My greatest biking adventure. Yet.
Discussion
poo at Paul's said:
I want to see a pic of the sort of chick that rides a 1098! Never mind was planning a trip like that. Crying shame for her.
Great write up. Which bike was dropped btw, I couldn't work it out?
I dropped the MV on its right hand side. Really minimal damage as I stayed aboard until we were safely on the grass and only abandoned ship when I felt that there was no way to save it. Should have bought an Adventure Bike for 60 MPH excursions onto wet grass as they are more suited [lol]Great write up. Which bike was dropped btw, I couldn't work it out?
A quick check over, got my breath back and we were away.
I have been riding bikes legally for almost 40 years now and this was the best trip I have ever been on. Ade did a spectacular job of the planning. The guys gelled well [I think ?] The accommodation was first rate with exception of the cabins at Millau not having air con and the SNCF Sleeper was cramped especially so with my ribs hurting.
As Ade says watch out for the vat factor of a 250 mile day turning into a 300 mile day as this tends to eat into your R&R time which at 55 and fat is needed, especially so on an MV.
Would I do it again = Hell yes and 2014 is in the planning. The group size in hindsight was about right with me being the slowest and the youngsters careering off and then slowing down for a minute or so for the old duffer to catch up. This was really evident on the 12 mph hairpin sections where the MV proved a bit unwieldy.
Bring on 2014.
Forza The Famous Five.
Brilliant write up Ade. Devastated I couldn't share this with you all. I was so looking forward to the bonding experience of sharing such an adventure, as well as the sights, experiences, aches and pains and using my Italian beeatch the way she was supposed to be used. I just don't think I was meant to go somehow...
Ah well, I'm first on the list for next year - probably with a new 1198 to replace the old girl!! x
Rose x
Ah well, I'm first on the list for next year - probably with a new 1198 to replace the old girl!! x
Rose x
spareparts said:
The trip was everything plus more that we could imagine. We picked decent 3-5* accomodation at every venue (apart from the sleeper train!), and it make a big difference I think in getting enough rest. That Rizla is pretty special - also because I was the previous owner! It was kinda strange - like riding with my old girlfriend throughout the whole trip 
I'm sure I saw that Suzuki slide down the track at brands hatch?! Looks a superb trip, I did a trip to Gibraltar a few years ago and went through Pyrenees, and went to millau last year so have ridden a lot of those roads and recognise some of the places.
Am very jealous of these bike trips everyone is on at the moment, I'm definitely getting on one for next year.
Legs1098 said:
Brilliant write up Ade. Devastated I couldn't share this with you all. I was so looking forward to the bonding experience of sharing such an adventure, as well as the sights, experiences, aches and pains and using my Italian beeatch the way she was supposed to be used. I just don't think I was meant to go somehow...
Ah well, I'm first on the list for next year - probably with a new 1198 to replace the old girl!! x
Rose x
Oh hello there Rose.Ah well, I'm first on the list for next year - probably with a new 1198 to replace the old girl!! x
Rose x
Big Al x
Legs1098 said:
Brilliant write up Ade. Devastated I couldn't share this with you all. I was so looking forward to the bonding experience of sharing such an adventure, as well as the sights, experiences, aches and pains and using my Italian beeatch the way she was supposed to be used. I just don't think I was meant to go somehow...
Ah well, I'm first on the list for next year - probably with a new 1198 to replace the old girl!! x
Rose x
I don't get it. Four bikes, so four spare seats, and no one gave you lift? What a crock. I'd change friends / relationships for this.Ah well, I'm first on the list for next year - probably with a new 1198 to replace the old girl!! x
Rose x
HertsBiker said:
I don't get it. Four bikes, so four spare seats, and no one gave you lift? What a crock. I'd change friends / relationships for this.
1098R = monoposto + Rider had backpackMV 312RR = monoposto + Rider had backpack
GSX-R had a tailpack the size of a dog kennel + Rider had fanny pack & backpack
Tuono had tankbag and tailpack
= No room at the inn
Cheers guys, but 4 days since returning, I still can't get those roads out of my mind and returning to work has been a real shock to the system! It was just the most amazing bike trip. We were blessed with awesome weather and road conditions (apart from that one late evening), and everyone was able to ride at a similar pace with very very little traffic. In terms of pace, throughout I don't think anyone ever thought "why aren't we going any quicker" - there were days where I think we almost had to refuel within an hour. Don't think we could have asked for better weather/conditions tbh.
your memory is fading! At Brands: I was so used to riding the Indy circuit that I turned in/apexed early instead of staying out wide right for the GP circuit (as it was on the day). I braked hard in a line until the bike was on the grass at Surtees, and then the bike dropped to the left landing on my knee and leg. In so doing, it snapped the gear lever toe peg - you may remember someone provided me an M6 screw and bolt that acted as a temporary toe lever that functioned the rest of that day. There was no other damage at that time as the crash bung and entire bike landed on my left leg/knee caught underneath the bike. I know this because to this day, my left knee tendon has never fully healed and I need to wear a knee brace when skiing.
Legs1098 said:
Brilliant write up Ade. Devastated I couldn't share this with you all. I was so looking forward to the bonding experience of sharing such an adventure, as well as the sights, experiences, aches and pains and using my Italian beeatch the way she was supposed to be used. I just don't think I was meant to go somehow...
Ah well, I'm first on the list for next year - probably with a new 1198 to replace the old girl!! x
Rose x
Rose, we were utterly devastated for all the reasons! Importantly, you were able to escape without physical injury. You know you've got a spot secured for the Sequel, and like the Godfather, Part 2 is always better! Ah well, I'm first on the list for next year - probably with a new 1198 to replace the old girl!! x
Rose x
Fats25 said:
I'm sure I saw that Suzuki slide down the track at brands hatch?!
your memory is fading! At Brands: I was so used to riding the Indy circuit that I turned in/apexed early instead of staying out wide right for the GP circuit (as it was on the day). I braked hard in a line until the bike was on the grass at Surtees, and then the bike dropped to the left landing on my knee and leg. In so doing, it snapped the gear lever toe peg - you may remember someone provided me an M6 screw and bolt that acted as a temporary toe lever that functioned the rest of that day. There was no other damage at that time as the crash bung and entire bike landed on my left leg/knee caught underneath the bike. I know this because to this day, my left knee tendon has never fully healed and I need to wear a knee brace when skiing. 
podman said:
Best trip write and pics yet ...and we've had some good ones!
Just fantastic, im very , very jealous...
Thanks Podman!Just fantastic, im very , very jealous...
mgv8dave said:
Looks like you all had a superb time except Rose :-(
roll on 2014 Great Pic's and right up there Ade superb .
Dave, it's a shame you couldn't join us this year; but I am hoping you'll be able to join us on the Sequel!roll on 2014 Great Pic's and right up there Ade superb .
willis1337 said:
Excellent trip and great write up. Do let me know if you have space for one more on your next excursion, defo my kind of thing.
Best thing Willis is to come join us on one of our rideouts next time. Most of our rideouts are organised via a dedicated FB group. PM me if you're interested.Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff