Fazer Joe Posted July 9, 2007 Share Posted July 9, 2007 Trip to BSB Knockhill Scotland July 2007, just got around to posting this. Day 1 This trip was in planning for more than 12 months, well the day finally arrived to head off to Scotland on 28th June this was going to be a cracking trip……………but wait. Packed the bike up on Wed night 27th June, nothing left to chance, all the bits and pieces required for running repairs packed. Calls the wife out for a photo on the bike for her family in Scotland……………then things started to go wrong. As she got up on the bike it went over, wind shield in sh1te, wifes wrist, sprained possibly broken. Gets the bike back in the upright position, shock horror the thoughts or 1000 mile journey with no wind shield. So off to the A & E in Clonmel, waiting, waiting, waiting….eventually she gets called and seen to. Chipped bone in the wrist, X rays, and some pain fillers, and a brace for the wrist. Finally gets home at 2 am. So head off at 10 am on Thursday, smaching morning, stopped off at the Esso beside Joels on the Naas Rd. Weather took a turn for the worse so I decided to put on the rein gear. Headed off into town and out through the Park onto the M50, everything going well so far, rain starts falling but only lightly. Gets to the toll on the M1 and the sky opened up. It then rained non stop all the way to Larne. Finally got checked in and parked the bike, went off to the passenger terminal for a warm coffee. They announce the boarding for the Ferry to Troon and within a very short time the Ferry set sail. Had a very smooth crossing to Troon, Was surprised that with the racing on at the weekend there was only 5 bikes on board including mine, and me the only one with a white plate. Well we docked in Troon at 19:20 and I headed for Glasgow to my brother in laws place. Got there in around an hour, dried off and had a few beers. Day 2 On the Friday morning ( 29th ) we headed off to the the Bike shop ( Warehouse ) what a selection of bike gear, bought me a new Leather Bike Jacket ( IXS ), a one piece rain suit, 2 x neck warmers, and a few other bits and bobs. I was like a child in a sweet shop didn’t know what I wanted. We went back to the gaff and unloaded the treasures and set off on an 180 mile journey to Inverness. The sun was scorching as we set off up the M8 in the direct of Erskine Bridge. Had our first stop at Tarbet overlooking Loch Lomond. The roads are fab, plenty of twisties with very good surface. By the way the 2 brother in laws were leading the way, 2 x ZX9R’s, so the pace was pretty hot, steady at worst. Headed off then to Fort William, the scenery was only breath taking, as were the roads, the place was milling with Bikers when we got to the Green Wellie Stop, a bikers haven, petrol station, convenience store and coffee shop with goodies. We stopped regurlarly along the way from Fort William to Inverness for a fag break for the smoker, none the less it was a welcome break to stretch the legs and admire the sights. The road can only be described as surreal, great camber, good surface and sweeping twisties. Eventually we arrived in Inverness and sorted out a B & B for the night. We secured a room in a B & B for STG 45 for the night, we dined and drank out fill in a local hostelry. We were back in the B & B for 11 o clock and had a good nights sleep, those that could sleep, others snored like a train relentlessly, Day 3. Arose at 8 on Saturday morning, sun was shining, we were really looking forward to getting under way. We had a good breakfast and hit the road by 9:30 am. The road out to Fraserburgh was pretty uneventful, again excellent roads but straight for the most part. We then headed on to Peterhead where we stopped for a coffee and a bite of lunch. We headed off southward towards Aberdeen, once again this route was pretty straight, although there was some very quick stretches with winding roads. We stopped briefly in Aberdeen , just to strech the legs, have a fag and a coffee. We decided to take the A93 to Breamar, this route runs by the Balmoral Estate, the roads here are a bikers dream, just miles and miles of twisties, with very good road surface. Once again this route was peppered with bikers in both directions. As we approached Perth we were diverted by the Police, the roads was closed due to a biker fatality ( RIP ). We took a diversion of around 15 miles and arrived at the Bridge of Cally. Sadly the good weather was well behind us at this point, we stopped here to gear up for the deluge that was to come, we were not disappointed as the skys just dumped on us for the rest of the day, and the weekend for that matter. WE were unable to get B & B accommodation, I