Gino's Travels

The been cancelled twice now stopped Rally

2012-01-29T07:26:00.000-08:00

This weekend saw us up at Glenfarg for a great Saturday night with the Dundee band Afterthought. If you are looking for a great band then look no further, details on You Tube!
Around 25 of us got together for a celebration of the rally thats now stopped, didn't stop us having a great time I can assure you (although I've been in warmer walk in fridges than the hotel!). First though we took Liz up to see Malcolm who is selling his V7 Cafe, a really nice and totally mint example, you'll be daft if you don't buy it Liz! Tempted myself but as most of you know I've no shortage of bikes, quite the opposite! A grand weekend!!

Philosphical Friday

2012-01-27T01:37:00.000-08:00

I read this recently;

"Come forth, the sky is wide and it is a far cry to the worlds end....There is a road which leads to the Moon and the Great Waters...and it has no end; but it is a fine road a braw road - who will follow it"

It was by a Scots author John Buchan "The Rime of true Thomas" John Buchan was a Perth man so he had a good start to life, he also wrote "The 39 steps" and ended up the Governor General of Canada.
I'd suggest you read "The Rime (Rhyme) of true Thomas, its a short story with a powerful meaning, read it, understand then follow the road to the moon!

(Braw is old Scots word which means an enthused good)

Enjoy your Friday and the weekend!

Busy polishing.

2012-01-25T13:25:00.000-08:00

Up at the unit today giving the JPN some tender loving care. Thanks to Sandy for his polishing tips and help. The bike is going on the NOC stand at the bike show so I thought i'd better get it looking presentable.

Cold but clear

2012-01-22T08:29:00.000-08:00

Yesterday (Saturday) we wimped out of taking the bikes out as it was as windy as hell and wet, not nice at all. Today though it was sunny but very cold, perfect opportunity to get out for some fresh air. You always know its windy when the beach is full of para surfers or whatever you call them. Personally I'd call them lunatics, it really was cold today and these guys (and girls) launch themselves into the sea with a rubber suit on, madness, no matter how much of a rubber fetish you have! So the weather always suits someone I suppose, the windy days favour the surfers but make it awkward for the rest of us, ho hum, thats life I suppose. The good thing is that it must make life hell for the scourge of the roads (cyclists) although that didn't seem to stop hordes of them being out today! Another weekend closer to Summer....roll on!
I was out for a nice meal last night at an Indian/ Nepalese resturant, the very pleasant waiter was from Nepal and I in all seriousness asked him if they ate Elephants, I think he thought I was joking. If you had killed an elephant (in days gone by when there were plenty of them) why wouldn't you eat one? I think a elephant could feed a small village for a few days? And yet I've never heard of a Elephant Burger, something for you all to think about this week. I like Elephants by the way and I'm not advocating starting a craze for Elephant Burgers, just interested to know why we never hear of that.

TGIF

2012-01-20T04:09:00.000-08:00

Yes Thank god its Friday and looking forward to the weekend, I managed to get some photos this week from Murrays Collection in the IOM and thought I'd share them with you, they include a nice TZ700, RG500, Guzzi Dondilino and The late great Bob McIntyre's helmet with the marks from a crash at Assen the year before his fatal crash at Oulton in 1962.

Isle of Man

2012-01-18T05:39:00.000-08:00

Well my work here gp almost finished now so heading back to the airport for my flight home. Apart from work I was lucky enough to visit 2 museum's in the island filled with nice bikes. I found out that Murray's is open again down near castletown and Tony East has an excellent collection near Kirkmichael well worth seeing. Both were shut but when you are a genuine motorcyclist with an interest in history doors open. Thanks to the guys for taking the time to show me round. I'll be back in May if not before for the TT. Looking forward to it already.

Its a funny old world

2012-01-16T10:43:00.000-08:00

This week i'm in the Isle of Man, not bike related but work related, really strange to be here with non bike related activities and to be here where the only reminder of this great Motorcycling mecca is the markers around the course. Because its work I'm staying in a nice hotel, back to the tent when I come here in May / June for the TT though. Like I said its a funny old world, the picture is taken at the Crosby Hotel just past where Guy Martin had his scary off in the TT 3D film, nice to see they have a proper bike on their sign!

Cold but dry

2012-01-14T08:15:00.000-08:00

So another day where it was good enough to get the bikes out. We didn't go far but spent a large part of the day enjoying the fresh air of outside. We've been lucky with the amount of biking opportunities this winter so far, hopefully it'll keep up. Another photo of the Bridge (yes Scotlands most famous bridge) with the bikes in front, there must be dozens of photos on this blog from this spot , sorry, can't help it , such a great backdrop.

Too nice to stay in

2012-01-13T07:52:00.001-08:00

After doing some work this morning the clear bright day was calling so popped out for a wee run around the back roads. Very cold today but no wind and almost dry roads. Its days like this that if you can make the effort you really need to get out and enjoy the bright weather.

The "Frostbite" Run

2012-01-08T08:12:00.000-08:00

Today was the annual frostbite run organised by the Lothians Classic club, a great day weather wise with no frost, some rain but hey who would complain about that. The runs been cancelled the last two years due to weather but as I've said today was excellent, even the high winds we've been having settled down for the day. The run was quite short and with a stop for tea from the flask in a layby it was over not long after it started. A free lunch at the Leadburn (who says there's no such thing as a free lunch) for those who took part courtesy of club funds was excellent.
Although there were a few modern bikes there was a fair smattering of nice classics as well. What else would you do on a Sunday in January, a great way to pass the day!

