Life is One Big Ride ... take me for a Ride !

 

A very apt sign I saw at Cleobury Cafe last week .. 

Can't say I've had a great start to the 2018 year of Motorcycling. Here we are in April, and a wet soggy Easter weekend along with risk of more snow. The 4th month and and only two morning rides so far, neither on my GS 'Lou', but instead riding a loan F800GS instead. 

A few weeks ago I made arrangments with Blade Motorrad in Coften Hackett near Longbridge, Birmingham for a service at 28k (early 30k) on the 23rd March to include two new tyres (Metzeler Tourance Next) where I was first informed the GS had a slight oil leak evident out of the gator that covers  the drive shaft coupling between the gearbox and driveshaft. I agreed to have this investigated at extra cost only for the mechanics to discover the seal had failed. I agreed to have this replaced, but while the drive shaft and swing arm was off I was informed the Driveshaft was 'notchy' at both U couplings and would need a new complete Driveshaft unit, since the bearings are sealed. Now being the cynic that I am asked to inspect the Driveshaft. Personally, other than a very slight feeling of pressure on the one bearing toward the centre I'm not convinced there is an issue. Now who am I to argue with a BMW authorised technician? Should I pay the £610.00 for a new Driveshaft saving me the labour later or have the old one refitted? With a few trips lined up this year (Ireland and the Alps) should I risk not having the work carried out? While considering my options, the Aftersales Manager ( a bit of a presumptuous title I thought since I hadn't made my mind up at this point) informed me they couldn't fit the seal anyway, they didn't have the correct tool so had to return home on their loan bike! 

 

Faulty Driveshaft (allegedly) 

I'm none too happy about having to shell out for a new Driveshaft at a mere 28k and leaving my bike at Blade Motorrad while they obtain the tool (at time of writing 14 days and still waiting). What kind of authorised BMW dealer doesn't possess the correct tool for a 5 year old motorcycle? I contacted BMW and followed their complaints process. Unfortunately they tend to refer back to the dealership, where Blade offered a paltry 10% discount on the new Driveshaft as a good will gesture. Since myself and most normal people would expect a drive shaft failure at 28k miles to be unacceptable and since I have owned the bike from new, looked after it well and had it regularly serviced I declined their offer - what an insult. 👿.

Eventually, after much resistance, Blade Motorrad  have come back and offered a 50% discount on the Driveshaft, and a reduction in the labour cost to fit the seal. I have reluctantly accepted this offer, as long as I can retain the old Driveshaft. I turned up at Blades last Saturday, asked to compare the New for old Driveshaft (still can't really feel a real 'notchy' issue ), and left as agreed with the old Driveshaft much to their complaint that they will need to send the old one back as warranty cover. Now, as far as I'm concerned, there is no warranty claim, as I'm having to contribute 50% toward it. At the time of writing I have taken the Driveshaft home, where Lindsay also agrees there is little he can tell wrong with it either. My bike is still at Blade Motorrad, and I have their loan bike. So, the saga continues, where I opted to get a second and third opinion by getting the Driveshaft checked by an independent dealer, or even another BMW authorised dealer. In the meantime I have their F800GS loan bike, and so it will remain with me until I get my bike back, fixed to my satisfaction (both in condition and in price). CHRIS HIGGS claims they hope to get my bike fixed for the weekend.

Update 3rd April . On Tuesday, I took the Driveshaft to another local to me  BMW Authorised Motorrad dealership and asked them if their mechanics would kindly inspect the Driveshaft. A really great mechanic came out and confirmed as we thought there is no fault with the Driveshaft. I then followed this up with a visit to an independent mechanic who without me prompting him, in an unbiased way also confirmed there is no fault. So here I am, having to spend £310 pounds on a part that is clearly not faulty. I am  not a happy BMW customer. A true cynic would conclude [insert your interpretation here]. I then followed this up with a call to Mark Page at BMW Customer Services who basically gave me the brush off, told me the 50% stands but he would yet again hide behind the Blade Motorrad dealership. It would seem that a Customer Service Representatives job is a doddle, getting paid for passing the buck. I could do that 👍 cheers Mark for your help. In the meantime here's my pride and joy, still at Blade Motorrad in bits ....

