Lot to be said for being a hermit out in the wilds.

Couple of days spent nearer home doing odd jobs before I start a busy week and a weekend away in Wales with the IPA motor cycle section again.

Weather has been in the category "nothing to write home about" varying between sunny, slight showers and a bit chilly,  but at least the garden is recovering a bit and plants are showing signs of revival.   Bedding plants went in early, too much rain held them back,  then too dry and ground hardened so held back again - there is a lot to be said for monoblock and paving.

Had a run into Edinburgh today,  not to be recommended, streets were not only busy, they were potholed, and there were diversions everywhere - some due to the fact that the Queen is in residence at Hollyrood Palace so that area and the Queens Park were restricted.   Carlton area,  blocked,   and heading for Whitecraig - the slowest bit of roadworks commissioned by Midlothian Council - several weeks of raising the kerbs and now we are into week three of resurfacing -  disgrace plus expletives is an understatement.  Either stay away or use the Park and Rides appears to be the solution.
Only thing I have to support the Council about is the fact that about one hundred manhole and drain covers,  scrap value negligable were stolen throughout the County, replacement cost £50,000 of ratepayers money down the drain .  Coincidentally tonight's episode of "Casualty" had an incident of copper theft from rail tracks with a death and serious burning  - good enough for them I say.

Bit in the news about the radical cleric who was deported from the UK for promoting terrorism back to Lebonan,  now trying to seek asylum and come back here !!   I keep saying it, everyone thinks it, Politicians ignore it as they are too busy looking after No.1 to care,  but what part of cloud cuckoo land do these folk live in - this country is now the dumping ground for asylum seekers and immigrants .   Six in a wee boat rescued in the English Channel -  bring them in, let them claim benefits, screw the system and send the money home - while in the meantime Glasgow City Council are charging the elderly £15 a day to use day centres,  but if you agree to a means test you may get a reduction, however, if you have any kind of savings whatsoever, irrespective if you are confused or have dementia, the charges will apply and letters will drop through your door.

At one time you received a grant to assist with the funeral costs following the death of a relative, now we have local authorities charging between £450 and £1200 for the same service, depending on where you live, add on the charges that Undertakers charge, then hotels for tea and a sandwich, all when a family are at their most vulnerable, costs are spiralling out of control.

When I can, I am watching the World Cup,  and some wonderful football,  but I still cannot see how teams can justify paying £millions for some of these players - obscene -  but at least this tournament has been good.
Monday, and back to the tennis,  need to hope that Andy Murry is still on his winning run-  I did see his record at "keepie uppie" being beaten by Tim Henman yesterday,  he will not like that so no doubt with his competative streak he will looking for a rematch.

Glorious run in the countryside - who needs to go abroad.

What a beautiful morning when I arose,  and with the sun in the sky I changed my mind about the plans for the day, no point in trailing about when the sun was up.   Managed a bit of gardening, completed a few tasks, but as it clouded oveer I had a change of heart and decided that the call of the open road was too much.    So off I headed on the "Steed of Steel", flask and rolls, and the magic chair of course.  Not really anything planned but I headed off into East Lothian, through Tranent, Gifford, and headed off over the moors to the Whiteadder Reservoir.  Bloody massive wind farm up on the moors, such a disgrace, and probably only about six miles, line of sight from the Torness nuclear power station - talk about an overkill - cheers Mr Salmond.  Reservoir looked very welcoming

  it was really odd to see a long line of ducks swimming back and forth.

 

On to Duns where I dropped in to see Andy Mimms at Border Bikes who was pleased to hear that apart from the bulb dropping off the hooter, the bike had run smoothly through Europe.  Had my rolls and coffee and set off - decided to avoid the A1 so took to the back roads,  through Abbey St Batham and over to Oldhamstocks, then took the wrong road !!  ended up driving through a ford on a stream, then on a steep hill had to dismount and open a gate to proceed.  At one stage I thought I was going to have to do an about turn,  but ended up through Innerwick and Spott. I spotted a watering fountain at the side of the road obviously used in the past by drovers, horse drawn carts , etc.

Now, here I am in the middle of nowhere, sitting on the bike taking the photo when, of all things, a Police patrol car passed, giving me an odd look,  but to see the Polis afloat in such an out of the way place came as a surprise.

