Forum

[Midge]

I know some of the more intrepid among us ride through all weathers and seasons, but for those temporarily confined to the sofa what plans do you have for the coming spring? Any long tours in mind, or just Sunday plods in the countryside. Go on, inspire us with your plans.

[rustygman]

Two tour destinations but I will only do one. Roughly follow the tour de france in the north of france in early July - taking in Vosges Mountains and first world war sites of Northern France. I did this route a couple of years ago, fantastic biking. Alternatively see which festivals some of my favourite bands are playing and head up to Finland, Norway or Sweden for some biking, music and beer drinking. Roll on summer. PS. Bike still in daily use, wet, windy and horrible but I still prefer to keep riding.

[Ian Martin]

Two trips could happen this year. (I am retired). I hope to get to Stornaway via Ullapool and CalMac ferries then explore the western isles. Leaving the Manchester area early spring on the 1992 500 Bullet. B&B and camping in the wilder places should do for this one. I will be travelling alone and at a leisurely pace, no heroics just great scenery, fantastic roads and time to spare.
The second trip leaves the Bullet at home and presses the Varadero into service as my brother on his BMW RT and I leave the UK via Hull travelling through Denmark and Sweden into Norway. Up the E6 to Nordkap and back down south along the coastal routes into fiord country. For this we will use Youth Hostels and cheap hotels (should such things exist in Norway), should take about 3weeks.
In the workshop I hope to give my old CX500 a good home having sold this exact bike to help finance a house move almost 30 years ago I now have the opportunity to buy it back again and who amongst us couldn't resist re-owning a bike we enjoyed 30 years ago? May also have do do some rebuilding/repairs to bits of the Bullet after the Highland and Islands trip.
All in all looking forward to 2014 and wishing you all a great years motorcycling as well.

[Alan R]

Hi guys---------Joyce and I are riding "Rote 66" in August .....dates cunningly planned to overlay my 65th Birthday as well...Have a look at this}--- http://www.eaglerider.com/motorcycle-to ... -tour.aspx ---------------- Deposit's paid and were're now looking to book our flights.

[Midge]

Ian,
A few years ago I did Ullapool to Stornaway then right down Lewis, Harris and Uist to get the ferry to Oban. Not on the Enfield though! Fantastic if the weather is on your side and lots of fellow bikers doing the same route. Try to see the Callanish standing stones on Lewis if you can - the're quite magical. I stayed overnight at the Harris Hotel which I can recomment if you want spoiling!

[Exile]

Now that I've officially retired, I might just take the time to go touring in Sweden, tarpaulin tent and hammock, one can camp anywhere in that land. Spectacular country to visit.
I'm looking forward to riding over the enormous bridge over Øresund.

[Dennis O]

Hello Ian Martin, I did your planned trip 2 years ago and had a fantastic time both camping, bunk houses and B&B. I was on my own and had no problems with the bike. I did fit a 19 tooth sprocket and the bike performed well with it. Started off on Arran then Islay and the ferry from Oban to Barra. Nice motorcycle couple run a B&B on Barra and stayed at a 5 star bunkhouse on North Uist. Camped at a site at Stornaway then Ullapool, B&B in Wick, B&B on Orkney then onto Shetland B&B for 2 nights. I found on Shetland that a huge motorcycle rally was taking place that is held on the nearest weekend to the longest day. Returned on the ferry to Aberdeen along with around 400 bikes. If you need any information where I stayed phone me on 01670814418 Dennis O'Neil

[Ian Martin]

Hi all,
Many thanks for the advice and encouragement for this years trips. Can't wait for the warmer weather to go exploring again. I will post another thread nearer my departure dates seeking to tap into all your experiences in these places. The more information you have the easier life is on these adventures. Thanks again.
Ian

[devon john]

well start this year with the winter rally Dorset that 2wks away then the Dragon in Feb then a little gathering i am running in the malvern hills (around 30 coming already)the it all starts to go a little mad as theres so much to do and not enough time.
possibly France
i did the Himalayas last October on the enfields

[sofiaspin]

Having done Glencoe, the Lecht, Braemar and Ullapool up to Durness this year, then back via Skye and a 3 hour thrash home, I feel a need to do it all over again but include Lewis, which I last visited 30 years ago on a Tiger 90 when the place was desolate, the bars shut on Sunday and the women scarce as the catholic church. I believe the bars are now open on Sundays. I want to go down the causeways to Uist and revisit the standing stones, which I went to back in those days of yore when you could shout and there were no tourists to hear your screams. Now they are worse than midges in flight. The other one to look out for is the 2nd Arran classic bike show on the first weekend of July. However I will be working on the Commonwealth Games and stuck at home. The Shetland classic bike show is apparently a real blast and I am tempted. Pals are going to Spain but I reckon the best riding is here plus you don't need to speak a foreign language and the currency up north is still Sterling.