My Swing Arm and rear drive assembly in Blade Motorrad workshop

Update 5th April: Phoned Blade Motorrad, yet again spoke to CHRIS HIGGS who now claims the tool to fit the seal should be here within the next 2 weeks (not this weekend as he suggested last week). Since I have a motorcycle trip coming up I will need my bike back as I have my pannier system to fit. Either way I am going to be out of pocket if I get the work done by someone else or cancel my trip. It leaves me no time to rearrange and little time to get the work completed by another BMW Dealer I have sounded one out who is ready to start work on it now or a very good alternative independent mechanic who claims the oil Seal can be fitted by him but he is further away. Since my bike is in pieces in Blade Motorrad, Birmingham for the UNFORSEABLE FUTURE. This leaves me no alternative than to collect my bike somehow, faulty since they have removed the seal without realising they couldn't refit the new seal becaus  they didn't possess the correct tool for my year model bike (2012). I then spoke to MAX ROBERTS the dealer principle where I discussed collecting the bike in pieces, or they deliver the bike to my home in a state they can deliver home to me but not working leaving me to get the bike to an alternative dealer and start to put right what BLADE MOTORRAD have failed to do. As anyone reading this can imagine I am absolutely furious about this. I have spoken to BMW Customer Services and they are going to speak to Blade Motorrad about this tomorrow. I still have their loan bike.

Anyway, enough of these woes for now, I did manage to get out for a ride to try out the loan bike a couple of times, the first taking up a ride up the back of Clee Hill and then on Easter Sunday with Lindsay to Shobden. I have to say I'm impressed. I know BMW have an all new F850GS out, and this is the older 2017  model with the old 800 engine, but what impressed me was throttle response and the lighter weight. Plenty of grunt, and great stood up on the pegs steering with knees etc. 

 

Back of Clee Hill, Shropshire F800 GS

Weird being back on a chain driven bike (ahem) though, really missed the Telelever suspension. Having the forks dive going in to a bend was quite scary at first since my GS doesn't do that. Also under braking the effect was quite noticeable as the forks recoiled and I think reduced overall braking efficiency. The skinny 21 inch front wheel was great on the looser stuff but a bit twitchy on the tarmac in comparison, not as planted as they say but all in all if I was on the lookout for a smaller, lighter bike I'd consider one of these. They are tall enough for my leg length and comfortable, nippy and fun.

Shobden Air Field (GS Savvy) 

The ride out to Shobden with Lindsay was fun, out over Clee Hill again, then down to Tenbury. I got the back wheel slipping a bit in that dip up the ride to Clee Hill, must be those twitchy Anakee tyres on the wet.

Note.  They've put the price up of a small breakfast 6 quid now at the Hotspur, probably down to Brexit too I guess like everything else 😉. 

Had to laugh at Lindsay though, he seemed to be having issues with his screen and buffeting again, and has bought some clip on ailerons from the Shobden Aerodrome club shop .. 😄😄👍

Ailerons .. good match for the V-Strom. Watch the front end lift up on take off.... amazing!

Plenty of activity at Shobden on Easter Sunday, a few scoots out with some nice detailed paintwork. I like the RAF theme commemorates its 100 years since the formation, not to mention the First World War remembrance theme as well. 

 

So, all things considered, a good morning ride out at last with Lindsay, a bit cool, and even cooler with that F800GS's stubby screen but hopefully I'll get this Driveshaft issue sorted soon and have 'Lou' back in my garage ready for the good weather we are owed. As it happens, we are still waiting for Lindsay to land again as he took off over Clows Top and has been circling overhead ever since! So, in the meantime, I just have to persevere and keep up with the daily meditation activities...

