Jump to content


Photo

Roaming In The Gloaming


  • Please log in to reply
20 replies to this topic

#1 James

James

    Knight of Postsalot

  • Member
  • PipPipPipPipPip
  • 570 posts
  • Location:Cumbria
  • TDM model: 2004

Posted 12 April 2016 - 08:00 pm

I had it in mind to take a trip up to my favourite part of the world (so far), the west coast of Scotland. 

Synchronicity stepped in when a couple of weeks ago when an old friend stopped by and invited me along on a trip he and a couple of his mates had planned, staying a couple of nights at Inveranan just north of Loch Lomond.
 
 
Day 1
26394491755_38635e3291_c.jpg
 
26121443760_f72a9a985b_c.jpg
My weapon of choice, loaded and ready!
 
As the others were travelling up from Sunderland on the east coast, we arranged to meet at the Edinburgh Woollen Mill cafe in Jedburgh. Although it wasn't a direct route for me, it did mean a more interesting ride up through Liddlesdale.
 
26082692600_27744955f4_c.jpg
Check out that road  :P 
 
At Jedburgh I waited for the Sunderland posse - Mike (Triumph Explorer), George (Guzzi V7) and Graham (Suzuki Intruder) 
 
25789452954_7a58a912b2_c.jpg
All on my ownsome waiting for the Mackems...
 
25789450604_0c985e8968_c.jpg
...and here they are!
 
26301942942_2abab23321_c.jpg
George and his beautiful Moto Guzzi
 
26328078371_5b7f2267ae_c.jpg
Graham looking for his bag of sherbet lemons
 

I didn't take any more photos for the rest of the day. Don't know why not, but there you go.

 

After a top up with coffee and a beef sarnie we made our way over to Glasgow, crossing the Clyde at Erskine Bridge. A cheeky pit stop at an ATM in Wishaw meant I lost the rest of the group, but with wedge in pocket I arranged by text to meet up on the north side of Erskine Bridge. Synchronicity stepped in once more as, by pure chance, I happened to tag onto the back of my riding companions just north of Hamilton where the M74 joins the M8 going west. Sometimes it pays to follow road signs rather than Graham's SatNav!

 

Up to this point we'd only ridden through a few showers but nearing Dumbarton, Clota, Celtic goddess 'the cleanser of the Clyde', got her act together and dumped a whole heap of rain on us for the last 35 miles up the side of Loch Lomond. 

 

Time for beers in the bar!

 

Next instalment... A Highland Fling


Edited by Jim, 12 April 2016 - 08:02 pm.

84 Honda XL600R  :)

04 TDM900  :good:

21 KTM 790 Adventure  ;)


#2 leehenty

leehenty

    Backstreet Mechanikin'

  • Supporting Member(thanks)
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 5,080 posts
  • Location:Rushden Northamptonshire.
  • TDM model: 2002

Posted 12 April 2016 - 08:20 pm

is that guzzi a V7 ?


2002 900 silver,oil pressure switch with brass 90 degree conversion, RG fork protectors. Wilburs custom made rear Shock with remote hydraulic preload and RG shocktube, Wilburs front springs. Scotoiler with a custom made swing arm delivery unit. Silicone radiator hoses.BMW 1150 handguards with Touratech extensions, Carbon Fibre yoke cover and fender extenda, MRA flip screen, Yamaha Engine bars, SW Motech Centre Stand, Kappa wingrack three box Luggage with E21's as option from the K960 boxes, Zumo 660 satnav on Touratech mount, Led Voltage monitor, Baglux tank cover, Clear LED Rear light, Aux LED brake light, BikeVis bullet LED's under front  nose,Stainless rear axle nut, stainless chain adjusters, stainless wheel spacers front and rear, Probolt Polished Stainless Flanged Hex engine screws, Polished stainless fairing screws, stainless disc bolts. Titanium brake pins front, Probolt Titanium Flanged Hex Front Caliper Bolts & Rear caliper slide pins Adventure Spec Tool tube under rear rack, left and right sides with custom alloy mounts.<p>Top Sellerie double gel pad seat. Carbon Fibre inner dash and side infill panels. Anodised black alloy swingarm pivot bolt covers and footpegs, Nano II Gear indicator.

#3 James

James

    Knight of Postsalot

  • Member
  • PipPipPipPipPip
  • 570 posts
  • Location:Cumbria
  • TDM model: 2004

Posted 12 April 2016 - 08:23 pm

Yes, brand new with less than 100 miles on the clock at Jedburgh. A really pretty little thing as well.

84 Honda XL600R  :)

04 TDM900  :good:

21 KTM 790 Adventure  ;)


#4 leehenty

leehenty

    Backstreet Mechanikin'

  • Supporting Member(thanks)
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 5,080 posts
  • Location:Rushden Northamptonshire.
  • TDM model: 2002

Posted 12 April 2016 - 08:57 pm

I must say like the red frame, sat on one at the show, but bike seemed small for me after the TDM. Looked like a nice run though.


2002 900 silver,oil pressure switch with brass 90 degree conversion, RG fork protectors. Wilburs custom made rear Shock with remote hydraulic preload and RG shocktube, Wilburs front springs. Scotoiler with a custom made swing arm delivery unit. Silicone radiator hoses.BMW 1150 handguards with Touratech extensions, Carbon Fibre yoke cover and fender extenda, MRA flip screen, Yamaha Engine bars, SW Motech Centre Stand, Kappa wingrack three box Luggage with E21's as option from the K960 boxes, Zumo 660 satnav on Touratech mount, Led Voltage monitor, Baglux tank cover, Clear LED Rear light, Aux LED brake light, BikeVis bullet LED's under front  nose,Stainless rear axle nut, stainless chain adjusters, stainless wheel spacers front and rear, Probolt Polished Stainless Flanged Hex engine screws, Polished stainless fairing screws, stainless disc bolts. Titanium brake pins front, Probolt Titanium Flanged Hex Front Caliper Bolts & Rear caliper slide pins Adventure Spec Tool tube under rear rack, left and right sides with custom alloy mounts.<p>Top Sellerie double gel pad seat. Carbon Fibre inner dash and side infill panels. Anodised black alloy swingarm pivot bolt covers and footpegs, Nano II Gear indicator.

#5 jono49

jono49

    has been here 4ever

  • Member
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 1,183 posts
  • Location:The Debatable Land
  • TDM model: 2003

Posted 12 April 2016 - 09:01 pm

"That Road" is not far from me and one of my favourites in Britain  :clapping: Steve Hyslop BSB champion etc, used it as a training route most evenings, down to Longtown for chips  :good: 


Don't get confused between my personality
and my attitude. My personality is who I am,
my attitude depends on who YOU are!

 

Skinny people are easy to kidnap.....Stay safe and eat cake!!!!!


#6 divvxj

divvxj

    has been here 4ever

  • Member
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 1,296 posts
  • Location:back in the garden
  • TDM model: 2007

Posted 13 April 2016 - 08:26 am

I have been at the campsite , not to stay but it was the starting point for a dander up the hills , watch out for low flying aircraft as the RAF use that area for practice , spectacular when you gain a bit of height



#7 Studley Ramrod

Studley Ramrod

    Monkey Boys Monkey

  • Root Admin(A)
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 19,202 posts
  • Location:HELLO ! I'm in the Library...Notts
  • TDM model: 1993

Posted 13 April 2016 - 08:55 am

:munching_out:


Mk2a 2000 in Silver. Top end Refurb @ 41100 miles, Scottoiler, Renthal Road High Bars, Up & Back Bar Risers, Bellypan, DL650 Handguards, Capt. Picard Bar Ends, House of Henty SS Wheel spacers, New Seat Cover Fitted. 58 MPG !!  Now owned by chrisbee !   Studley's mk2a Bloggerydoodaah !  Photos of my first MK1  Photos of my MK2a  TPLQHCSRSFC No. 1 Fan


#8 James

James

    Knight of Postsalot

  • Member
  • PipPipPipPipPip
  • 570 posts
  • Location:Cumbria
  • TDM model: 2004

Posted 13 April 2016 - 05:26 pm

"That Road" is not far from me and one of my favourites in Britain  :clapping: Steve Hyslop BSB champion etc, used it as a training route most evenings, down to Longtown for chips  :good:


It's a cracker isn't it! Unlike the chippy at Longtown

84 Honda XL600R  :)

04 TDM900  :good:

21 KTM 790 Adventure  ;)


#9 James

James

    Knight of Postsalot

  • Member
  • PipPipPipPipPip
  • 570 posts
  • Location:Cumbria
  • TDM model: 2004

Posted 13 April 2016 - 08:30 pm

Day 2: The Highland Fling

 
26302140152_725cdcbe58_c.jpg
 
Day two dawned cold but sunny, we were up at the crack of 9-ish, raring to go.

 

My pal, Mike, wanted to ride through Glencoe, something he'd not done before. Local intelligence at The Green Welly informed us that officers of the law were performing the vital task of operating a speed trap for bikers a little way up the road. With George's Guzzi in running-in mode we weren't at any particular risk from the scuffers, but we still kept our eyes peeled for 'a grey unmarked Audi'.

 

Over Rannoch Moor the temperature dropped and forced us to stop at the Loch Tulla viewpoint to put on an extra layer and warmer gloves. Fortunately the piper wasn't there to spoil the ambience.

 

26386865966_af691e8e3b_c.jpg
My riding companions: Mike, Graham & George
 
26320454502_ecdca32af6_c.jpg
Loch Tulla viewpoint
 
26140480770_945d7f37f6_h.jpg
 
Glencoe was its usual spectacular self with fresh snow on the tops. It's an amazing place whatever the weather with an atmosphere that still resonates with the massacre of 1692, a particularly macabre period of Scottish history. The Chinese tourists we ran into were just as interested in Graham's beast (oo er!) as the scenery.
 
26386861956_4d0c9105a1_c.jpg
Mike offers free rectal examinations in Glencoe. No takers.
 
26139948860_7658322dc6_c.jpg
TDM900 in Glencoe. Perfect!
 
25807942904_6b73e9eca9_c.jpg
Graham was sure he'd left his bike there
 
From Glencoe we turned south towards Oban and then onwards towards Lochgilphead. That's a very short half sentence to describe one of my favourite stretches of road in Scotland - the A816 south of Oban. Mike (Triumph Explorer) and I enjoyed a 'spirited' ride south. I believe we might have exceeded the national speed limit on a couple of occasions, or about 30 odd miles, whichever is greater!
 
26329601826_c8a225144f_c.jpg
Connel Bridge and the falls (complete with crazy kayakers)
 
26386851316_b6622c4fdf_c.jpg
Oban harbour with the Isle of Mull ferry
 
26386849276_5391486a3a_c.jpg
No explanation necessary!
 
26346603301_4b28b34cde_c.jpg
They think big in Oban. 
 
26346600631_d9b695f083_c.jpg
Carnasserie Castle
 
Crinan is just one of the jewels on this coastline and non of my companions had ever been there, so we made a short side trip for a coffee stop. Crinan lends it's name to the Crinan Canal dug out in the early 1800's. It's only about 10 miles long but it provides a safe route from the Clyde to the Hebridean Islands without the long and dangerous journey around the Mull of Kintyre. Nobody wanted to run into Paul McCartney obviously.
 
26346597901_2b99e8269d_c.jpg
Crinan
 
26320422422_095b34cf6c_c.jpg
 
25807925104_8fc9798f80_c.jpg
 
26412762615_7557b3842b_c.jpg
What are they plotting?
 
26386835636_f596f1e85d_c.jpg
What happens if we all push at the same time?
 
26320420222_f4f42ae6ba_c.jpg
 
26347865091_7f24d2ebbb_c.jpg
A Clyde Puffer. The white van of the Islands
 
From there we turned north to Inverary and over REST & BE THANKFUL to Arrochar. REST & BE THANKFUL are the words chiseled on a stone near the top of the pass by soldiers who built the original military road in the mid 1700's. The pass got its moniker because the climb from Ardgarten is so long and steep it was traditional for travellers to rest at the top, and be thankful for having reached the highest point. The name stuck and is still used to this day.

I took those soliders at their word and had a rest on the slopes of The Cobbler to take a couple of photos while the rest of the crew continued on back to the campsite.

 

26346584481_960242e55b_c.jpg
REST & BE THANKFUL
 
26346581921_01bce8c07b_c.jpg
You can see the old road in the valley bottom
 
The evening was spent in the bar enjoying some live music.
 
26386823376_c4607f55a0_c.jpg
 
26412745945_77e9c03a48_c.jpg
 
Next instalment... The ride home

Edited by Jim, 13 April 2016 - 08:58 pm.

84 Honda XL600R  :)

04 TDM900  :good:

21 KTM 790 Adventure  ;)


#10 Catteeclan

Catteeclan

    full o shoite

  • Supporting Member(thanks)
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 2,433 posts
  • Location:Gorleston Norfolk
  • TDM model: 2002

Posted 14 April 2016 - 05:56 am

Great stuff Jim. :good:

 

I want to go again.


2002 TDM900 Yellow


#11 PICARD

PICARD

    has been here 4ever

  • Supporting Member(thanks)
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 1,741 posts
  • Location:Wirral / wherever I lay my hat!
  • TDM model: 2004

Posted 14 April 2016 - 08:23 am

Looks great Jim......Those photos are the dogs!

Mine are just boll@cks. :(


Lock onto my co-ordinates and beam me up !!

04 900 - 92 mk 1 - r 1150 rs - Z550 A1 - 2x bonnies - plastic slug -XL185 - ...not in that order !! (and one or two i don't want / dare to own up to !!)

#12 Andy25

Andy25

    Carpe Addict

  • Member
  • PipPipPip
  • 335 posts
  • Location:Dundee
  • TDM model: 2000

Posted 14 April 2016 - 06:37 pm

Cracking photos ,A run through Glen Coe . Oban some of my favourite
areas for a day on the Bike

Andy

#13 filo

filo

    Carpe groupie

  • Member
  • PipPip
  • 229 posts
  • Location:Sheffield, South Yorkshire
  • TDM model: 2001

Posted 15 April 2016 - 10:56 am

Thanks Jim great report and photos
l was planning to do a similar tour next month do you have any campsite recommendations?

#14 James

James

    Knight of Postsalot

  • Member
  • PipPipPipPipPip
  • 570 posts
  • Location:Cumbria
  • TDM model: 2004

Posted 15 April 2016 - 05:23 pm

Hi Filo,

Well, I can highly recommend Beinglas - they've a choice campsite, huts, B&B; on site bar; breakfast and evening meal menu's; very accommodating staff - http://beinglascampsite.co.uk

In the past I've also stayed at:
The Red Squirrel campsite in Glencoe - https://www.coolcamp...81-red-squirrel
The Oban Caravan Park (don't be put off by the name, it's a cracking site with lots of tents; bike friendly as most are)

A bit further north:
http://www.sandscara...ndcamping.co.uknr Gairloch, camping in the sand dunes
http://www.campingan...ye/portree/skye- on Skye
http://applecross.uk.com/campsite/- you get to ride Belach na Ba (a classic) and they have a great bakery and good food at the pub

Can't recall others off hand, but there are loads of good sites up on the west coast and the riding is just fantastic!

Edited by Jim, 15 April 2016 - 07:42 pm.

84 Honda XL600R  :)

04 TDM900  :good:

21 KTM 790 Adventure  ;)


#15 filo

filo

    Carpe groupie

  • Member
  • PipPip
  • 229 posts
  • Location:Sheffield, South Yorkshire
  • TDM model: 2001

Posted 15 April 2016 - 07:49 pm

Thanks for taking the time to put that together Jim.

I was thinking of trying out the red squirrel site at Glencoe, l think I've read somewhere that there's a couple of good pubs nearby

l might have stayed at the Oban caravan park last time l was up there if it's the site you reach by riding past Tesco .. £13 a night !

I'll have to try the A816 again after reading your report. I went that way up to Oban and didn't enjoy it one bit, low cloud and rain came down and it was like riding through a bottle of milk !

Thanks again

#16 Kelpie

Kelpie

    900 going for ... 1000cc?