Mr Fat man

2011-12-31T07:51:00.000-08:00

A silver VW Passat estate driven by a fat guy was the only bad thing that happened on a 110 mile trip down and round the borders today, just a pity I didn't write down his number. We had a great run, disappointed our original tea stop in Gifford was closed but then a nice run over the Lammermuir hills with a stop at Duns for a late breakfast. The cafe at Earlston was shut as well so I'm assuming everybody has made enough money this year and don't need to open, or maybe New Years eve or Hogmany as its called here is now a holiday as well?
Heading up past the Stair Arms on the A68 we were both passed by the fat guy with his obviously stupid wife on a bend over a solid white line, he made the oncoming traffic move over as well, must have either been pissed, in a hurry or is just oblivious to the consequences of careless, dangerous and stupid driving? If you see the car give it a wide berth, If I see the car parked I'd really like to explain to fat man what the consequences of his driving could have been. Having lost two good friends in accidents caused by stupid car drivers this year it really annoyed me.
Apart from that its been a great day out (although it took an hour to get all the crap off the bikes when we got home) The last run of 2011 and looking forward to many more in 2012, a great New Year to all who read this and I hope all your wishes come true and your problems disappear in the coming year (except Mr Fat and Mrs Stupid that is!!)
Have a good one

You meet the nicest people on a motorcycle

2011-12-30T05:17:00.000-08:00

Last night we all met up for the Special K bike club Christmas party. A busload came over from the Forth Valley club also. Brilliant banter in the company of nice people, what other interest would give you the feeling of belonging to an extended family? None I guess.
Cheers to Ian the sober for doing his taxi run!
Tomorrow is the last day of 2011 so I think i'll probably need to get out on my bike!

Boxing day at the beach

2011-12-26T11:09:00.000-08:00

Rather than do the more traditional Boxing day thing we decided to have a picnic on the beach. Undeterred by the gale force winds and Laurenne's crap cooker our intrepid group managed to have a pleasant day and after some attempts by Ian and Bert to make a fire (and me failing to get the kelly kettle going without the use of petrol) we eventually had our hot and cooked sausages to finish off the meal. Bert used his BMW as a windbreak (good that it came in useful)
We had the inagural run on our G650GS's and I was mighty impressed with the "small" beemer.
A fine way to pass a day, good company and good crack, thanks to Ian and Ali, Bert and Laurenne for coming along, we should have taken the tents guys and made a night of it!!

On the train

2011-12-23T01:08:00.000-08:00

En route to Perth for a few beers. Pre christmas party with some of the guys. A view of the road bridge, soon it'll change as they start to build the new bridge over the forth. History in the making.

Cold now

2011-12-17T07:49:00.000-08:00

This week we were plagued with high winds which has made it feel cold, still not too much snow though so today we managed a run out. First to Queensferry for breakfast and then a wobble along the back roads to drop in on Ian and Ali in Livingston. The temperature dropped like a stone as we headed inland and by the time we got to the estate where Ian and Ali live the side roads were white with frozen snow. Not wanting to be heroes we left the bikes at the end of the road and walked the 100 yards, cheaper in the long run!!
The bikes were covered in Salt when we got back (see the photo of the Guzzi) and took a bit of cleaning. Sometimes you wonder if its worth going out at this time of year, and hour on the road means an hour spent washing the salt off but it is because what else would you be doing? Joining the hordes of mental people shopping? Nope, best to get out there and keep a grin on your face

Snow has gone.

2011-12-11T02:42:00.000-08:00

After the snow appeared yesterday morning I was a tad depressed at the thought of no motorcycling. Today however the snow was gone and it was mild enough to venture out. Days like this at this time of year are a bonus to be taken eagerly. A nice day out on the bikes, not warm but ice free roads, better than expected.

Busy Week

2011-12-09T10:42:00.000-08:00

Last weekend came and went and here we are just 2 weeks before Christmas already. Busy week this week, I spent the first couple of days down South at one point near Dover, much nicer weather I have to say. Yesterday we had the big storm and Scotland came to a standstill (apart from stuff blowing over!) Its the first time in my life I remember schools being closed because of the wind! What nonsense, we really are a bunch of namby pamby wimps these days. Half the Office at Fi's work went home because it was windy! Ridiculous, I'd sack the idiots who allowed it!!
Anyway today Alex and myself were up at Sandy's workshop playing with Alex's range of amazing tools, upshot is Sandy's 750 Commando will have to have the lid off to see whats amiss inside, nothing serious we think, time will tell.

As winter approaches (fast)

2011-12-01T01:56:00.000-08:00

Something to remember that summer will be here again soon
(Double click for full screen)

Condom Rally

2011-11-27T10:32:00.000-08:00

The wind was the biggest hassle this weekend, the Forth bridge was closed due to high winds so we met Bob & Kate and headed North via Stirling before cutting around the outskirts of Perth and then on the back roads to Blairgowrie and towards Glenshee.

The last bit of the journey was good fun but we were all freezing when we arrived.
An evening of banter and much whisky drinking ensued and the evidence was there this morning with many casualties (hangover wise) littering the reception area.

Great crack and thanks to Norrie for putting it together.

The run down the road was marred by wind again and strong sun but hey it didn't snow so that was good.
Great weekend, thanks to all who helped my hangover cultivation (you know who you are!)
If you look at the picture there is snow falling on the hill behind us!

It Passed

2011-11-22T05:16:00.000-08:00

Today was the day my Guzzi Le Mans was to be presented again for its re test after failing its MOT last week, its like waiting for the dentist despite the fact that I'd sorted all the issues and checked it over. It passed much to my relief so thats another one sorted out and ready to go.
Now I have to decide what to work on next, I think the Triumph T100 will be next on the bench for a rewire, dynamo fix and a good check over. Looking forward to our meeting at Glenshee this weekend!

Nice day out

2011-11-21T04:38:00.000-08:00

So Sunday once again was nice and as always no excuses needed to get the Commando out! I had a bit of pilot error (too early in the morning) and missed the normal turn off for the coast road, we made it eventually but the alternative was very mucky. No complaints as the roads are salt free still, fingers crossed it'll last until after next weekend when we have the Condom Rally at Glenshee!