Trip Planning - South West Ireland

Seeing as it's St Patrick's Day weekend, and its snowing again, I'm going to get some trip planning done while supping a Guinness in the warm.

The basic Route Idea from last two editions of ABR and Ride Mags'.

ABR Route 1

ABR Route 2

The plan is to get up to Dingle peninsula via the Wild Atlantic Way and back over a long weekend:

Itinerary is as follows based on 5 Days in total:

1. Friday: Home to Fishguard with meet en-route. Ferry crossing to Rosslare.
2. Saturday: Ride to Killarney - see options below, stay in Killarney.
3. Sunday: Ring of Kerry, stay in either Dingle or again in Killarney.
4. Monday: Single run back to Rosslare. Stay over near Rosslare.
5. Tuesday: Early ferry back to Fishguard and back home.

Out options.

• Option A. Friday crossing 23:45 to 04:00 with Cabin from Fishguard to Rosslare. Saturday ride to Killarney in one run (@200 miles).

• Option B. Friday crossing 13:10 to 16:30 without Cabin from Fishguard to Rosslare. Stay in  Dungarvan (74 Miles). Saturday ride to Killarney (@200 miles) via Cork and Blarney Castle. maybe include Bantry and some more of the WAW. Booked.

• Sunday ride Ring of Kerry starting at either Killarney. Stay over in Killarney or Dingle on Sunday night (Conor Pass is an Option for longer ride so stay in Dingle at the Skellig).

Return options.

• Option C. Monday return ride from Dingle to Rosslare OR Killarney to Rosslare. Stay over in Rosslare catch 08:00 ferry for  Tuesday ride home. Booked.

• Option D.  Monday return ride from Dingle to Rosslare catch 18:10 ferry back to Fishguard 21:45, stay over near Fishguard, home Tuesday PM.

Routes options (MotGoLoco):

Rosslare to Dungarvan (74 Miles)

Dungarvan to Killarney via WAW (216 Miles)

Killarney to Ring Of Kerry (100 Miles)

Killarney to Ring Of Kerry With Dingle and Conor Pass (145 miles)

Killarney back to Rosslare across country (180 Miles)


Ferry Prices 1 person, 1 Motorcycle:

Basic: £55 one way, £110 return.
Flexi: £65 on way, £130 return.

Additional 4 berth cabin outside: £33 one way, £66 return.

Useful Site:

http://www.roadtrooper.com/the-wild-atlantic-way-for-bikers-overview/

New Year, New Adventures ...

Happy New Year to one and all ....

Been a while since I have posted so here's one in anticipation.
Looking forward to unwrapping 'Lupin Lou' from her winter slumber and getting out for a few rides this year. I missed a big trip in 2017 so hoping to make up for it in 2018.

Recently, I have been thinking of where to go this year and have a few of options on the cards now one of which simply has to be to ride some of the Wild Atlantic Way - Southern Ireland. Been reading a lot about this over the Winter and in the latest ABR too with more to come in the next issue.

I reckon the WAW is going to be as good as the west coast of Scotland, with a new twist and plenty to see along the way. Just got to find some great Lough's along the way and get a bit of Nature Trek walking in too. Hopefully visit Dingle again- fond memories of that place. I really do fancy getting myself over there if not for a local pub, a real fire and join in on the 'Craic'.

Another option is to head up to Scotland again, though I may avoid the long haul up there in favour of shorter distance Ireland this year combined with a longer trip through the Alps instead, but Scotland is always worth considering, you can never rule it out. Here's a good site. 

Those Alpine passes and Italian  food are beckoning me aswell. Got to be the Italian and Swiss side this year though combining the Stilfser Joch, Penser Joch and Timmels Joch along with that amazing looking Gavia:

Some I have ridden before but there are so many route options to join them up with new and interesting routes, so much good food, beer , wine and er ... gorgeous Hot Chocolate on the Mountain Tops.

Watch out those Leprechaun's and Marmots - Joch On!

