Scotland trip May 1st 2010

[Hairyweasel]

I know this is a bit early but I want to give as much notice as possible to allow people to save up and book time off work.

This is a full on touring trip with no set itinerary covering a lot of distance so please think carefully before deciding to come.

The only fixed part of the trip is that we will be meeting in the car park of the travel lodge just North West of Glasgow at 9am on Saturday the 1st of May.
From there we will be heading North west sticking to the coast were possible and following our noses.
We will be taking a list of the youth hostels but also carrying tents and each day will be taken as it comes.
We have no set direction and no set sleeping places.

We will be leaving Scotland sometime later in the week, most likely either the following Friday or Saturday.

If we have the time and inclination I would like to follow the coast up the west side and along the top and then back down the east but don't take that as read as if we see an interesting road on the way we will go and have a look.
I also fancy a look round Sky and SV was telling me about a cracking island that is worth getting the ferry over to.
Depending on the time there might be a ferry over to the Orkney's as well.

To give an idea of the distance involved to go from Leeds and back to Leeds will be around 1800 miles.
The cost of accommodation in Youth Hostels is between £10 and £20 per night.

Anyone and everyone is welcome.

I hate to have to do this but I have to lay a few ground rules.
This is not a 1 day ride round the dales it is a 5 to 7 day touring trip and needs to be treated as such.
1 All bikes must be mechanically sound and serviced before we set off.
2 Everyone must have means for recovery be it AA cover or a mate with a van who will drive to the middle of nowhere for 2 days to come and get you.
3 Bring enough money to cover an extended trip with a decent contingency fund just incase.
4 be capable of spending 5 to 7 days in the saddle with few breaks.
5 be willing to spend the odd night camping by the side of the road and unable to plug GHD's in (Wild camping is the last option but it might happen a couple of times.
6 Don't bring a silly spoiled bint as a pillion.

The above might sound a bit draconian but other than No5 they are all issues that we have had on previous trips that I want to avoid on this one.

This is going to be a fantastic trip through the most beautiful part of the country on some of the best roads that you can imagine.

[Maikiro]

I will be up for this.
Somethings to ask thou.
Is it all meet at Glasglow on the 1st or is it the ones who want to start from Leeds then through to Glasglow.

[Hairyweasel]

it depends on what people want to do.
Myself and Paul will be working on the Friday and will be setting off after work.
if it works out well we will be leaving mid afternoon and having a steady ride up but if a breakdown comes in I might not get away until 7 and in that case it will be hit the motorway and blast up.

Confirmed so far is.
Me.
Paul.
Mac88.
Maikiro.

[Short Vehicle]

I'm tempted as you know Dax.
I'll have to work out my shift pattern into next year and see if I have the time off.
I also have to find some readies from somewhere too!

That island I was enthusing about - I think that was Skye as well, don't remember any others.
A ferry over to the Orkneys might be a tad pricey too as we will be taking vehicles - worth investigating the prices though.

I know Titch and myself would love to take the bikes up to the Shetlands for a blast but that is another ride on another holiday....its a 16 hour overnight crosing!!

[Daniel]

I'd certainly consider it, all depends on me passing my full test and getting a slightly more powerful bike before then, I dont fancy almost 2000 miles on my slow arse CG. I'll have to let you know after xmas.

[Hairyweasel]

I'm tempted as you know Dax.
I'll have to work out my shift pattern into next year and see if I have the time off.
I also have to find some readies from somewhere too!

That is why I posted about it so early to give people plenty of time to save and arrange holidays.

I think your right about the Orkney's and I doubt we would have time anyway but all options are open.

Daniel you can quite literally decide on the night before as we are not booking anything and just going with the flow.

This trip will be fine on a 125 because we wont be traveling fast anyway.

[samhirst87]

6 Don't bring a silly spoiled bint as a pillion.

Haha I like number 6 point - So true! thats why I lost my rag on the way back!

Anyways....

Yes I would like to come on this trip. With the trip been so far away will give me good time properly prepare for this one which means.... Proper solid panniers & a large top box, a large screen for the motorbike (will reduce wind enduced neck pain) - After the lazy arse holiday of Ibiza this is just the adventure fuelled week I need

[Hairyweasel]

I thought we could count on you to come .

[Maikiro]

Booked this off with work all ready. Yay

[Short Vehicle]

BUGGER!!

Just checked my shift pattern and I'm down to be working that week >:( >:(

7 days is too much for me to try and rejig so unless a miracle happens, it doesn't look as though I'll be able to play.....

As you say, no plans are made so I will wait until the last minute before I know if I can come along.