Onwards, up and down, narrow roads, etc, and eventually I was rewarded with some stunning views out over the Firth of Forth to the Isle of May and also the Bass Rock

I have to say it was a super run out, peace and quiet, interesting roads, bends, hills, dips, and plenty sheep to avoid.    Nice to be able to avoid the main A1  as I meandered towards Haddington, through Garvald,  Nungate, and then from the market town, back to  the Mercat Grill, Whitecraig along the old A1,    probably out for four hours and covered some ninety miles.

Home to Penicuik,   two dozen unscrambled eggs in the pannier - thank goodness - in time for a bit of tennis ( raining in London - tough luck) and then some footie.

Off on yet another training course in the morning - which I could see far enough, but needs must (and also the Law) .





Hot air required

I had forgotton that on Sunday morning,  yet another early start for the Archery club who were staging Day 2 of the weekend competition.     I could hear the blast of the burner and presumed that a hot air balloon was being launched  in the field before the archery began, however, in this instance I was wrong as the baloon was drifting gently overhead heading east.

  It seemed to be very low to me and going nowhere very fast, anyway I was heading for the Mercat grill, so loaded the car with freshly made cakes and biscuits, and then set off.     I soon spotted the balloon again, but this time it really did look as though it was going to come down in the local housing estate,

obviously not, but it was very deceptive.  These balloon trips are organised by a local company and seem to be very popular.

 

Needing to make time - again.

Must have said this a hundred times,   just where does the time go -   time management, what is that?

Must congratulate Andy Murray on winning his opening game at Wimbledon, long may he continue to win,  but looking at the opposition, they are doing well also.

Have been busy as usual, between gardening at home, messing about with the car and motor cycle, doing my DIY and odd jobs at the Mercat Grill, etc. and not leaving enough time for me.  No wonder I am back to square one again and giving my medical advisors a fit.

World Cup controvesy,  England on the bus home with no wins in this competition - Italy in the same boat and their manager has resigned already.   Suarez, the "biting" player, will be interesting to see what action is taken against him.

On a more mundane subject,  "public toilets",  once again Edinburgh Council are causing headlines by closing more of their public toilets, so if you are in the town, B.Y.O.B. means bring your own bottle (to pee into).  On the other hand, when we were recently in Annecy, France, I was impressed with the public facilities for tourists,  good clean toilets around the town, and fresh water drinking fountains everywhere, so no need to be ripped off by bottled water vendors.

Returning to the Gala Day on Saturday,

fine twosome, here, brother and sister on the platform. Well done Aaron and Amy.

Looks like an early bed tonight,  problems with Sky TV's overpriced service,  poor reception tonight, and getting away with it here in Penicuik where we still have no Freeview service.
Good job I have a set which receives good old fashioned "Council TV",  limited choice, but it works.

Not that I am that impressed with the football, so watching a far more interesting documentary on Shetland and it's wildlife, etc.     Coincidentally, one of my friends , has just spent a week there while attending his daughter's wedding - and of course I was there with a group of friends so it brings back happy memories.

Penicuik Archery Club tournament 21st June 2014

Returning to Penicuik later

 in the day, the archery competition taking place in the local playing fields was still in full swing.  Organised by Penicuik Archery Club, who have been going from strength to strength over the years , they now attract large numbers of archers from all over the Country.  I am always impressed how regimented the buts appear.

Archery has changed a great deal from the days when I would use string and a branch from a tree to make the bow, and straight twigs as arrows,

They can even shoot the arrows further than I can see and need monoscopes to see how many arrows are in the "Bulls eye" !!!,   Due to the hazardous nature of the sport, it is well disciplined and after releasing all six arrows, whistle sounds and all head for the butts to tally the scores,

 We even had members of the Great Britain squad takig part today, and from the groupings around the bull, many were doing really well.

MacMerry Gala Day 2014

Up early again this morning, nice day, and while out in the garden spotted some busy bees out gathering for breakfast

Puts us all to shame, working their socks off, while normal beings are still snoozing.

 

Bit of a potter about and eventually headed towards MacMerry stopping off at the Mercat Grill to do a little paperwork and DIY while things were still quiet and before the lunchtime rush.

 

Off to MacMerry where the local Annual Children's gala was taking place, an event which has been successfully revived during the past few years.  An excellent turn out from the community with the parade into the park led by the local pipe band.

The crowning ceremony and speeches took place

This was followed shortly by the release of baloons in memory of one of the organisors, Ms Redpath who died several months ago.

Despite the sky clouding over it remained dry and warm so the large crowd were able to enjoy themselves before the platform party reassembeld and left the Park for a parade around the Village.

Distant memories, or a figment of my imagination.

