A damp rideout to Wales - 17th July 2011

I chose one of the wettest weekends of the summer for my first decent rideout of the year! However despite some wet periods, I was able to enjoy a long and satisfying ride around Wales with my friend Carla. I was riding my new 848, and Carla was on her Monster 796.

We met at Lutterworth at 0630 and decided the weather wasnt so bad, so set off down the M1, M6 and M54 to Shrewsbury, where we stopped for breakfast and fuel. Then it was down into mid Wales to Brecon via Newton, Llandridnod Wells and Builth Wells, and we were enjoying coffee in Brecon by 11. So far the weather held off and we were in a good mood.

The next leg took us to Llandovry, where we filled up again, and over the hills to Aberaeron via Lampeter, where we stopped for a seaside photo call! A short hop to Aberystwyth and it was time for a late lunch.

Aberaeron beach in Mid July!!

After lunch and some shopping for extra layers it started some serious raining! So the route to Newton was very wet, but we made it and stopped for fuel in good spirits. By now the weather was clearing up.

We then headed for Shropshire by way of Craven Arms, Bridgenorth and Ironbridge for the final coffee stop. Then it was back home through Cannock, Lichfield and the A38 and A50 to Zouch, where we filled up for the final time and went our seperate ways. I got home at about 9, and had clocked just over 450 miles since leaving some 15 hours earlier.

We both agreed it had been a great day out. A real silk purse out a sows ear kind of day, as the forecasts had been so unpromising. But then fortune tends to support the brave, or is it the foolhardy?!

Monoposto Racing Oulton Park July 2nd

Douglas McLay racing sprung into action after a long lay off since April at the beginning of July for Round 8 of the Monoposto Championship. We were blessed with a glorious day, and all the admin and organisational formalities went off without incident, which resuloted in a stress free day! No worries about tyres etc, it was slicks all the way!

Douglas was supported as ever by Peter, who drove up from Bicester for the day, and by 930 we were signed on, scrutineered and ready for action.

Practice was uneventfull - in fact a bit too uneventful, as Dougals didnt manage a very exciting time, and ended up well down the class.

Race was little better. A decent start saw Douglas make up a couple of class places in the first lap, and soon found himself behind Geoff Cowell in his M1000 car. Unfortunately despite breathing down his neck for the whole race Geoff didnt make a mistake, and after trying a couple of overtaking lunges Douglas was still unable to get by. The times were also disappointing, but being stuck behind a slightly slower car probably accounts for that!

Another long lay off until we tackle the Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit on 20/21 August!



Pressing Geoff to no avail!



WDW 2010

Origionally posted on Ducatisti in June 2010

To follow - check back again soon!

A Scottish Quickie!

Posted origionally on Ducatisti in July 2010

Despite the title of this piece, it does belong in Ducati Chat, not Off Topic (or indeed “Carry on Biking”) as you might think!

I couldn’t resist the lure of the Scottish Highlands, so as soon as the 848 was serviced after its trip to WDW, and I could take an early start to a weekend, I planned a Scottish weekend break to reacquaint myself with the superb highland roads.

I managed to get away from home about two thirty on Friday afternoon, and headed up the A38 to the M1. It soon started raining, and to make matters worse there were a couple of bad smashes with the consequent delays. As a result it was well after five before I left the A1 for Piercebridge, the A68 and the A7 to Edinburgh.

The A68 was its usual fun self, and I was in Scotland at Carter Bar by seven thirty. I diverted onto the A7 at Galashiels, where I stopped at MacDonalds to book a hotel in Leith using their WiFi. The run into Edinburgh was uneventful and I was in the pub by ten.

The hotel in Leith, with its leaky radiator!

When I woke up I found that the radiator (was it an 848 reject?) in the room had poured water all over my kit! Luckily my clothes etc were all in placcie bags, but my waterproofs were flooded. And it was raining. Not a good start.

The rain started to clear up as I took the A90 over the Forth Bridge. Soon I had stopped for petrol and breakfast in Perth. Before eleven I was in Inverness, and heading onto the Black Isle. The road to Lairg was fast and fun, before taking the single track road to Tongue, and them along the northern Sutherland coast to Bettyhill. Here I stopped for a soup and roll, a refill and to take some pictures of the glorious sandy beaches.

North of the Black Isle
Bonar BridgeThe far north coast

All too soon it was time to leave the northern coast and take another single track road to Altnahara, where I joined my outward route to Lairg and Bonar Bridge, then I took the fantastic racetrack which is the long way back to Inverness via Tain. I couldn’t wait to get out of Inverness. The place was full of women of a certain age, in a state of over excitement. Apparently Rod Stewart was appearing at the Caledonian Thistle ground later that night!

I left the A9 at Carrbridge, and was just texting Kristel when I heard and then saw a 900ss pull up. We exchanged greetings before I went up Speyside to Granton, over the Tomantoul to Cockbridge road over Slecht to Ballater, where I put up in a smart hotel for the night! Ballater is on Royal Deeside and is the nearest town to Balmoral, where the Queens Guard is garrisoned when she is in residence.

The hotel in Ballater

Again the morning weather was pretty dreecht, but thanks to a full Scottish Breakfast I was well fortified and on my way. It was drizzly as I left, so I opted for my Alpinestars jacket rather than full waterproofs.

The run through Deeside to Aboyne was fast and fun. Luckily the two Tallyvans I saw were still deploying! The old lady running the filling station in Aboyne where I filled up warned me they were on the prowl. I then crossed the Dee and headed to Cairn O Mount. By now it was raining and foggy, my visor misted up and I couldn’t see much beyond the end of my nose. At one point I opened my visor just in time to see a 90 left some 10 yards ahead!
Cairn o Mount

The weather cleared by the time I reached Fettercairn, and after that it was dry with the odd sunny period all the way home. So by Dundee and the A91 to the M90 and on to Edinburgh. I used to drive the A91 through Fife nearly every week, and it has lost none of its character. I really enjoyed riding it for the first time!

However that was just a taster for the fun and games on the A68! I opted for an east coast run home, having seen heavy rain forecast all day in Cumbria, so abandoned plans for using the A7. And did I enjoy the A68?! Those of you making tick lists of things to do must include riding the A68 on a dry Sunday afternoon! Open bends, hairpins, blind brows and loads of fast straights! I savoured them all! I took the Piercebridge cut off again before joining the A1.
It was all pretty straight forward after that. I stayed on the A1 to Retford, cut across country to Mansfield and onto the A38 home. The bike is parked up, I am unpacked and enjoying a beer and watching the Moto GP replays. Perfect!

What a weekend. I rode from Southern Derbyshire right to the northern tip of Scotland, had lunch and rode back through Speyside, Donside and Deeside and through Fife and home. I did use some motorway, but less than 200 miles in the nearly 1200 I covered. I was away for just 52 hours, including two overnight stays. Fun all the way!

Big Trip to Nowhere! (October 2007)

Origionally posted on Ducatisti in October 2007

I have just finished preparing the 748 with a recent service, new Michelin Pilot Road Sports, clutch, brake pads, etc. I have fitted a Scottoiler and the Ventura luggage system, courtesy of Ebay and my welding gear, has been fitted. Finally I have taken the bike for a couple of shake down trips, and topped up with fuel!

