Forum

[MHSILVERW]

Hi,
I am planning a trip on my 350 single (in 2014), and would really like to enjoy the Highlands in Scotland. Whilst I appreciate I can/could ride that far (from Lincs) - on smaller "A" and "B" roads it makes me wonder if there is any alternative to get the bike there; so transport it somehow - and so enjoy longer up north and minimise the time to get there.
It seems (unlike in Europe) we can not take m/cycles on trains and as I have no tow bar/trailer or van - I am scratching my head.
I see many adverst for motorcycle delivery - but havent found one yet that transports both the bike AND a passenger...anyone know of anyone who does?
If I hired a van - I dont need a huge panel van/transit type van - and recall seeing many smaller 'vans' (car based?) - anyone use such a van to transport a m/cyle? Recommendations.
My time off may be limited - so not being retired I have to fit in my trip in time I would be allowed: both at work and by SWMBO.
I'd really like to enjoy the highlands on my single....but getting it that far in the time allowed may thwart my plans.
Anyone any idea?
Mark

[Midge]

I can't think of an alternative way of getting there, but when (and it will), break down, the AA recovery will get it and you home free of charge on the back of a low loader! If by chance it doesn't actually break down, I'm sure you can devise some sort of problem if you know what I mean.

[rustygman]

Midge - you are getting confused. It's a 350. It won't break down. Mark, from where I am sitting in Kent you are virtually there - keep life simple and ride the damn thing to scotland.

[MHSILVERW]

Two interesting thoughts; thx.
Half-way; not quite but I see your point.
Mark

[Paul]

I'm surprised that there still isn't a Scottish service to carry bikes by train up to the Highlands, it would be great for their tourist industry.

[Beezabryan]

To be considering vehicle hire or man & van hire suggests you have rather better funding than most of us? .............. A gentlish days ride will get you way above Edinburgh from Lincoln without much in the way of trunk road riding. ..... to cover boring miles quicker in order to ride more interesting roads I will use motorways & trunk dual carriageways with Bullet or Flash & Box. ... Never had any problem with other road users

[Mark M]

I think Bryan has the right idea, choose a good route taking in some of the stunning East Coast of England and Scotland and your journey will be greatly enhanced! You could treat this trip as a taster for the future, less days in Scotland might add up to an even longer wish list for more detailed trips in the future? One other thought, for the cost of "Man and Van" you could fit a towbar and get a lightweight folding trailer ("Loadlugger" or similar,) which you can dismantle and leave in the car while you ride off. Or buy a cheap trailer through the VMCC small ads (other small ads are available!) which looking at recent entries would cost approx £150, add £250 for a fitted towbar (cheaper if you DIY,) and you have something you can use in future.
REgards, Mark

[sofiaspin]

I am planning a trip to the outer Hebrides but as I live in Glasgow it will be a damn sight easier! I should be able to get to Oban for the 1.40pm sailing and be on the island of Barra in time for a pint at 7.00pm. Anyway, as to your request, I understand exactly what you are thinking. You could try registering and posting a 'collection and delivery' request on www.shiply.com I have used this 'van and a man' service a number of times for buying and selling bikes and being an auction site it attracts quite a lot of interest and drives down costs. Being in the centre of England you should have no trouble getting quotes to take a bike to Glasgow (suggest choosing the Duck Bay Marina on Loch Lomond as the destination postcode as it has a big car park and is on the a82 and means you are on the main route north). You would have to be specific about collection date and same day 'delivery' which will reduce quotes and perhaps drive up costs. Whether they can take people as well is another matter - I am not sure but no harm asking. It is a travesty that Brit Rail does not take motorcycles anymore. I put my old Tiger 90 on a train several times without mishap - other than it falling over once as the guard had decided to rearrange the retaining ropes!

[PeteF]

OK, Humber Bridge, through East Yorkshire Wolds, North Yorkshire Moors, diagonally across Northumberland , Carlisle, out to the west coast, hop the ferry to Dunoon. The glorious West coast of the Highlands is then yours to enjoy. I did this trip from Beverley including out to Harris and Lewis some years ago - 10 days I think and that was plenty.

[Riggers]

I haven't looked at the cost but another idea might me to look at hiring a van from one of the companies which allow you to return it at your destination. So for example you might be able to use SixT to hire in Lincoln and return it a day later in (say) Inverness. And then of course do same in reverse for the return. Cheers. Tony.