Davy's wee wander about the UK and some of Europe 2014

[Riders Rest]

keep on keeping on Davy for sure you will be in Italy soon

here is the picture I took and said I would post up for you... Enjoy the adventure!

 

[Davy F]

I remember that sunshine !!

After that shocker, I've now been baking in Maranello. 32 degrees....and no way is it comfortable to wear all the gear. So combat breeks and T shirt is the order of the day, and to ride even more aware. I'm staying in the (Ferrari) Maranello Village. Superb, especially for the price. Also been to the Ferrari museam. Oh to be wealthy !

 

[Jockser]

I'm staying in the (Ferrari) Maranello Village.

Good spot isn't it ? Although when I was there last year (early June) there was nowhere on site to eat the first night although we found a great pizzeria 10 minutes walk away. On the second night the self service restaurant was open but I wish I hadn't - disappointing for Italy !

Did you go to Enzo's house ? Brilliant display of F1 cars through the ages when we were there.

Right, what's next…..?

 

[Davy F]

Next was a trip to Ducati this morning. Didn't take long to get there and naturally, here's a few pics of Ducati motorcycles......

 

[Davy F]

The weather today was stunning.....but 35.5 degrees ! Just can't seem to please me....too wet, too hot......

So once finished at Ducati, and I have to say how impressed I was with their whole operation, I decided to make tracks north. God was it boiling on the bike ! I decided to keep on going and see how many miles I could travel before it became more bearable. Turns out, anout 50 miles before the Austrian border !! The route through the Dolomites and into the Tyrol was blessed with amazing scenery. But ground had to be made and I changed my planned stop and decided to head into Munich.

So tomorrow morning will be a visit to the BMW museum.

 

[Davy F]

A day late, but the hotel I was in last night had poor everything !

Anyway, the BMW showroom (that is really a disservice) was amazing. I kept looking for a Carlsburg sign..... I had breakfast while in the showroom and it really is something else. As for the museum, well, it was a sight to behold. They really know how to lay things out and if you've never been, just make a point of going.

 

[Davy F]

Today was KTM day in Mattighofen. And more rain. Bugger bugger bugger !

Arrived and joined the English speaking group, pity the guide wasn't more fluid, but then it's not like I can speak German or French or.......
To be brutally honest, it was a bit amateurish, especially compared to the tour at Ducati. There isn't a museum either, but they intend to have a new purpose built museum ready within the next two years. But at the end of the tour, it is obvious that they are proud of what they have achieved in recent years. Sorry again for no photos.

And then I was off on my way to Frankfurt. The weather was horrendous for about 275 of the 325 miles I did today. I have now changed my plans, especially after seeing tonight's weather forecast and have decided to cut and run for Calais. So it will be a big mileage day again tomorrow to get back on English soil.

 

[Davy F]

Frankfurt to Calais, 375 miles and it didn't rain. Well, not on me, at least. Seemed to be lucky enough to skirt all the downpours. First time on the Chunnel too, really like that. Stayed in a cracking B&B near Dartford before the penultimate journey home.

So on getting up on Friday morning to a dreary wet England, I made my way to Bike Stop in Stevenage and then the National M/C museum. My god, how many motorbikes do they have ?

My Dad rode a Dominator
I needed one of these for all the stupid British 'drivers'
Wish I had the money that was worth
And I remember knowing a guy who had one of those

 

[Davy F]

So, ferry at Holyhead, three and a quarter hours of screaming kids and a useless wifi service made it a looong boring crossing. A one hour forty five minute blast up the road to cover the final 110 miles and in the house at almost 02:00.

I did consider riding round the block a few times, but decided that'd be cheating. The bike is bogging, but I am impressed with how it performed. No issues, best mpg of 54.5 and amazed how economical it is at reasonably quick cruising speeds as it never dropped below 48 mpg. The clean-up will start on Sunday.

 

[Davy F]

Looks like you're having a great trip Davy.

How often are you having to lube the chain?

Lubed the chain 4 or 5 times. It didn't need adjusted once.......but it will get some tlc now I'm home.

 

[Nutty]

Nice report Davy, that's what it's all about. I'm very jealous.

 

[Davy F]

Looking back on it all, I'm pleased with how much I packed in. OK, I did end up coming home earlier than I'd have hoped, but most everything was open ended and TBH, the very recent bad weather did play a part in that decision. Still, there's plenty left to do on my 'to do' list, so I'm not disappointed.

 

[Dean]

Looks like you had a good trip Davy

Certainly given me some ideas for future trips, thanks

 

[Leasouth]

But I detoured past Stonehenge for a look at the rock pile. Last time I visited them, I was a lot closer to them, so I presume the road has been altered to keep traffic further away ? Bit disappointing to be honest.

The old A344 was removed last year along with the tunnel from the old visitor centre and the car parks. The land has been returned to countryside to resemble what was there in the past. https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/about/news/transformation-stonehenge-landscape-road-closure/

A new multi million £ visitor centre has been built http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/stonehenge/

 

[fatbob99]

looks like you had a great time on a great bike

 

[hogletsdad]

What a trip !

I like your attitude of finding/hearing about places and then changing/adapting your plans to take them in ... Whole trip looks great.

Tony

 

[Davy F]

It seems so long ago now, Tony.

Next year a new adventure on a new bike.

 

[Ash]

Great pictures