A return to my Honda roots.

These wings really do make you fly

When I showed Ben this photo he found it hard to believe it was me.

'Big Boots & Long Socks'

Munster, Germany 1987

“Is that really you Dad”

“It is sweet heart”

“It looks nothing like you, maybe around the eyes but thats all”

“Trust me, thats your Dad way back in 1987”

“WHEN?” The horror is his voice was palpable. 

26 long years ago there I was bursting with pride at the purchase of my very first ‘brand new’ motorbike. A gleaming black and red vision of perfection. I’d been in the Army 3 years and there I was sat astride the fastest bike on the road. Now, before the purists’ amongst you start quoting facts and figures at me I need to point out, the Honda CBR1000F had a ‘claimed’ top speed of 182 miles per hour in the magazines of the time. Making it, for a short period of time back in 1987, the fastest production motorcycle on the road. I loved it.

A thing of beauty Honda CBR1000F

Outside 'MY' Garage

All I knew at the time was it made me the happiest man on the planet! All my mates thought I was bonkers (some things never change) but I just did not care. I was charged numerous times for chaining it to my bed when I was sent away on exercise. The QM hated me, seeing my bike as nothing more than a fire hazard, even though I always emptied the tank. After my fourth charge, I was issued a garage! Funny really as I’d applied for one over a year earlier but was refused on the grounds of not owning a car.

After that my running costs dropped substantially, due to not having my wages docked. Plus I became extremely popular with all the other bikers on camp all wanting a slot in ‘MY’ garage. At one  point there were 8 bikes crammed in, the least used at the back and the broken down and mine at the front. 

One inside pocket of my leathers was for the 1000 Deutsch Marks I always carried. The other held the clip full of ‘Speeding Tickets’ accrued very quickly, needless to say ‘on the spot fines’ where far better than accruing points. Plus I knew it was possible to out run the VW Passat police cars on the right roads, as they topped out at 120 mile an hour. They were amazing times, how I survived is a question for another day. 

I could go on forever about my first CBR1000, trips back to Chesterfield from Munster in Germany, just to have a night out with the lads. Well it was only a 1200 mile round trip plus an hour and a half hours on the ferry. No big deal! I ran the CBR1000 for just over three years with numerous trips around Germany, Austria, Italy, France, Belgium, Holland and on. Selling the bike broke my heart but it’s impossible to fit a babies pushchair to a bike, trust me I tried!

Fast forward 26 years and here I am again, the proud owner of a 20th Anniversary Edition CBR1000RR Fireblade. It’s a 2012 model but with zero miles and on a 63 plate, the reason  being I wanted the all black new model. 

So without further ado meet…………. wait for it, wait for it……… ‘Jessie’ named by the ever helpful Lefty, after the amazing runner Jesse Owen “The Black Flash” but as my Blade is ‘female’ the spelling has been amended accordingly. 

Pure Perfection 

Honda CBR1000 RR Fireblade

Courtesy of Kevin at

Rochdale Honda

There are a couple of tasteful extras added at my own expense but I’ve kept them down to the bare minimum.

Oxford Heated Grips

My beloved Pazzo Stubbies

With matching blue adjusters

Honda Racing Rear Seat Hump

Honda Racing Full Length Hugger

Plus my "Freebie" Tank Pad

Now the wandering can recommence! 

I say, bring it on.

A fond farewell to “Mr T” Yamaha Tenere XT1200Z

You know I really cannot believe it has been two and a half years since I wrote almost the same title, ‘A fond farewell to 'The Beast' Yamaha FJR 1300’ back in June 2011.

Well as you may have guessed 'Mr. T' has left ‘Raymondo’s Chop Shop’ for the last time. 

“Why?” I can hear you ask. Well, the truth is ……. the truth is Mr. T was built for a reason. That reason was to ride big miles and unfortunately I just do not feel like riding those big miles any more. 

I’ve not ridden Mr T more than a couple of miles since taking part in the IBA Germany Road Runner Motorcycle Rally at the end of September with the exception of  the RTTW 2013 in October. 