I have sorted out all my gear, checked over the bike spares, oils etc. Armed with all your advice I will be riding in my Cordura and carrying Goretex waterproofs!. Tomorrow when I get back from work I will finish the packing, and load up ready for the off on Friday morning.

I have two and a half weeks off work, and I am heading for the continent and the sun! I plan to rack up quite a mileage. However I will not be in Gav998 and Co's league, as I plan to avoid motorways and stick to A type roads. I cross the channel on Friday and head south east. Although I have some plans, I will keep them under my hat for just now! However Mrs Douglas is due to fly out with her leathers and helmet at some point during the trip.

If I can get access to the web, I'll keep you posted on progress. In the meantime keep your fingers crossed for me and my 748!

First Day

Well Day One went off without too many problems! I left home about 0800 and rode steadily down the A5 to Dunstable, getting the feel of the 748 with its Ventura Luggage on board. I have a large and small pack zipped together, and all up it is quite heavy. The system works well, although I am conscious that the weight is quite high up.

I joined the M1 at Dunstable and left almost immediately to join the M10. My first stop was on the A12 at Brentwood, and eventually I got the 1250 tunnel shuttle. What a rip off that was, £80 single. I declined a return for £140 ish, and will have to think of another ruse to get home!

748 safely on the Eurotunnel shuttle

Apart from a sticky hour or so around St Omer I had a pleasant D road ride to Cambrai, where I set up in an F1. The weather has been mild but grey all day, with the roads greasy, especially in France. I have covered about 330 miles, having filled up again in Arras.


Obviously some things don’t change wherever you are. I was overtaken en route to Arras by a French sportsbike, who gave me a cheery wave of the leg as he went (That seems to be the French equivalent of the nod in the UK). His exhaust was a bit loud, and he had a miniscule number plate. As I came to the next roundabout there he was, being waved over by Le Fuzz!! Hey Ho! I didn’t notice his visor!!





I was just giving the 748s tyres a quick kick outside the hotel before it got dark, when two brits turned up on a pair of those BMW adventure traillie things, with the full Ewan McGregor kit, steel panniers, jerry cans etc. I haven’t yet had a chance to chat to them, so I don’t know what they are up to. They seem a bit better equipped than I for touring, but there you go.


France is Great


The second day was great! I rode some 320 miles on fantastic roads, and this afternoon the sun was so hot, I had to take the first layer off! This was what I hoped for, a long ride out on quiet, fantastic roads. Todays route took me from Cambrai, through Rheims to Dijon via Troyes. The Troyes - Dijon Road in particular was great fun. It is obviously a popular rideout in France because I saw lots of bikers out for a ride in the sunshine.Each time I go to France I am surprised by the sheer size of the place. The vast tracts of countryside with few people around makes it quite different to anything back home. Although there are desolate areas in the UK (Highlands of Scotland, N Wales, Peak District etc), they are so because the countryside is so rugged. Here the country is gentle, but still deserted! Makes for great riding.The only blot on the horizon is that I can’t find any Wi Fi access! So I’m not sure when I will be able to post this. Also I couldn’t post my pictures last night, I haven’t posted pictures on the new board, and I couldn’t work out how to do it without a url from which to load them.Tomorrow I plan to head for Italy over the Alps. Cant wait!


Alpine ride


Well I’m afraid I couldn’t log on from Dijon last night, so I will bring you up to date on Day Three as well. I set off early today, as it looked like a long day with a fair bit of alpine work. However it got off to a poor start, when I pushed the starter, nothing happened! After a worrying few minutes I operated the run/stop switch whilst holding the starter, and it burst into life. I couldn’t blame it really it was a grotty morning with drizzle/mist in the air, and the bike was soaking.]However once under way things weren’t much better, with poor visibility and fogged visor I decided to make the first stint on the peage, where at least I felt a bit safer.


After an hour or so the sun came out and I reached the alpine foothills, and the fun began. I had a great day warming the sidewalls of the tyres, waving to bikers and enjoying the fantastic views. I gave Switzerland a miss and took the Mount Blanc tunnel, a fantastic experience, with stunning views and bends a plenty!


I certainly wasn’t prepared for how hot it would be in the tunnel, but it cooled down as the tunnel descended before it got too uncomfortable. So I am now sitting in an Alpine Hotel in Italy, enjoying the view and the evening sunshine. Tomorrow I am off to Bologna – no prizes for guessing where I plan to visit on Tuesday!




Italian Alpine hotel


...and nearby castle!
　
Factory Visit and ride to the Adriatic

748 comes home!

Just before the due time we were met and taken to the canteen, which had a magnificent fresco of Desmodicci bikes all down one wall, and everything else themed in Ducati colours etc. I wont describe the visit because it was pretty much as everyone else has described. However I was particularily impressed with the Kamban system, which seemed to be taken much more seriously than in the UK factories I ve worked in.

Ducatis family silver

The latest news from the factory is that they are making 848 press demonstrators at present. I heard one running and it definitely had a WET clutch! We also saw some Tricolore Monsters, which apparently will be available soon. Also the first production Desmodici RR replica was made yesterday, with the second one due tonight! The production line is up and running, building one bike at a time! It takes 6 hours to assemble one apparently. We also saw some black 1098s, and white 848s.Apparently they plan to make black Hypomotards next year. Our lovely guide told us she is waiting to buy one!

After that it was off to the museum, again as described before.I took lots of pictures but thety will mainly be repeats of those already posted. However someone took one of me infront of the trophy cabinet, and I took several in the carpark, and one of the "Age of Casey Stoner" billboard, which I will try to post later.

I then hit the road for Presaro, which is about 30 clicks beyond Rimini on the Adriatic. All that went off without too much problem, and I arrived at the hotel about 1630. I then topped the bike up with oil, and settled in.

Another great day! The trip to the factory was well worth the effort! I got there in plenty of time, and so used it to clean and grease the chain, check its tension and remove the fly cemetry that had set itself up on the front of the bike.

Presaro is about 90% shut, a bit like Bournemouth in the close season. However it is (Ducatisti) tee shirt weather, and I am staying in a Hotel which would be well beyond our normal holiday budget for 40 euros! It even has decent internet access!

On the way down to Presaro I had time to reflect on the ride from the Alps to Bologna. Two memories stick in the mind. firstly in a north Italian town I saw an old boy going about his daily business on his Ducati. using it like a scooter. I am no expert on early Ducatis, but it was a small single cylinder job with druim brakes and spoked wheels, I would guess from the early seventies.It was in good, but well used condition, and he used it with such ease and familiarity he had obviously had it for a long time - since it was new you would suspect!

The bike failed to start until the run switch was toggled again when I left the alpine hotel, so I decided some WD40 treatment was needed. When I stopped for petrol I bought what I thought was maintenance spray. However when I tried using it some white foam appeared all over the switch.Well at least it is now nice and clean, as it turned out to be cleaning foam!! So much for my italian. I got the real thing later, and the bikle started as normal this morning.

Well tomorrow I am heading off down the Adriatic coast a bit further.

Adriatic sights

Today I rode from Presaro to Lucera, which is about 30 Kms from Foggia, inland from the coast. It is set on the first hillside after you cross the coastal plain. I approached it from the Adriatic Highway, and the road is dead straight for 19kms, and then you get a eries of alpine style hairpins to take you up into the town!

