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Touring in the UK

Started by duibhce Kaelann , Dec 28 2006 09:23 pm

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#1 duibhce Kaelann

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Location:Leuven, Belgium
TDM model: 2004

Posted 28 December 2006 - 09:23 pm

Although we passed winter solstice a few days ago the days are still too dark and gloomy (not to mention cold and wet) for long rides out so the misses and me are making plans for the long motorcycle holiday next year. We've been trying to cross the channel for a couple of years in a row now, but circumstances have always forced us to postpone our plans. This time will be different though

Now we're not of the sort to plan everything in advance to the last detail. We tend to decide upon places we really want to visit and draw up a route, which during the actual trip will be more of a guideline than an actual route. So during these dark days we're taking the opportunity to do some planning.

We intend to take the Chunnel and start our tour in Dover. We prefer the riding to the cultural stuff, so we're looking for the nicest and most challenging roads and of course the best views. We'd also like to spend at least half of our 10-14 day trip in Scotland and pass through the Yorkshire Dales and The Lake District. All the rest of the trip is still more or less a blur. So I figure I'd ask you guys for some tips.

We're still looking for tips on:
- places to see
- roads we shouldn't miss
- route suggestions
- places we can spend the night (we travel light so no camping material, we usually spend the night at B&B's)

I'll be forever in your debt

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~~Yamaha XJ900S Diversion '97~~
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#2 Hartside Man

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Posted 29 December 2006 - 01:14 am

QUOTE(duibhce Kaelann @ Thu 28th Dec 2006, 09:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

We're still looking for tips on:
- places to see
- roads we shouldn't miss
- route suggestions
- places we can spend the night (we travel light so no camping material, we usually spend the night at B&B's)

I'll be forever in your debt

give me a few day's and i will see what i can hunt out for you

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

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#3 David H

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Location:Hayle
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Posted 29 December 2006 - 02:52 am

If you make it as far north as Scotland, go up the east and down the west. That way you build up a nice appreciating route ending in the Lakes, as apposed to a route that starts with amazing scenery and finishes somewhat dull by comparison.

Edited by David H, 29 December 2006 - 02:52 am.

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#4 dapleb

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Posted 29 December 2006 - 09:02 am

Any idea when you will be over? I'm sure a few fellow Carpedians would want to meet up with ya along the way. If you need a guide for the Oxfordshire/Wiltshire areas then lettuce snow.

The Chunnel is fantastic for bikes, very quick and efficient...but has recently got very costly. Another option is Norfolkline https://www.norfolkl...en/dd-passenger (Dunkerque to Dover)

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#5 duibhce Kaelann

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Location:Leuven, Belgium
TDM model: 2004

Posted 29 December 2006 - 09:45 am

QUOTE(David H @ Fri 29th Dec 2006, 03:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If you make it as far north as Scotland, go up the east and down the west. That way you build up a nice appreciating route ending in the Lakes, as apposed to a route that starts with amazing scenery and finishes somewhat dull by comparison.

We were actually thinking of starting in the west and most likely sticking around for a while.

QUOTE(dapleb @ Fri 29th Dec 2006, 09:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Any idea when you will be over? I'm sure a few fellow Carpedians would want to meet up with ya along the way. If you need a guide for the Oxfordshire/Wiltshire areas then lettuce snow.

Not quite sure yet, depends a bit on how busy it is at work. But hopefully at the end of May.

~~Yamaha XJ600S Diversion '94~~
~~Yamaha XJ900S Diversion '97~~
~~Suzuki SV650S '01~~
~~Yamaha TDM900 '04~~

Yamaha XT660Z Ténéré '08 + Yamaha TRX850 '97

I'll let go of my throttle when they pry it from my cold, dead hands...

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#6 cyco900

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Location:Mid Wild Wooly Wales
TDM model: 2003

Posted 29 December 2006 - 10:26 am

Hi,D.K. you HAVE to see Wales its got lots of fantastic castles and stunning mountain scenery. Don't bother with the city's of Cardiff or Swansea (sorry butt) although the Gower Peninsular is good.
Pembrokeshire is very much like Devon/Cornwall but the Preseli mountains,Cambrian mountains,Brecon Beacons are all worth a ride around. Snowdonia on the other hand IS stunning and my part of the country so if you know when give me a PM I'm always up for a ride out(leg permitting).
Try to stay off the Motorway(only any good for crossing the Severn estuary,free on a bike) but most of the main (A) and B roads are good and well surfaced, get onto the single track mountain roads for the best views. There is a coast road which goes North-South with some great views also passing through some tidy villages and towns. Check out the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth if you have time.
It all depends how much time you have got, there are quite a few B&B/Hotels/Bunkhouse's that specialise in Bikers needs (i.e Bikers Retreat, Dolgellau, Gwynedd.)
Wish you all the best for the trip and Happy New Year.