Was I ever away in Europe, seems like an eternity already, and now , so much happening any memories as so distant to be lost.  Any benefit gained has all but been wiped out, such is life.

Couple of days ago I was talking to my friend Suburu man and discovered that he, his two sons and his cousin had taken four cars and instead of spending a long weekend on a racing track in England had done a ten day tour of Europe "running" a number of the well known mountain passes, including the Stelvio, which they drove over the day before we did, thoroughly enjoying the experience.

Fifteen days in the saddle took their toll physically and I am now having to return to my exercising regime and keeping a diary to please the cardio rehab people.  Even managed my first swim for several weeks yesterday. One consolation is that I will not offend folks by refusing the meals put in front of me,  but on the other hand the new menu at the Mercat Grill  is very nice.

World Cup woes for the men from England, so much for highly paid prima donna's doing their bit, and Mrs Rooney has surely not had the chance to unpack her eighteen suitcases -  if the FA have any sense they will ship the squad home as soon as they get their third game over with,  unless of course the palyers agree to pay their own  costs.

Had a nice run down to Ayr today on the "Steed of Steel", which was raring to go, having had a new lease of life.  I took lots of back roads, and also the deserted old A74 from Abington to Douglas, so peaceful and less hassle with no traffic.   Weather was lovely so when I finished the job I was able to return via Mauchline, Muirkirk, etc, and even saw the crowds out waiting for the Commonwealth baton to pass through Robbie Burn's country.

I even tried my luck for a cuppa at a friend's house in Mauchline, they either knew I was coming and were hiding or were at work -  my loss, their lucky day.

Wimbledon starts next week and Andy Murray will be back in action,  so obviously need to wish him luck, and with his current form, he will need it.

Lots on tomorrow, great excitement - Macmerry Gala day !!!   so I am digging out my body armour, or perhaps the Peebles Beltane festival,  where one of IPA visitors from the USA will be attending.

Mystery rider.

Up with the larks this morning, but as my router was down impossible to get writing.

Several tasks at home kept me occupied till nearly lunch time, however, mounted the Steed of Steel and headed to town to my Cardio Group.
Interesting comment by the nurses when I  stated that my legs and ankles were swollen after the long ride home.  They advised that we should have stopped at least every hour and had a walk, exercise to stretch our legs and get the circulation going as failure could well lead to DVT, especially afer several days of sitting cramped. Something worth bearing in mind for future trips.

Thought I should share the following with you,  fixed my malfunctioning horn (squeezy hooter) with a bit of imaginative fiddling - so now I can upset the natives on my trip to Wrexham,  unless of course, some bounder chooses to pinch said item. Ron Barnes did not think it was repairable as we did not have the same technology as the Chinese.

No idea who this was, but he was seen on several occasions following close behind the group, (thanks to William Johnston for sending me this surveillance snap taken as we circumnavigated the M25). 

 

 

Tomorrow , another day.

 

 

 

Was I ever away - does not seem like it

Back to normality once again - awake at 4.30 a.m.  but could not get on line due to a router which looks as though it may expire soon.  Too busy yesterday to do any scribbling,  but I did get all my washing done and put away, cut the lawn as it was long due to so much rain here while I was away,  but having brought the sun back with me , nae bother now.    I see there is already a threat of a hosepipe ban looming !!!  I am sure I forecast that when poor souls were under water in January/ February.

Steed of Steel, all cleaned,  polished and raring to go - so if you see a nag by that name running at Royal Ascot this week, pop a couple of quid on it each way,  might not win against the younger thoroughbreds but it will certainly be in the running.

Still troubled by back and neck, so riding side saddle is not to be recommended.

Back to my Tuesday club today, (Cardio Rehab) who will not be amused with me, two weeks in the saddle, good food and wine, have played havoc with the waistline.  AND according to Mrs. B. I have gone grey or white haired while away -  must have been the shock of riding over the Passa Di Stelvio and then the Passo Di Gavia, through the snowfield and then down a narrow road, no barriers, tight hairpins, sheer drop, etc, where a parachute on the top box would not have been out of place.

Not even getting time to watch the World Cup, although I did hear that England kind of messed things up a couple of days ago.
We had the Commonwealth Games Baton relay pass through Penicuik yesterday, stopping at both Penicuik High and Beeslack High School, before heading to Rosslyn Chapel.

Real carry on now with the insurgents in Iran / Iraq,  so much for peace in our time, proves that the Religion is still a major factor in most wars.   Just have to wait and see how long it will take before we have another major incident on home soils - so "continual vigilance" is the watchword of the day

Home, fed and watered, with the Steed safely back in the Garage.