The weather gods have stayed with me, and I have had another glorious day. The urban strip through the northern part of my route was a bit tedious, so I took to the Autostrada a couple of times to miss out some larger towns and their hinterland.

So far another enjoyable, albeit uneventful, day in which the 748 and I covered some 250 miles. One final reflection from northern Italy. The Italians are ace filterers, especially on their scooters! However the guy on the approaches to Milan who filtered with the best of them - in his Fiat Panda - has got to take the biscuit!

I had a good walk round the medieval town centre here in Lucera earlier, and had a coke in a cafe, where the girl behind the bar was most impressed with my Ducatisti Tee shirt. Pity my italian wasnt up to inviting her back to see the bike!

Today I left Lucera and crossed the mountains to Potenza, and then headed west along the Appia Way across more mountains before turning seriously south to Cosenza nd onto the Mediterranean Coast, where I am staying tonight. I even had time for a couple of hours on the beach reading Bike Magazine! The Hotel is pictured below. There is no doubt that travelling at this time of year offers great value. Pity Mrs Douglas is a teacher, so normally we have to pay premium rates. However I must admit that I am looking forward to Mrs Ds' arrival on Saturday.

The main feature of today was the return of the wide open spaces and quiet roads, which I have missed since leaving France. Northern Italy is much more like the UK in population density, and I had to resort to the Autostrada to get away from stop start riding. However yesterday afternoon, and all day today I have had a relaxing ride, and made good progress without too much effort.




Tomorrow I plan to make the relatively short trip to Reggio Di calabria, and take the ferry across the Messina Straights to Sciliy, ready for Mrs D's arrival at Palermo. Keep your fingers crossed for me!


I have included a map of Italy, which might help you know where I am. Tonight I am in the Amalfi Coast area.
　
Latest update

Well I suppose it had to happen before too long, as I have been riding my luck for over a week now, and when it finally happened it did it in style, rain that is! It had rained heavily overnight, and the hotel told me it was set to return all day. So as I set off it was spitting, and the roads were full of standing water. However after about 10 mins the heavens opened, and it raaaaiiiiined!

I stopped to put on my waterproofs, and carried on. However the standing water, heavish traffic and stop start riding soon had me heading for the Autostrada. After about 50 clicks it eased up, and after a couple more bursts I arrived in Reggio in blazing sunshine. The only adverse effect from the rain was that when I took my gloves off my hands were black! I realised that was the first soaking my Ducati summer gloves had had, and the dye had run. My hands look as if I've had to change a head gasket enroute!

It took about an hour and a half to get on the ferry and get across to Messina, and after that it was staright into the Scicilian city traffic at lunch time. Now these boys can filter........

Scicily or bust!

Crossing the Messina Straights

I noticed a 996 waiting to get on the ferry as I got off, so waves were exchanged. Its the first Superbike I've seen on the road since leaving Blighty. I think it was Italian registered.

After 30 mins in the Messina cauldron, I got on my way, arriving at the hotel in Terrgotta about three. The days are getting easier, as I had deliberately left some slack in case of problems.

My early arrival allowed me to clean and grease the chain after its ducking, and generally kick the tyres on the bike in readiness for tomorrow. I fitted a Scottoiler before I left, but am unconvinced about its delivery rate. The chain is moist, but it hardly seems to use any oil, despite my turning up the wick. Anyone used one on a 748/916 etc got any tips?

I have used the Autostradas more in the last few days. They are quite different down south, as they often go down to one contra flow carriageway, and need to be ridden, as they have curves more like a good British A road. Also as they have quite light traffic you can relax a bit and enjoy the scenery, and some of it is absolutely stunning.

Sicily and beyond! Just after I had posted my last update, I heard the roar of a bevvy of "twins" go past the hotel. It turned out to be six Bavarians on adventure bikes! Five were BMWs, and the other a KTM, all kitted out with the "full Ewans". Chatting to them I found out they were such intrepid adventures that they had taken the "car train" from Munich to Naples, and ridden down from there. They were planning to ride around Mount Etna before returning to the mainland.

I left Terragrotta bright and early for my RV with Kristel (Mrs D) in Palermo. However she had to endure technical delays and little overnight sleep. and I had to ride through torrential downpours to reach Palermo. So I arrived at the docks first, very soggy but relieved, and found us a very smart cafe outside the main entrance, where I parked the 748 right outside my table window. Kristel duly arrived and we made the cafe our base until time came to board the boat for Tunis.


Palermo rendez vous in the rain

After an orgy of offialdom and paperwork we embarked on the Eurostar Salerno and secured the 748 on the freight deck before finding our cabin. The crossing was very smooth, we had a good dinner on the boat followed by a good nights sleep. This morning we disembarked in Tunis, and discovered that the paperchase in Palermo was just a dress rehearsal for the main event to enter Tunisia. However eventually we made our escape, with a "Permis de Circulation" for the 748 and a bundle if fiches for ourselves! So now Tunisia is our oyster, and we are ready for "A Ducati in Africa" - a short production, currently interupted by rainstorms!

Tunis Boulevard

We are going to be based in Tunis, and it was so nice to unpack everything, sort it out in the knowledge that I will not be packing it all away again in a few hours!

Currently our photos are "at the chemists", but I hope to post some before too long.

Ducati in Africa!

Disembarked in Tunis

Yesterday we went to Sousse, which ia a holiday area, and quite different to Tunis. It is a bit more like Bl*****ol, but with a rip off merchant on every corner. Whilst I can hardly blame them for wanting a slice of European affluence, it is a bit wearing. Suffice to say we prefer Tunis and the North.

The last two days the weather has looked up, and we nave got a bit of biking in! The target was to visit Carthage, because Mrs D studied classics, and I have a loose interest in history. So we went up there today, and had a good look round the ruined city, before heading for a rideout to the north of Tunisia. We had a great day, experiencing the unique atmosphere of Africa, and enjoyng great riding roads. Tunis may not have the style of Italy, but its road surfaces are in a different class, smooth and relatively pot hole free. That and little traffic ouside the cities make for a great ride out.

One nice surprise came when we filled up. About a fiver for a complete fill up - a little over 30p a litre!! The sad part is that it will soon be time to pack up an leave Tunis. We are due to catch the Marseilles boat ion the morning. It is about a 24 hour voyage. Kristel will fly home from there, and I will resume my European tour alone again with the 748.

Leaving Africa

Just sometimes both belt and braces break. And so it was when we left Tunis. The hotel forgot to give us a wakeup call, and I wrongly set the alarm clock on my phone. The result was an unseemly rush, with me racing Mrs Ds taxi to the port! However we needn’t have worried, because we hung around for about three hours, and they were still loading cars 90 minutes after we were due to sail! One thing was for sure, we got full value for money from our passports, as they were inspected so many times during the admin at the port.

Bye Bye Tunis as dawn breaks.


At the port we met a group from the Harley Owners Club of Bordeaux, who had been on a tour of Tunisia, and their bikes feature in the pics. We also let another Frenchman, who was touring with his wife on a BMW adventure bike, try the 748s pillion for size. He was trying to persuade his wife that the pillion would be comfortable – he really wanted a Duke, as he said “Oh the noise!” Sadly he introduced his wife to Mrs D, who was forthright in her description of the pillion!