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#7 dapleb

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Posted 29 December 2006 - 11:34 am

QUOTE(cyco900 @ Fri 29th Dec 2006, 10:11 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

you HAVE to see Wales

I aggrozzle. Mayhaps head over to Devon/Cornwall then over tut bridge to Wales, backroads through Wales to the Lakes and then up the North West of Scotland. Yeeeehaaaaaaa.

...or maybe ....to Wales...then over to Ireland, through Ireland, straight into Scotland....then do the Lakes on the way home....how much time did you have again,

"Whats up", "Piston Broke", "Yeah me too...hic"

If you want to mark your location on the Carpe map: http://www.carpe-tdm...opic.php?t=5117

Doin valve clearances? Use dappers valve shim exchange program and the job will be carroty - Free (other than you postin me yer shims) for sporting members.

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#8 sidestand

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Posted 29 December 2006 - 01:24 pm

QUOTE(dapleb @ Fri 29th Dec 2006, 11:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I aggrozzle. Mayhaps head over to Devon/Cornwall then over tut bridge to Wales, backroads through Wales to the Lakes and then up the North West of Scotland. Yeeeehaaaaaaa.
...or maybe ....to Wales...then over to Ireland, through Ireland, straight into Scotland....then do the Lakes on the way home....how much time did you have again,

Bring yer waterproofs though DK, you'll need 'em

The older I get, the better I was

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#9 TonyDevil

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Location:Saarfend-on-Sea, Essex
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Posted 29 December 2006 - 02:24 pm

Wales is a must!
the pass of lanberis (speeling) and pen-y-pass in Snowdonia national park are great roads with nice scenery and are conveniently close to the A5 for onward travel......

"Never argue with an idiot. They just bring you down to their level and beat you with experience"
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#10 Pict

Keep on keepin' on

Member
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Location:North Herts., UK
TDM model: 2006

Posted 29 December 2006 - 04:45 pm

QUOTE(duibhce Kaelann @ Fri 29th Dec 2006, 09:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Not quite sure yet, depends a bit on how busy it is at work. But hopefully at the end of May.

Second half of May into early June is one of the best times for Scotland: good chance of clear sunshine - gets hazy later in summer. Agree it might be best to do East before West, though you could always do a figure 8 and cross over somewhere or two.

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#11 Guest_Negwedar_*

Guests

Posted 29 December 2006 - 06:36 pm

If you find yourself in the vicinity of South Wales, try to ride the B4235 from Chepstow to Usk
http://www.fountaininn-tintern.com/
The A465 heads of the Valleys road is a good starting point for trips to Brecon http://www.flagandcastlehouse.co.uk/
or Llandovery http://www.rhandirmwyn.com/ but I would try to ride the last sweep of the A465 down into Neath. The coastal route up through Fishguard http://www.lochmeyler.co.uk/ to Aberystwyth http://www.awel-deg.co.uk/ is a peach of a trip, but then so is the A484/ A486 overland. If you go to Aberystwyth, you should probably not miss the A44 back inland to Llangurig, an easier ride than the Devil's Bridge road, spectacular in places, and a good surface all the way. That will bring you near Llanidloes http://www.theoldvic...langurig.co.uk/ and you are only an hour and a half from the Motorway network if you feel the need to move on.
I got the links from http://www.theaa.com/ it's a decent site for general UK trip planning
Hope this helps, and enjoy your trip.

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#12 duibhce Kaelann

has been here 4ever

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Location:Leuven, Belgium
TDM model: 2004

Posted 29 December 2006 - 08:25 pm

Thanks for the tips so far, guys.

Do keep them coming

We haven't decided on Wales yet, as it does sound tempting but we would prefer to spend some more of our time up north. So most likely we'll keep Wales (and Devon and Cornwall) for another visit.

We more or less have a rough route figured out. Not sure yet about the Folkstone to Stoke-on-Trent route, but it will most likely include photo stops in Stonehenge and Avebury. Suggestions are still welcome. From Stoke it'll go through the Peak District national park, up to the Yorkshire Dales and then west to the lake District. Over Wrynose and Hardknot, then with a small tour passed Derwent water across to Hartside and straight to Hexham. Along Hadrian's Wall and towards Dumfries. From there up to Loch Lomond, but not quite sure on the route here yet either. Let me know if you have any good ideas.