Home now after two long days in the saddle.   Yesterday we set off from Metz early for the long run up to Dunkirque -  Steed of Steel all fed and watered, fully laden and off we set from the garage we had been using

We made it to our hotel after the run, which I think I wrote about last night.  However, evening meal, bike topped up and we set off at 0630 this morning for Calais  to board the train for Dover.   Quite straight forward, rode the bikes on, sat and chatted for thirty five minutes and we were in Dover.   Once again, straight forward, off the train and onto the M20 towards the M25 where we headed northwards.    Bit of a problem when Tom discovered he had a faulty fuel gauge and he ran out of petrol.  Help was at hand as the two Dougz stopped, did a bit of syphoning and we all met a short distance away at the filling station.  Bit strange as this fault has happened with the GS Adventure before  -  worse than this Tom had dropped his Tracker on the road - so so now the local Highways chaps are looking for it as it is still transmitting.
Upwards !!  no Northwards on the M1 , then M6  (M6 Toll) and a stop to top up.
At this point we split up and I headed Northwards on the "Steed of Steel" stopping briefly for more petrol, and then let the Steed have its  head ( being Sunday no speed traps), but I did pass a couple of Police cars.
Fuel warning light came on as I drove into Biggar so a very quick top up  and then onto the last twenty two miles to Penicuik., arriving home at 4.55p.m.  having ridden 494 miles today and 3296 miles overall during the past two weeks.
For me it was a challenge which I thought not possible following my recent medical problems, so praise to Doctors at the Royal Infirmary Edinburgh who had faith enough to encourage me to go on the trip, and more so to Tom, Dougie and Iain who offered me loads of support before and throughout the two week trip. To my fellow travellers , room mates (who put up with my snoring) , many thanks, it was a hoot.
Next up,  British Bike Section rally in Wrexham on 4th July.

Father of the steed of steel

Currently in Dunkerque fed and watered and all ready  for an early rise in the morning to take the train beneath the English Channel -   concept is a bit strange,  you leave at 0800 , arrive at the  other side at 0730 !!!!    because of the difference with GMT.  Bit like a cross between the Tardis and a submarine.   Sort of reminiscent of the days when the Concorde arrived in New York time wise before it left London.

We had a long run today of about 270 miles mainly on dual carriageway and some of it really badly maintained.   Three of the group took the longer route by the Peage  and paid their thirty four euros for the much faster and quieter road.

Meantime the "Steed of Steel" did well,  and having spotted this picture on the wall in the museum I thought it might fin in with Steve Bolton's funny captions

So,  another long day in the saddle for us tomorrow, unlike Rennie who had to leave his loaned bike in Metz,  take hire car to Paris and has already reached home by flying direct to Edinburgh.   Now he has to wait and see what BMW are going to do for him until such time as they have decided how to fix the fault on his new 1200RT.

Ouverage Du Hackenberg

Had ourselves a quiet morning, a wander round various parts of the City and I ended up going to the mail railway station to see the trains.  Bit of a rumpus going on as the French Rail Unions have called a strike for tomorrow.    This nothelping one of our group who has had to hand his replacement BMW bike in to dealers here in Metz to be returned to Milan.  he now has to make his way to Paris by hire car and then fly home to Ednburgh.

As the breakfast here in the hotel was excellent only a few of us joined George in the bar next door for a light lunch before setting off to Hackenberg.  George drove his car with the three ladies and six of us followed by bike,  certainly helps when someone knows the local roads, as our so called Sat Nav devices were sending us off in all directions.

We made it in time to get the English speaking tur and joined a few other, and in conversation we discovered that three of the men were members of the IPA and all serving Police Officers from Toronto area.
They had a load of badges in their car so we all received a small gift from them

The Ouverge du  Hackenberg is a massive underground gun battery, or a series of gun batteries spread over a very large are and linked by tunnels some 100 plus feet underground which stretch for several miles.  Our  Guide gave us an introduction and then we boarded the train which was used in the system during the war.  This particular complex of  gun turrets is part of the Maginot Line  which the French constructed as a defensive against the Germans.  Howvewr it did not take the French long to surrender their positions and the Germans took them over until the Yanks arrived.

At one point of the tour we were taken to the surface in the ammunition lifts which, like the gun turret they supplied was still in good working order- we even had a demonstration of the turret rising and then turning, amazing.
Obviously there are more photographs but at this late hour it is not possible to add them

After the tour, then to the museum, etc we left and were guided back to Metz by our IPA friend, George - once again baffling the sat nav by taking short cuts.