One final story from Tunisia. As we toured the hinterland on the 748, I felt we would be in hot water with the Ayatollahs as at one stage we passed a mosque calling the faithful to prayer, only for it to be drowned out by the growl of a semi silenced 748!

The crossing was uneventful, and we disembarked in Marseilles about an hour late. The customs queue etc looked like going on all day. However I managed to filter my way to the front of the passport line, where I got a grandstand view of cars being emptied and dismantled by the customs. I was just thinking that I would be there all day when a douanier called me out of the queue, and waved me straight through without stopping! After hurried goodbyes Mrs D went by taxi to the airport, and I was back on the road. (I have since heard she has arrived home safely).

 Filling up in France

I took the Autoroute to Avignon, and then took the D road up the East bank of the Rhone through the Ardeche. The weather was gorgeous, and the riding and scenery fantastic. I then cut across to St Etienne, over the Col de la Republique. It was a tremendous ride, like about 20 Fish Hills on steroids! I am now installed in the F1 in Clermond Ferrand, trying to decide where to go to tomorrow!

The only other event of note today was getting pulled for a spot check by the gendarmes. They were doing random checks with vehicle inspectors etc at the Autoroute toll. Once they were satisfied with my papers he wanted to know all about the Scottoiler, as he too was a biker, and called over his mates to marvel at it! However I did notice that he actually checked the frame number, and the E mark on the cans.

The end's in sight

Every holiday has a bad day, and today was this trips Bad Day! When I set off early, it was still dark and some mist in the air. As the infamous 748 headlights made little impression on the darkness, I decided to take to the Autoroute. My plan was to exit Clermont Ferrand and then take the RN to Nevers, via Magny Cours, where I wanted to call in at the Mygale factory, as they made my new racing car. However the weather had other ideas. It wasn’t long before the cold started to bite, and so I put on my waterproof jacket to keep the cold out. Later I stopped to put on various extra layers until I had got almost all the layers I had on!

The fog got worse about 50 miles outside C-F. When I turned off the Autoroute the fog was so bad I could barely see beyond the end of my nose. I stopped for a coffee, and waited for it to clear. After 30 mins it was no better, so I set off back onto the Autoroute, and decided to give Nevers etc a miss. However despite soaping the inside of my visor, and Rain Xing the outside it got no better. In all the confusion I headed for Tours rather than Orleans, so I took a longer route to Rouen via Le Mans.

In the afternoon all my layers got pretty much on top of the conditions, and I got to Rouen by about 5.30, and decided to stop, having done about 450 miles, about two thirds on the motorway. After a long hot shower, and a cup of tea and a tarte aux fruits at a nearby patisserie I was just about restored! However on reflection I realised that the off motorway riding wasn’t all that interesting. Easily the least fun day of the tour.

I noticed that the weather is not getting any better, and that I am unaware of any challenging rides around here, so I think I will come home tomorrow. I have been away for 15 days so far, and enjoyed riding the 748 each day. So tomorrow I will be heading for the Tunnel or the ferry at Dover.
　
Safely Home

Well the last day went off pretty much as planned. I left Rouen at about 7.30, all wrapped up in my cold beating layers, and was as warm as toast all the way to Calais, after a brief stop at the Leclerc store in Boulogne to refuel. I arrived at the Tunnel at just before 1030, and gat on the 1050 train. I had booked the 1152 on line the night before for £39, much more the sort of price I wanted than the outward trip. I noticed that the price went up to £69 at 1200!

When I disembarked at Blighty it looked most unpromising, dull with intermittent drizzle. However Kent soon treated me to a sunny ride to the Dartford Tunnel. Then things went awry. The M25 was closed between the M20 and the A20, and it was chaos! I filtered to the front of the queue off the M20, and round the roundabout to the M25 exit, which was blocked by WPC in a patrol car. My charm must be failing cos I couldnt pursuade her to let me on and filter through, but she gave me good advice on an alternative route, which worked well, but took me about 25 miles and aboiut an hour to get to the tunnel. I stopped at London Colney to refuel and a snack (brioche and orange juice), before riding up the M1 home.

The final stage of the journey was a blast along the A5 and A444, both favourite rideout roads. There were lots of bikes out enjoying the late autumn. Although I was by now intent on getting home, I felt that familiar twinge of envy at not being able to join them! I guess that I still havent had enough of riding the 748!

I will post a couple of post scripts. Some of you wanted some stats, so I will get those together, and I will also write a few reflections on the practicalities of the "Big Trip" as it is known here.

Well thats it:

Journey's End! It has been a fantastic experience. I have seen so many places, met so many really nice, helpful people and learnt so much about France, Italy and Tunisia. I have ridden some fantastic roads: motorways of varying qulaities, fast A roads, twisting roads, alpine passes and african roads. Above all I have enjoyed my 748. I looked forward to getting on her each morning, and she responded by running faultlessley.

Thank you all for encouraging me to keep my log by reading it and leaving so many messages. I looked forward to logging on each evening to read them. Thanks must also go to Mrs D for not objecting too much to the plan, and for joining me on the african segment. It was good to be able to share the experience with her.

BTW It looks as if I may have to rely on the bikes a bit longer. My car was bust before I left, Mrs Ds car broke whilst I was away, and my van (which Kristel used to get to the airport) now won't unlock its drivers door! Lucky Ducatis are so reliable!!

The aftermath

Well the unpacking is complete, the 748 washed and checked over, and I am back at work, so as promised a few reflections on the practicalities of my trip.

The bike was a standard 748 biposto. It was last serviced at 9800 miles and had 10900 on it when I left on the trip. Not long before leaving I fitted the Ventura luggage system, new tyres, brake pads, chain and sprocket and a clutch pack, and checked all the fluid levels etc. I left enough time to ride the bike to work a couple of times to ensure all was well. During the trip I had a minor problem with the starter switch, which cleared up with a scoosh of WD40. I cleaned and lubricated the chain every few days, and retensioned it after about 3000 miles. I added 1/4 litre of oil during the trip, and topped it right up with 1/2 a litre at the end. I didnt wash the bike enroute, so it needed a good clean on its return.

The Ventura luggage system was great. I used a big bag and a small bag zipped together. I carried clothes etc in the big bag, with bike spares etc in the front pocket. The small bag was used to carry waterproofs ,and to carry extra warm clothing. When I left home it was fairly empty, but filled up the further south I went. The rear pocket was used to carry drinks, camera, disc lock and other bits and pieces I wanted en route. Although the two bags were quite heavy when filled and zipped together, they were managable. They were a little fiddly to get strapped and unstrapped from the frame, but nothing like putting on panniers etc every morning. Using the Ventura system enabled me to do without a bag tank or a rucksack, and the system was unintrusive when riding. Although the luggage is supposed to be waterproof, I wrapped all my clothes etc in zip topped plastic bags, just to be sure!

The bike was just fantastic to ride! Obviously I knew how it felt in normal riding before I left. However the engine is just so smooth and flexible, pulling cleanly away from low revs, and the fuelling just perfect in all conditions. Ideal for touring. It was comfortable, and despite spending up to 10 hours on it each day, I never felt stiff, and always looked forwrad to getting on again next day. My main concerns were with the lights. The headlights are pretty feeble, and I was aware that the rear lights are not too bright, and were partly obscured by the Ventura luggage.