Failure

2011-11-19T09:24:00.000-08:00

Thats what happened this week when I took my Guzzi Le Mans for an MOT! Because of this work thing I never bothered checking the Le Mans closely, I fixed (replaced) the rear indicators as the old ones had more or less disintegrated in a pile of rust and that was it. The bike failed on no less than 6 things, the most serious was the rear wheel bearings were gone, oops and I never noticed it either. Just like my old school report cards used to say " has potential but must try harder" No excuses, just laziness, now its taught me a lesson to check over the bikes thoroughly in future! All the bits were fixed this morning and it goes back for a re test next week, fingers crossed!

Today was a really nice day, the weather is still holding up so I took a ride down to Gifford this afternoon on the Mk3 Commando, splendid dry roads and great fun, not cold really untill it got dark. The picture is in front of the Tea shop there, well worth a visit, friendly and very reasonable food and prices!

Oh Dear

2011-11-12T07:33:00.000-08:00

So the bike was running great then the rev counter cable came loose and the rev counter stopped working, then as I was heading along the bypass I thought I felt a misfire so pulled off at the next junction and decided to make for Alex's house, then at a set of lights the bike died, I pulled over and found the electrics were dead then found a blown fuse and yes I had no spares with me!
A call to Alex and he came over (luckily only a couple of miles from his house) with tools, a meter and fuses, we replaced the fuse and the bike started up, transpires the original was a 7 Amp instead of the 35 Amp which should have been there. All seems well and after a cup of tea I wobbled home (avoiding main roads just in case!)
Why do I bother, I'm sure a nice new bike would be just the thing......or would it? Then I'd have nothing to talk about or to write in this Blog!

Mission accomplished

2011-11-12T02:10:00.000-08:00

This morning got the single carb bolted on. What a difference its made. The bike sounds sweet no misfire just the way it should be. The only thing is the mikuni leaves a gap behind the barrel as though something is missing. Over the winter i'll decide whether to leave it on and if so figure out a way to keep the original air filter because it looks nicer. Off for a run on it now to see how it goes.

Flurry of activity

2011-11-11T11:26:00.000-08:00

Unfortunatley the pursuit of money (to help keep my bikes going) and what seems like my single handed efforts to keep HM government awash with cash to bail out various economies has meant that work has been to the fore this week. Tonight however I had a flurry of activity in the garage, I fixed the Yellow Commando's front brake which failed last Saturday (technical explanations via the NOC newsletter) and having done that, it is now finished, looking, going and sounding splendid so I immediatley ripped the carb (Single Mikuni) off it. The yellow bike will now go into storage till the Spring. The single Mikuni will be grafted onto the 750 Roadster temporarily to see if it cures its ill's. Since I got the bike I've been buggering about with the Amals but enough is enough, if the Mikuni solves the problem then it'll be staying on!!
I have a LARGE box of Amals, all of which have more wear in them than a well used pair of whore's knickers (not that I know about such things) So I've decided that if the Mikuni is the answer then Mr AMAL will get no more of my hard earned cash, they look good, and are easy to work on by by god they last about 1000 miles before issues start to appear. New ones are being sold now which are supposed to be the answer BUT they are expensive. Tomorrow hopefully I'll complete the carb transplant and let you all know how it goes!!

Roadworks

2011-11-09T03:59:00.000-08:00

So last night I was heading from Perth to Edinburgh and was astounded at the roadworks on the way. The roads department and the Scottish Executive obviously Couldn't organise a piss up in a brewery. There is the 40 mph works at the south of the M90 then single lane 20 mph on the bridge then immediatey after the 40 mph for most of the a90. How is anyone supposed to do their job if it means travelling. And thats not to mention the war zone around Edinburgh because of the works to provide tram's that nobody wants and that we can't afford. So if you want to see roadworks incompetence on a grand scale visit scotland. Our new motto will be -turning your journey into a nightmare, making seemingly impossible incompetence a reality. Thank you from scotlands transport executive.

Still Sunny

2011-11-05T09:23:00.000-07:00

November the 5th, Guy Fawkes night and its still nice, a tad cooler today though. Spent the morning finishing off the Yellow Roadster, just as I thought that was it ready for next year the brake failed, I'll check it later, glad it happened 10 yards from the house and not at 70mph on a main road!!!

Out on the Mk3 this afternoon to catch some sun down by the Forth Railway bridge, met a guy with an ES2 doing the same, pleasant enough standing in the sun talking bikes, perfect!

Flashback

2011-11-03T04:50:00.000-07:00

I was on the SCMCC forum and saw a new member with a "classic" Honda CB900 had joined, my god a "classic" I raced one when they were brand new, note the orange vest in one of the pictures which must have been taken in one of my first races! OK so now I'm officially a "classic" rider!!!

A Great day out!

2011-10-30T09:37:00.000-07:00

So we were lucky with the weather, not a bad day considering it was the first day of Winter, an excellent turnout and plenty banter (and huge helpings of cake for some) Still no salt on the roads so long may that last. Good fun, geat company and nice bikes, what more can anyone ask for. Great to see so many people making the effort, thanks for coming along.

The Early arrivals
Not a Norton but very nice anyway
An excellent Norton turnout
Jake getting in some excercise complete with fag in the mouth, why kickstart when Jake's around!!
Hanging on to the bitter end (maybe in the hope of a free cuppa)

New record

2011-10-29T08:35:00.000-07:00

Well, this morning I beat a personal best, 4 bikes MOT'd and home before mid day!! MOT's are stressful enough (MOT = Annual safety check required by law in the UK) but I have to say it all went well this morning, of course you know that when Nortons are involved something will rear its ugly head, the roadster developed a misfire en route to the Garage and now runs like a bag of nails, never mind it gives me something to do!!!!!

Norton get together this Sunday

2011-10-28T09:05:00.000-07:00

Hopefully see some of you at the Tullybannocher cafe just outside Comrie (on the road to St Fillans) this Sunday, meet up at 12ish to talk nonsense and put the world to rights!