I’m happy to say I do know the new owner, or to be 100% correct, the new owners Kevin & Lyn Weller. This made the bikes departure so much more pleasurable. Knowing that Kevin & Lyn will both look after the bike and use it for what it was built for makes feel a whole lot happier.

So without further ado, here is a pictorial history on “Mr. T” from new.

'Mr. T' back in June 2011 before I started 'Farkling"

Our first big adventure

'Monaco or Bust' ....... Bust it is then!

Not the end to a great ride we would have wished for!

33 Miles to Moffat

As ever the 'Farkling' kicked in

Followed by a trip to Colditz

Time to try out Mr. T's new toys

Ben enjoying January 2012

Little Ben meet's Big Ben

Butte de Lion. IBA UK February RTE in Belgium

Notice a pattern appearing here?

Then I had the 'Monster Tank' built in the USA

Spain in March

Ireland

Iron Butt UK Rally

As you can see we got around quite a bit with a total of 38,000 miles being ridden over the two and a half years a little down on the FJR1300's 40,000 miles in 18 months.

I blogged every service as they were completed with the 30,000 Mile Service being the last.

Our biggest achievement in 2012

The Gold Post Box Challenge Ride

110 Gold Post Boxes visited 

6709 Miles ridden in 19 Day's

I saw Bruce off on his 

'TeaPotOne' 70,000 mile round the World Trip

 London in October

Before I knew it it was back Derbyshire

January 2013

February 2013 was fun!

As you can see the year just flew past, visits to Derbyshire, Spain, Germany, France (but we wont mention that), Belgium. However that elusive trip around the Eastern part of Europe was to elude me as was Nordkapp. 

Still I did manage to have 

Some fun in the dirt!

Even catch a BMF Rally along the way

BUT!

This really tipped me on my head

Ben, Jeannie & I have had some amazing adventures on Mr. T over the last two and a half years but when something comes to an end, first of all you have to be honest with yourself!

It's been great riding all over Europe but since Ireland I have be disillusioned with long rides. Don't get me wrong there have been times when the road as been my salvation. The place where I can 'sort my head out' but now, now is time for a change. 

Here's a daft little incident that happened to me just 3 months ago which just may help shed some light on my thought pattern.

Oggy, one of my good Manc Rider mates threw open an invite to head out from his for a bite to eat. I took Tango'd the XT660X just for the sheer hell of it.

Well, cutting to the chase, just as we're about to get ready to head off to Wales for a bite out, the heavens opened. Now I've taken to riding in Kevlar Jeans and a Furigan Leather jacket. The ride was sacked but I'm on the opposite side of Manchester to home. 

Taking the M60 ring road back I got drenched. Not damp or moist but p**s wet through. Pulling in the garage was a real relief. Jeannie came through to see what I was doing in the kitchen and commented on the mini lake I'd created in front of the sink whilst filling the kettle for a brew.

I just cracked up laughing! 'Do you know why?" "I'll tell you, its because I felt ALIVE!" It was the first time I had been wet in years. I've covered my self up against the elements so much that I'd lost sight of who I was and what I want from ridding. 

Standing there I felt 21 again, listening to my Mum ranting at me getting everything wet through and asking me "Do you really enjoy being soaked to the bone" and me nonchalantly replying "Yes I do!" as true today as it was back in the early 80's.

That ride was the final catalyst to me parting ways with the Yamaha XT1200Z know as Mr. T!

Ben with my Mum's flowers

A moment I'll never  forget.

Mr. T always put a smile on my face

Especially riding with friends

As for Tango'd the Yamaha XT660X, you guessed it, thats gone too! There's no love lost there and no lament. It was a good little project which I enjoyed and proved one thing, I should stick to my one golden rule. 

Only buy black bikes Raymondo!

Farewell Mr. T

May the sun shine on you forever

2013 Third Quarter Round-Up

Remember my very optimistic January blog “2013 Bring it on!”

Well not everything went to plan

Touring Derbyshire, Raymondo Style! CANCELLED! 

Hardwick Hall - Derbyshire

16^th January  - will see me in Bonds Main for the 11^th year with flowers in hand. “I Love & miss you so much Mum.”  DONE!

