Neil goes to Petes
Planned this trip over the last two years. Had a red XR250 which I hid from my girlfriend for a year and used it to get experience ready for this trip. I actually learned a lot from this bike. Things like turning the indicators on and starting it became second nature. After a year I was ready for the big time. I got a standard XT600e. Cost me £1400 then I got a big tank and painted up for £450, Knobbly tyres and chain and sprocketts for another £200 and serviced.
Excitement was growing as I browsed the maps all layed out on my office floor. I had to be secret and make sure Sonia never caught on about my adventure plans in my head.
Time passed and I missed many windows to travel but it was ok I was spending the time wisely, Working out regularly at the dogging car park in Tunbridge Wells Common.
Then the day came, all my plans were ready and I had a 3 hour window in my diary. Phone on message minder in case Sonia called. I donned my protective gear, jacket, helmet and terminator boots. Sat on the bike and pushed the button. Wowah! whats that racket? after looking over it I found it was just the engine running, I wasnt used to it and had to calm my nerves.
Setting off was tricky. Started with a hill start and a 3 point turn out of the yard. I had seen Gary struggle on this part and didnt want to mess up now. After all I was riding without any chance of a plaster if I grazed my knee. At the top of the drive I stopped to look back at the view. Pleased with my efforts I set off again. The next section was a tricky 20 feet of un sealed driveway and a nasty turn onto the lane. Handled well but sweating like a pig I made it.
Then the long 5 miles of head down against the elements on the b roads with a fast section on the a21 going up to 59 miles per hour, wow the speed this thing does, holding on for my life I managed it.
Turned into the final section. Beech Lane Matfield was tricky, loose stones and a rabbit jumped out in front of me. Hold your nerves Neil I found myself saying. I was so close now.
Turned a sharp right into a mud section and with a wiggle and both feet on the ground I easily covered the 30 feet to Petes door.
In conclusion I would only make one change if I do another adventure ride. ID GET BOLLOCKS!
Neil
Planned this trip over the last two years. Had a red XR250 which I hid from my girlfriend for a year and used it to get experience ready for this trip. I actually learned a lot from this bike. Things like turning the indicators on and starting it became second nature. After a year I was ready for the big time. I got a standard XT600e. Cost me £1400 then I got a big tank and painted up for £450, Knobbly tyres and chain and sprocketts for another £200 and serviced.
Excitement was growing as I browsed the maps all layed out on my office floor. I had to be secret and make sure Sonia never caught on about my adventure plans in my head.
Time passed and I missed many windows to travel but it was ok I was spending the time wisely, Working out regularly at the dogging car park in Tunbridge Wells Common.
Then the day came, all my plans were ready and I had a 3 hour window in my diary. Phone on message minder in case Sonia called. I donned my protective gear, jacket, helmet and terminator boots. Sat on the bike and pushed the button. Wowah! whats that racket? after looking over it I found it was just the engine running, I wasnt used to it and had to calm my nerves.
Setting off was tricky. Started with a hill start and a 3 point turn out of the yard. I had seen Gary struggle on this part and didnt want to mess up now. After all I was riding without any chance of a plaster if I grazed my knee. At the top of the drive I stopped to look back at the view. Pleased with my efforts I set off again. The next section was a tricky 20 feet of un sealed driveway and a nasty turn onto the lane. Handled well but sweating like a pig I made it.
Then the long 5 miles of head down against the elements on the b roads with a fast section on the a21 going up to 59 miles per hour, wow the speed this thing does, holding on for my life I managed it.
Turned into the final section. Beech Lane Matfield was tricky, loose stones and a rabbit jumped out in front of me. Hold your nerves Neil I found myself saying. I was so close now.
Turned a sharp right into a mud section and with a wiggle and both feet on the ground I easily covered the 30 feet to Petes door.
In conclusion I would only make one change if I do another adventure ride. ID GET BOLLOCKS!
Neil
best stay in
