Motorcycle Live - 28th November

Yesterday (fri) myself and my son William (who had a day off school for teacher training) took a trip over to Motorcycle Live at the NEC in Birmingham. This was a chance to try on some gear not normally available in local shops. The usual manufacturers were showcasing their latest models as usual and the small stands of traders were there selling everything from drill bits to handlebars. It was good to discover Brittany Ferries are doing a show discount off their ferry trips too - this will be good for a hopeful trip over to Spain next year. I got to sit on the latest BMW GS models as well as the new RS. Quite liked the new Triumph 800 XC too, and I think William had his eye on the Ducati's -the finish on that Panigale is something special. Bought myself one of those Knox Cold Killer mid-Layer under jackets, and caught up with Sam Manicom at the Overland stand againwhere I bought a signed copy of his latest book 'Totems and Tortillas', look forward to reading this over the winter Sam.

We met Charley Boorman on the BMW stand, where I entered the comp' to ride with him on the GS off-road training day. I decided to mock him a bit for setting the bad example and riding with Russ in baseball pumps on his latest TV series though I guess it makes it easier to ride side-saddle!! Got a signed autograph off him for Hayley, who enjoys watching LWR/D with me. I hope the autograph goes some way to making up for her missing this and being stuck at College. I was struck by how much shorter he is than he seems on TV. I knew Ewan McGregor was short, but always thought Charley was 6ft or more. This does make his riding the tall GSA around the world even more impressive. I wish I had asked him if he had it lowered first now though.

Me, Charley and William

Then later, we met the hilarious Henry Cole at his own stand 'Gladtsone Motorcycles' where he told us a tale or two about how he and Hamish decide on which of the 'Worlds  Best Motorcycle Rides' he gets to feature on the travel channel - it turns out he leaves most of It to Hamish as he said he is useless at planning! Also had a chat about his Bonnie  salt flat experience and he settled the argument I had with Helen where she was convinced he had got divorced for clearing off on bike trips away, she said his hair got longer over successive series due to his single life. Well, he did show me a picture of his Mrs on his phone to prove it and Will took a photo of his phone too. Great chap, as funny in real life as he is on the telly.

Henry Cole, Me

Henry's Mrs ?

All in all a great day out and as Henry would say .... great to mix it up with Kindred Spirits !