From Loch Lomond towards Loch Awe, and along the south side towards the coast. Along the coast, around Loch Leven then over Fort William to Mallaig for the ferry to Skye. Then after a tour of Skye across the bridge to Kyle perhaps a visit to Eilean Donan Castle. Back north, across to Aplecross and with a tour along the coast to Kinlochwe. Most likely a small detour to Loch Maree for some photo opportunities. Then back and across the Kinlochwe Heights to the east and via Muir of Ord towards Loch Ness. Along the banks to Fort Augustus.

We're not sure yet on how to continue from there but we would like to go towards Montrose as there's a friendly Belgian guy running a biker friendly B&B

Then south for a cultural stop in Edinburgh.

Through Northumberland to Gateshead for some piccies of the Angel of the North (a must for fans of the "Bende van Wim" motorcycle touring show). Down through the North York Moors to Nottingham and Sherwood Forest (to please the misses

) and via some still very blurry route back towards Folkstone.

Oh my, that sounds like quite the undertaking

and all this hopefully in 12 days.

So please feel free to point out any boops I made so far or to make suggestions for filling in the blanks and blurry bits.

~~Yamaha XJ600S Diversion '94~~
~~Yamaha XJ900S Diversion '97~~
~~Suzuki SV650S '01~~
~~Yamaha TDM900 '04~~

Yamaha XT660Z Ténéré '08 + Yamaha TRX850 '97

I'll let go of my throttle when they pry it from my cold, dead hands...

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#13 cupasoop

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Supporting Member(thanks)
367 posts

Location:Ayrshire
TDM model: 2001

Posted 29 December 2006 - 10:20 pm

QUOTE(Toneski @ Fri 29th Dec 2006, 02:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Wales is a must!
the pass of lanberis (speeling) and pen-y-pass in Snowdonia national park are great roads with nice scenery and are conveniently close to the A5 for onward travel......

Llanberis....my sister in law lives there, and the pass is a cracking bit of road.

I'll probably get shouted at for this by our southern members but I would come over on the zebrugga - hull ferry and start from there. Overnight sailing gets you in at 8 in the morning for an early start and you'll miss out the south east of the country with the awful traffic and roads.

Just a thought

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#14 wicklamulla

is it Jizzy Rascal time yet.....?

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Location:Parish of Cruwys (pronounced 'Cruise' just loike Tom) Morchard, Mid Devon.
TDM model: 1999

Posted 30 December 2006 - 12:02 am

QUOTE(duibhce Kaelann @ Fri 29th Dec 2006, 08:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks for the tips so far, guys.

Do keep them coming

We haven't decided on Wales yet, as it does sound tempting but we would prefer to spend some more of our time up north. So most likely we'll keep Wales (and Devon and Cornwall) for another visit.

We more or less have a rough route figured out. Not sure yet about the Folkstone to Stoke-on-Trent route, but it will most likely include photo stops in Stonehenge and Avebury. Suggestions are still welcome. From Stoke it'll go through the Peak District national park, up to the Yorkshire Dales and then west to the lake District. Over Wrynose and Hardknot, then with a small tour passed Derwent water across to Hartside and straight to Hexham. Along Hadrian's Wall and towards Dumfries. From there up to Loch Lomond, but not quite sure on the route here yet either. Let me know if you have any good ideas.

From Loch Lomond towards Loch Awe, and along the south side towards the coast. Along the coast, around Loch Leven then over Fort William to Mallaig for the ferry to Skye. Then after a tour of Skye across the bridge to Kyle perhaps a visit to Eilean Donan Castle. Back north, across to Aplecross and with a tour along the coast to Kinlochwe. Most likely a small detour to Loch Maree for some photo opportunities. Then back and across the Kinlochwe Heights to the east and via Muir of Ord towards Loch Ness. Along the banks to Fort Augustus.

We're not sure yet on how to continue from there but we would like to go towards Montrose as there's a friendly Belgian guy running a biker friendly B&B

Then south for a cultural stop in Edinburgh.

Through Northumberland to Gateshead for some piccies of the Angel of the North (a must for fans of the "Bende van Wim" motorcycle touring show). Down through the North York Moors to Nottingham and Sherwood Forest (to please the misses

) and via some still very blurry route back towards Folkstone.

Oh my, that sounds like quite the undertaking

and all this hopefully in 12 days.

So please feel free to point out any boops I made so far or to make suggestions for filling in the blanks and blurry bits.

well this sounds perfect to me !!!!

