Rachie's big adventure!
Discussion
I'm back! I had a fab time at Knockhill.
Set off about 11 on Saturday, I'd lost all my keys, couldnt decide what to pack, then realised I couldnt get my leg over with a tail pack to repacked into tank bag, generally faffing about!
Trip down the A9 was awful! Gale winds, torrential rain, freezing and the traffic was nose to tail 50mph or less the whole way, I've never seen it so bad! Gave me a chance to pratice overtaking and filtering.
By the time I got to Perth I was frozen to the core, my gloves were soaked through and I was dreading riding back.
Got to Knockhill about 3, met my pal Tim, his wife and lad, watched the last races and then went to find my hotel.
I must have ridden past it 3 times, the sign was way above my sight line, as are most things
After a shower, grub and 3 large wines I was passing out at my table
Today, set off for Knockhill, was adopted by 4 blokes riding down who kind of got me in the middle
The car park was a nightmare! Qued for ages then over a load of gravelly s
t, by the time I got in my bike was overheating with steam/smoke pouring out and I was flapping about not parking on a camber, These fab blokes, parked my bike, got me off it, checked my bike, told me what to do later and gave me big respect for riding down from Elgin on me tod, yay random blokes
Met my pal and his family again, I borrowed the lad for the pit walk and we got lots of autographs and photos, Cal Crutchlow put kisses on mine, made up for being jilted lots of times over
Weather varied from pissing down to bright sunshine, so now I have a very burnt face and lots of soggy kit.
Some very good racing, some bad looking offs, last being Shakey - hope he's OK.
Had a grand ride back, just annoying the roads being wet and mucky spray covering my visor grrrr.
So I discovered, don't rely on other people - go do it anyway!, I'm a better rider than I give myself credit for, I need a new bike and Waterproof Alpinestar gloves are NOT waterproof!
Very glad you lot egged me on, I probably wouldn't have gone if you hadn't.
- nobhead hasn't offered to repay me for his ticket, after telling me last week I shouldnt buy a GSXR750, I should have a SV650. Some friend eh!??
SO.... cheers ladies and gents for getting me out there. Once I've fixed Grouchie I'm ready for another big adventure!
- I'm not going to edit for crap spelling/grammer I'm knackered and my shirt for tomorrow is in a screwed up ball somewhere
Set off about 11 on Saturday, I'd lost all my keys, couldnt decide what to pack, then realised I couldnt get my leg over with a tail pack to repacked into tank bag, generally faffing about!
Trip down the A9 was awful! Gale winds, torrential rain, freezing and the traffic was nose to tail 50mph or less the whole way, I've never seen it so bad! Gave me a chance to pratice overtaking and filtering.
By the time I got to Perth I was frozen to the core, my gloves were soaked through and I was dreading riding back.
Got to Knockhill about 3, met my pal Tim, his wife and lad, watched the last races and then went to find my hotel.
I must have ridden past it 3 times, the sign was way above my sight line, as are most things
After a shower, grub and 3 large wines I was passing out at my table
Today, set off for Knockhill, was adopted by 4 blokes riding down who kind of got me in the middle
The car park was a nightmare! Qued for ages then over a load of gravelly st, by the time I got in my bike was overheating with steam/smoke pouring out and I was flapping about not parking on a camber, These fab blokes, parked my bike, got me off it, checked my bike, told me what to do later and gave me big respect for riding down from Elgin on me tod, yay random blokes Met my pal and his family again, I borrowed the lad for the pit walk and we got lots of autographs and photos, Cal Crutchlow put kisses on mine, made up for being jilted lots of times over
Weather varied from pissing down to bright sunshine, so now I have a very burnt face and lots of soggy kit.
Some very good racing, some bad looking offs, last being Shakey - hope he's OK.
Had a grand ride back, just annoying the roads being wet and mucky spray covering my visor grrrr.
So I discovered, don't rely on other people - go do it anyway!, I'm a better rider than I give myself credit for, I need a new bike
and Waterproof Alpinestar gloves are NOT waterproof! Very glad you lot egged me on, I probably wouldn't have gone if you hadn't.
- nobhead hasn't offered to repay me for his ticket, after telling me last week I shouldnt buy a GSXR750, I should have a SV650. Some friend eh!??
SO.... cheers ladies and gents for getting me out there. Once I've fixed Grouchie I'm ready for another big adventure!