Miss You Mum X X X 

17^th January - Lefty, LBK & one other TBC will be in Blackburn Empire Theatre at the Foggy & Whit, "Giving it Gas Show."  I for one cannot wait!  DONE!

Great Night Out with the Lads

19^th January – It’s the Third Annual IBA UK January RTE to be held at John & Sonia’s. I've not put my name down but Ben & I will undoubtedly be drawn to the excitement, involuntarily.  DONE!

IBA UK January RTE

27^th January – The  Manc Riders, also, Third Annual RTE will take place at the Moorcock Inn near Littleborough. Something I’m proud to say I have arranged each year since joining the Manc Riders. (Sadly I’m unable to put up a link to the site as we are suffering administration difficulties at the moment but normal service will be resumed imminently).  DONE!

Manc Riders January RTE

February, March and April at the minute are all FREE! Shock horror. Still with the onset of May it all starts to get really interesting.  

Ben with his bike 'Trinity'

At Manchester Bike Show

March - I think France Hates Me! Done!

10^th April  -   Jeannie & I are going to see Mrs Browns Boys at Manchester Arena. DONE!

24^th – 26^th  May -  The IBA UK Britt Butt Rally takes place. As highest placed “Rookey” last year I’m giving it a miss this year but I do believe entries are still being take just take a look at 2013 Britt ButtRally

30^th May – 4^th June  - Horizon’s Unlimited Travellers Meeting (HUBBUK) being held at the all new location near Donington at the Donington Farmhouse Hotel.  I’m booked in again for the whole 4 days but it looks as if the family Walton holiday could wreak havoc!  Only time will tell.  DONE! (Well sort of!)

Ben looking far too comfortable on that Combination!

7^th June – It’s off to Manchester to see Eddie Izzard with Jeannie. Now that will be a blast as Eddie is simply amazing “In my mind, in my mind." DONE!

21^st – 23^rd June –See’s Ben and I participating in the RBLR1000 (Royal British Legion Riders 1000 miles ride). Having ridden it twice, worked on it once this year I will be riding the 1000 miles in under 24 hours with Ben my 11 year old son as pillion. If successful, Ben will become the “Youngest EVER Pillion” to have completed the ride undercutting the current record by an amazing 5 years (to the best of my knowledge but I’m sure Paddy will let me know if I’m miss quoting here, won’t you Paddy!?)

Ben & I would like to raise £500 towards for our chosen charity and would really appreciate it if you would drop by and make a donation please. “Well if you can’t plug your own fundraising on your own Blog where on earth can you?” DONE! & we managed to raise £650 for the Royal British Legion 

RBLR1000 Done!

5^th – 14^th July – It’s adventure time! Bruce and I are off to NordKapp or North Cape as it’s said in English. Taking a leisurely crossing from Hull over to Rotterdam on Friday night we will then head up through the Netherlands, passing through the north of Germany into Denmark. Heading further north we will pass through Sweden and follow the Atlantic Coast Road up the West coast of Norway all the way into the Arctic circle to NordKapp.  “On the return trip I would like to call into Finland Bruce.”  All of which will enable me to add a further 3 flags to my panniers, “You see there’s method in my madness” LOL.  CANCELLED! 

August is a free month, as it stands that is,  thus enabling me to ensure Mr T is full serviced and set up for a rather interesting end to September.

27^th – 29^th September – Roland & I will be taking part in the IBA Germany European Road Runner Rally,  a 36 hour touring event set across the whole of Germany & Austria. Roland competed in the event last year and so I will be looking to him for guidance and inspiration.  DONE!

IBA Germany European Road Runner Rally - Done!

30^th September – 5^th October – Ron & Ray Ride Again! We’re off down towards Greece (Flag Collecting Again) taking in some of the most stunningly beautiful Eastern European countries as we feel happy to visit. These will, I’m hoping, include Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, on the way south. Macedonia, Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, Serbia, Croatia and Slovania heading back home. Followed by a quick dash for the  Channel Tunnel through Austria, Germany and France. Thus adding another 13 more flags to my panniers. “Now do you see why I went for such small flags?” CANCELLED!