~~spyball alarm/immob,~~ bluespot brake calipers and Stainless hoses, Fournales air adjustable shock with Remote Resevoir, forks raised 10mm thru yokes, racetech linear fork springs in 15 wt oil, Kappa wingrack/luggage, heated grips, Kedo handguards, dual heat controller to power heated jacket liner and or pants!!, Stebel 136DB horn, K&N air filter, colour matched Baglux tank cover (magnetic tank bag modified to fit cover), osram +50% headloight bulbs, headlight protector,"~~NitramSpecial" parking loight, tail light~~ indicators all running on LED's & incorporate "Lite Buddies", MK7 Scottoiler fitted, taller screen, 2-2 stainless steel CCC's, Devil stainless down pipes. MKI Renntec engine crash bars & sump guard.
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#15 Pict

Keep on keepin' on

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Location:North Herts., UK
TDM model: 2006

Posted 30 December 2006 - 12:26 am

The problem with Scotland is the lumps of high ground which frustrate direct route planning - you'll just need to make several visits! By coming so far down Loch Ness you will come a bit too far west for ease of returning towards Montrose. Depending on your time, you may like to come back up the rather undiscovered south side of the Loch using the B862 etc via Foyers. Alternatively from Muir of Ord you could "sample" the north end of the Loch as far as Drumnadrochit (nearby Urquhart Castle is the main "monster" focus) then come back up towards Inverness. The point of this would be to touch on some of the Speyside whisky area : A9, A938, A95, then B9008 or B9009 south to Tomintoul on the A939, then B976 to Crathie and Balmoral Castle (the royal holiday residence). After that, east on the B976 (south side of the River Dee) to Aboyne then towards Strachan, and pick up the B974 towards Montrose. Alternatively, from Crathie to Aberdeen (north side of the river is faster) then down the fast main coast road to Montrose.

Oh, and on the west coast you should try to get at least as far as Ullapool before crossing back east. "Round the top" is a common objective, it seems, for French and Dutch visitors.

Just a few suggestions. PM me if you need contacts for B&B in the area of Applecross/Torridon/Kinlochewe etc., or indeed elsewhere.

Edited by Pict, 30 December 2006 - 12:33 am.

"It's a TDM, Jim, but not as we know it"

www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAHmEWim3to

Diamond black TDM 900A TRIKE, 2006 ABS model converted by Trike Design (Caerphilly, South Wales) prior to first registration in March 2007.

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#16 duibhce Kaelann

has been here 4ever

Member
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Location:Leuven, Belgium
TDM model: 2004

Posted 30 December 2006 - 12:57 am

QUOTE(cupasoop @ Fri 29th Dec 2006, 11:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I'll probably get shouted at for this by our southern members but I would come over on the zebrugga - hull ferry and start from there. Overnight sailing gets you in at 8 in the morning for an early start and you'll miss out the south east of the country with the awful traffic and roads.

Just a thought

After careful consideration and a discussion with the misses this does indeed sound like a good idea. Saves us 2 days, the fuel and overnight stays... Saves us enough money as well for a couple of extra whiskys and pints.

QUOTE(Pict @ Sat 30th Dec 2006, 01:11 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Alternatively from Muir of Ord you could "sample" the north end of the Loch as far as Drumnadrochit (nearby Urquhart Castle is the main "monster" focus) then come back up towards Inverness. The point of this would be to touch on some of the Speyside whisky area : A9, A938, A95, then B9008 or B9009 south to Tomintoul on the A939, then B976 to Crathie and Balmoral Castle (the royal holiday residence). After that, east on the B976 (south side of the River Dee) to Aboyne then towards Strachan, and pick up the B974 towards Montrose. Alternatively, from Crathie to Aberdeen (north side of the river is faster) then down the fast main coast road to Montrose.

Sounds great, we'll adjust the route accordingly.

QUOTE(Pict @ Sat 30th Dec 2006, 01:11 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Just a few suggestions. PM me if you need contacts for B&B in the area of Applecross/Torridon/Kinlochewe etc., or indeed elsewhere.

I'll do that at some later time, thanks!

~~Yamaha XJ600S Diversion '94~~
~~Yamaha XJ900S Diversion '97~~
~~Suzuki SV650S '01~~
~~Yamaha TDM900 '04~~

Yamaha XT660Z Ténéré '08 + Yamaha TRX850 '97

I'll let go of my throttle when they pry it from my cold, dead hands...