don’t know why, 3 bikers soaked to the bo…x, would you want to open your front door. So nothing for it but back to Glasgow, rain pelting down all the way, Arrived back at the house in Cambuslang, changed clother ordered in as Chinese meal, had a few scoops, and the rest is sweet dreams. Day 4. Raining again on Sunday morning, but we were going to brave the weather come what may, the BSB racing at Knockhill was calling. Arrived at the circuit around 10:15, the queues of cars waiting to get into the circuit were miles long in all directions. We on the other hand decided to filter on up the outside, 2 traffic cops on bikes are coming towards us, just gave us a wave and kept going. At last we were in the circuit, parked up the bikes and had a look around at the stalls, bought few bits and pieces, then we went off to get a vantage point. The one thing I can say is that there was plenty ov good viewing places all around the track. The rain however was on and off all the day, more on than off, I was surprised that they managed to run any of the races at all. When racing did get underway it was just spectacular, the skill in the wet, Shakey Byrne was asked if he hw would be changing anything after the first race to which he replied “ my under wear “ the results of the racing are covered elsewhere on the forum so I wont go into that. WE headed back to Glasgow around 6:30 in the pouring rain. We managed to loose one of the ZX9ers on the way, he spin back to Glasgow was way too hot given the weather conditions, I had no choice but to follow in close pursuit as I didn’t know the way home, we wont go there now but I was not a happy camper. Im too long in the tooth for speeding in the rain. The sister in law had the finest roast beef dinner prepared for us when we got home, so we obliged by tucking into it and drinking copious amounts of wash down……… Day 5. Well the time had come to head back to Troon, was up early, weather looked promising so I didn’t bother with the rain gear. 15 mins down the road the skies opened. Ferry docken in Larne at around 12:30, rain suit back on as the weather was pure sh1te, Traffic through Belfast was manic, not even enough room to filter between the cars on the section of the M1 that’s under construction. Then around Newry I pulled over and took off the rain gear as it was very warm and no sign of rain.Well within 10 mins of taking the gear off I had to pull over and dress up again. The sky's opened and dumped a deluge down on me all the way to Dublin. the driving conditions were quite poor all the way to Dublin. Then it was onto the Toll road and around the M50 in Dublin, traffic once again was at a crawl although this time I was able to filter in the traffic. It was almost 4:00 PM as I rounded the Red Cow Roundabout onto the M7 and headed southward to Clonmel, Still 100 miles to go. The weather eased up for about an hour and then it poured again, I eventually got home to Clonmel for six o clock. Unloaded the bike and booked a taxi to go out for dinner with the missus, it was her birthday, and promises is promises, knackered or not. Had three pints a lovely meal and shared a bottle of wine.Was home from the restaurant by 9 o clock, at which point I was knackered.Relaxed for a while and was off to bed by 10:30. On the road again on Tuesday morning 7:00 am , back in work in Dublin, and was in work for 9:00. . What an spin well in excess of 1000 miles. . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty Posted July 9, 2007 Share Posted July 9, 2007 Hi, sounds like a good trip even with all the wet stuff.. We did a run up to Skye , a few years back, great roads.and the weather was great in between the showers lol... hope your missus is on the road to recovery.... I try to keep mine well away from the bike, my wife would push it over deliberately given half a chance! regards to the group.... Scotty Trip to BSB Knockhill Scotland July 2007, just got around to posting this. Day 1 This trip was in planning for more than 12 months, well the day finally arrived to head off to Scotland on 28th June this was going to be a cracking trip……………but wait. Packed the bike up on Wed night 27th June, nothing left to chance, all the bits and pieces required for running repairs packed. Calls the wife out for a photo on the bike for her family in Scotland……………then things started to go wrong. As she got up on the bike it went over, wind shield in sh1te, wifes wrist, sprained possibly broken. Gets the bike back in the upright position, shock horror the thoughts or 1000 mile journey with no wind shield. So off to the A & E in Clonmel, waiting, waiting, waiting….eventually she gets called and seen