October RTTW 2013 - DONE!

So as you can see I’ve been able to get out and about a little but no where near as much as I’d hoped. The two Big Adventures where both cancelled leaving me donw in the dumps for a while. Still I did manage an interesting trip to Spain back in February that was not planned for plus I bought Tango’d a Yamaha XT660X and did it up. 

Tango'd my Yamaha XT660X

As you can see it's been an interesting year to say the very least but as it stands there is nothing on the horizon, bike wise that is. 

I’m having a good clear out of gear which is just cluttering up the garage. I’ve also started getting the 'New Wheels' itch! Having owned Mr T 2 & half years now and put 37,800 miles on the clock it just coming up to that time again.

To be honest I’m delighted with the Super Tenere XT1200Z in every possible way. Having the 31 Litre Petrol Tank built was a stroke of genius and just changed this all-round average bike into something of a star performer. The Ohlins Rear Suspension and the Akrapovic Slip-On just brought the rest of Mr T to life.

So what bikes have I looked at? Top billing still goes to the Honda CBR1000RR I just adore that bike but and its a big but the Honda Goldwing GL1800 is something else however a new one is totally out of my realm of purchasing power at £24,499+

Strangely enough the new KTM 1190 Adventure as landed square in my sights. Fast, sexy, smooth and fully loaded with loads of toys, it’s right up there with the ‘Blade’.

As Ben has only done one ride with me this year and Jeannie none! I’m really struggling to justify a tourer. As ever my head says ‘Wing’, my heart ‘Blade’ and the nutter in me is screaming ‘KTM’.

Still Look's Good 

After all those miles

For now though it’s me & Mr T all the way, unless someone offers me a good price for him then who know’s what will happen!

So till the next time, ‘Ride well and Stay safe’ my friends.

RTTW 2013

Every year I sit here wondering what to write. Every year my eyes fill with tears as I look at the photo’s I’ve taken, photo’s my close friends have taken and skim through the countless YouTube Video’s that flood the site for weeks after the event.

"Lest We Forget"

Riding to meet my mates from the Manc Riders at our designated RV point, the BP garage on the A556, Bucklow Hill everything felt strange.

Sadly Lilie Rose had been ill all week which meant Jeannie was not with me. Ben was on a sleep-over so I was alone. My new Garmin 350LM decided not to work, little did I realise I’d accidentally deleted all the maps from the device the previous night and to hack me off even further, my iPhone decided not to play my music.

For the first time in 5 years I decided to take the M60 South circular past Stockport. Don’t ask me why because I really have no idea. As it turned out it was the right thing to do. My normal route across the M60, M62 towards Liverpool then dropping down onto the M6 was closed due to an accident. 

Arriving at the BP Garage I was met by a sole rider on a scooter! 

“Hi, are you one of the Manc Riders?” I was asked

“I am that” I replied with pride.

It wasn’t long before the rest of the motley crew started to arrive.

The Manc Riders

We all had a right good old catch up as I’ve been all over the place lately and missed a far few “gatherings” which usually involve “Compo’s Chippy”.

After a good half hour we all mounted up and rode the short distance to the official RTTW 2013 RV point.

RTTW 2013 here we come

Bez had kindly posted up the itinerary for this year event which read:-

Order of Events - RTTW 2013

10.30 - 1.30 Royal Veterinary Corp Dog Display Team

10.30 - 10.45 Mark Pidgeon - Folk Music on Heroes Square

10.45 - 10.55 Pipers mobile

Pause in proceedings for daily 11am service

11.10 - 11.20 City of Derby ATC Rifle Drill Parade below the Armed Forces Memorial