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#17 Pict

Keep on keepin' on

Member
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Location:North Herts., UK
TDM model: 2006

Posted 30 December 2006 - 06:36 am

If you're following Loch Lomond north after Glasgow, you may want accommodation in that area. If you're passing through Crianlarich, a place where my grandfather was a boy, Inverardran House, to the east of the village, now provides B&B. I don't know anything about that aspect of it, but the website will give you some idea of prices etc. Another of his connections was with Blarcreen farm, which now offers luxury B&B, but the Oban area has many cheaper options. If you do stop in this area and have a spare evening, have a pootle around the Benderloch peninsula. The coast road to Fort William is a good one scenically, though it means you'll have to visit Glen Coe (the inland route) some other time. Coming to Oban via Tyndrum, by the way, see if you can spare a little time to ride a mile or two up Glen Orchy (B8074) and visit the fine waterfalls to your left where the river cuts a gorge - but mind your step if you venture out on the rocks!

A couple of further thoughts on the later stages of your trip: 1) If you do come over the hills, e.g. from Speyside, remember it's relatively twisty esp. on minor (yellow on map) "B" roads, so allow time and be careful to fuel up first - there's no fuel at Tomintoul btw (the highest inhabited village in Scotland, if not the UK). A suggestion of the surroundings is here. 2) You would find the lesser, southside road along the River Dee from Crathie to Aboyne more rural and atmospheric than the main one - it starts by crossing the bridge at Crathie church, not far from the location of many happy childhood holidays: my grandfather was manager at Royal Lochnagar distillery, which you could visit if you didn't have time for the ones on Speyside.

Edited by Pict, 30 December 2006 - 07:42 am.

"It's a TDM, Jim, but not as we know it"

www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAHmEWim3to

Diamond black TDM 900A TRIKE, 2006 ABS model converted by Trike Design (Caerphilly, South Wales) prior to first registration in March 2007.

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#18 dandywarhol

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5,324 posts

Location:Edinburgh, Scotland
TDM model: 2003

Posted 30 December 2006 - 09:06 am

Great tips Pict

For me (and I'm sure all the September Scotland Meet devotees will agree) the A87 (Road to the Isles), just south of Loch Ness, to Kyleakin has to be one of the best in the country for scenery, surface, flowing corners and an absence of speed cameras

You'll also get a cup of coffee but a poor selection of biscuits at Nanooks house en route................

Give me a shout when you're in Edinburgh dK - I'l make sure I'm out!

(only joking!)

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#19 Buzz

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Location:DN17 ish
TDM model: 2007

Posted 30 December 2006 - 09:08 am

Hi Duibhce,

Looking at your plan so far my only comment would be Nottingham and Sherwood forest may be a bit disappointing. There are some good roads in the area

but the thought of you making a diversion from your route for the Forest and Nottingham makes me think you may spend your time on better things (even if the missus

wants to go there). Your planned route is very ambitious as well considering the time you say you have available. Just the leg from Folkstone to Stonehenge and Avebury will take the best part of a day with stops for photos, food and accounting for the traffic

in that part of UK.

Let me know why you want to visit that area (Nottingham and Sherwood Forest) and I'll list some good roads, and touristy stuff if that's what you want.

The police in that area

are renowned for their ferocity.

Sidestand may be able to help as well as I believe he lives close to Robin Hood

Buzz

NOSTALGIA IS NOT WHAT IT USED TO BE

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#20 wicklamulla

is it Jizzy Rascal time yet.....?

Supporting Member(thanks)
12,211 posts

Location:Parish of Cruwys (pronounced 'Cruise' just loike Tom) Morchard, Mid Devon.
TDM model: 1999

Posted 30 December 2006 - 11:04 am

wow im getting "excited" reading this !!!

~~spyball alarm/immob,~~ bluespot brake calipers and Stainless hoses, Fournales air adjustable shock with Remote Resevoir, forks raised 10mm thru yokes, racetech linear fork springs in 15 wt oil, Kappa wingrack/luggage, heated grips, Kedo handguards, dual heat controller to power heated jacket liner and or pants!!, Stebel 136DB horn, K&N air filter, colour matched Baglux tank cover (magnetic tank bag modified to fit cover), osram +50% headloight bulbs, headlight protector,"~~NitramSpecial" parking loight, tail light~~ indicators all running on LED's & incorporate "Lite Buddies", MK7 Scottoiler fitted, taller screen, 2-2 stainless steel CCC's, Devil stainless down pipes. MKI Renntec engine crash bars & sump guard.
engine changed july 2007 on a dyno run it made 79.1BHP / Torque 59.9Had a brief flirtation with a 1999 MKIIa but it blew an exaust valve on the M5 so was sold on to be repaired.

I loike tay and hang sangwiches !

www.kenhogantreeservices.co.uk

http://s33.photobuck...77/wickla/?sc=6

http://reg.imageshack.us/v_images.php

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Touring in the UK

#1 duibhce Kaelann

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