We have once again been fed and watered and are now preparing for a long 270 mile to Dunkirk tomorrow.

Metz in the heat (again)

A seriously noisy night last night, add to hot and sweaty as we spend our first night in twelve days back in a City Centre rather than out on the outskirts or in a rural setting.
Yesterday we all took various routes, all designed to avoid motorways and major congestion with the result that the region of France was treated to the sight of  motorcycles meandering through country  villages.

Twas my turn to have a bash at navigating as I am still not happy with my Sat nav  so of we set, lovely morning and at the first big roundabout we met one of the other groups coming towards us, having already been geographically embarrassed (lost).     Never mind it was only a short time later that we parted company again as I took a wrong turning !!!    I suppose back in England it would have been a case of "wandering lonely as a cloud, through hills and dales", but here it was rolling countryside, varying shades of green and golds as barley and maize ; forests;  blues of rivers, lakes and canals, etc.

Our first stop was at a small canal basin where we watched two private cabin cruisers being raised through a set of lock gates ,  the owner was from England and told me he spent three months a year on the boat cruising the canals of Europe -  very nice.
The Poste lady -  (mail person) stopped to talk to us, and after five fun filled minutes left to spread the gossip to the locals about the two passing Scots motorcyclists.
Despite passing through numerous small villages we could not find a cafe for a breakfast (late) and eventually stopped at a garage for petrol - found that he did coffee and stopped for a while.   We asked for directions which started a great debate amongst the three locals in the bar, and once they discovered we were Scots gave us the correct ones.     I gave the "Patron" a minature of whisky and he in return dashed off returning with a nice bottle of wine for us.

We passed various French military establishments out in the countryside including a massive air base, complete with a fighter plane at the entrance -   and so on till we reached the Cathedral town of Toul.
We stopped for lunch at a roadside cafe, but our peace was shattered by the arrival of the local pompiers who had been called to a fire in the underground car park nearby, where we could see large clouds of billowing smoke.
Entertainment, free of charge, and we were soon joined by a local taxi driver who wanted to talk to us about the motorbikes, so that proved interesting as he had travelled widlely.

Onwards until we reached Metz, where our IPA host , George was waiting at the hotel Metropole, opposite the main railway station.  This area was a regular target for German bombers during the war and a full set of the air raid warning sirens is visible on one of the nearby buildings.
Quick shower and change and we headed for the adjacent bar to talk to George who turned out to be the sole representative of the  local IPA branch.   Despite his lack of English and our very poor French we had a good chat and resolved to meet thee later for dinner.   In the meantime I had a go at pouring pinds behind the big bar and have been offered an apprenticeship ( makes a change from work experience at the Mercat Grill).   But nothing changes, all my customers were Scots !!!
Into the tartan trews once more and back for dinner which was nice, a convivial evening of food and drink, exchange of gifts with Tom receiving an engraved goblet from George.

Many photos taken and constant stream of updates put on the Region 1 - IPA Scotland Motorcycle Touring Group face book site.
Headed off to bed, leaving some of the chaps to watch the first game of the 2014 World Cup Competition in Brazil.

Another hot day in the saddlefrom Annecy northwards

Another 200 odd miles today in the sweltering heat of Central France as we headed off from Annecy to Luxeuil Les Bains. 
Sat nav driving me bonkers once again from the moment we left,   it wanted to go the opposite route from the first roundabout and it was 54 miles before it eventually decided that it would tell me where to go.
Five of us,  Tom, Iain and the two Douggies took the relatively scenic route and headed up into the hills and forests making for the Route du Lac.

   Lovely,  roads were not as hairy as the Italian Dolomites , with more sweeping bends, and long stretches through rural countryside to pop along.
Very hot and once again the fan was kicking in to cool the engine and we were having to stop to give the bikes a rest and take on fluids.

 Old Dougz had just had a brew up and was doing the dishes before leaving.

 

Despite the intense heat there was a surprising amount of moisture amongst the foliage , (noted whilst taking a leak),

 

On this route,  in order to make the most use of the water in the river a dam was built and a new lake formed, really unusual colour of water, so different from Lake Annecy.

 

So onwards and upwards, short stretch on the Peage (toll road) , a few miles on newly resurfaced roads which were a bit dodgy with loose gravel.   Then the "troops,  newly promoted (field promotion) Sgt Iain @nimble fingers - Buchanan, let me take the lead, obviously having more faith in my Sat Nav than me, until I took a wrong tuning - looks as though we need to slow down so that the sat nav can keep pace with us, and we eventually arrived kind f hot at the Hotel Mercure, Luxeuil Les Bains.