11.30 - 11.50 Military Wives performance below the Armed Forces Memorial

12.00 - 12.15 Pipers with Dedicated Music below the Armed Forces Memorial

Main Flag bearers start arriving at 12.20

12.45 - 1.00 Mark Pidgeon - Folk Music on Heroes Square

1.15 - 1.25 City of Derby ATC Rifle Drill Parade below the Armed Forces Memorial 

1.30 - 1.45 Military Wives performance below the Armed Forces Memorial

1.50 - 1.55 You are not Fallen solo by Emma Munro-Wilson

1.55 - 2.00 Pipers 

2.00 - 2.05 Red Devils Parachute Display Team

2.10 Welcome from Founder - Martin Dickinson

2.12 Short address by Major General Lamont Kirkland - Patron RTTW

2.15 Short address by Air Commodore Simon Richardson - Senior RAF representative to RTTW

2.18 Short address by Sarah Montgomery - MD National Memorial Arboretum

2.20 Service conducted by Mike Brotherton

2.30 Last post followed by a minute’s silence

2.34 Reveille

2.35 Wreath laying led Dave Smith (piper) followed by Martin Dickinson and Major General Kirkland

Knutsford Services was unusually quite but the word soon spread of the accident just one junction North. 

Knutsford RV for RTTW 2013

After a coffee and a trip to the loo it was almost time to head South to the National Memorial Arboretum to attend the 6th RTTW and my 5th attendance.

I had to smile in the services when the guy in front of me asked were the loo was. I pointed him in the right direction and he replied.

“You been to the RTTW before?”

“Yes a few times”

“I’ve been up all night, my misses thinks I’m mad, I couldn't sleep all night, I’m that exited”

The ride down was a little fraught this year, possible compounded by the fact the drivers had been stuck in the road block for so long. Still it was a nice feeling being surrounded by 100’s of other  like minded bikers. 

Just clearing the M6 Toll was fun!

How BIG is that Grin Lefty?

On our arrival at the National Memorial Arboretum we were professionally guided to our parking area, somewhat off the beaten track due to the fields around being full to capacity.

A little off the beaten track

There's always ONE!

A Sea of Bikes

The Army Wives were in full flow and sounding amazing.

It only took a few minutes for the Manc Riders to take up residence in our regular spot under the “Mercian Regimental Flag”. A place we have occupied for the last three years.

A Time to Remember

The rest of the day is something of a blur. The words spoken were thoughtful and full of respect. All of us having our own personal thoughts and feelings. There was a huge Flag Flying Bikers ride by, a spectacle I will never forget.

"Respect"

The City of Derby ATC Rifle Drill Parade put on a display of synchronized marching to some totally wild pop tunes which was both a welcome break from the solemnity of the occasion and simply fantastic to see. So young and yet so 100% dedicated. They were outstanding. As were the Red Devils Parachute Display Team.

Spitfire Flypast

The Red Devils were Outstanding

The order of service ran a smooth as clockwork.

After yet another hilarious joke followed by a truly thought provoking trip back to World War 2 by Mike Brotherton, dressed as ever in his patch covered ‘Parker’, our thoughts were drawn back to just why we were in attendance.

We stood in total silence. 

“For the Fallen”

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old,

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,

We will remember them”

"We will remember them”

All too soon the day was drawn to a close.Heading back to the bike I found the issue with my iPhone not playing music, the volume was on zero! Sadly the Garmin remained resolutely blank. (That was until I re-installed the maps the following night).

We were all going to have a ride out to a nice pub for dinner but as we set off I felt that pang of loneliness and as the guys filled up with petrol I bid my farewell. With one of the lads in tow, I headed towards Stock -on-Trent and onwards up the M6 heading home to Jeannie, Lilie Rose and Ben.

It’s always hard to describe how I feel about the RTTW but I’ve got to be honest and say the overwhelming feeling this year was one of sadness. Listening to the shear number of losses our forces have taken in Afghanistan  and the preceding conflicts is just heart breaking. Not having Jeannie there to share this wonderful show of respect for our beloved Armed Forces with me made it all the harder to deal with. Still I was surrounded by true friends who in their own way know just how we all feel.

Sunday was dedicated to bringing Mr T back to his former glory which I’m pleased to say was achieved all be it with a little help form my friends. Cheers Steve, your an absolute gentleman.

Looking Good Oggy, Looking Good!

On a more personal note - My rides this year have all been subdued for one reason or another. Maybe I need to take a close look at what it is I’m really looking for when I ride off into the sunset as one thing is for sure. Riding with friends can be one of the most rewarding and pleasurable times of your life & sometimes not!