straight away" so I rushed inside found all of my gear on the sofa ready and waiting for me. So I set to work putting on my trousers and my boots when I heard my Dad’s boots stomping through the garage shouting "Liliepobs is here". So I went to the door and nearly got ran over by Lilie in her wheelchair. "Come on” said Dad get dressed. Five minutes later I was dressed and saying bye to Mum for the 'thousanth' time.
"Do you want to get on first or shall I?” Now this was a question I'm used to so as usual I got on first and we waved our goodbyes to Mum and set off for Squires Cafe.
It took about an hour to get to the hotel that we was staying at and I found out that there ‘was’ a pool!
When we arrived we parked the bike up and went into the hotel and got ourselves a room 212. Once we got our room we went back to the reception and gave our keys back. "Have I ever taken you to Squires Ben?" Dad asked me. "No dad but you have talked about it loads".
Now this was true my Dads always talking about that place. When I got their I understood why. It was brilliant! There was about a hundred bikers there and when we got off my Dad was met by a hoard of people who I have never seen before. I've never seen Dad say hello to so many people and you know what? Dad didn't know half of the people until they said "I know you, your the Wandering Walton's!"
Boosh!
We went inside and signed our names on a sheet of paper and tried to set off to go back to the hotel when we met another one of dads long lost friends and this one he actually knew him. Dad told him about how I was attempting to do the RBLR1000 and he told us that his son did the ‘End to End’ when he was ten and he wished us good luck and we set off back to the hotel. When we got there we got our keys back and dropped our stuff in our room so we could get a rest and then go back to Squires.
This is one of my dad's friends
On another one of my dad's friends bikes!
Dad asked if I wanted a swim once we got back. Obviously I said yes straight away and you know what? I really think Dad regretted it because when we got back to Squires I was pulling at his arm saying " Daaaad I want to have a swim! Can we go now. Hurry up! What time is it?" for the whole time there, until he gave in and said "fine, fine it's only 8 though!" At the time I thought it was quarter to ten. So that's why I wanted to get back so quickly! It was worth it though. Even Dad agreed. It was like a bath in there! We swam around for a while until Dad said "right one more lap and we are out”.
I asked Dad why and he told me it was because we needed a big sleep. So we got out, had a lovely warm shower and went back to the room. Dad looked like he didn't even go in because he was bone dry, unlike his son who was dripping wet! We clambered back to the room to get our jim jams on so we could get a good night sleep. We watched Miranda and went to sleep.
I've got to admit I had a brilliant nights kip and so did Dad but we had to wake up some time and sure enough that time was 0400am. We got ourselves a shower and got our teeth scrubbed and our clobber on and got to the reception and handed in our keys and went to Mr T and got on him and set off for Squires to get in line for the beginning of “THE BIG 1000!” Of course I was a little nervous but settled my nerves when some people came up and started wishing us luck and saying how cool it was riding at only eleven years old.
All ready to go!
Squires Cafe 0 miles 0500
THE BIG 1000 started off with a roar of engines and an eleven year old nearly wetting himself with excitement! (maybe I shouldn't have said that?!) Anyway me and Dad was at the front of the pack so we had an extra advantage so the first stop was Berwick-upon-Tweed. My Dad started off saying "Berwick on Tweed look out, we are coming for you!"
That was easy, not!
Berwick-upon-Tweed 160 miles 0715
The first stop was easy. It was 2 hours and 45 mins. It was only easy because it was the fist ride and I was all pumped up (didn't fart!) (joke) and I was full of energy. We also got to see something I've always wanted to see, the ‘Angel of the North’. I've got to admit though that wasn't the easiest ride we had the next one was and it was the one I was looking forward to. I was looking forward to it because it was only an hour and we got to see the Scottish border and I LOVE Scotland! The next trip was one of the ones I was dreading Edinburgh to Wick! 4 hours 45 minutes!
Brilliant I'm in Scotland!
Edinburgh 240 miles 0800
The trip was long and hard but I made it and by then I did 500 miles! We had a lovely stop and had a lasagne, chocolate and a coke to boost up my energy. You know what, once I had that stop I felt as fresh as a daisy.
Full Tum - Numb Bum
Wick 500 miles 1300
The next ride was from Wick to Fort William that was 3 hours 30 minutes. I didn't mind though because on the way their was about thirty AWESOME bends all of them where twisting and turning all the way and I loved it. We also kept on over taking the other cars on the road.