First stop was the bar for a couple of glasses of that famous lager which refreshes the parts that other lagers cannot reach,  but at 2.70 Euros for a half pint we will be taking the pledge.

Remainder of the group arrived a short time later having taken a slightly different route, and bikes were parked up.

Now,  indeed, despite the slagging that the "Steed of Steel" has had from various members of the Group - and bearing in mind that this is an IPA trip (Service through friendship) I can prove that the bike is well worth its weight in gold having found yet another use for it :

Yes, a clothes horse, appropriate for the name,  not sure that the locals and management really appreciate my socks and underwear being on display at the side of the road.

Presently sampling a nice  red Puy Laroque , 2009 Graves.

So till tomorrow 

 

Annecy in the Sun

We have had a rest day today, so took the bus into the Centre of Annecy where we split up and went our respective ways.
I must say that this is a lovely Town, in majestic settings and all the better for the sunshine - unfortunately it was so hot that shade was the main aim of the day.
Had a good walk, toured the shops and then, being in need of a rest  took a two hour boat trip on round the Lake on the waterbus. The boat stopped at all the small villages dotted round the Lake, and walkers, cyclists boarded or left.  There is a cycleway of about 18 km along an old railway line along the side of the lake which seemed to be very popular.
The sky about the overlooking mountains was full of hang gliders making good use of thermals and going well up into the sky,  would hate to see where some of them landed.
Returning to the Town I visited the Town Hall, Cathedral, and wandered in and out of shops in the old town which has lots of wee narrow streets bought some mouth watering cherries and fresh almonds in a fruit shop.

Eventually, time to find the group so headed for the bus station where once again Dougz was left left behind.   Heading for the hotel the heavens opened as we were hit by a massive thunderstorm, lightening, etc which was so bad that when we left the bus I decided to have a picnic in the bus stop - much to the amusement  (bewilderment) of the locals..

Have had a car park meet, all making use of our camping seats, few beers, and generally slagged each other.

BUT   tomorrow back on the "Steed of Steel" as we head northwards to Luxeuil Les Bains. for the night.

Sunshine and snow - from Italy to France

Now sitting in the relative cool of the evening at our hotel base for the next two days in Annecy.  Pleased to feel a nice breeze after the heat of the day during our 270 mile ride from Lake Como, across northern Italy, and up from the plains into the Alps where we took the short (but expensive) route through the Mont Blanc tunnel (£25).  At least I can say that I have done it - an amazing piece of engineering through totally spectacular scenery.

Arrived here, very hot and having removed outer bike gear showered with the rest on to give them a wash -  dried in an hour in the heat.
Was trying to add photos  however, the WiFi at this hotel is so slow it will be breakfast before it loads.
The hotel is directly opposite the Annecy private airport so apart from traffic noise we have the odd light aircraft taking off.
Old Dougz is doing a bit of slagging regarding my literacy,  however as he comes from the West of Scotland, speaking the Queen's English is slightly more difficult for him -
This is a Campanile Hotel, accommodation is not as good as we have had up till now,  evening meal was reasonable, but we will be out on the town tomorrow night..

Afternoon Tea at Lake Garda

Another hot day here in sunny Italy.   We left at various times following the main group away from the Hotel.  I was with John Muirhead and we were diverted only a mile from the hotel which took us along a scenic route through the valleys, by small lakes and missing the Autostrada.    Very warm, so John and I set off from Triento up and over to Lake Garda -  at least I can say I have seen it - stopped for tea, and ended up traversing the entire length.  The biggest Lake in Europe, marvellous, mountains on one side of the road and water on the other.

Shame we had to move on,  but needs must so we headed on towards Lake Como and eventually, after seven hours, and more hills and bends, made it to the Albergo Rosa  Ristorante in Carenno.

This is a small family run hotel and the Owner prepared a wonderful meal for us .  So to bed with an early rise and a much longer run tomorrow to Annecy in France  via Mont Blanc.



An evening of fun and festivities

Long day in the sun, followed by an evening of socialising may be fine with nothing else to do,  but when we still have  a week of traveling to do,  not so good.

When the big group returned from their ride out yesterday, everyone gathered, despite a wee bit of rain, outside to drink and blether.   
We were all changed into our Tartan, be it kilts or trews and the team Polo shirt,  very smart indeed.  Posed for may "Kodak moments" and then did out Irn Bru line

up, 
Once the Commonwealth Games get under way this might make more sense.

