Lochinver and very wet

We decided to have a run up to Lochinver to see Kenny and Sheila at the Culag Hotel, two reasons, one its been a while since we have been there and two to get some miles on the V85TT's. Now here's the thing, we had them serviced at just over 6200 miles last year at the dealer and then only used them briefly before we went to Morocco this April. The problem is they then quickly reached 11000 miles and the next service is due at 12400 miles and by the time we get back from our next trip they will have been well over the mileage for the next service so we were in a quandary. The bikes are still under warranty until May next year but of course they have to be dealer serviced until then, now I can hear you saying but why not put them in early but its not as easy as that because the service light will come on at 12400 miles regardless. Such are the vagaries of modern Euro 5 bikes, they have made them tamper proof. I say that but of course the V85's are easy to service but Guzzi want to keep you on the leash and provide the dealers with a never ending source of income. Of course after the warranty period is up I will service them myself and bollocks to Guzzi, so now we are just putting miles on to get them to the 12400 mark in time for the next service, so we are wearing out our new bikes instead of wearing out our old bikes (mind you at this rate they will soon become old bikes)!!

Lochinver is a 400 mile round trip and despite the recent good weather it had changed, we stopped to put the waterproofs on in a heavy downpour just South of Pitlochry, the weather never got better getting down to 8 Degrees at Drumochter and very strong winds making riding in the wet difficult. The Traffic calmed down a bit after Aviemore so at least there was less traffic ie Motorhomes to contend with, how I hate them!

We stopped at Dingwall at Tesco for fuel and the cafe, we had sandwiches with us and tea but we were wet and frozen so we needed a break. The ride to Ullapool and then onto Lochiver was hellish, the wind and torrential rain was actually painful through the bike gear. We have Intercoms so the rain battering on our helmets meant it was amplified in Stereo times two , how we laughed!

We were very happy to see the Culag hotel and get checked in for the night, watching the rain and wind battering against the windows in the bar whils enjoying a nice meal and a wee dram and thinking, we have to ride home in this tomorrow!

As it was we were very lucky on Sunday, we managed to complete trip with only a small amount of rain and unlike Saturday it was a very enjoyable trip. we never stopped and managed to get back in well under 4 hours, that's what the v85 is great for , just keeping going. On balance a great weekend, improving our wet riding skills and seeing friends, motorbikes, don't you just love them?  Only 2 pictures thanks to the weather......

The rain was heavy and painful, only 20 miles from home!

You couldn't see this the day before!