A Chilled out weekend

2011-10-23T10:08:00.000-07:00

Nothing much on this weekend, some garage time on Saturday, I thought I'd share pics of some of my Nortons and just to prove I'm not racist a pic of my Triumph which I'm considering using as a winter bike!! Just a rewire needed hopefully and a few odds and ends (which is how it always starts!!)
Today after the rain it was pleasant enough, actually a great day to get out on the bike once the roads had dried, no wind and a great run on dry roads , a nice trip to the beach although no sunbathing!! and home just as the rain started again, perfect timing for once.

Mellow Yellow

2011-10-18T09:10:00.001-07:00

Hard at work in the garage today making the 750s back into a roadster (just a pipe change) so how did it take me so long? Well the new downpipes fitted well but they needed 2 1/2 inches cut of each of them so that the silencer would go on! If I'd left them they would have gone almost a third of the way up the silencer (which they can't because of the welding on the internal baffles. Oh and the stainless brackets were only polished on one side, and one of the brackets is handed so much polishing needed on one side! Quite crap really, when the spares were cheap and not of good quality you could almost put up with it, now they aren't cheap and some of the stuff is still poor! Can you imagine buying a downpipe for a Honda and finding its 2 1/2 inches (or 75mm) too long? I think not, even my Guzzi's which everyone think is stone age engineering get parts from the suppliers that actually fit.
Main reason for the change is to make it more practical, impossible to put throw overs on and to be honest although it looked nice there are other issues which come with a high level pipe setup. Hopefully get a run on it before the salt appears on the roads!

Too good to miss

2011-10-15T08:24:00.000-07:00

This morning promised good weather so the "to do" list was largely abandoned and we took to the road, I was on the Mk3 Commando which seems to be behaving itself now. One comment from today, I've never seen so much dangerous, stupid and careless driving all in one day, it made me think that Istanbul was less risky, final manoeuvre of the day to shock me was a new Porche Cayenne which went through a red light at Gogar , and cut through the traffic on the roundabout using all 3 lanes at around 60mph, I hope the small penis guy kills himself before he kills someone else!! If I had a chance to get his number I'd have reported him. But none of that spoiled what was a great day wobbling around the border roads in relative warmth, superb! Pics are the bikes outside Gifford Church (good cafe across the road, try it sometime) the Bass rock reflecting the sun from the liberal coating of bird shit that gives it it's colour and of course me on the Norton!

Home again

2011-10-13T10:03:00.001-07:00

So a wonderful two chilled days in Applecross but we were both missing some motorcycling so we came home yesterday and spent today riding around the borders, pleasant weather all round, the pics show a typical Applecross Sunset, the View from the Bealach heading back over the hill and us waiting on a herd of rather noisy cows being shifted to a new field, they were quite inconsiderate and just emptied their bladder and bowels all over the road so the bikes now need a wash! If you look you'll see my attempts at art by trying to frame Fiona in my mirror.

What a view to wake up to

2011-10-11T01:08:00.000-07:00

The view from my window this morning. Stunning, having a laid back day, in the walled garden for lunch, what more do you need?

That castle again.

2011-10-10T06:35:00.000-07:00

On our holidays to Applecross again. Stopped at the castle for a cup of tea. In the car i'm afraid , the weather isn't great so we decided to wimp out.

A Special Day

2011-10-09T09:30:00.000-07:00

Not so much motorcycling this weekend as I was getting married on Saturday! The various road agencies did their best to ruin the day by having roadworks on all the roads around South Queensferry meaning the wedding stated 1 1/2 Hours late, still a brilliant day , The picture is of us heading to the reception in Norrie Miltons outfit.

Summer is now over

2011-10-03T06:53:00.000-07:00

Well that was a nice last minute reprieve from autumn but now its over. Rain and wind. Some motorcycle fun on Saturday but gave it a miss yesterday. gratuitous picture of my Norton's attached, don't suppose they'll stay clean now were into Autumn weather. Some bad news yesterday, a good friend and inspiration to me died on his commando on Saturday near Salzburg, Wolf Pfieffer was and will always be a legend, he will be sadly missed. Viva la figa Wolf.

Hot hot hot

2011-09-30T03:50:00.000-07:00

Never thought i'd be saying that on the last day of September , proof that the climate has become very unpredictable. Met Sandy for lunch then headed back. On the roadster, glorious day for it.

Summer weather

2011-09-29T06:01:00.000-07:00

An unbelievable two days of warm weather, just when we thought winter had started. Yesterday was probably one of the warmest days of the year. Today I couldn't not take advantage so took the mk3 Norton out to scrub off the last of the tyre, apart from the mud on the road it was brilliant, over 110 miles on the small roads, sun, heat and the bike going like a train. Now i'll need to change the back tyre and re torque the head then i'll be ready for next year.

Back together and running

2011-09-27T08:38:00.000-07:00

Thats the mk3 back together and running well with no smoke so i'm relieved about that. A final torque down tomorrow and i'll hopefully get out for a run on it to make sure its all right.

SCMCC September meeting 2011

2011-09-27T04:34:00.000-07:00

A bit out of synch but some photos from last Sundays meeting;

Woe is me

2011-09-26T06:49:00.000-07:00

So yesterday the third stripdown of the mk3 commando in a short space of time. The photo shows the problem. The top has come off the inlet oil seal. After years and countless engine builds this has never been an issue until the last year. Oh well, today i start
the rebuild.

Busy week

2011-09-20T04:33:00.000-07:00

Thursday already and not a minute wasted, recovering the Applecross bikes back into A1 condition and servicing them all. The fastback was first, as well as a service I had to call on Alex to weld the chainguard which was splitting, then replace the fork gaiter (and then I discovered someone in the dark and distant past had a fork seal in the wrong way round! Never seen that before and it wasn’t leaking that badly actually. Anyway its all back ready to go again. A visit to Mr Bloy to offer assistance with his latest Commando rebuild and then he helped me strip the chrome bits from my 88ss (pictured) and send them away for re chroming. The Roadster got my attention next, a service, fix the carb which caused problems at Applecross, a new Camshaft oil seal to stop the annoying oil leak and then because i’d disturbed the pick ups for the ignition one coil in the pick up wen’t open circuit, I replaced it with a spare but not before I renewed the wires as they were hard and brittle from years of living in a hot engine.
Having a small bike collection is nice but if you use them, they wear out, this creates work and profits for the Norton suppliers, sometimes I think I’m keeping them all in business single handed.