I wore fairly cheap textile jacket and trousers, which were goretex like. They had a zipped in thermal liner, and lots of pockets. They worked extremely well, and were large enough to wear lots of layers underneath, but adjustable enough to let me wear less layers in comfort. I carried MOD surplus Goretex waterproofs, which I wore over everything. Although not pretty, they were very high quality and cheap. They were totally waterproof. I carried winter and summer gloves, and thermal glove liners. I never bother with a snood or a balaclava. All in all I was very happy with my kit.

I bought a Shoei Raid 2 helmet in the summer, which I took on the trip. It was very light and comfortable, but I didnt like the visor system, the way it steamed up or the noise. I felt it was very much inferior to the Nitro helmets I had worn hitherto. Of course I cant comment on its protective qualtities, as luckily I didnt try them out. The same applies to my back protector, a cheap Boxquare one, which once I got its fit sorted out was comfortable and gave me confidence my back was better protected.

I minimised on the gear I took, relying on the hotels to provide toiletries and towels. I took several sets of underwear, and washed them overnight using travel wash. Sometimes I had to carry half dry washing in a polybag, and finish drying it the following night. I relied as much as possible on my credit card, but carried a reasonable quantity of Euros and some Sterling. I sometimes had to use cash for fuel in Italy, but otherwise the credit card was fine. I also carried a small notebook PC to log on to the internet, and download photos. I used the PC to carry copies of the workshop manual, parts list and all my travel bookings electronically. I backed these up on a memory stick. I also took a couple of magazines.

All my travel arrangements were made online. The mediterranean ferries, Kristels flights, the factory tour and the first four nights hotels were booked before I left home. I booked all the other hotels and the return tunnel en route.
 www.bookings.com to be very effective at finding good priced accomodation. I navigated using Michelin 1:1,000,000 maps, which I carried in a plastic bag between the windscreen and the instrument cluster. I was never lost, but did take two wrong turnings, and there was one village in Italy which I just couldnt find the right road out of! I eventually had to use a dog leg I could find, rather than risk not knowing where I was!

Finally the bike spares. I took the standard toolkit, augmented with some pliers, a 14mm combi spanner, an adjustable spanner and an electrical screwdriver with 12v test lamp built in. I also took gaffer tape, insulating tape, an assortment of wires and chocolate block connectors. I carried engine oil, chain lube, Scottoiler oil, and I bought some WD40 enroute. I also took spare plugs, a full set of fuses and bulbs, some fairing fastners and a spare key. Finally I took spare brake, clutch and gear levers, and a set of rear sets. I would liked to have taken the clip on bars (but not the clips), so I could have dealt with most likely drop damage. As it turmed out I needed none of this, but would take them all again!

I hope you found this interesting. I will post the stats from the trip shortly!
　
Statistics

Here are a few statistsics.

• I was away for 16 days. Two half days in England, four and a half days in France, six and a half in Italy, one at sea and three in Tunisia.
• In total I rode 3384 miles, and used 322 ltres of fuel.
• The average fuel consumption was 47.72 MPG. The best MPG rate I got was 55, and the worst 43.3.
• I used 3/4 litre of oil.
• I spent just under £300 on fuel.

I am afraid I have no idea how much it cost in total (and I probably dont want to!) However it was a great experience, and it was certainly worth the effort and cost of going!

Orkney Trip!

 Orkney here I come!

Here is a blog I posted on Ducatisti in 2009

Another week off work, and an appropriate pass, so I am off to visit my cousin in Stornoway, and having a wee ride round the Highlands on my way home! All courtesy of the 848.

I had intended to leave today but had to go to Donington to spend most of today hanging about in the rain waiting for my race meeting to be postponed! But that's another story. Anyway here's hoping the weather picks up as promised, and I can have a dry, if not warm, holiday.

I need to be up with the lark tomorrow, as my lost day means I have to get to Scrabster by lunchtime on Tuesday to catch the ferry to Stromness. I plan to pick up a B&B north of Inverness tomorrow night.

If I can find internet connections, I will keep you posted.

It is hard to come to terms with the fact that at 6 o’clock this morning I was leaving our Derbyshire village near Burton on Trent on my 848, and that just before teatime I am looking at this glorious sight some 15 miles from the northern Scottish coast from the same saddle!

The weather today had been dry as I made my way up the A38 to join the M1, took the A1 to Scotch Corner where I stopped for a coffee and a fill up. It seemed that the weakened mixture after its post Croatia service has given the 848 quite a bit more range, and I was able to make it to Newton Boswell on the 848 before she required another drink. I rode through a couple of light showers on the M90 and the A9 on my way to Pitlochry where I stopped for lunch and some more petrol.

After being fortified with lentil and bacon soup and a sandwich it was back onto the A9 for the ride to Inverness and onwards to Alness on the Cromarty Firth, before heading inland to Lairg, where I had originally intended to stay overnight. However it was still before 1700 and the Hotel was ridiculously expensive so I decided to keep going to Tongue, where I knew there were several places to stay.

Tongueward bound!
By now it was a lovely evening, and I had a really enjoyable ride over the single track road. Most of the traffic going the other way seemed to be German bikers. I didn’t know they had made so many BMW “Euanmobiles”. The local farmers must have noticed the trend and they had posted their notices warning that there could be lambs on the road in german as well as in english! I duly arrived in Tongue just after six, found a comfortable B&B (with wifi!), and after a couple of pints of heavy and a bar meal, here I am posting on Ducatisti!

Safe at Tongue in the B&B car park

Tomorrow I have a gentle ride along the northern coast to Scrabster, to catch the lunchtime ferry to Stromness, and an even shorter ride to Kirkwall to meet my cousin. If its as enjoyable day as today, I am in for some fun!

The beach at Thurso

I then went to the ferry terminal a couple of miles away in Scrabster, where I was greeted by name at check in! They obviously don’t see many white 848 in these parts! Loading was straightforward, and the crossing to Stromness smooth as a millpond under blue skies!

Scrabster ferry terminal

Disembarkation at Stromness was quick and I soon found the road to Kirkwall. The road, like so many on Orkney was straight and with little traffic I was soon at my destination via Tescos to pick up a bottle of wine which I could just find room for, for the short ride to my cousins. The 848 was quckly allocated a safe billet, and I enjoyed the hospitality of the family before turning in.

Wednesay

Wednesday was a rest day for the Ducati, as I was chauffeured round the island enjoying endless catch-up’s and the local scenery. We visited some stone age monuments and village, the Lairds house, the magnificent anchorage at Scapa Flow and the chapel built by Italian prisoners of war in their nissen hut, as well as the Churchill Barriers and the Kitchener Memorial, all under clear blue skies and very little wind. Not a regular occurrence I was informed! So tomorrow I will be packing up my Ventura

I felt a small shiver of anticipation as I pulled on my leathers this morning, as I was getting ready to get on board the 848 again! After breakfast with my cousin, I loaded up my gear, and set off for the ferry to the mainland at Stromness. As I loaded the bike a short shower broke out, which set the pattern for the day. Although it wasn’t oppressive, there was a steady stream of showers all day, borne on strong winds interspersed with bright periods. It wasn’t enough to spoil the days ride, and I dried out fine between bursts of rain.