to. Chipped bone in the wrist, X rays, and some pain fillers, and a brace for the wrist. Finally gets home at 2 am. So head off at 10 am on Thursday, smaching morning, stopped off at the Esso beside Joels on the Naas Rd. Weather took a turn for the worse so I decided to put on the rein gear. Headed off into town and out through the Park onto the M50, everything going well so far, rain starts falling but only lightly. Gets to the toll on the M1 and the sky opened up. It then rained non stop all the way to Larne. Finally got checked in and parked the bike, went off to the passenger terminal for a warm coffee. They announce the boarding for the Ferry to Troon and within a very short time the Ferry set sail. Had a very smooth crossing to Troon, Was surprised that with the racing on at the weekend there was only 5 bikes on board including mine, and me the only one with a white plate. Well we docked in Troon at 19:20 and I headed for Glasgow to my brother in laws place. Got there in around an hour, dried off and had a few beers. Day 2 On the Friday morning ( 29th ) we headed off to the the Bike shop ( Warehouse ) what a selection of bike gear, bought me a new Leather Bike Jacket ( IXS ), a one piece rain suit, 2 x neck warmers, and a few other bits and bobs. I was like a child in a sweet shop didn’t know what I wanted. We went back to the gaff and unloaded the treasures and set off on an 180 mile journey to Inverness. The sun was scorching as we set off up the M8 in the direct of Erskine Bridge. Had our first stop at Tarbet overlooking Loch Lomond. The roads are fab, plenty of twisties with very good surface. By the way the 2 brother in laws were leading the way, 2 x ZX9R’s, so the pace was pretty hot, steady at worst. Headed off then to Fort William, the scenery was only breath taking, as were the roads, the place was milling with Bikers when we got to the Green Wellie Stop, a bikers haven, petrol station, convenience store and coffee shop with goodies. We stopped regurlarly along the way from Fort William to Inverness for a fag break for the smoker, none the less it was a welcome break to stretch the legs and admire the sights. The road can only be described as surreal, great camber, good surface and sweeping twisties. Eventually we arrived in Inverness and sorted out a B & B for the night. We secured a room in a B & B for STG 45 for the night, we dined and drank out fill in a local hostelry. We were back in the B & B for 11 o clock and had a good nights sleep, those that could sleep, others snored like a train relentlessly, Day 3. Arose at 8 on Saturday morning, sun was shining, we were really looking forward to getting under way. We had a good breakfast and hit the road by 9:30 am. The road out to Fraserburgh was pretty uneventful, again excellent roads but straight for the most part. We then headed on to Peterhead where we stopped for a coffee and a bite of lunch. We headed off southward towards Aberdeen, once again this route was pretty straight, although there was some very quick stretches with winding roads. We stopped briefly in Aberdeen , just to strech the legs, have a fag and a coffee. We decided to take the A93 to Breamar, this route runs by the Balmoral Estate, the roads here are a bikers dream, just miles and miles of twisties, with very good road surface. Once again this route was peppered with bikers in both directions. As we approached Perth we were diverted by the Police, the roads was closed due to a biker fatality ( RIP ). We took a diversion of around 15 miles and arrived at the Bridge of Cally. Sadly the good weather was well behind us at this point, we stopped here to gear up for the deluge that was to come, we were not disappointed as the skys just dumped on us for the rest of the day, and the weekend for that matter. WE were unable to get B & B accommodation, I don’t know why, 3 bikers soaked to the bo…x, would you want to open your front door. So nothing for it but back to Glasgow, rain pelting down all the way, Arrived back at the house in Cambuslang, changed clother ordered in as Chinese meal, had a few scoops, and the rest is sweet dreams. Day 4. Raining again on Sunday morning, but we were going to brave the weather come what may, the BSB racing at Knockhill was calling. Arrived at the circuit around 10:15, the queues of cars waiting to get into the circuit were miles long in all directions. We on the other hand decided to filter on up the outside, 2 traffic cops on bikes are coming towards us, just gave us a wave and kept going. At last we were in the circuit, parked up the bikes and had a look around at the stalls, bought few bits and pieces, then we went off to get a vantage point. The