  • Supporting Member(thanks)
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 944 posts
  • Location:Wiltshire
  • TDM model: 2010

Posted 15 April 2016 - 08:03 pm

Brilliant photos of some of the most beautiful places in the world, in my opinion.

Can I ask what you've used to edit them? I'd love to be able to reproduce that effect in some of my pics.
You don't need balls to ride a big bike.

#17 TDMick

TDMick

    TDMick

  • Member
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 3,830 posts
  • Location:South West London
  • TDM model: 2010

Posted 16 April 2016 - 12:52 am

Brilliant photos of some of the most beautiful places in the world, in my opinion.

Can I ask what you've used to edit them? I'd love to be able to reproduce that effect in some of my pics.

+1


Growing old is compulsory, growing up is optional
Who dies with the most toys wins!

 
 
2010 'stealth' grey 900. '14 plate. engine bars, Centre stand, datatool alarm, datatag, E22s, Cree DRLs, Barkbuster handguards, Carpe sticker. Led running lights
 

 


#18 James

James

    Knight of Postsalot

  • Member
  • PipPipPipPipPip
  • 570 posts
  • Location:Cumbria
  • TDM model: 2004

Posted 21 April 2016 - 01:11 pm

Brilliant photos of some of the most beautiful places in the world, in my opinion.

Can I ask what you've used to edit them? I'd love to be able to reproduce that effect in some of my pics.

 

 

It's dead easy. They were all taken on a cheapish Canon point and shoot and then wifi'd onto my iPad (just for the bigger screen, I don't like processing pictures on my phone).  All the post processing was done in Snapseed, a free app from the AppleStore for Mac fans, or GooglePlay for android users.

 

The most useful tools and filters for my purposes are, in this order, "Tune Image", then "HDR Scape" then "Tune Image" again if necessary. Just have a play, it doesn't cost anything.  :)

 

Here are a couple from yesterday evening's ride...

 

26531921196_d19150b911_b.jpg

 

25955005733_7735042175_b.jpg

 

If you want to get serious about it, read up about HDR (High Dynamic Range), and have a look at this thread for inspiration and tips - http://advrider.com/...rs-here.789878/

 

Don't forget to post your results here too!

 

Jim


84 Honda XL600R  :)

04 TDM900  :good:

21 KTM 790 Adventure  ;)


#19 pete7

pete7

    RTT10 manager

  • Member
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 2,078 posts
  • Location:warrington, cheshire, UK
  • TDM model: 2007

Posted 23 April 2016 - 04:40 am

Terrific pictures and ride report.

Well done Jim!


P7

Keep music live!
 

YouTube: pete7kcu


#20 James

James

    Knight of Postsalot

  • Member
  • PipPipPipPipPip
  • 570 posts
  • Location:Cumbria
  • TDM model: 2004

Posted 23 April 2016 - 07:20 pm

Day 3: The Ride Home

 

Let's get this RR finished!

26328279421_a7c2d3d54d_b.jpg

 

The day probably dawned bright and frosty. It was still bright and frosty when we broke cover for the 08:30 rendezvous at breakfast.

 

26174654850_bf9ed6f442_b.jpg=

 

26174648850_bff1f0c61f_b.jpg

 

25842627144_59ce96d972_b.jpg
That's us then, all packed up for the ride home

 

As many of you will already know, the route down through Crianlarich and Callander down to Sterling is another brilliant route. Fantastic weather, more or less empty roads, brilliant scenery - non of which I photographed. I did wave (or, more accurately, gesture) at the unmarked grey metallic Audi that was discussing road safety issues with an unlucky motorist; I'm guessing my companions did likewise.

26174636970_a031d56933_b.jpg

Somewhere on the A84 just north-west of Stirling

 

At the Edinburgh ring road my companions turned left while I turn right, taking the old A74 alongside the new M74 until Moffat where I stopped for my final coffee of the trip. Perfect riding weather to end an enjoyable weekend.

 

26421554826_5dbb256074_b.jpg

Down town Moffat

 

Same again next year please!


Edited by Jim, 23 April 2016 - 07:34 pm.

84 Honda XL600R  :)

04 TDM900  :good:

21 KTM 790 Adventure  ;)



0 user(s) are reading this topic

0 members, 0 guests, 0 anonymous users