Ready to embark for Scrabster

The crossing was again smooth, and I was soon heading back towards Tongue and onward to Durness fortified by a brunch taken on the boat. Some way after Tongue, when I was taking a few piccies I was joined by a flight of Honda Turbos, who were also on the way round the top of Scotland. Their team leader took a couple of snaps of the 848 and myself, before I continued on my way.

I filled up again at Durness and then headed for Lairg. The roads were good, with little traffic, but you do have to take care on the single track roads. A highlight was the 30 mile long glen to Lairg, where the road was straight and sheltered, allowing me to open the 848 up a bit in safety. After reaching Lairg and another fill up I took the road to Ullapool through some heavier showers. So when I arrived there I was ready to book in for the night. I soon found a suitable small hotel which overlooks the harbour, and made myself at home.

Scotlands north coastline Loch Lynnie

I didn’t check the trip meter before parking the bike up overnight, so I cant give Bradders a mileage update this evening. However today’s trip must have been about 250 miles.

There comes a time when you have seen so much achingly beautiful scenery that your senses just can’t take in anymore! I think I reached that point today. Yesterday and today I have seen so many fantastic scenes, varying from the dramatic sea lochs and mountains of the north coast, the mountains of the Western seaboard, inter Island Ferries and the softer landscapes of Appin and Argyll, that I am saturated. Not that I felt the need to slow down until I’d caught up, after all the whole point of the trip was to enjoy riding the 848 fast on fantastic, clear roads. You can never have too much of that!!

As I looked out of my bedroom window first thing this morning I saw the weather over the Ullapool harbour was very promising, and I was greeted with this tremendous sight:

After an Argyll Breakfast I was off towards Gairloch, to set the tone for the day following the western coastline around all its twists and turns to Skye! Its not far by the direct route, but I took the very pretty way by way of Loch Broom, Gruinard Bay, Loch Ewe, Loch Maree, Loch Torridon, Loch Carron, Loch Alsh, Isle of Skye, The Sound of Sleat, Sound of Arisaig, Loch Sunnart and Loch Linnhe. The ride round to Applecross was stunning, and the descent into Lochcarron almost intimidating. After that it was over the sea to Skye at Kyle, and then down to Ardmore to take the ferry to Mallaig. After that it was another long way round following the coast to Strontian for another top up, before taking the run to the ferry at Corran, and over Loch Linnhe giving me head start for the last leg of the day to Oban, where I am installed in a hotel on the road to the harbour. I was blessed with sunshine all the way today. The highest temperature I saw on the 848s dash was 23, and apart from the first leg this morning I was able to dispense with my overjacket, and ride all day in my leathers. I haven’t done that since Orkney!

Images of the Western seaboard

I noticed that when I crossed to Skye, normality started to make its unwelcome appearance! UK standard roadworks, marauding police cars and ..... a speed camera notice! However I wasn’t over there for long, the road to Ardmore was a regular racetrack, and the ferry was just docking as I arrived! However I did get the chance to grab a sandwich on the boat, and was ready to Explore the road to Strontian on arrival!

The day ended with a chain clean, an evening snack and a quick pint. Sadly tomorrow will have to be my last in the highlands before I come home on Sunday. The weather promises to be fantastic again so I plan to make the most of it!

I reckoned that it had to happen before too long, and when I was woken in the night by heavy rain on my window, I really thought it would be today! However by the time I’d breakfasted and got organised, the worst was over. Although the roads were wet, the rain was just stopping, so I decided against the rain suit, and set off wearing my trusty Alpinestars over jacket.

The road from Oban to Lochgilphead was most memorable for the continuous trail of spilled diesel on the wet road surface. It was most unnerving, and certainly kept my enthusiasm in check! Luckily the oil petered out after my Lochgilphead petrol stop, and I got down to the serious business of enjoying the really fast road to Campbeltown. I got there just before eleven, took a few piccies and had a coffee and scone before taking the back road via Carradale back to Lochgilphead.

Campbelltown harbour and lifeboat

This turned out to be a twisty single track affair, where discretion was certainly the better part of valour! The next fill up was at Tarbet on Loch Fynne, before the race up the Glasgow road to Inverary, when I turned inland for Tyndrum and Crianlarich. where I stopped for a late lunch.

I enjoyed my return to Crianlarich – I stayed at the Youth Hostel there for my first winter mountaineering holiday when I was an Edinburgh boy scout. That was just before the Scouts outlawed the wearing of wode! I took lunch in the station tearoom, a place we haunted for a warm on inclement days on the earlier trip.

I decided to take the road round the north of Loch Tay and thence through Aberfeldy to the A9, where I headed for Perth, and a MacDonalds to use their wifi and post yesterdays story, and book myself a bed near Polmont on the southern shore of the Forth. This turned out to be another trip down memory lane, as when I got here just after seven, I realised I used to drink here when I lived in my flat in Polmont! So now I have enjoyed a light meal, a couple more pints of heavy I am about to settle down with Le Mans on Eurosport. Excellent timing, as Kristel wouldn’t let me do that at home!

So sadly tomorrow has to be my last day on tour. I have to be back at work on Monday, and I want at least sufficient time at home tomorrow to unload and get my mind in gear for Monday. Think I’ll have to commute on the 748, as the 848 will need its chain cleaned again! I have had the maps out, and hope to find a “pretty way” back to Derbyshire without relying totally on the motorway.It was with mixed feelings that I loaded up the bike first thing this morning. I knew it was the last day when I put on my last clean clothes, and filled my pack with dirty laundry! I decided on a change of plan at the breakfast table too. All those breakfasts had sat heavy on the tum the last few days, so I took fruit followed by scrambled egg and a rasher of bacon!

I was all set by half eight, and took some time out to go and look at my old flat, before taking the M9 to Edinburgh. My route took me through Galashiels, where my grandparents used to live, so I stopped to take some snaps, as it is right on the A7. All this in glorious sunshine despite all the doom and gloom on the telly this morning!

Childhood memories of my grandparents house!

When I joined the A1 at Ripon, I realised that the holiday was coming to its end. I had enjoyed the pretty way home, but decided to take the motorway to the A38 and then home via Derby and Repton. Although the Peaks beckoned, I am avoiding them - and their over policed roads at this year. I don’t want to finance Derbyshire’s expanded camera programme!

I hadn’t remembered what a super road the A7 is, especially between Galashiels and Langholm, where it is a right racetrack! At some point along there I had a bit of fun with a girl on a JIL4. She was happier to go quicker on the straights than me, but the good old 848 soon reeled her in on the twisty bits. As I said, the A7 was a great road.

I joined the M6 at Longtown, and took it to the A684 junction, being careful to give the A66 a wide berth as it was the last day of the Appleby Horse Fair. I rode through the Dales to Sedburgh, Hawes, Leyburn and then to Ripon. I stopped at Hawes at the gathering of bikers, and grabbed lunch at the bikers cafe. The roads were varied, from tight sunken roads to open wide roads, all great fun.