While on the subject of European tours, I notice there is a Traffic offences update for 2018 across Europe and EU countries. This means that if you are speed camera flashed in France the French authorities can now access the UK driver Database to track you down and put a fine in the post up to 8 weeks after the offence. More info here.

New Helmet - Schuberth C4

Just a blog report on my latest purchase. For sometime now I've been interested in getting another flip-front helmet as I miss the Shark Evoline I used a few years ago, but I found it way to heavy and was literally a pain in the neck after a days ride. This lead me to switch to a  much lighter full face Shoei Hornet Adventure style helmet, but with the recent visor crack and scratches I decided to have another look at what was on offer (Shoei wanted close to £100 for a new visor). Last year while in the Alps a few of the guys had the Schuberth C3 flip-front helmet and I was impressed with the lightness and build quality. I do like to pair a headset to my Garmin, Phone and iPod with occasional intercom so one option was to fit the cheap BT system I already have to the outside of a C3, but with the flip front this would push the control unit further back making it less accessible and I was concerned it would catch on my jacket collar.

Another option was the Schuberth E1 adventure style helmet, this is also a flip-front with a detachable peak - more expensive than the C3 Pro with the option of fitting the cheap BT system or purchasing the £180 Sena based 'collar' system. I like the E1 and was close to buying it, but fitting the collar system seemed a pain, as I understand they are hot to wear in the summer. My cheap BT system was now coming to the end of its life - battery life is getting shorter these days and the battery is part of the comm's system so cannot be changed. Another consideration - would there be buffeting at Motorway speeds with a peak helmet ? The Hornet was a winner at avoiding this, but the E1 was a bit of an expensive gamble that might lead to me having to change  the screen on my bike. Bit of a worse case, if the E1 had an integrated comm's system I may have taken the gamble, but it would also suffer with having an exterior mounted system pushed back like the C3 problem too.

This led me to another option ... recently Schuberth have released the C4 range to supersede the C3's going forward and it does look a bit sleeker, smarter (IMO) with Schuberth and indie reviewers claiming it has better visibility with a wider field of vision. It also has ability for you to plug in the really small form-factor integrated SC1 Intercom option developed by Sena ( probably the leader in bluetooth bike intercom systems). A separate battery and comm's unit is slotted into the rear opposing edges of the helmet. The helmet comes with integrated speaker, antenna and microphones built into it's shell. The SC1 system does have all sorts of VOX activated options too and can group pair with other SC1 systems as well as the popular Sena 10u systems. It can even pair with generic blueetooth comm's like my current cheap BT system too.

Great looking Schuberth C4 - in Pulse Silver

I have been really sold on the integrated features of the C4 for three reasons;

1. The intercom system is discrete, not a bulky separate add on to the exterior of the helmet and you don't have to pull all of the lining out to fit it either. With a none integrated set up I have found the ear phones irritate the edge of my ears after a while because they are not properly recessed.  
2. Since I rarely use the Intercom or phone feature the integrated microphone would be there if needed but not in the way all of the time like on the boom sticking out of the cheek pad. Also, in wet weather the boom mic can get wet, it's difficult to tuck out of the way. 
3. With the C4 you can purchase an additional battery and a separate charger so charge the battery independently of the helmet and comm's system e.g. leave in a hotel room on charge for the next day etc. Also when the battery loses efficiency you simply buy another one - not the whole system again.

The Schuberth C4 comes with a 5 year warranty on all parts so after getting a great deal at Moto Central an official dealer in Leicestershire, I bought one with the SC1 kit combined. 

I have been out on a few rides with the C4 with SC1 now and have to say I am really impressed. I think it looks sleeker than the C3, the sun visor is a great feature and has wide peripheral vision, very comfortable and warmer on Autumn days than the Shoei.  A very quiet helmet too, something Schuberth are renowned for and is a favourite with Police motorcyclists. I found pairing with bluetooth devices like my GPS and phone really easy. There's even a Schuberth SC1 Android and iOS app to help with configuration. I'm getting used to the two button function now - can be a bit fiddly learning the button combinations  though e.g.

