TGIF

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

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

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

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

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

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

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