Hawes High Street

Tuesday

Today’s start was pretty leisurely as I was only 45 miles from Scrabster, and the ferry wasn’t until one! I certainly made the right choice taking kippers for my breakfast this morning. If there is one place you could hope for fresh, sumptuous fish in the UK, you would choose Tongue, and my hunch proved spot on! After a quick run around with the camera I was enroute to Thurso. The early shower soon cleared, and it was noticeably warmer today.

I called in for fuel at Bettyhill Post Office, and noticed I had covered nearly 560 miles since leaving home. This surprised me as I had estimated just over 400 to Kristel last night on the phone! So Dieselinator Pete the answer is that I did 546 miles yesterday. I have to say it didn’t seem like it!

The route to Thurso has some fantastic bends, and the surface much of the way is billiard table smooth. So I quickly arrived in Thurso with a smile on my face, and the 848 grinning from fairing to fairing. A quick look round seemed to suggest that the Ducati workshop has gone, so as I had a bit of time on my hands I went to the front to grease the chain and take a coffee and some delicious Victoria sponge.

Off on tour again! (Croatia)

Here is a blog I posted on Ducatisti in 2009 about my 848 trip to Croatia

I have got next week off work, and a nine day pass, so I am off on tour again! I am all packed, and the 848 is all ready. She has had a new front tyre fitted, and I have just finished putting a Ventura system on her, so I should be able to ride her with a weeks kit without any luggage dramas.

I am taking the 848 to Stafford tomorrow, and then after work its down to Dover and across the channel tomorrow evening! I haven’t got an exact plan, but am staying in Calais tomorrow night, and then I have a hotel booked in Augsburg in Germany on Saturday. After that I plan to take it a bit easier on ordinary roads. How far I go will depend on my mood! I’ll keep you posted if I can get on the internet!

Can’t wait!!

I plan to be home on Saturday week


The longest day?


The 848 and I have arrived safely in Augsberg, which is about 70 clicks west of Munich. Although the journey was relatively uneventful, it is a hell of a long way! Since leaving Stafford I have travelled through five countries and done 860 miles!

I left the office about 1700 last night, and despite a long tail back at the Dartford crossing I got the 2215 crossing and arrived at the Calais F1 motel just after one, continental time. After a brief rest I filled her up and headed for Belgium, leaving the petrol station just after 9. The first couple of stints were a bit dreecht, with grey skies and a nip in the air. However by the time I approached Charleroi, the sun started to break through and we had stunning weather through the Ardennes, Luxembourg and the Mosel. As the temperatures rose off came the fleece, and eventually the windproof jacket as I left the fourth refuelling point in the lee of the main grandstand at the Hockenheim Ring. I was tempted to make a short pilgramage to the spot where Jim Clark was killed, but I still had a long way to go.

However him upstairs, wasnt watching Harrie, and was playing with me. Some 70 miles further on I saw a storm come round a hill, and before I could stop and put some protection on I was engulfed in a thunderstorm – hail, lightning and all! I managed to get my rainproof jacket on, but the leathers were wet, and pouring most of it straight into my boots! However there was a silver lining, because I took the chance to check my map and notice I had just missed my turning off the Autobahn! So I took a deviation and rode the last 100 clicks on a glorious National road to Augsberg, enduring two more storms enroute. I rescued myself from the last of these by diving under the canopy of a Jet station for my last fill up, put on my Goretex socks and generally sort myself out.


After that it was just a matter of enjoying the bends after 500 miles plus of motorway, keeping the damp at bay and waving at the German bikers who were out in force enjoying the road too. I noticed a Ducati dealer about 60 clicks from here, ideally placed for test rides over that route!


The hotel turned out to be very comfortable, and is all geared up to get my kit dry. I just hope that the price from the web turns out to be honoured! Tomorrow I will be taking it a bit easier. I couldn’t cope with another 600 mile plus day! Thinking of heading towards Austria and some more challenging roads.




The 848 sits outside the hotel

Have had another good days riding, but it does seem that every time that I get on a twisty to do some scratching, it pours it down! Happened again today, but I was ready for it this time and I stayed dry.


I sat down last night with my maps and the internet and planned the next stage. I decided I wanted to stay somewhere for a few days, so I could enjoy some local riding on new roads, and catch my breath a bit. I found a place that fitted the bill, and a local hotel which had some character and rooms at a good price!


I left Augsberg after a more leisurely breakfast and headed off towards Munich and Salzburg. As I bypassed Salzburg I remembered going to the Salzburgring some twenty years ago with my MG racer on the trailer accompanied by my mum! She had a photo of me at the prizegiving in her room right up until the end.


Bavaria was bathed in glorious sunshine as I rode through. As I approached the mountains it clouded over a bit, but stayed mainly sunny and dry.The Alps were quite breathtaking! I have driven in the French and Italian Alps before, but have not been this far east by road. It was quite chilly as we climbed, but I didnt have to resort to my fleece. The roads today were mainly dual carriageway, but the last 60 clicks the 848 and I were on some fantastic twisties, and I got the bike well and truely leaned over until the thunderstorm about 10 Ks from the end. Great way to end the day though!

A pause in the Austrian Alps

I then tackled the Alps through Austria, heading for Villach, and thence into Slovenia via Ljublijana and Postonja and on into Croatia, before ending up uin the faded grandeur of Hotel Opatija, in Opatija! So I have just come back from enjoing an ice cream cup on a terrace overlooking the Adriatic.


Hotel in Opatije


I will post a few more pics later when I have downloaded them. I have tried to avoid more pictures of services I have visited, but they are still a bit lmited! I will try to do better tomorrow when I have more time on my hands!


BTW when I get a moment I will tell you all about the self cleaning loo seat - another triumph of German engineering!!


Croatian Bliss! 

 Today I explored Croatia, and it turns out that it is a Bikers dream! They don’t believe in straight roads here, but specialise in 150 degree tightening radius bends instead! Hardly a straight more than 500 metres long, and very light traffic. And even when a slowcoach turns up, he tends to pull over after a few Kilometres to let you past! Bliss.


Man and machine in Croatia!


I managed 300 miles today on these glorious roads – well it would be rude not to. I set off down the coast road for about 50 miles before turning inland and taking a pseudo alpine road up into the mountains. This included so many “serpintinos” that I lost count. These are corkscrew hairpins which rise or plunge away from the apex. Whilst I haven’t ridden much on alpine passes, I have driven a few, and this was the equal of any of those, but with virtually no traffic.




Overlooking the Adriatic


After this climb it was across the plateau area to Karlovac. Again no straights, but the roads were flatter here. En route I stopped variously for some bananas (no surprise there), a look at a church and a second fill up.


A roadside fruit stall


As the filling station was well equipped I cleaned the chain and re greased it, checked the bike over and adjusted the tyre pressures. Thence to Karlovac , which is a decent sized town, for a coffee, before tackling the 100 mile ride to Opatija – more bends I’m afraid!


In central Croatia


So back to base after a great days riding. I enjoyed every minute! The glorious sound of the Termis bouncing off rock cuttings, walls, and the odd bridge and tunnel as the 848 pulled out of bend after bend. The steady handling as the bike soaked up all the bumps mid corner, and of course testing the sides of the tyres out as well as the middles!


Tomorrow I have something slightly different planned, but not so different that it wont involve the 848 and I!