Pause Music - Hold the + key for 1 second

Skip Track - Hold the + key for 3 seconds

Up Volume - Tap the + Key.

.. but after yesterdays local ride with Lindsay I was really getting used to  operating it with gloves on. Great sound quality and bass notes on audio too - even with ear plugs. Haven't tried the comm's yet apart from a quick pair with my generic bluetooth BT system at home, but so far I have to say I'm really pleased. The air flow has been improved over the C3 - not sure what the net effect is, but the 3 position settings allow varying streams of air you can really feel the effect (the Shoei was useless for this) - hopefully it will be cool in the summer now. I may consider getting a spare battery along with the charger now too, roll on next years touring - can't wait!

Autumn Ducati Sunshine

Today (Sunday), the day started off with bright sunshine, an ideal Autumn morning for a ride down to Quatt Truck Stop (local bikers cafe) to meet  up with Ron, my ex-Harley mate I hadn't seen for a while. Great to catch up, and the first time I'd seen his shiny white Ducati Multistrada 1200. It seems he and Pip were finding the Fat Boy (Harley Softail 😉) a bit uncomfortable while touring around Spain last year, and fell for the Ducati after a few test rides. Great colour and a bit different than the obvious Ducati red I think, the build quality is really quite something on the Multistrada, with plenty of suspension settings and ride modes, and fantastic looking multi function display too, I'm well impressed. 

  

It was great hearing all about his excellent trip riding the Alpenstrasse in Bavaria earlier this year too, a route I did in the opposite direction a few years ago so we were able to share our experiences, and he also got to ride the full route, though unlike me, West to East instead. I love that Alpenstrasse  and wouldn't mind going back, full of interesting Bavarian villages, lakes and forests with plenty of places to stay en-route. Ron took an interesting approach to touring, without a predefined route they (Ron and Roy) set an 'intended' end destination for the day instead, and simply made up the detail along the way, relying on their GPS's to keep them heading in a basic general direction. I like the sound of that type of freedom giving you the chance to really explore and discover without following someone's pre-defined idea of how the day should turn out.  I have done something similar myself on odd days while on my own in Austria, and while alone riding  in the U.K, but not for the entire trip away. He explained they had no definite hotels booked either, relying on a daily 5 pm hunt for accommodation wherever they were at that time. Sounds like a lot of fun, but might not suit everyone's idea of touring without the comfort of knowing where you are heading and having a hotel pre booked to aim for. I can think of one person I toured with in the past who no longer rides bikes who would have simply 'gone mad' not knowing where he may end up, but 'horses for courses' as they say. I would like to try this type of trip in the future, but I'm usually on a timescale - a holiday from work, and often have a 'sight-seeing' or 'roads I must ride' agenda in my mind before I set off. It seems Ron managed to do this by choosing the Alpenstrasse, yet satisfying the wander-lust aspect of an adventure ride too. How refreshing, I really think I might have to give it a try.

After a brew and chat we both headed off for a ride around parts of Shropshire taking a back road Ron knew down to Much Wenlock, one I hadn't ridden before. Following behind he did look comfortable on the Multistrada, it really is a nice bike. Later, we stopped off in Craven Arms, and got chatting to a couple out on their 16 plate BMW RT, having ridden it twice down to Italy and the lakes (hmm, now there's a place I must go back to, maybe I could make it up n the way?). Later, we set off on a pleasant ride towards home saying our 'byes' in Bridgnorth.

Ride outs are shorter now as Autumn sets in, with time to get back and clean bikes etc.

Cheers for the meet Ron, a good afternoon with a balmy 17 degrees sunshine too. A real bonus for October. 👍

Cotswold figure of eight

The weather looked promising for the weekend, and Sunday being the best option forecasting a high 18 to 20 degrees with rain coming in from the west later in the day, so an easterly ride for a ride out in the Cotswolds seemed the obvious choice. I logged on to that very good on-line route plotting website MotoGoLoco and did a search through all of the "Cotswold" routes, settling for an interesting figure of eight ride as far south as Bibury and almost as far out to Banbury. The route description suggested a stop at Hook Norton Brewery and a ride around Charlbury too.  I modified the route slightly to place a start waypoint near Feckenham and ending in Henley in Arden then emailed the exported route files (both GPX and ITN) to Lindsay to load on his TomTom Rider.