A superb selection of nibbles arrived, however, as they say, if you are not fast you are last, so by the time our squad reached the trays there was little left,  however as we were going for dinner it did not matter.

The evening meal was preceded by speeches, interrupted by speeches and presentations and followed by more speeches !!!   
We were able to present the Italian IPA President with and engraved Quaich and whisky and received a Pennant.

At this point, I chose to leave and head for bed,  however Iain, our accordionist was about to play into the wee sma hours to entertain the assembled body, so I seem to have missed out again.

But,  now about to have breakfast before heading off again on the Steed of Steel, which turned out to be the oldest bike here at the Rally.

The Bells were ringing

Having a quiet day today after yesterday's efforts and to let the back get straightened.
Sun is not just shining,  it is very hot and we have been on  the  loungers on the sun deck.
Took a run along to Predazzo this morning to fuel up, etc,  stopping in the town Centre for a wander and go to the Co-Op.  Steve and I sat in the main square which was deserted although there was a lot of passers By-  we soon found out why when the church bells started to ring. At first there were three sets of chimes for 12md,  then all hell let loose when the big bells were rung.  Folks were passing with fingers in their ears!!  and it went on for some ten minutes. Needed a Paracetamol after that racket.
Headed back to the Hotel,   some of the group are away on the big ride out which is about 140 miles today (in this head)  but worth it for the lunch, and three have taken themselves off to do the two passes we did yesterday (and get the badge of course).

Tonight is the formal reception, so everyone gets dressed up, a few invited guests will attend, and no doubt go on late.    WE have Iain with us who will play his accordion,  (we had a bit of a warm up last night), and no doubt a few sore heads later.

Tomorrow we head off again, this time to Carenno, about 180 miles away near to Como and Bergamo.  Just need to wait and see what rout we take !!!

Bends, bends and bends and not the divers version

O M G  (  Oh My God),  what a day,  long one at that  thirteen hours on the go.  We set off this morning with 114  other bikes and caused mayhem as we passed through towns and villages stooping everything that moved.  eventually arrived at the Forst Brewery where we stopped and had a lovely roads lunch.
Having spoken to one of the other riders who looks after the National Parks we were recommended to try one of the more famous mountain passes, so we split from the group and headed off into the mountains - as they say fools rush in where angles fear to tread !!!!   and did we not go for it big time -  I have never ever seen hills, bends and  roads like these,  onwards and upwards, and upwards,  1st and 2 nd gear on the really tight bends,  meeting both cars and bikes on the way down.  Not counting the nutcases who passed us.  At the top,  masses of folks, cyclists, bikers, and skiers, all sitting basking in the sun and surrounded by snow.
The road up-

That is me smiling at 7000 ft , despite huffing and puffing a bit.  BUT the "Steed of Steel" did its bit no bother,
Down the other side,  not quite so bad, but bad enough

Wonderful ride down, bit wet at times as we went through the snow tunnels.
went looking for petrol, took a wrong turning and ended up going over an other  2600m pass, this one single track and with deep snow on either side of the road.

So, whether we liked it or not we had to go up and own,  then, bloody well up and down yet another, and another .
Never mind ,  I have now learned how to ride round hair pin bends !!!
Home at 8.45 pm and nearly missed our dinner

A long Day in the saddle

So far no worries with the steed of steel,  running like a wee sewing machine.  We left this morning at 0930 and 360 miles later arrived here in Bavaria for the night,  tired and having been fed and watered now ready for bed (9.15pm).

Quite an eye opening day, the scale of these roads, the standards of maintenance, hardly a bump, ripple and certainly no bloody potholes, so were able to sit at a steady 75/80 mph all day-  which is nothing when  we were being passed by a steady stream of cars and vans all doing in excess of 100mph.

Mr Salmond would wet himself if he saw the size and numbers of the wind farms, windmills and also acres of solar panels - all in the name of saving the planet.   Our Dept. of Transport would love to have just a fraction of the road building money being spent here. New four lane motorways, immense bridges over valleys,  just mind boggling.

Tonight's guest house is brand new, in a small village and is very nice, spotlessly clean,  only problem being (nearly finished), no bar and no breakfast facilities -  but we can have a coffee and stop of for breakfast, fuel, and then head off into the Alps to cross over through Austria into Italy..

Went to a local bar for drinks and food, very nice,  owner did well to understand us - but it was good and as we were all hungry went down a treat.