We made up for an hour by doing this technique we made it to Fort William for about 6 pm only to meet some other ‘Iron Butts’ and they were nice and friendly.
Tuna buttie time
Fort William 670 miles 1710
Soon we set off to our final destination Birch Services. We would get their for 2400. So we did but it was like torture every time I blinked I fell asleep! It was horrible, it was chucking it down and it was cold. We got a ‘tsunami’ when a lorry rode past us in a giant puddle nearly knocking us off the bike.
Snack time, Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows
You can keep your Bacon 'n' Brie Panini's
Killington Lake Services - Kendal 920 miles 2230
We finally stopped at Birch Services and we set off half asleep (three quarters in my case). Once we got back I was feeling dead!
“Are you happy with your lot Ray?” Asked Nick in the Owl’s Nest car park, whilst the rest of the guys polished off their ‘Full English’ breakfast’s. I’d eaten mycheese burger already. I like to be different plus, not even I can cope with two Full English breakfasts in one morning.
“I am Nick, Europe suits me just fine”
“Are you really?”
“Yes! There’s still many places I want to visit, plus it means I’m never more than 24 hours from home”
Nick searched my face for an explanation, there was non forthcoming!
It was last minute , (well 3days previous actually but who cares) that I got the nod from Jeannie to book a B&B for the Thursday night. Unsure of the mileage we would be covering on Friday, I thought better of getting up at 0300 hours to ride the 4 hours to Touratech Head Office in Ystradgynlais in South Wales.
Nowif you have just passed your test or you are a veteran biker who just wants to renew your belief in 'biking' then I urge you to just take a ride through the centre of Wales. I had forgotten what a wonderful feeling it is to ride my bike as if on a downhill slalom course. The A483 is simply stunning. From the quality the roads surface to the way it twists and turns through the forever changing landscape, it is an unbelievable place to ride. One minute your being buffeted by the wind riding past miles of open fields. The next you are twisting and turning through hill climbs up towards the Brecon Beacons where the mountain scenery is enough to take your breath away.
Calling into the Motor Museum at Llangollen turned out to be a stroke of genius. I arrived with fingers like semi thawed ‘chipolata’ sausages that had been taken out the freezer the night before. My Klim gloves were soaked due to the deluge I'd just ridden through all the way down from Manchester. Still the Dainese Bike Gear had kept me warm and dry in the massively fluctuating weather conditions. For one brief moment as Jeannie had said goodbye on the drive the sun had stuck it’s head through the clouds. That was to be the last I woulds see of the heart warming orange sphere until it eventually reemerged as I dismounted in front of the museum doors.
Another one in the bag for the
"Grim Riders Motorcycle Museum Challenge Ride"
How best do I describe the museum to you? Well, it's a sort of an 'Rich old mans garage’ really. About the size of a small factory it’s tucked away some 150 yards off the A542 heading out of Llangollen. If your planning to call in be prepared for 50 yards of dirt track with front wheel swallowing pot holes full of rain water.
The sign read £4 entry with last admittance at 1630 hours just half an hour before closing time having opened at 1100 hours. I jumped when one of the exhibits I was looking at very slowly got up out of the chair near the window and moved towards a high stool behind what turned out to be the counter. Jumping a second time when the other male exhibit nodded in my direction! I honestly thought the old couple where part of a displays! The lady was very nice though which gave my heart time to calm down a little.
The place is rammed with old motorbikes, bike parts, about a dozen cars, a few remote control planes strapped to the ceiling and loads of motoring 'memorabilia'. If your ever passing and see the signs for the Motor Museum personally I'd advise you to call in and take a look. Make sure you have your camera with you mind, as there’s lots to see.
What a small world it is!
I spent an interesting 45 minutes wandering around the museum. This gave my gloves plenty of time to dry out on the seat outside. With my 'chipolata’ fingers now thoroughlythawed I bid fair well to the moving exhibits and continued my journey South, bathed in glorious sunshine, perfect.
With the temperature gauge now showing an impressive 17 degrees, up from 10 I could see the steam rising from my jacket as I rode down to the B&B. Being in no rush it gave me all the time in the world to take everything in as the ever twisting A483 turned into the River Wye crossing A470 I was already having a ball and the fun was yet to start.