 

With a 9am meet arranged somewhere in Feckenham, the biggest challenge for the morning would be finding a route from home to avoid the Birmingham Velo cycling event that looped around Kidderminster and parts of Droitwich with closed roads that affected parts of Bromsgrove too. Thankfully the A422 down through Rushock and Droitwich remained open so I soon pulled up at the village shop in Feckenham after a spirited bright sunny ride along those twisty lanes past Hanbury Hall, arriving around 8.50. Lindsay arrived a little after 9.00.

The intended Cotswold route shared on Motogoloco

While on the bike, it suddenly occurred to me how I hadn't started out with a ride in an easterly direction in a long time. With it being late September the sun was tipping below my helmet peak, almost blinding me at times as I lined up for an upcoming bend so I needed to give the old visor a good clean before we set off again. The route took us down through to Honeybourne, with Lindsay leading as he's more familiar with these parts to avoid the A roads cutting across country. Sometime after I took the lead again and the Garmin's interpretation of the route meant it cut corners between waypoints using country lanes running through the Cotswolds I had never ridden before. These incredibly scenic roads were quite 'choppy' even on my GS, poor old Lindsay on the Bandit was suffering more though, and just as I was thinking how uncomfortable it might of been on my last bike - a Harley Davidson Low Rider, I was quite surprised when at Burford Cafe, parked outside was a very nice looking 16 plate Low Rider in a blue and white two tone colour scheme.

 

Almost 'stock' Low Rider

Just as I was taking a photo, the owner, a guy with what sounded to me like an Australian accent appeared and we swapped a few stories of Low Rider ownership. This later version was slightly different to the one I owned with a black not chrome clock surround, different battery and filter box as well as bigger capacity engine. He had fitted T-bars and a two into one screaming eagle exhaust system. I do like the new Low Rider, and if I could own one again as a second bike for sunny days I would. They handle well for a heavy bike because of the Low centre of gravity and a lot of fun but could never swap one outright for my GS though!

My Low Rider near Riano in the Spanish Picos 2012 (click to enlarge)

 

After our full English, and despite my dodgy u turn on the crossroads in Burford apparently (oops), and Lindsay's dodgy guts (urghh), our route just kept getting better and better as we took turn after turn across country up and down dale, passing through all of those farm tracks and valleys to more chocolate box villages. I don't get to visit the Cotswolds so often on the bike these days as they do get congested, yet this route has proved if you can avoid the main roads and get off the beaten track you won't see much traffic at all even on a sunny Sunday.

Hook Norton

Later in the afternoon after dodging squirrels and pheasants again in secluded forest areas (what is it with me and squirrels eh ?) and after seeing the most amazing Red Kite hovering over us, we arrived in Hook Norton. We settled for a drink at the Pear Tree next to the Brewery, and a rare thing on a bike ride I decided to make an exception and try a swift one of the local brew, while Lindsay tried to tame his grumbling constitution with a posh pot of Coffee. While sat outside the pub we got chatting to a young chap who showed us a You Tube video of his mate having a confusing 'off' while riding his GSA in Spain. We all agreed he was a lucky chap, and couldn't work out how he lost control of it.

Our route home via Stratford Upon Avon was accompanied by what seemed like the cast of bikers from the Mad Max film. I had been watching the original film in the week for the 'umpteenth' time and was sure I would see 'Toecutter' amongst them as these riders were overtaking cars at great speed causing the car drivers to brake sharply as two or more tried to get into the gap between cars. Personally, I think this is reckless, and gives the biker community a bad name, so best to hang back and let them get on with it. Never mind, apart from a crowded one lane Stratford town, a very pleasant day out, and made it home around 5.30 without getting wet this time and thankfully the Velo road closures had lifted too. 