The Roadster ready to enjoy once again

Well thats the first week in.

2011-09-17T06:41:00.000-07:00

Thats a week now i've been back in wet cold and windy scotland. We have the best roads in the world but crap weather. Just finished a contract so i'm back full time fettling bikes. The fastback is on the bench today , i'm sorting out some problems and servicing it as I intend using it through the winter. I took MVD out on Saturday for a run, the roads are full off shit at the moment as the farmers spread most of their fields over the roads, that combined with the heavy rain meant I had to wash it twice in one day. I think any warmth is behind us now untill next year, best to dig in for a long winter.

Back to the ferry.

2011-09-11T03:00:00.000-07:00

Well thats us back in ijmuiden to wait for the ferry. The wind is picking up so maybe a rough crossing? Its been brilliant again. Mostly great weather and dry right on cue the temperature has dropped to remind us we're going home. I wish I could have stayed for the Guzzi meeting in Mandello but you can't do it all, so sorry Italo we'll need to meet for a beer some other time.

Frankfurt to hilversum

2011-09-10T07:17:00.000-07:00

Well last night went true to form with a big party at Tomas's house. So a bit of a dull head this morning for the run up to Hilversum. The hotel we're staying in is almost twice as expensive as normal seemingly because of a big golf tournament here so guess who else is on my hate list. Good run today. Plenty sun and warm and dry all the way.

2011-09-08T03:34:00.000-07:00

So today we left Italy on the small roads and passed through Switzerland doing a couple of alpine
Passes in the process. The Swiss took 35 euro each for the privilege of doing 100 miles on their crap motorway. The alternative on the small roads would have taken too long, as it was we were in the saddle 6 hours to do just over 200 miles. So now i'm glad to be in germany, on lake constance and we've opted for a hotel.

The Guzzi factory

2011-09-07T05:45:00.000-07:00

So this is the very gates this bike rolled out of when it was new. Quite nice to bring one back here to see its birthplace.

Lago di Como

2011-09-07T00:29:00.000-07:00

Lake como this morning, quiet and perfect.

Genoa and Milan

2011-09-06T11:02:00.000-07:00

We left Rocchetta this morning in blazing sun and headed along the autostrada del fiori towards Genoa the med shimmering blue on our right hand side before turning north inland toward Milan. The climb as you head up through the mountains meant we were in the clouds and dropping 10 degrees, but soon enough we were back in the heat. Milan was as always a nightmare with crazy driving and roadworks through to monza but now were in mandello del lario so a day tomorrow chilling with a ferry across lake Como to get a coffee in Bellagio and then a visit to the Guzzi factory. Not a bad life.

Rocchetta Nervina

2011-09-05T03:40:00.000-07:00

This is where I spent some of my childhood and where my sister was born. Its always good to come back for a visit. I'm beginning to see changes now, not sure if its for the best. Just got a telling off from the police for leaving my bike in the wrong place. At least I didn't get a ticket.

Perfect

2011-09-05T00:38:00.000-07:00

To waken up to this scenery on the balcony. Every time I come back here it amazes me how nice it is. It's getting a bit touristy now. When I lived here it wax just an old forgotten italian village but these places attract tourists now. Good for the local business but for the locals i'm not so sure.

Weather of all kinds

2011-09-04T09:38:00.000-07:00

We had it all today 28 degrees sun and torrential rain. In order to save time we took the toll roads, past Marseille, St Tropez (where the rain was heaviest ) Cannes, Nice, Monaco and then into Italy at Ventimiglia from there instead of going the way I know to my village I took the gps route. This took us over a very small mountain road which I remembered half way over. Parts of it make the road to applecross look like a main road and the height at the highest point according to the gps was just over 3000 ft. And very little barriers if you run wide on the hairpins. Interesting end to todays riding and in the wet.

Catering for bikes

2011-09-04T04:47:00.000-07:00

We've just stopped en route to Italy just outside Marseille
The services here have these garages where you can store your bike whilst shopping. Great idea or maybe its a bad area? Warm today with some light rain.

Hot again

2011-09-02T04:25:00.000-07:00

Its been sunny and got since 7.30 this morning so just been lazing around. Not much else happening today. Its not a bad life sitting in the sun doing very little. We did give the bikes a wash today so its not all sitting about.

Not much to report.

2011-08-31T08:03:00.000-07:00

Still relaxing at the beach, so not much to report. Still warm but cloudy today around 26 degrees. Not doing much until we move to Italy on sunday

Relaxing by the Med

2011-08-30T05:56:00.000-07:00

We said goodbye to Ian and Ali this morning, they headed North and we headed south. Were now at a camp site on the med. Med it's 28 degrees just what the doctor ordered. An excellent run down the A75 well worth the trip south.

Millau

2011-08-29T07:28:00.000-07:00

Arrived in Millau and have met up with ian and Ali now basking in the sun. 28 degrees so were quite happy. Its nice just to escape the cold for a while.

Progress so far.

2011-08-28T10:18:00.000-07:00

Not sure if g mentioned that fiona's exhaust broke en route to the rally. We were taken to a local guys house on Saturday who is a side car racer and who done a fantastic job fixing it. He turned down a bit of pipe on his katie to sleeve the exhaust for extra strength before tig welding it. A superb job so alls well again. We left the begonia about 11 this morning, 12 degrees and raining and were now 400 miles South of there and its sunny and 21 degrees. Just what the doctor ordered. Hopefully we get to the Med tomorrow for some needed rest and sun,

Finally here

2011-08-26T11:14:00.000-07:00

So it was dark as night when we got off the ferry this morning but it was warm. We had quite a crap run, some rain and very heavy traffic. Now we are relaxing in a slightly cold tent with not one but two of the new norton's courtesy of the Belgian importer. Seemingly they run but have no gearboxes which I find strange.

