The Steed of Steel has a collapse.

Another lovely morning here in Wrexham, so looks like another ride out into the Welsh countryside.

Yesterday,(Sat) we left in a convoy, fifteen bikes, and our leader took us out into the wilds,  we had about one mile on a dual carriageway and the remainder on everything from single track roads to the A5 - long sweeping bends, tight corners, through the mountains of Capel Curig,past the National Moutaineering Centre at Plas y Brennan,   the white water centre; mountain railways, copper mines, and some beautiful lakes and reservoirs.    Stopped at Lyn Brenig reservoir and visitor centre, then in the picturesque village of Beddgelen for lunch.
Only a few miles back on the road when disaster struck, my Garmin Sat Nav popped off the mounting on a really potholed piece of road, and I did not realise what had happened for a few minutes,  stopped had words with my following bike who had seen it but could not stop me due to the roads.    I went back and had a look but no trace ,it could have been anywhere and is likely to be in bits.     I had wisely marked up the route on a new road atlas so I knew where I was and how to get home, old style. So set off,  taking my time, admiring the views and at one point thought I had intercepted the group who were running a figure of eight route -  so sat at Betws-y-Coed for half an hour.  No luck so set off along he A5 towards Wrexham.
Had a "senior moment" and thought I was heading in the wrong direction - despite having the sun on my back !!  (heading east)   so pulled in to recheck the map - and like a friend of mine did recently, lost my footing and the Steed of Steel hit the deck (gently) no damage other than pride.  However I did have to flag down a passing motorcyclist who helped get it up again.  Thereafter a slow run, even saw the steam train on the Llangollen Railway .   End of the day made it back to the hotel about 25 minutes before the main group.
Headed out as a group for a meal - not a good choice "Frankie and Bennies" where we had three different tables -  place being busy our meal was eighty minutes in arriving and steak was "chuck" so it was not eaten.

Wrexham town centre was bouncing with activity, lots of scantily clad young ladies ,  semi drunk, police and bouncers at all the pubs.  We spoke to three Police who said that come midnight it would be wild with fights and drunks.   Bit too old for that so home to bed.

LOng wet day

Just as I started to make comment about the possibility of a hose pipe ban _  no sooner dais then the rains fell, and continued to fall for several hours-  just a pity that most of that time I was seated on the "Steed of Steel" and making my way from Edinburgh to Wrexham .  No idea why the M74 and M6 were so busy but they were heaving, and add the rain, mist, rain, mist factor, it was probably the worst run South I have had for years.
Bad queues from J 24 southwards to J 18 so weaving was the order of the day , over the Thelmwell viaduct and onto the motorway to Wales - really odd but it looked as though the country was being evacuated  hundreds of cars heading East - going to see the Tour De France, Grand Prix, etc, no idea , just miles of queuing traffic heading East -  hope it is not like that on Monday.
So, Premier Inn Wrexham, the group assembled and off into the town centre where we had a massive eat all you can Chinese Banquet,  far too much, now paying the price as the Gaviscom is in great demand.

Panda monium in Edinburgh

Turned out to be an exciting day !!!  maybe -  there is a saying about not being able to get blood from a stone -  today was my turn, and the plebotomist really struggled in her attempts, two arms, three holes and maybe not enough for the necessary tests.

But, later in the day I ended up at Edinburgh zoo and managed to drop in to see the two Panda Bears, who thankfully were neither hiding nor asleep - wonderfull to see them out and about climbing around their pens and then it was tea time - happy days.

Several changes in the zoo layout, new pool for the penguins, and the meercats have been moved into a new area near the entrance.

 Cheered me up to watch the wee chappies for a while.   Anyway, off to Ayr again early morning, need to waken the Steed.

IPA get their dates confused (maybe)

Slightly duller morning with the threat of a shower late, which makes a change from the last few days, but it is a bit more comfortable on the motor cycle.  Certainly not dull the past couple of days at the World Cup,   listened to the USA game last night on the radio,  nail biting to the end, and at Wimbledon, the young Australian  Nick Kyrgios  beating Rafael Nadal has caused a real stir,  so Andy Murray and Co, of the top seeds had better pull their socks up.

Down at the Mercat Grill last night for an IPOA dinner when our guests were Russ Baker and his family over from Ontario,  and as a great coincidence they turned out to be friends of Ray Massicotte who we met at the Hackenberg battery, near Metz on 13th June.    Super meal, Scottish theme so do not think we have our dates confused when you see the haggis appearing.  Two goes at the haggis last night, haggis cigars ( not the smoking kind) and haggis, neeps and tatties as a main.

 

Must comment on the motorcycle theme,   I see that Harley Davidson have produced an electric motorcycle,  ( might need a hellish long extension cable)  named the  "Livewire",  top speed 90 mph with enough power to do 100 miles between charges ( then need three hours to charge) rather than fill the tank - sign of the times.

At least I can get 200 miles before the Steed needs to top up and my botty have a rest, so that will be at lest one stop on our way to Wrexham on Friday.

Mr McInally now in upside down land - no sign of him dipping in the ocean yet. 

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.