one thing I can say is that there was plenty ov good viewing places all around the track. The rain however was on and off all the day, more on than off, I was surprised that they managed to run any of the races at all. When racing did get underway it was just spectacular, the skill in the wet, Shakey Byrne was asked if he hw would be changing anything after the first race to which he replied “ my under wear “ the results of the racing are covered elsewhere on the forum so I wont go into that. WE headed back to Glasgow around 6:30 in the pouring rain. We managed to loose one of the ZX9ers on the way, he spin back to Glasgow was way too hot given the weather conditions, I had no choice but to follow in close pursuit as I didn’t know the way home, we wont go there now but I was not a happy camper. Im too long in the tooth for speeding in the rain. The sister in law had the finest roast beef dinner prepared for us when we got home, so we obliged by tucking into it and drinking copious amounts of wash down……… Day 5. Well the time had come to head back to Troon, was up early, weather looked promising so I didn’t bother with the rain gear. 15 mins down the road the skies opened. Ferry docken in Larne at around 12:30, rain suit back on as the weather was pure sh1te, Traffic through Belfast was manic, not even enough room to filter between the cars on the section of the M1 that’s under construction. Then around Newry I pulled over and took off the rain gear as it was very warm and no sign of rain.Well within 10 mins of taking the gear off I had to pull over and dress up again. The sky's opened and dumped a deluge down on me all the way to Dublin. the driving conditions were quite poor all the way to Dublin. Then it was onto the Toll road and around the M50 in Dublin, traffic once again was at a crawl although this time I was able to filter in the traffic. It was almost 4:00 PM as I rounded the Red Cow Roundabout onto the M7 and headed southward to Clonmel, Still 100 miles to go. The weather eased up for about an hour and then it poured again, I eventually got home to Clonmel for six o clock. Unloaded the bike and booked a taxi to go out for dinner with the missus, it was her birthday, and promises is promises, knackered or not. Had three pints a lovely meal and shared a bottle of wine.Was home from the restaurant by 9 o clock, at which point I was knackered.Relaxed for a while and was off to bed by 10:30. On the road again on Tuesday morning 7:00 am , back in work in Dublin, and was in work for 9:00. . What an spin well in excess of 1000 miles. . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin Alex Posted July 9, 2007 Admin Share Posted July 9, 2007 Sounds like you had a good ride, just a shame about our shitty weather! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tomg Posted July 9, 2007 Share Posted July 9, 2007 an impressive recolection of a ride!! soudns like fun! i just did a 400mile roudn trip to my parents and back with my mate, ive not done much long riding and thats the 3rd time ive done it now. motorways are boring also punctured a rear tyre but hey ho!! i love riding bikes too much to care!!! ps obviousl i replaced the tyre otherwise that would be jsut silly now wouldn;t it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fazer Joe Posted July 10, 2007 Author Share Posted July 10, 2007 Hi, sounds like a good trip even with all the wet stuff.. We did a run up to Skye , a few years back, great roads.and the weather was great in between the showers lol... hope your missus is on the road to recovery.... I try to keep mine well away from the bike, my wife would push it over deliberately given half a chance! regards to the group.... Scotty Hi Scotty, I see your from Belfast, The roadworks on the M1 at the moment are a real ball breaker. Was also up at the NW 200 in May what a cracking days racing, weather held up for the meeting at least, got a good soaking on the way back to Tipperary again, guess thats biking in Ireland. Was looking at Skye on the map, maybe next time, and John O Groats might get a visit also. FJ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fazer Joe Posted July 10, 2007 Author Share Posted July 10, 2007 Sounds like you had a good ride, just a shame about our shitty weather! Hi Alex....................... you got to expect the worst weather on these western isles, I had all the rain gear and used it sadly. Glad you enjoyed the read. Fj Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fazer Joe Posted July 10, 2007 Author Share Posted July 10, 2007 an impressive recolection of a ride!! soudns like fun! i just did a 400mile roudn trip to my parents and back with