At the ferry

2011-08-25T06:36:00.000-07:00

So a dry run down to Newcastle for the ferry. This part is usually wet but today the god's were with us. Now waiting for the usual bad treatment from the crew loading the bikes.

Almost ready but a little issue!!

2011-08-24T04:21:00.000-07:00

Spent my spare time this week getting organised for the off. Why does it take so long to throw a few things in a bag? Checking, double checking and I'm sure I'll forget something in the end.
Got a call from my bank last night , seems somebody (thieving low life ratbag who deserves to die a horrible slow painful death) has got hold of my Bank details and has been trying to buy stuff over the Internet. The bank I have to say were very good and refunded all the dodgy transactions immediatley but it means I'm off on holiday with no bank card, maybe its a good thing and will stop me overspending!
Remember when a thief or robber broke in through your front door with a stripey shirt, eye mask and a bag with SWAG written on it? Now they screw your bank account from the comfort of their own mud hut or slum!!
Anyway off tomorrow woo hoo!

Getting organised

2011-08-21T11:40:00.000-07:00

So just getting over the stress of last weekend's over generous bike lending activity although the work evolving from that will take a while to sort out. Now getting organised for our trip to europe this week. I'm taking the Guzzi as quite frankly i'm needing a rest. In getting a tyre on Saturday for the Breva (not my usual supplier but the same price and on my doorstep. ) I saw this bike and thought i'd share it with you. Also had issues with my tent poles on my 3 month old hi gear tent. A in house brand sold by camping warehouse go outdoors. So I trundled along looking for a set of poles under warranty. Not a chance, seems the poles aren't covered. Seems strange to me that you can sell a tent of which the poles are a fundamental part and yet they aren't covered when the break. I pointed out the poles were shite but the guy seemed to be programmed to ignore customer feedback. So if you want a reasonable tent buy a hi gear just don't expect the thing to function as a tent as the poles are crap. So guess where I won't be shopping again. On a brighter note were off on Thursday so keep looking in for updates on the trip.

The original plan was the Begonia Rally in Belgium followed by Croatia, well that may change now to a blast to the South of France (if its still sunny) for a few days soaking up the sun on the beach then a run through Italy (visiting Mandello the birthplace of my Guzzi's) and then Switzerland, Germany and home via Ijmuiden. This will save 3 days and around 1000 miles so I can spend more money and time researching fine French wines

New transport

2011-08-16T06:19:00.000-07:00

After the stress of the weekend here's a couple of pic's of myself and Fiona on our new modes of transport!!

Applecross Norton Meeting

2011-08-16T05:56:00.000-07:00

Lolo (from Ibiza) and Alex waiting for us after the lunch stop

The Belgians appeal to the Rain Gods

Trying to fix another Norton

Well I have to say I'm glad its over, major stress in lending out four bikes, just getting them ready was a headache. Now they are all back safe (but needing some maintenance) I can breath a sigh of relief.
Tthe weekend didn't look too promising weather wise but we had a not bad run up to Applecross on the Friday and celebrated heavily in the bar that night. Saturday morning was raining and there appeared to be no enthusiasm for a run so we left everyone to their own devices. One of my bikes developed a heavy misfire which was down to a main jet holder working loose however, a catalogue of events led it to being a long day working on bikes, organising the nights entertainment, and some rescue services.
Thanks are due to David Templeton who made the journey to Skye Saturday evening to get an Inner tube for Sandy's bike. (I'd used my spare on the M90 at 7.30 on Friday morning!!)
Sunday only saw a handful left but we were blessed with a nice day and Monday was again very wet and Cold for the run home. I would have posted more over the weekend but the stress levels were too high!!

Peter's dommi

2011-08-09T00:57:00.000-07:00

I met Peter last night collecting his now well running bike from Sandy's place. It is looking very nice and running well after some fettling from Mr Bloy.

Gratuitous Norton photo

2011-08-01T05:32:00.000-07:00

Monday so thought i'd post a photo of my 88ss so that i'm reminded to get on with the restoration.

Busy weekend

2011-07-31T11:32:00.000-07:00

Still trying to get bikes ready for the Norton Applecross do! The original plan has changed a few times and yesterday it changed again, I was trying to get the JPN ready but gave up because the omens were telling me through a series of small problems not to be so stupid!
Too good a day to spend all day in the garage so I managed a few miles in the sun!
Today we took a brace of Nortons out, the Mk3 has recently been rebuilt and has taken to smoking at traffic lights, I've already had the head off twice and found the valve stem oil seal off, I suspect this is again the culprit. I'm leaving it just now though as I can't face taking the head off again just now. I wonder if its a ploy by the manufacturers of these parts to boost the sale of head gaskets!
Also my Boyer Power box has obviously been damaged by the alternator frying itself so I changed it for Al osbornes Chinese special, half the price and it works!!
Who'd have a Commando (or a fleet of them) its a bloody full time job!!
The big bonus of the weekend though was that I attended a charity fuction last night (not really looking forward to it) but then I found the whisky was only £1.35 for a 35ml nip, excellent and certainly helped the night along, the more you drink, the more you save!!

Good spell continues.

2011-07-27T04:05:00.000-07:00

Well what a wonderful weekend we had, no rain and plenty of sun. The weather seems to be holding up so I just had to get out last night especially after David Templeton sent me a picture earlier of his bike next to a loch in the sun having blagged a half day. Long may this keep up!

Sunny night

2011-07-23T09:21:00.000-07:00

Just another picture to show you all this wonderful country. Just had 3 Austin 7's go by. Excellent.

Ferry time

2011-07-23T05:39:00.000-07:00

Good night last night after the midge's were overcome. Late start today and a short trip to the ardnamurchan peninsula where we are camping. Weather great and a cool breeze to keep the midge away.