I was supposed to be taking it easy yesterday, but couldnt resist the lure of those bendy roads, so instead of having an easy day, I went a bit mad. So I decided to can the planned ride to Bosnia today for a more relaxed rideout on some more of those glorious Croatian roads. So I rode for about 100 miles this morning, did a spot of maintenance at lunch time and some serious strolling about Opatija this afternoon. So now we are both all ready for the ride home which starts tomorrow.
A much needed wash!

I headed towards Pula on the coast road today, before heading inland and doing a huge circle back to base. I took the time to stop and take some pics of a typical Croatian bend, as well as some more conventional shots. As I approached Opatija again, I spotted a car wash, so stopped to give the 848 a bath. There was so much dust and grit everywhere I was afraid it could start to do some damage. I also WD40 d the chain and re-waxed it. So we are now both ready for the long trip home.


After the clean up I spotted a Monster parked outside a restaurant, so we stopped for a photo call. After days of seeing no Ducatis at all, I spotted a 999s race rep in Opatija high street this afternoon!


Tomorrow I set off on the long journey home. I plan a more relaxed trip using more ordinary roads, rather than relying on the motorways. I am travelling through Italy and Switzerland this time, before hitting France! No doubt if the weather turns bad, I ll be taking the nearest motorway back to Blighty!

If variety is the spice of life, then I am well spiced up this evening! I have experienced a huge range of riding today from the deserted Croatian twisties to crowded manic Italian Autostrada, and most things in between. However the variety has made the miles pass quickly after a very enjoyable day.

On the way in to Croatia on Sunday I noticed that there were huge queues waiting to get back into the EU at the Slovenian border. Needless to say I didn’t fancy any of that! Looking at my map I noticed a minor crossing which although on slower roads was a bit shorter way to Italy. I needed no second invitation to try one last session of Croatian twisties followed by some smooth flowing Slovenian roads back to Italy! It all worked well, apart from one missed junction which delayed my return to the EU! The border crossing was the original sleepy hollow, and I was over in five minutes. No passports needed, but the Croatian policewoman wanted to see the 848s V5! Not that she looked at the bike, it could have been a mini moke for all the interest she took, not even looking out of her cabin!
Time to leave Croatia

After that it was onto a Slovenian highway and then into Italy. I took to the National road. What a contrast from the Balkan mountains to the dead straight and flat Italian plain. However after we hit the urban sprawl about 200 clicks from Milan it all became very tedious, and progress slow, so I hit the Autostrada for Milan. Once on the Milan Ring I took the A9 for Como, which I left about 10 KMs before Lagarno in search of digs. I turned down an Ibis at 69 Euros plus breakfast, and found a delightful little Auberge, which is clean modern and roomy for 50 Euros all in! The only problem is that the wireless internet connection I “borrowed” earlier has now shut down, so I may not be able to post this tonight!

Recently we have become used to just sailing across borders and using Euros everywhere outside the UK, so it was a bit of a time warp to be crossing customs posts and changing currency. Croatia was delightful. Everyone was friendly and helpful, and most spoke usable English. However you really noticed the difference when back in Slovenia (EU), with everything so manicured (much more standardised, and so similar to the UK, etc.).

No great parade of Ducatis here in Italy. I have seen a couple of Monsters, and the 848 said hi to one of her big brothers, a1098 near Como.

I am afraid that I have been fairly occupied with finding my way on a complex route and inadequate maps (old and small scale), so have neglected the clicky snaps, so we are back in the “services I have known” mode. Anyway here are todays crop:
And here's todays offering!

Just when I thought I’d hit the perfect day, the next day is better! Well in reality I tend not to look back, so tomorrow is always a new experience to be savoured!View from my bedroom window!

The weather today has been perfect throughout. Not a cloud in the sky, and just warm enough to be fun, without overdoing it! Perfect weather to see Switzerland by. After much faffing about in Northern Italy trying to make progress on to the border, I finally made it into Switzerland, and almost immediately found myself on a motorway without a Vignette. So off at the
first junction where I found a filling station who sold me one – not cheap but better than spending the day discussing the matter with the Swiss Authorities!


There now followed a stunning ride along the Alpine Plain before leaving the motorway to try the St Gothenberg Pass. I made it so far before being turned back as the snow hadn’t melted. But not before having tried several Swiss Serpentinas and thirty kilometres of fantastic road. However once back on the motorway I soon discovered the views are fantastic from there too. So I swiftly made my way through Switzerland and back into France. The scenery in Switzerland was tremendous, helped by the sunshine and clear skies.Snow stopped play on the St Gothard!

Once in France I realised I was ahead of schedule, and that the rest of the day was a bonus. So I hit the back roads, and found another bit of great road, purely by chance! As I tried a few French Serpintinas I noticed a continual stream of bikes coming in the other direction, and a “Biker Hotel”. I had stumbled on a classic French biker’s route. After completing that it was back onto the Route National, until I eventually reached St Dizier, where I put up in another F1, and took a value meal in the Cora Supermarket.

Well I hope I do better with the internet tonight! I have found a McDonalds which boasts free internet access. So I’m off there for a coffee!

Thanks to Noteworthy for the heads up on the Swiss weather, I’m glad I made it right through today, as I didn’t fancy all those thunderstorms due tomorrow!

Sorry last nights offerings were a bit rushed, I hope they looked OK when loaded. The problem was that in France McDonalds close at ten! I was happily doing my thing on their internet connection when the lights started to go out! I typed the last few words of a PM to Harrie in the dark, sitting outside hoping they would leave the connection on until they had cleaned up.
Today started leisurely enough as I made my way gently across France using the National Roads by way of Reims, Laon, St Quentin, Arras, and Bapaume. Then it dawned on me that progress was so good that I would be in Calais by mid afternoon, making an overnight stay in France a bit unnecessary.

The weather looked threatening all day, and got progressively colder as I journeyed. On went all the layers I hadn’t seen since Belgium on the way out! However the roads were very good for A and B roads, with lots of long straights and little traffic. This was no doubt due to today (VE Day) being a public holiday in France, as everywhere was quiet, although there were a lot of bikers out on the roads. They were very quick to wave, and to stop and check you are OK, if they saw you stopped at the roadside. This happened several times when in France.
By the time I got within about 90 clicks of Calais the roads were heading for the Pas de Calais urban sprawl, so I took to the peage for the run to the port. I was able to get on the 1600 crossing, so here I am, making my last continental blog of the trip, waiting for us to dock! All being well I should get home tonight about nine.Typical French RN scene!

Only a couple of pics today, of the 848 in rural northern France, heading home. I saw several Ducatis whilst in France, more than in Italy. There was a lovely carbie SS with two up near Switzerland, several Monsters and a 1098/848 at full chat whilst I was parked up just outside Mulhouse. I also thought I spotted a yellow 916 shaped bike today in the Somme. The only 999 I saw all trip was race rep in Croatia.Well got home safely last night. Took the 848 up to Nellys today for a much needed service, so I am separated from my faithful friend for a bit!

She ran faultlessly throughout. I only had to clean the chain and put in petrol. She seemed to do about 100 miles before the light came on. Gave her a quick bath before taking her up to Cornerspeed, but she probably needs a more thorough clean before too long!

Plan to post a few reflections on the trip, and a map when I find the energy!

PS thanks to Nel50n for the pillion back from Nellys!