- I'm not going to edit for crap spelling/grammer I'm knackered and my shirt for tomorrow is in a screwed up ball somewhere
Well done for going. Glad you were adopted but I'd doubt you needed it.Thank you! I'm so chuffed with myself!
About 400 miles (with all the detours) Think I do need that Haynes manual now though.
I feel so much more confident riding on my own than in a big group, I'm always a little bit worried of doing something stupid and that makes me worse.
Go to Cadwell, just hope the parking is a bit better, it was so scrappy, loads of gravel and loose stuff and with the tightest passage to get out. The lady at the hotel was very impressed too and is going to have another bash at her DAS now
About 400 miles (with all the detours
) Think I do need that Haynes manual now though.I feel so much more confident riding on my own than in a big group, I'm always a little bit worried of doing something stupid and that makes me worse.
Go to Cadwell, just hope the parking is a bit better, it was so scrappy, loads of gravel and loose stuff and with the tightest passage to get out. The lady at the hotel was very impressed too and is going to have another bash at her DAS now
adamsky said:
well done
getting into knockhills bad enough never mind riding over the stones once in there. how crap was the weather
Very! My waterproofs were leaking so I bought a rain suit and new gloves, much amusement trying to struggle into it infront of the crowd at the hairpin - slightly embarrassing. getting into knockhills bad enough never mind riding over the stones once in there. how crap was the weatherLoads of people skidded down that embankment though, one poor lad from about 3/4 up all the way to the bottom on his arse
Rach81 said:
adamsky said:
well done getting into knockhills bad enough never mind riding over the stones once in there. how crap was the weather
Very! My waterproofs were leaking so I bought a rain suit and new gloves, much amusement trying to struggle into it infront of the crowd at the hairpin - slightly embarrassing. getting into knockhills bad enough never mind riding over the stones once in there. how crap was the weatherLoads of people skidded down that embankment though, one poor lad from about 3/4 up all the way to the bottom on his arse
I know the bit your talking about ive seen people do that too.The hairpin great though, plenty action
Oh st! I was so paranoind I'd do something daft and seeing how crammed in the bikes were made me sweat, I got dumped at the back pretty much on my own, a nice old boy turned my bike round for me and pointed it in the right direction at home time.
Strangley even though I could have done, I didnt have any desire to take the car instead
t! I was so paranoind I'd do something daft and seeing how crammed in the bikes were made me sweat, I got dumped at the back pretty much on my own, a nice old boy turned my bike round for me and pointed it in the right direction at home time. Strangley even though I could have done, I didnt have any desire to take the car instead
Chilli said:
Hello you!
Nice work for bothering.....Hate doing stuff like that on my own. Are you up for the BSB weekend?
When is it? Have the names been drawn for the Honda visit yet? Nice work for bothering.....Hate doing stuff like that on my own. Are you up for the BSB weekend?
Need to sort out this overheating thing, just bought a Haynes manual, no patients this aft so I can have a good read and post all my questions here
Rach81 said:
Chilli said:
Hello you!
Nice work for bothering.....Hate doing stuff like that on my own. Are you up for the BSB weekend?
When is it? Have the names been drawn for the Honda visit yet? Nice work for bothering.....Hate doing stuff like that on my own. Are you up for the BSB weekend?
Need to sort out this overheating thing, just bought a Haynes manual, no patients this aft so I can have a good read and post all my questions here
Draw not done yet. Will ask Y2blade to do it....don't want to be accused of being biased!
I haven't planned my life very well that weekend, the RAF are flying me down for a medical appointment on the Monday, should have said I'll take my car and come down for the weekend and claimed loads of rates too.
Keep me informed of things coming up though. I'll defo be coming down for the Bike Show at NEC and Topgear MPH show - if anyone wants to come to that? London or NEC.
Keep me informed of things coming up though. I'll defo be coming down for the Bike Show at NEC and Topgear MPH show - if anyone wants to come to that? London or NEC.
Rach81 said:
Watching Long Way Round now, I'm getting itchy feet
Look up Lois Pryce - I am half way through her second book - "Red Tape and White Knuckles" about her solo trip through Africa on a motorbike. Her first book (Alaska to the most southern tip of South America) was a great read as well.Her other half is Austin Vince of Mondo Enduro and Terra Circa fame - both fantastic round the World journeys.
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