Now trying to work out a slightly different route for tomorrow as we have time and want to take a scenic route !!!    wait and see.

From Germany, through the Alps to Pnchia.

More than a long day today,  left at 9.a.m.on he button,  no breakfast so at the first fuel stop we topped up both the bikes and ourselves.

Route was originally on both motorways and good roads, however wee change of plan so we headed into the Alps taking a bit of a cross country route !!!!!!  to say the least,  The lady on my sat nav was about apoplectic, telling me to do U turns and recalculating all the time.  Certainly went across country and took what looked like a forest track   had us all fooled as it did end up on a road.   We had some marvellous views, but not enough time to admire them as it was hard to ride and look, especially on hundreds of hairpin bends. I do not have the map handy top say where we went   but we did go into the massive National Park which is part of the Alps and went right up to the massive glacier, over 7000ft up,  dashed chilly, and with rain and very low cloud, not as awesome as it should have been.     In the course of the day we were well above the snow line three times, and on one occasion were stopped for ages while a possible avalanche was broken up by explosives.
If I had problems riding round tight bends before I got here,  not now,  hundreds of hairpins en route, with the bikes in 1st and 2nd gear on some -  pretty hairy and certainly gave you a bit of a rush !!!
As a group we got broken up a bit,  but despite the sat nav managed to make it to our IPA base for the next three days.     Big crowd here, from all over Europe,  noisy and looking to enjoy themselves.  Nice meal when we arrived but being so late we had to sit "dirty" and are now only just getting organised.
One of our group, riding a new BMW 1200RT  has just received an urgent message recalling his bike and forbidding him from riding it -  so BMW will need to arrange transport to get him home, arrange to collect his bike,  and also arrange to get it back to the UK if he has already left here - and we think we have problems.

Anyway, bed time,  if I can get up in time, it is the first of two long days out as a big group through the mountain passes.

Two more days of sunshine here in the Hartz Mountains

Had a quiet day today wandering around Bad Lauderberg in the sunshine,  chance to air my toes with the sandals on.   Two of us had a massage to ease the aches and pains from the last couple of days riding which might help as we have a 289 mile run tomorrow heading to the south east of Munich.

Yesterday, our landlord, Greig Niven took us off into the surrounding countryside to get some practice on hills.  Passed through many small villages, stopped several times and then did one of the popular passes, with a string of thirty six tight bends on it/

Bikers come from miles away just to say they have done it, however, we hear that it is pretty tame compared to what we will experience in Italy.

We then headed off into the woods, certainly plenty trees here, mile upon mile of them, off into the distance, and arrived at the following tower, built as a folly in 1895, and in the shape of a cross.  With no one there to charge admission several of the group, including myself took the opportunity to go up and admire the view.

Now I am sure my cardio rehab nurses will be pleased to hear that I climbed to the top,  in heavy motor bike gear with no ill effects (maybe that is why I stayed in today).     Anyway, it was a good run out and a chance to get used to the sat nav as we were separated from the main group and had to make our own way back.

Took ourselves out for a meal last night, and had a platter for two of a selection of venison steaks, sausages, etc.

Back to today, quite happy wandering around on the flat enjoying the tow,  however we did cheat and used the chairlift to go up to one of the viewpoints,  Superb views, and tonight the owners of the restaurant there dropped in to see Greg and have said they will come and see me in the Grill in October.

So an early, and sober bedtime tonight - tomorrow being another day.

Totally shattered

Currently seriously jiggered,  been a long day since we left the DFDS ferry at Hook of Holland,  met up with our team from IPA Belgium who led us through the back roads of Amsterdam and out onto the motorway east before stopping for breakfast,    What can I say,  a marvellous feast, continental style, and with six of their members who had ridden to the  docks to escort us from the Port     We were truly gob smacked with the gift packs they had arranged  for us- and we had not expected as many to be there to act as escorts.

On leaving we had a 240 mile run to Bad Lauderberg, along brilliant motor ways,  but while we were averaging 75/ 80 mph  we were being passed by vehicles doing in excess of 100 mph.  But it was a good run, despite the fact that due to the concentration needed we were missing the sights -  not that there was much to see.

Sat nav;s proved hopeless at times due to roadworks and diversions,  but we did arrive in time for a much needed beer,  followed by supper in a lovely Italian restaurant..

Backtracking a bit - DFDS ferry was OK,  but mega overpriced with a totally captive audience.

Off and out round the Hartz mountains tomorrow - lots to see -  and now hopefully to photograph since the cameras are again working.