Pulling over to take a picture of the Ystradgynlais Arms at 1710 hours I could feel the anticipation of tomorrow already rising within me. Once unpacked, I had a nice hot shower. The pint of Rev James cask ale was rather special, not really the best drink to compliment the traditional Prawn Cocktail followed by the Hickory Chicken which I had chose for my evening meal but nice all the same.
Arriving at the Touratech Head Officeat 0805 hours some 25 minutes early just goes to show how exited I was about the day ahead. The weather was overcast but the sun was trying its damnedest to burst through the grey clouds overhead. Not that I gave a damn about something as trivial as the weather. “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad equipment” simples!
Nick Plumb arrived at about 0725 hours, parked up out front, introduced himself and asked me to bring my bike around to the front of the shop, he then opened up. Two minutes later a few more guys arrived all on BMW GSA's, after a couple of photographs I joined the others inside.
First and last time
Yamaha out number BMW
The Touratech Head Officeis simply unbelievable, I was in awe. What an amazing place, it felt like I'd died and gone to heaven. So many bikes kitted out to the hind teeth with every kind of Touratech accessory available. The Ducati Multistrada stood out against the entire BMW Adventure Bike range plus the solitary Yamaha XT660Z Tenere. Nick was using its big brother the Super Tenere XT1200Z so I had plenty of chance to view all the nice accessories available for my bike over the coming days. I even got chance to test the Touratech front seat which was very kind of you Nick. At least Mr T would not be the only Super Tenere in attendance today.
The selection of equipment available in the shop is out of this world. Encompassing everything from covers and guards for all the delicate switches on the bikes to hefty bash plates, pannier's, top-boxes and lights to Satellite Navigation Systems mounted in bespoke holders.To finish off the interior of the shop there is a mezzanine where Nick has his Dakar Bike and gear. Throw in a nice selection of books and a selection of 'Overlander's' equipment including tents, sleeping bags, solar chargers, water purifiers and well you get the idea.
It's not everyday you get to ride
with a 4 times Dakar Rider
Anyone who as ever flicked through the Touratech Catalogue will have an idea of what this company has to offer but seeing it all in the flesh is just mind blowing. Well it is if your a ‘Farkling’ bike nut like me. Add to this a huge range of quality clothing and your coming close to a 'Bikers Utopia'. I could have easily spent an absolute fortune without even breaking into a sweat and loved every second of it.
Nick P (as I will have to distinguish him from Nick Sanders, Nick S, from now on) made us all a brew and introduced everyone to each other. After half an hour or so we were all putting our gear back on ready to head off to meet Nick S at a cafe somewhere towards the South West of the Brecon Beacons. The weather had taken a change for the worse and what had been the road had turned into a full blown stream. Luckily the weather changed yet again just as we walked outside. After the obligatory photo shoot we were on our way.
Riding away from the shop we were soon winding our way along the southern part of the Brecon Beacons, twisting this way and that through so many unpronounceable named villages. There were 6 of us at this point as one guy was running late and one had pulled out at the last minute. I was really surprised as we rode past a police camera van at the side of the road heading into Cwmgarw. Nick P later told us that that was the first time he had ever seen a police camera van in all the years he had been riding in that area.
Turning right at Brynaman we set off along the famous A4069 Black Mountain road which is now at position 3 in my all time top 10 favorite UK roads. With its sweeping s bends down into the Towy valley of Carmarthenshire, traveling North along the banks of the river Towy. The views over the village of Llangadog from the tops are spectacular.
After a short wait at one particular junction Nick P headed back the way we had ridden to collect the late arrival, it turned out he had ridden over from London that morning. We all set off to the cafe some 10 minutes further North West of the Brecon Beacons National Park.
We arrived at the Owls Nest Tea Room Diner just off the A4069 South of Llandovery. The owner was a really nice guy who took a couple of photo's of our bikes before heading in to cook for us. I had a cheese burger with fried onions as I'd already eaten a Full English at 0700 hours at the B&B.
As we were being served, Nick P arrived with the late comer and 2 minutes later Nick S walked in followed by another rider who was on a Pan European. So our group consisted of 10 bikes, 6 BMW’s, 3 Super Tenere's and 1 Honda Pan European. We were set!
“Why only, 24 hours from home Ray? Would you not like to go further?” Nick S continued
“It would be nice to go further but with Nordkapp still to visit, Ben and I have our hands full for now” I replied honestly.