my mate, ive not done much long riding and thats the 3rd time ive done it now. motorways are boring also punctured a rear tyre but hey ho!! i love riding bikes too much to care!!! ps obviousl i replaced the tyre otherwise that would be jsut silly now wouldn;t it! Hi Tomg, You should consider Ultra Seal next time you are getting new tyres. It will save you a lot a grief. Fj Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest MRTIP1972 Posted July 11, 2007 Share Posted July 11, 2007 Trip to BSB Knockhill Scotland July 2007, just got around to posting this. Day 1 This trip was in planning for more than 12 months, well the day finally arrived to head off to Scotland on 28th June this was going to be a cracking trip……………but wait. Packed the bike up on Wed night 27th June, nothing left to chance, all the bits and pieces required for running repairs packed. Calls the wife out for a photo on the bike for her family in Scotland……………then things started to go wrong. As she got up on the bike it went over, wind shield in sh1te, wifes wrist, sprained possibly broken. Gets the bike back in the upright position, shock horror the thoughts or 1000 mile journey with no wind shield. So off to the A & E in Clonmel, waiting, waiting, waiting….eventually she gets called and seen to. Chipped bone in the wrist, X rays, and some pain fillers, and a brace for the wrist. Finally gets home at 2 am. So head off at 10 am on Thursday, smaching morning, stopped off at the Esso beside Joels on the Naas Rd. Weather took a turn for the worse so I decided to put on the rein gear. Headed off into town and out through the Park onto the M50, everything going well so far, rain starts falling but only lightly. Gets to the toll on the M1 and the sky opened up. It then rained non stop all the way to Larne. Finally got checked in and parked the bike, went off to the passenger terminal for a warm coffee. They announce the boarding for the Ferry to Troon and within a very short time the Ferry set sail. Had a very smooth crossing to Troon, Was surprised that with the racing on at the weekend there was only 5 bikes on board including mine, and me the only one with a white plate. Well we docked in Troon at 19:20 and I headed for Glasgow to my brother in laws place. Got there in around an hour, dried off and had a few beers. Day 2 On the Friday morning ( 29th ) we headed off to the the Bike shop ( Warehouse ) what a selection of bike gear, bought me a new Leather Bike Jacket ( IXS ), a one piece rain suit, 2 x neck warmers, and a few other bits and bobs. I was like a child in a sweet shop didn’t know what I wanted. We went back to the gaff and unloaded the treasures and set off on an 180 mile journey to Inverness. The sun was scorching as we set off up the M8 in the direct of Erskine Bridge. Had our first stop at Tarbet overlooking Loch Lomond. The roads are fab, plenty of twisties with very good surface. By the way the 2 brother in laws were leading the way, 2 x ZX9R’s, so the pace was pretty hot, steady at worst. Headed off then to Fort William, the scenery was only breath taking, as were the roads, the place was milling with Bikers when we got to the Green Wellie Stop, a bikers haven, petrol station, convenience store and coffee shop with goodies. We stopped regurlarly along the way from Fort William to Inverness for a fag break for the smoker, none the less it was a welcome break to stretch the legs and admire the sights. The road can only be described as surreal, great camber, good surface and sweeping twisties. Eventually we arrived in Inverness and sorted out a B & B for the night. We secured a room in a B & B for STG 45 for the night, we dined and drank out fill in a local hostelry. We were back in the B & B for 11 o clock and had a good nights sleep, those that could sleep, others snored like a train relentlessly, Day 3. Arose at 8 on Saturday morning, sun was shining, we were really looking forward to getting under way. We had a good breakfast and hit the road by 9:30 am. The road out to Fraserburgh was pretty uneventful, again excellent roads but straight for the most part. We then headed on to Peterhead where we stopped for a coffee and a bite of lunch. We headed off southward towards Aberdeen, once again this route was pretty straight, although there was some very quick stretches with winding roads. We stopped briefly in Aberdeen , just to strech the legs, have a fag and a coffee. We decided to take the A93 to Breamar, this route runs by the Balmoral Estate, the roads here are a bikers dream, just miles and miles of twisties, with very good road surface. Once again this route was peppered with bikers in both directions. As we approached