Bikers' Banter

I set off for Chippenham, with Jonny following, after a really stormy night and very little sleep so was surprised to find it had turned into a very pleasant day. I detoured to Loomies for lunch and it was so warm and sunny that I took off my waterproofs before we set off again. Less then 20 minutes later I was very wet indeed but it seemed silly to stop with only 50 miles left to go.

We had a really good time, despite the rain. I won a trophy for the best Hinkley Triumph, which I didn't expect and I was really amazed at how many people came to say well done and talk about the bike. Of course, with a room full of Triumph owners I was sure to have a good weekend anyway but I was really very proud to be given the prize.


The journey home was quite awful. I've never found it so hard to see where I was going. I gave up the idea of any scenic route home after hours and hours of continual rain so I pushed the home fastest way button, which was motorway for the entire trip back, apart from a few miles at either end. I did one stop, just for fuel and didn't even go to the Ladies. The thought of trying to undo all the waterproofness defeated me and I kept heading for home. It took about four hours, which was pretty good as I was trying to be extra careful with speed and stopping distances, as well as several places where water seemed to be running across the road. The sun came out once I arrived home, of course.

Roll on next year. I think I might treat myself to a bigger tent. I was so busy, trying to save weight, that my luggage weighed far less then I expected so a little more space would be rather nice. At least my tent was waterproof and I was very snug and dry once I was tucked up at bedtime. Can't wait to start next years adventures!

Bee, you and Brid command an awful lot of respect for your biking enthusiasm. Personally i think you two are totally bonkers

I was thinking I was probably mad for most of the weekend. I have everything cleaned, dried and put away for the winter now, apart from the bike which has been washed, dried and polished and is ready for the next outing, tomorrow. I'm not planning on doing more then 100 miles this trip, but we'll see

Beelady wrote: ↑Mon Sep 24, 2018 3:54 pm The journey home was quite awful. I've never found it so hard to see where I was going. I gave up the idea of any scenic route home after hours and hours of continual rain so I pushed the home fastest way button, which was motorway for the entire trip back, apart from a few miles at either end. I did one stop, just for fuel and didn't even go to the Ladies. The thought of trying to undo all the waterproofness defeated me and I kept heading for home. It took about four hours, which was pretty good as I was trying to be extra careful with speed and stopping distances, as well as several places where water seemed to be running across the road.

Jack Miller said the riding conditions were fine. 🌧🌩🌫🌧

What would he know? I bet he didn't have to wash his bike when he'd finished.

Beelady wrote: ↑Thu Sep 27, 2018 8:40 am What would he know? I bet he didn't have to wash his bike when he'd finished.

Nor stuff newspaper in his boots, in the hope that they would be dry inside a week!

My boots have been living near the boiler for the last few weeks!

Very true. I remembered to wear my Sealskinz this time. I know my boots aren't waterproof but at least my feet stay warm and dry. They were the most expensive socks I've ever bought but well worth the money.

Ninjachica wrote: ↑Fri Sep 28, 2018 1:21 pm My boots have been living near the boiler for the last few weeks!

I lay wet boots on the floor with the open end pointed at a box fan.

Piglet wrote: ↑Fri Sep 28, 2018 11:56 pm I lay wet boots on the floor with the open end pointed at a box fan.

Roger leaves his outside to fill up with more rain!

I think that might have been an accident, but I did laugh when I spotted them

Another 250 miles of night riding in the rain this weekend. Best part was new asphalt without any paint stripes - almost impossible to tell where the edge of the road was.