Sat here reminiscing, I now realise it must have been an odd answer to receive. Especially coming from some one who was just about to spend the next three days riding around Wales with him.
If you also take into consideration I have ridden to places like Gibraltar and Lithuania just for lunch and a photo, it just compounds further what an odd answer it was, but that is simply how my brain is wired. If I receive a call from Jeannie asking me to come home, mentally I need to know I can get there within 24 hours. So OK I know, Lithuania took me 27 hours but that was not in response to a call from home. In addition I did take a nap at the side of the bike in a car park off the A1 near Grantham, as you do!
So what has all that got to do with spending a weekend in the presence of two of the most prolific motorcycle riders alive today, well it’s this. Having a daughter with Cerebral Palsy puts untold strain onto every aspect of your life, from where you go to what you do. If Lilie Rose cannot attend, take part or access is simply impossible then the Walton Family as a whole just do not bother. So to receive such a wonderful Father's Day Prize knowing all of this will help you understand how truly special this weekend away really was. Anyway I digress as ever, “Back to the job in hand Raymondo”.
Looking Good Guy's, Looking Good
With that we headed back into the cafe like a pair of ‘old mate’s’. You see that is just how Nick S made me feel. Like we had know each other for years. How does he do that? I’m not complaining that is for sure it is a very nice skill to have, whats more, I appreciated it.
After the obligatory photo shoot with half a dozen cameras, thanks once again to our cafe host the adventure began.
David,James, Gwynne, Tony, Martin, Me, Nick P, Guilherme, Nick S and Tony
With Nick S taking the lead we all followed on. Riding one of the most beautiful, leisurely rides I have ever had the pleasure of taking part in. I could ‘wax lyrical’ for 10,000 words or more about our route but on this occasion I will just opt to post up the Garmin track which will tell you all you need to know.
Now that's a Tour Route
A4069 Black Mountain Road
Stopping off at Pen Y Garreg gave us all time to get to know both Nick P and Nick S a little better. Photo’s abound but this is one shot I’m really quite happy with what’s more I think Caroline will agree, her chap looks rather pleased with life right at that moment. As for Nick P, well he looks like he just fancied a swim!
The smile says it all!
Onwards and upwards, literally heading North we took coffee at ‘Devils Bridge’ which I got a little exited about initially as I thought we were having aquick blast up to Kirby Lonsdale! “Get a grip Raymondo, your touring Wales with the two Nick’s. Why the hell would they want to shoot off up to Kirby bloody Lonsdale?”.
It was well into late afternoon when we eventually arrived at the Expedition Centre afterweaving our way through miles upon miles of single track country lanes.
My first impression was one of “Bloody Hell Nick’ this places is absolutely stunning, why the hell would you want to invite a load of strangers into your perfect world?” Not that I voiced this opinion at the time but you just have to see the place to believe it exists.
A traditional Welsh partially whitewashed farm house set into the side of a hill, surrounded by nothing other than fields, sheep and stunning view. OK there is the odd cow or two pottering around but you get the idea. It is one of the most idilic locations I have ever visited. Even as you climb the winding dirt track through the field in front of the farm the whole place just wraps you in it’s arms and says “Welcome to our little piece of paradise in Wales”.
Honey we're home!
The farm is picture perfect and I really hope Nick, you do not mind me posting a few of the photo’s I took. Rest assured when I return with Ben I will bring my all new and improved camera because these photo’s just do not do your home justice and for that I apologise in advance.
The Barn, if you can call it that, has been rebuilt from foundations up. Inside is the largest dining table I have ever seen which over sees the hub of the operation, Caroline's purpose built kitchen. This comes complete with sensuous cooking smells of home baked cakes and delicious herbs. There’s the all important ‘wet room’ tucked away in the corner. Further back we find Willow and Juno relaxing on the settees on the raised mezzanine accessed by open plan staircase.
I love that kitchen
The railings at the rear over looks the all important Nick Sanders Cinema, with three of his globe trotting motorbikes being harassed by table tennis ball abuse. Especially when we all took to the table to be thrashed by Willow and Juno, the resident table tennis pro’s. On arrival we were served home baked cakes which was delicious with coffee or tea. Sitting around the huge table gave us all chance to have a good natter. Once refreshed it was time to settle in and find somewhere to sleep. I say it like this as settling into the accommodation is an adventure in its self.