Perth we were diverted by the Police, the roads was closed due to a biker fatality ( RIP ). We took a diversion of around 15 miles and arrived at the Bridge of Cally. Sadly the good weather was well behind us at this point, we stopped here to gear up for the deluge that was to come, we were not disappointed as the skys just dumped on us for the rest of the day, and the weekend for that matter. WE were unable to get B & B accommodation, I don’t know why, 3 bikers soaked to the bo…x, would you want to open your front door. So nothing for it but back to Glasgow, rain pelting down all the way, Arrived back at the house in Cambuslang, changed clother ordered in as Chinese meal, had a few scoops, and the rest is sweet dreams. Day 4. Raining again on Sunday morning, but we were going to brave the weather come what may, the BSB racing at Knockhill was calling. Arrived at the circuit around 10:15, the queues of cars waiting to get into the circuit were miles long in all directions. We on the other hand decided to filter on up the outside, 2 traffic cops on bikes are coming towards us, just gave us a wave and kept going. At last we were in the circuit, parked up the bikes and had a look around at the stalls, bought few bits and pieces, then we went off to get a vantage point. The one thing I can say is that there was plenty ov good viewing places all around the track. The rain however was on and off all the day, more on than off, I was surprised that they managed to run any of the races at all. When racing did get underway it was just spectacular, the skill in the wet, Shakey Byrne was asked if he hw would be changing anything after the first race to which he replied “ my under wear “ the results of the racing are covered elsewhere on the forum so I wont go into that. WE headed back to Glasgow around 6:30 in the pouring rain. We managed to loose one of the ZX9ers on the way, he spin back to Glasgow was way too hot given the weather conditions, I had no choice but to follow in close pursuit as I didn’t know the way home, we wont go there now but I was not a happy camper. Im too long in the tooth for speeding in the rain. The sister in law had the finest roast beef dinner prepared for us when we got home, so we obliged by tucking into it and drinking copious amounts of wash down……… Day 5. Well the time had come to head back to Troon, was up early, weather looked promising so I didn’t bother with the rain gear. 15 mins down the road the skies opened. Ferry docken in Larne at around 12:30, rain suit back on as the weather was pure sh1te, Traffic through Belfast was manic, not even enough room to filter between the cars on the section of the M1 that’s under construction. Then around Newry I pulled over and took off the rain gear as it was very warm and no sign of rain.Well within 10 mins of taking the gear off I had to pull over and dress up again. The sky's opened and dumped a deluge down on me all the way to Dublin. the driving conditions were quite poor all the way to Dublin. Then it was onto the Toll road and around the M50 in Dublin, traffic once again was at a crawl although this time I was able to filter in the traffic. It was almost 4:00 PM as I rounded the Red Cow Roundabout onto the M7 and headed southward to Clonmel, Still 100 miles to go. The weather eased up for about an hour and then it poured again, I eventually got home to Clonmel for six o clock. Unloaded the bike and booked a taxi to go out for dinner with the missus, it was her birthday, and promises is promises, knackered or not. Had three pints a lovely meal and shared a bottle of wine.Was home from the restaurant by 9 o clock, at which point I was knackered.Relaxed for a while and was off to bed by 10:30. On the road again on Tuesday morning 7:00 am , back in work in Dublin, and was in work for 9:00. . What an spin well in excess of 1000 miles. . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest MRTIP1972 Posted July 11, 2007 Share Posted July 11, 2007 MY LADYS IS FROM SCOTLAND ABERDEEN WAS THERE LAST JUNE 2006 WE CAUGHT A FLIGHT TO DUBLIN HAD THE KIDS SO DIDNT GO OUT MUCH BUT THE FOOD WAS ACE ASWELL AS THE PINTS. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fazer Joe Posted July 11, 2007 Author Share Posted July 11, 2007 MY LADYS IS FROM SCOTLAND ABERDEEN WAS THERE LAST JUNE 2006 WE CAUGHT A FLIGHT TO DUBLIN HAD THE KIDS SO DIDNT GO OUT MUCH BUT THE FOOD WAS ACE ASWELL AS THE PINTS. Hi MRT, Mines from Glasgow, have been there a few times, but this was the first on the bike, what scenery.......... Im still buzzing after the trip. FJ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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