Bridge of Orchy

2011-07-22T11:54:00.000-07:00

So after a shite week at work what better than to head off to the highlands for the weekend. Rough camping tonight at Bridge of orchy. Midge's are now out in force i've got my hat on and my scarf coverning the rest of my head in an attempt to stop the bugigers getting a feed.

Flying home.

2011-07-21T07:20:00.000-07:00

As part of my temporary employment I had to fly down south to a meeting yesterday. As i've said before air travel is demeaning to the soul because of the jobs worths making you feel like a criminal just for wanting to fly. There are some compensations though, speed being one and the views another. Took this photo about 9.30 last night, quite nice above the clouds but when we dipped below the reality of rain and darkness returned , just like life really.

Therapy

2011-07-18T13:11:00.000-07:00

So Monday brings the usual stress and by night I feel the need for strong drink but realise that then Tuesday will start worse. I dug out the fastback and took it for a blast instead, almost as soon as i started it up I felt better. No protective clothing just a helmet and my 30 year old jacket, the way it used to be before we became besotted with safety. Only around 40 miles but 40 great miles and a ear to ear grin when I got home. Who needs artificial stimulants?

Late night Rant!

2011-07-16T16:44:00.001-07:00

Is it just me? This rant isn’t all motorcycle related but certainly big brother related, I was reading the local paper from my home town tonight on line. The Perthshire Advertiser, a local rag which is well, local..... First story to get my heckles up was the demolition of the City Hall, a hall which is unpretentious, has bad acoustics (according to my musician friends) and is high maintenance (according to local politicians) I see St Johns Kirk, a old protestant carbuncle which prides itself on being an “important building” supports its demolition, of course they do, that way the magnificent church will be more visible by the locals and of course Perth’s growing “down and outs” who will no doubt peddle their wares in the vicinity! The Cooncil (council in proper parlance) have for years sought to promote Perth’s place in society as a up and coming centre of excellence for the arts so of course we had to spend a fortune on the new concert hall while the City hall fell into ruin, a bit like abandoning a perfectly good car because you wanted to be better than the neighbours and have the latest BMW or Mercedes on the drive. The City hall has memories for all of Perth’s people of a certain age, my best memory is watching Hawkwind playing “Silver Machine” there when it was a current chart song when I was a schoolboy. In this age of austerity when will our politicians realise the public (The taxpayer) just wants to get on with life and enjoy some nostalgic moments. This isn’t all about sipping a Latte on a new patio where the former centre of the towns collective memory existed.
My next rant is about a story where a good friend of mine was knocked of his bike and injured by a “retired minister with an unblemished 40 year driving record” The story barely mentioned our Jim, injured, traumatised and financially dented by this careless stupid and inconsiderate person, The report was all about the minister, how the Judge wanted a “driving instructor” to verify he was OK to drive, why didn’t he have to resit his test? Because my friends he is part of the crooked establishment, just like the scumbag journalists, the bent cops , the lower than a sewer rat politicians and anybody else who “controls” society!
Time for change is coming, when the taxpayer regains some rights and regains control, remember and ask your local MP , MSP, or Councillor what they are doing to improve things before you bless them with your precious vote!

Busy day.

2011-07-16T07:13:00.000-07:00

Up at the unit today working on the John Player getting it ready for the Applecross Norton experience. After an oil change, some fresh petrol and a battery with some volts it burst into life. I love it when a plan comes together.

Classic club Tayside

2011-07-13T12:08:00.000-07:00

Last night (Wednesday) was so nice and I had a stressful day so i took the Breva up to the meeting. Good crack with the guys and some nice bikes. Sandy selling his Matchless, looking good. And this nice indian. Plenty others as well. Took the 750 roadster out tonight for a blast, great fun and the days worries and stresses are forgotten.

Nice night for a run

2011-07-12T11:21:00.000-07:00

One of those days at work where a bit of motorcycle therapy was required. Luckily it ended up nice so took the newly rebuilt mk3 for a run down the borders and for a fish supper at biggar. Bike going well, sun out, dry roads, work, what work my mind is clear now. They should prescribe riding a Norton on the NHS although sometimes it can have the opposite effect!

Lucky!

2011-07-09T11:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday (Friday) was horrendous with thunder and lightning and heavy rain most of the day. Roads were flooded in the area and the weekend didn't look like it was going to be much better. Luckily the skies cleared for a while and we headed down to East Fortune to see the road races, years since I've been at a race meeting and I have to say I had a great day out. East Fortune is a friendly kind of place where there are no Prima Donnas and everybody is just out to go as fast as they can and enjoy themselves. Good to see some old pals from my old racing days still out there doing it! Peter Burgess (Pictured) was having lunch before going out in the sidecar race, they came an excellent 3rd (with Peter in the chair) that despite the obvious wind drag from his moustache! The rain got us on the way back though but 30 miles in the rain is a little price to pay for such a pleasant day out!

Dry for now.

2011-07-07T09:35:00.000-07:00

Good to get the mk3 sorted out again. It seemed to take an age because of lack of time and daft things. Now needs to be run in after a new cam and rings were fitted. Lothian's classic club tonight so we'll take those two along and hope it stays dry.

Brilliant weekend

2011-07-04T07:58:00.000-07:00

The early start on Saturday was worth it, the sun shone all weekend and the run home on Sunday was excellent also, the roads appeared strangely quiet. The Guzzi also made it past the Invergarry viewpoint which was better than the last time!
Good banter in the pub, David Templeton joined us out on Smokey Joe for a small Scottish tour, if the weather is good you really can't beat these roads and scenery.
Looking forward to the Norton meeting now I'm arranging in Applecross, if we get weather like this weekend we will be very lucky!

Early start.

2011-07-02T04:01:00.000-07:00

So on the road at 7am this morning and avoided some of the tourists en route to Applecross
At loch
Sen carron and its only 12.

Back to reality!