Now that's what I call
A Cinema
Spread across the whole area the accommodation is so diverse, its brilliant. The Yurt is tucked high up on the hill at the top of the ‘Stairway to Heaven” (well thats how I would describe it) up behind the farm house. There is a Timbuktu trailer cabin complete with double bed and an expedition truck which Nick P felt very at home in plus a couple of wooden lodges.
Insert Your Own Caption Here!
I chose the first wooden lodge out of the barn surrounded by aromatic raised herb bed with stunning views of the valley. One particular thing I have to mention about my room is the bedding, it was divine. I could have just curled up and gone to sleep there and then, sorry James but you really did draw the short straw as comfortable as you single bed may have been.
Home from Home, Perfect
A little later when we had all unpacked and had showered, dinner was served and well what can I say. Caroline can cook and I mean really cook.Fresh produce all the way from outside the front door. Home grown herbs and vegetables, local lamb, local cheese just about everything came from within a 30 mile radius even down to the ...... from the local estuary. Everything that left the kitchen was spot on. However at 2300 hours Nick S made an executive decision and politely as possible, advised us all to head to bed as tomorrow was going to be a ‘full on’ day of riding. Just how ‘full on’ I for one was not expecting!
Mint Tea any one?
Saturday saw us up at 0730 hours, well some of us that is! Tony arrived whilst we were eating our freshly prepared breakfast of porridge, croissant topped with ham, bacon sandwiches, I plumbed for a BLT with lettuce which I picked myself from outside my bedroom door. Now who else can say that about their breakfast on Saturday morning?
The group split into two with Nick P and Tony taking myself and three others ‘off road’ riding on Nick S supplied Yamaha XT660X. After a relaxed discussion about where we were going Tony took over the group. First off we were to head to a forest track where Tony would asses our off road riding skill level. After which we would head out onto a few green lanes and take it from there. Here’s a few photo’s and a video to give you just a taste of what we got up to. Needles to say I had an absolute ball and thanks to Nick P and Tony picked up some really useful tips and skills. Now who says you can not teach an old dog new tricks? You’re wrong because you can, as long as the ‘old dog’ wants to learn that is.
Light Off Road Riding, Bring It On!
Nick doing his stuff
And Yes we all rode down there!
Playing in puddles as never been so much fun
Tony how dare you swear!
The morning just flew by and before we were expecting it we were heading back to base to switch with the other half of the group who were out touring the North of Wales with Nick S.
After a light lunch again prepared by our wonderful hostess Caroline we had had a couple of games of table tennis whilst Nick S found a new route back to base.
Having had such a buzz on the 660’s getting back onto Mr T and heading out with Nick S could have slipped down a gear. But how can it? I’m riding with Nick bloody Sanders for **** sake! What this man does not know about long distance biking can be written on the back of a postage stamp.
The loop of North Wales and Snowdonia National Park was brilliant right down to visiting Eric’s Cafe. Nick S was keen to gather as much feedback on our stay as possible as we were the very first group to attend the Expedition Centre Experience. From what I could gather we all felt the only thing that could do with tweaking was the off road riding split day. Rather than half a day we all felt a full day with Nick P and Tony and a full day with Nick S would have been a slight improvement.
All too soon we were back at base but in reality it was well past 2000 hours and dinner was awaiting our attention. The evening flowed just as Friday night had done. Sat in the cinema watching exerts from Nick S book at midnight was a perfect way to round off a brilliant days riding.
Sadly Sunday was to be our last ride out up around Lake Vyrnwy. Caroline came with us on the back of Nick S. That was after yet another delicious breakfast of croissants topped with ham, tomato and cheese finished under the grill and yet another two cups of coffee.
Time to leave
All too soon we were pulling into the hotel car park, dismounting and heading through a very luxurious hotel reception and lounge onto the balcony with a back drop of Lake Vyrnwy. The weekend was drawing to a close. I felt a little pang of disappointment at that exact minute. I would have loved to have shared the whole experience with Ben and Jeannie but life is not like that and sometimes you just have to get stuck in on your own.
Thank you to our hosts
Caroline, Nick and Nick
Spending 3 days away from home meant major organisation, calling in paid help for Friday morning. All of Lilie Rose’s personal cares rested on Jeannie’ shoulders as we get no help what so ever from any quarter, thats just life I’m afraid to say. So Jeannie, for sorting everything out and for holding the fort whilst I was away having fun, thank you so very much.