I'm definitely going to ride that route again - maybe in reverse next time. The Cotswolds are great and almost on my doorstep so there's no excuse. Thanks to Lindsay for his local knowledge too. 209 miles.

  

A new bike ride to Aber..flickofthewrist..wyth

Due to a recent family holiday at the end of August and other family commitments I hadn't been out for a ride since the Snowdonia trip, and was chomping at the bit to get out. Last week, via social network I noticed that Mark had finally taken delivery of a new bike. He'd been test riding quite a few big bikes of the Adventure genre throughout the year but couldn't quite find the right machine to match his silky smooth Bandit. None of the twins he tried quite did it it for him and although he liked the four cyclinder BMW XR, he settled on the very nice Kawasaki Versys 1000 stopping short of test riding a GS that was next on his list. Last Sunday we were both free for a ride, so a good ride out west into Wales was the obvious choice to put the Versys through it's paces.

Crossgates Cafe

After loading up an old trip I had lying around the internal memory of the Garmin to take us out through Knighton then round to Llandovery via Lampeter and back in the direction of Brecon, I met Mark at Cleobury Cafe and parked outside was this 'cracking' looking Versys in a very sexy black with red trim (stockings and garter colour scheme maybe? 😙 ) We set off towards Rhayedar, with a stop at Crossgates Cafe for an all day breakfast where the Versys was drawing quite a crowd, before heading on down to Aberystwyth. Mark had to keep the Versys under 4K revs for the first 500 but you really wouldn't know it. A very nice machine I have to say and following behind he looked much more comfortable on it than he did on the Bandit. 

Mark ... very pleased with his new Versys in Aberystwyth.

From Aberystwyth we followed the route, first down to Lampeter, then on to Llandovery stopping at the bikers cafe there. Even late in the afternoon the place was full of bikers as usual. I overheard someone mention Fire Engine and Accident but didn't pay too much attention. As we left Llandovery on the A40 toward Brecon we noticed bikes waving us and car headlights flashing and eventually came to a halt at a long traffic queue. As we understand there was an accident and the Air Ambulance had landed nearby. A guy at the head of the queue was directing traffic to an alternative route, and advised us to take the forest trail road up and over a quarry that would bring us back on to the A40 past the accident. Not sure if Mark fancied taking his shiny new bike on a dirt track so I was pleased when he jumped the lead and headed straight up the gravel track entrance. 

The forest trail diversion just outside Llandovery.

The forest trail was great fun, Mark testing his traction control settings almost immediately. I found this quite amusing, a brand new bike straight out on to the dirt 👍. Not sure I would have, but I guess when faced with an adventure on an adventure bike you can't refuse! 

Kawasaki Versys 1000 on its first trail road.

The view from the forest trail was amazing, you could see for miles toward the Brecons as the road wound round up and over a quarry and across the valley. The surface was gravelly and churned up in parts, not too difficult, just right for my liking and Mark was enjoying the ride too it seemed. We stopped to take a few photos and were passed by cars pulling horse boxes and all sorts who it seems followed us up the trail. I wouldn't mind riding this trail again I thought, so on my return home I logged the 'route tracks' using base camp. 

The trail road winding around with traffic in the distance.

 

Our ride back led us over the edge of the Brecons as the sun was starting to drop long shadows on the valleys creating quite a a stark contrast in the light from one side to the other, bathing the sides of the valley in a golden glow. We came back in to England in Herefordshire via Whitney on Wye passing by that spooky looking Baskerville Hall before parting our ways in Leominster. 

The total route track loaded into Basecamp.

Really pleased Mark has now got his new bike sorted and I have to say I really like the look of the Versys - a very good choice. I can see it fully loaded with the supplied panniers and roll bag next season as he heads off on a few trips away. Good day out, 246 miles door to door, sadly one of the last of the season I guess, roll on next year I hope to ride with Mark again soon.