Signs of Winter and/or Covid madness ??

[alahack57]

Hi all


Just sat musing over the keyboard in  the kitchen whilst my lovely live in lady chats to her pal over in Cork.

It may amuse and entertain some of you if I share how I was passing the time yesterday afternoon - when, despite the month the weather felt agreeable enough I thought to go for a ride. However, in the spirit of lockdown I am restraining the urge despite the benefits a ride would bring to my mental health.

Anyway my dear pal Steve and I were in reminiscing mood of a fine trip we took in late Summer 2018 which took in Eifel National Park, through Black Forest, through Austria and via Brenner Pass to Italy. Maybe my finest ever day on a bike across Dolomites followed overnighting not too far from the border with Slovenia. Next day we availed ourselves of the chance to cross into that country and had the finest bit of cake at Park Hotel at Lake Bled. The trip continued back into Austria and Grossglockner Pass, a tearful moment for me at the top - wow. Eventually, back into Germany to Rothenburg  - like fairy tale in real life and on to the Wurstmarkt wine festival in Bad Durkheim.
One day blast back to Rotterdam for the overnight to Hull - man, what a trip.(very abridged highlights - more detail available with pleasure if of interest)

So, we have started to plan, as much as we can, a trip in September aiming for Livigno, from where I can ride the Passo di Stelvio and then on to five nights based at Tremosine , northern end of Lake Garda. Much planning yet but the germ of an idea has been planted.

In the spirit of being prepared I spent the latter part of the day with the bike cover off and me 'trying' out both full sets of Givi luggage to see which 'looks' best - and of course, sitting on the bike to see how it felt - not many people around so sanity not in any question !! 

Caroline, the aforementioned lady, does not feel this is normal activity for a 63 year old and how he should be spending his time !
I know I can rely on some sympathetic thoughts from my fellow riders out there - as we count off days until we are released by our respective 'leaders'.
Best wishes all !

[spike240]

Hi - I read your post with interest. It brought many memories back for me. Haven't done that much international touring, but managed two trips to the alps a few year ago.

With the greatest respect to your good lady, it is certainly normal activity for a 63 year old as far as I'm concerned .

Good luck with the plan, and hopefully may meet up on a club ride this year.

Sympathetically Yours.

[Doom]

I haven't done any biking abroad but I have been on holiday to the north end of Lake Garda, based in the Hotel Splendid Palace at Limone sul Garda, and it's a fabulous spot. The road round the lake at that point is an absolute biker's dream. The start of Quantum of Solace (James Bond film) was filmed on it if you want a preview.

I hope you can make it.

[divimike]

We did the Dolomites in 2019 as a group out of North Yorkshire. One of many trips, including Spain and Portugal, Corsica twice, Sardinia, Morocco and Tunisia. Spend the summer in France so gives us good opportunity to visit lots of the local area. Have a divi 900 in each location so reduces the miles to get to Europe. Have been thinking about the coming season and what chances will be to get out to France. Probably a reduced time, but hope to get a couple of months, rules allowing. In the mean time we will consider some touring around the UK, as that has been low on our list for the past several years. I use the word "we" as my good lady is a willing pillion and spends the time while we ride to record the journey on a camera. So as we enter our mid-70s, we consider there is still plenty of life in these old dogs yet. Keep on riding and stay shiny side up!!!!

[alahack57]

Thanks for all the comments and tips, I too am still a novice to touring abroad, this year will only be third time for me, oh, twice to Ireland aswell if that counts. I'll check out that Bond film beginning sometime soon, the roads are an attraction for sure, only living via You Tube so far of course. How great to have a bike in every country, a perfect plan, they are such a bargain - why not ?

I'm hoping to meet up with some of you too - fingers crossed for that becoming a reality !

[bobh]

(Puts on Monty Python Yorkshire voice) Sixty-bloody-three? That's nowt. I were older than that when I rode t' Nurburgring.

Big C permitting, I'm still doing the UK's mini-version (Cadwell) 10 years later (as well as instructing at Thruxton, Castle Combe, Mallory ...) And hoping for a trip to one or two continental circuits when we finally get let out, though I'll have to keep on with the yoga to make sure I'm still bendy enough.

[GAv]

I once took a Ford D series truck to Hannover with a very large machine outback and apart from driving a few times when visiting family in Denmark that is my lot for foreign driving but never on 2 wheels.

Have often thought of riding an

indigenous bike down to Italy for the Moto GP. Trouble if I changed my Mille to Tuono spec, apart from de modifying to appease the insurers, the RSV is distinctly restricted to localish blasts.

Even if I fit the clip on raisers I bought ages ago, it is doubtfull that would make much difference

 also due to athritus affecting my knees after two consequetive offs(from an Aprilia Futura(written off)and a Cagiva Raptor which I managed to continue on to Ireland on,circa 2017 then rejoined folf from on here for the NC 500 Jock run, but didn't ride all that way to Inverness.

I just bought another Piaggio X9 based Maxi Scooter, which maybe of little interest hereabouts actually to replace the Aprilia Atlantic 500 taken from my home last year.

It is a Gilera 500 and who knows that Bucket (as long as I don't kick it over first )list may come to fruition.It was the last bike that was squeezed into the Kangoo(roo)which has now gone.

Now 2 days into my 69th year, Unless health issues overtake I cannot see myself giving up 2 wheels.

I also hope you can fulfil your dream.

[spike240]

A few photos from our first trip.

Me John & Dave in mid May 2007

Grossglockner Pass




John - Acting the Ziege




Bumped into this wonderful family near Berchtesgaden - it was Muttertag.