The weekend was an absolutely wonderful Fathers Day Prize. The Expedition Centre Experience with Nick Sanders and Nick Plumb has to be the highlight of 2013 for me personally. Now who would have thought that coming from some one who often describes himself as “Does not mix well with others” Not me that is for certain!
Can I just pass on a huge personal thank you to all involved, Nick Plumb, Nick Sanders, Caroline, Willow, Juno, Tony, Tony C, Tony H, Guilherme, James, David, Gwynne and Martin without whom the weekend would not have been half as enjoyable as it was.
As a foot note, yes there were 7 other guests who I attended the centre. I have purposely not mentioned any of them during the write up for one simple reason. I would hate to have offend anyone in any way shape or form. Having learned the hard way from previous write ups it can happen all too easily. Please accept my apologies for this decision but rest assured if any of you ever find yourselves in the Rochdale / Manchester area our doors are always open to you. Just drop me a line and there is always a room and garage space available for you. That applies to you too Nick, Nick and Tony.
You were all great and and I really enjoyed the camaraderie over the all too short 3 days. Feel free to stay in touch and I wish you all the very best for the future.
Well it had to happen didn’t it? I got up to rain this morning, mind it is backing off a little now at 0940 hours. Still a drop of the wet stuff is not going to stop me having the weekend of weekends, no way!
I’m so pleased I chose to read the email from Touratech UK thoroughly and not delete it as I do with so many other emails from suppliers. Why? I really have no idea, I think it was purely down to the fact that, although it was selling something it was not presented in that way! If that makes sense?
Now if that does not warrant further investigation then your not wired the same way as I am, it’s that simple.
So fast forward a week and here I am typing a quick update of how I feel. You see my Blog's are not just about what I or in fact ‘we’ do, it’s about how I feel, good, bad, indifferent, warts and all!
Right this minute I am absolutely buzzing with anticipation right now. My Twitter account @Jap_STi_3 is kicking off royally with comments from close friends, Twitter friends and in fact folks I’ve never met but purely interact with through Tweeting! Sorry to admit this but I’m a Twitter Freak, plain and simple.
So with the weather brightening by the hour, my mood being somewhere up amongst the stratosphere I really ought to get Mr T sorted! I’ll be sticking the panniers on for the ride simply to make life easier I have the small Touratech pannier bag which to be honest are too small to fill the huge 45 litre right hand side but work perfectly so will remain my bag of choice. However just looking up this link I now see Touratech make a 41 litre Zega pannier bag which looks interesting. I can see this shop visit costing me a small fortune if I'm not careful! #ShopaholicsAreUs
Packing normally takes me 15 minutes tops. Wash kit is always ready in the garage just to pick up and go. Clothes, who needs cloths? Jeans, T-shirt, grollies, socks and my Berghaus 200 Fleece which lives in my top box and thats me. However I may have to take 'The Cardi' just in case it gets a little chilly at night.
All 8 participants of the inaugural Expedition Centre Experience received an email yesterday (well I guess they got the same email as me) with confirmation of the meeting place and time Friday morning. Other information included, advising us that bedding will be provided and to bring a torch so we can find our way to the accommodation in the evenings. How cool is that? I’m sat here grinning from ear to ear in anticipation of the whole weekend.
Meet-up, late breakfast/lunch with Nick and Nick, ride outs, light off roading on XT660Z Tenere’s, meals, sleeping in a Yurt or Timbuktu Trailer Cabin plus the chance to meet 7 other like minded riders. It is going to be brilliant! Even if it has just started tipping it down with rain again!
Right I really should make a start and get myself in gear. I intend to call in at one of ‘Grim Riders Motorcycle Museums’ on the way down through Wales as I pass just 8 miles from Llangollen Motor Museum. It’s an hour and a half from here and 2 and half hours from the pub I’ve booked for the night.
I gave the idea of getting up at 0300 hours tomorrow some thought and made the sensible decision to ride down today. The Ynyscedwyn Arms looks great on their website, a twin room Bed and Breakfast costs just £39.95 and as long as I get there before last food orders at 2030 hours I will be fine. My initial plan was to wait and say good bye to Lilie Rose and Ben at 1530 hours but that would just upset them both. With the weather being as shocking as it is plus adding my slight detour I’ll be setting off just after lunch and so with that in mind I will say farewell for now and Blog you all again ‘hopefully’ tomorrow.