2011-06-27T07:29:00.000-07:00

We disembarked on Sunday for a good run up the road, the weather was kind to us, matter of fact the run home was the best weather we'd had all week!! The Commando fared well although it was in some state due to the road dirt and some breathing of oil (to be investigated) the trip was around 1700 miles, petrol in most of Europe 1.60 - 1.70 Euro a litre which is a bit on the expensive side. I had a great week spending time with motorcyling friends and I thank them all for their warm hospitality. Back to work today with a vengance and its dark and raining outside, quite depressing really! Never mind plenty to look forward to for the rest of the Summer.
When I get organised I'll put some more photo's and hopefully a short video of the trip on the Blog.

On the boat.

2011-06-25T07:47:00.000-07:00

So thats us on the ferry now. Last night of the trip, just had to endure the usual ignorance from the DFDS deck hands who speak to you like your a piece of crap. A slap around the head would help focus their minds but then i'd be stuck in a jail no doubt. Its been a good trip catching up with loads of good friends but one of rain almost every day. Thats life on the road though, you need to get on with it and enjoy it all , just like life really. Great fun and i wonder if it'll be dry tomorrow!

Back at the ferry.

2011-06-25T03:48:00.000-07:00

Well that was a wet and cold run back from Groningen were now at the the port with around four hours to wait on the ferry but its good to get here in plenty time. The forecast for monday here is 31 C so looks like we were a week early.

Groningen

2011-06-23T06:31:00.000-07:00

Arrived here today without too much stress. Still raining but showers so it was fine. The Norton exhaust has broken but the bikes rideable thankfully. Luckily Hessel who i'm staying with tonight is a welder so some work later! .

Wet wet wet

2011-06-22T09:30:00.000-07:00

That was the name of a pop band and a good description of today. We were late breaking camp which meant the rain had started, from there it was downhill with the motorway awash with rain and spray and having to contend with drivers which are mental. I did have a bit of a moment when the Norton complained and i had to coax it into a service stop on one cylinder. A change of plug cured the problem. We stopped at liege after 120 miles both very wet and fed up. We bumped into one of the Belgian guys we know in the services and after a cup of tea a blether and a change of clothes life looked better. We've stopped in Venlo tonight but in a hotel no camping !

Moving on

2011-06-21T09:34:00.000-07:00

Had a good run to today along the small roads in the North of france. Only 5 minutes of rain. Some sun so in a happier frame of mind.. We went to the bar for dinner just now and had a comedy sketch conversation where for the first time nobody understood my french. ! I think they were having a laugh, They only sell food on Saturday at the bar so we got a bag of coal to use in the on site bbq. Some petrol and then the small airbed air pump helped the comedy sketch along. Oh well life on the road, if you can't improvise you starve! Wine at 2 euro 45 a bottle and the food was ok so not a bad result.

Dull, some rain.

2011-06-20T10:23:00.000-07:00

We eventually left Geert's house around one after waiting for the weather to clear a bit. We took the small roads across Belgium and then down the French coast for a while until we got to St-Valery-Sur-Somme where we decided to get a hotel. Its a holiday place so a bit more expensive. Nice enough place though. Raining like hell now just like home but a few degrees warmer. Just off to find somewhere to eat and decide where to go tomorrow. We did plan to blast back across France to visit some friends but with the weather the prospect of an extra 400 miles just to say hello isn't appealing at the moment. The Norton also has a bit of a misfire which I think is it complaining about the weather.

Turned out nice.

2011-06-19T06:49:00.000-07:00

Good weather nice bikes nice people. Perfect.

Bike and rider re united

2011-06-19T05:02:00.000-07:00

Good to see Richard re united with his bike , both repaired following his bad crash in Austria 2 years ago.

Rain

2011-06-18T06:35:00.000-07:00

We left Germany at lunchtime and we've had a wet and windy run to this layby just outside Brussels . Stopped for some cup a soup. A godsend when youre on the road.

Eifel

2011-06-17T10:17:00.000-07:00

Now settled in at the Dutch NOC rally in eifel germany. No rain today but its threatening now. The wooden hut in the picture is like a bothy with a big fire in the middle and seats all round. A perfect party house!

Late breakfast

2011-06-17T03:35:00.000-07:00

Just stopped north of Eindhoven for petrol and a late breakfast. Just got the stove and kettle out to brew up some cup a soup. Life on the read . . . .

Wet but sunny now.

2011-06-16T06:51:00.000-07:00

The start of another journey and it was dry for the first 30 miles then my botched speedo drive gave up just as the rain started. It was black as night and the rain was painful it was coming down that hard. Oh well it can't be sunny all the time. The sun is out now as we wait on the ferry so we may get the stuff dried for tomorrow.

Just one day to go

2011-06-14T12:48:00.000-07:00

Getting excited now, been in the garage seeking out the rest of my spares and tool mountain, I wonder why every trip I take more and more even though on the whole not much is generally required? Larry, tried to reply to your comments but Google is taking the p*ss. Yep looking forward (along with several other Norton USERS) to the electronic speedo, it may not be standard but hopefully it'll work!!

Getting ready

2011-06-12T06:04:00.000-07:00

Out on MVD yesterday to give it a shake down before my euro trip which starts on thursday. The speedo isn't working so back to the shed and i've tried to make a good one out of the load i've got lying around. Why are they so crap? I've ordered another but not a genuine one as they are twice the price and just as bad. Apart from that and getting a good soaking its fine. Getting the tools and spares sorted out today, not travelling with Alex so i need to take everything. What an amount of stuff i have to take. The weight will knock a few mpg off g think. The plan all going well is norton meeting in Germany on friday, back to Belgium for the bba cafe racer meet Saturday and Sunday then France for a couple of days before heading to see my friend Hessel in Groningen in the north of Holland for my birthday hopefully joined by some of the Perth guys en route to the moto gp in assen. Updates on progress as always on here.

Bert's party.

2011-06-05T09:16:00.000-07:00

Last night we went to Bert's party, more like a rally in his garden actually. An excellent night and first class bbq. The photo is of Dave clark's cafe racer guzzi. Very nice and looking a lot better than he did later in the evening. Thanks to Bert and Lorraine for an excellent do and for the gallon of tea we had this afternoon!