Halifax to Flatford

[missyburd]

Howdy do Madlanders!

I'd like to put a question to you if I may :-) Not sure if this should be in here or in the Revolution bit but heyho.

In July I need to get down to Flatford near Manningtree. This is the route (http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Halifax+HX2+8TP&daddr=The+Granary,+Flatford,+East+Bergholt,+Colche ster,+Essex+CO7+6UL+%28Flatford+Mill+Field+Centre% 29&geocode=FSL-MwMdzxXj_yk9hm-7Puh7SDFZJH7OfkeJQw%3BCYBv1ig2mXZOFb_TGAMdDZYPACHV I7QZkdfv9A&hl=en&mra=pe&mrcr=0&dirflg=h&sll=52.84888,-0.436861&sspn=3.238103,9.876709&ie=UTF8&ll=52.079506,2.021484&spn=3.295191,9.876709&z=7) Googlemaps suggests and it reckons it would take about 6 hours. I would be on my little Yam YBR125 so I have to avoid the motorways.

My question is, does the route seem doable? I will probably be setting off very early on a friday morning with an aim to get there before 1pm.

Are there roads I really should avoid or any that could quicken up the pace a bit? I have never been down that way or as yet attempted a ride as long. I wanted to use the bke as there are a couple of places I'd love to visit while down that area.


Should I just get the train? ;)

[orose]

Speaking of the bit I'm familiar with, I'd be tempted to go through Sheffield rather than Rotherham - the urban roads are better quality, and the section where it decided to split the two places passed straight through an area with one of the worst road surfaces I've ever ridden on and onto quite a busy junction. There is also quite a steep hill as you cross the M1, and then a long downhill stretch on the other side.

This adjustment (http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Halifax+HX2+8TP&daddr=53.3907,-1.479893+to:The+Granary,+Flatford,+East+Bergholt,+ Colchester,+Essex+CO7+6UL+%28Flatford+Mill+Field+C entre%29&geocode=FSL-MwMdzxXj_yk9hm-7Puh7SDFZJH7OfkeJQw%3B%3BFb_TGAMdDZYPACHVI7QZkdfv9 A&hl=en&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=13&via=1&dirflg=h&sll=53.381178,-1.454487&sspn=0.048432,0.169086&ie=UTF8&ll=53.316416,-1.285057&spn=0.048506,0.169086&t=h&z=13) means you cross the M1 as just another bridge overhead as you cross into Lincolnshire, and you're well into the countryside by then.

Up to that point, the route is spot on - I did that when I went to Huddersfield last month, and it was well worth the ride compared to the motorway.

Over to the madlanders to work on it further south ;)

[sunshine]

210 miles on a 125 i could get an average of 50mph during a ride so i would of thought it would be nearer to 4.5 hours, and i dont know any part of your route so im not alot of use there.

[missyburd]

Cheers Ollie, that route sounds better! I thought it would be a good idea mentioning it on here :)

Sunshine, although 4.5 hours sounds ideal I'm not sure it would be possible to average 50mph with all the builtup bits I'd have to go through but who knows!

[dizzyblonde]

4.5 hrs on a 125 that far is a bit optimistic!
Mucho good stuff for thinking of doing it, but I reckon you'll be needing to set off at 4 in the morning if you are wanting to get there by lunch!(ok a little OTT)

Its doable, but IMHO get the bleddy train.

[dizzyblonde]

BTW...this needs to be in the Essex Lounge. Not Madlanders.
Its petey territory, best person for advice is Dicky Ticker, or Peg ;-)

[pegasus]

Hi Maria, if you dont mind me adding my tuppence worth, I used to do this route 2-3 times a week on my bike, if you need to be somewhere by a certain time do yourself a favour and get the train more relaxing and peaceful...if you dont need to be somewhere by a certain time then use the bike and have a great (but very very tiring day). x

[sunshine]

oh yea forgot the ybr doesnt go above 50

[dizzyblonde]

Poor Maria better do some right hand exercising if shes heading that far, I fear her hand might drop off with the constant vibey throttle as she rings the poor little things neck :-(

[beabert]

do it, more fun than sitting on a train.

[rictus01]

wow that's a fair old trip on a 125, but no reason I wouldn't do it, give yourself plenty of time, stop regularly (even if it's only the walk around the bike), and don't forget to eat/drink as well, good luck

At this rate I won't need to come up there, you'll probably be on one of my local rideouts.....;)

Cheers Mark.

[pegasus]

wow that's a fair old trip on a 125, but no reason I wouldn't do it, give yourself plenty of time, stop regularly (even if it's only the walk around the bike), and don't forget to eat/drink as well, good luck

At this rate I won't need to come up there, you'll probably be on one of my local rideouts.....;)

Cheers Mark.


Hi Mark ,:smt039

I see that your response is supposed to promote enthusiasm and be uplifting to a newbie......and it is.

However, given that you have all the experience in the world, and i have no doubt that you could make a 1970's C50 cub circumnavigate the globe quite easily with only the use of gaffer tape and a tin opener as a tool kit,

I fear that you are making this "epic" journey sound all too tempting to someone of limited experience with a bike that will not keep up with flowing traffic....50mph max!!! without the engine power to get you out of sticky situations this could cause more problems on route on what is 1 of the busiest freight routes in the UK.

Logistics as well, what about if the bike breaks down? I am sure that Maria would not contemplate such a journey without break down cover, but its the inconvenience of sitting around and waiting knowing you have to be somewhere at a certain time.

I respect your experience and opinions Mark, but this time i think you have to take into account the OP's experience and machinery.

:smt039

[beabert]

Logistics as well, what about if the bike breaks down?

That applies to any vehicle, what if the train breaks down lol.

My advice is stick to dual carriageways as people can overtake you easily, i hated single lane main roads on my 125.

As for not enough power to get out of trouble myth, its simple. Dont get into positions where lower power is a disadvantage, theres no need to overtake.

[pegasus]

:smt023That applies to any vehicle, what if the train breaks down lol.


Granted, that is a true factor, and if it were my partner that was out on such a journey i know that i would rather she was sitting on a broken down train, in comfort, rather than by the side of some road :thumleft:

[pegasus]

As for not enough power to get out of trouble myth, its simple. Dont get into positions where lower power is a disadvantage, theres no need to overtake.[/QUOTE]

Speak for yourself mate.

In my 20+ years of riding experience I have had to use this a fair few times, its probably why i enjoy riding so much. The ability to scythe through traffic, the rebelliousness of being able to anticipate the traffic ahead and plan a route of avoidance, without causing any other traffic around me to deviate, accellerate, or brake .....maybe just me but power of the bike is a big factor to me.

[dizzyblonde]

Beabert. Take yourself out of the stranger giving personal feelings over a mammoth journey for a second. Pegasus is not debating the issue from someone who doesn't know Maria.
Hes commenting out of concern for a close friend of mine, who we have encouraged and discouraged at various levels when getting herself on the road over tea and cake!
Pegasus has vast experience of the length and bredth of this country both in lorries, bike and car, so gives an honest non judemental view to a friend.
I have seen many people turn up to bike rallies over the years, who have been given a gong award for longest distance travelled on L plates. The difference being is they have been accompanied on their journey by experienced riders who have bigger bikes. My main concern is Maria isn't experienced enough yet to do such a journey on her own. If she said she had YC with her, then I'd pat her on the back and say go for it. But as she seems to be wanting to do it on her own, knowing the routes myself, I'll be discouraging her.

At the moment Maria is riding around places, where if she gets seriously stuck, within an hour Chris can be turing up and fixing broken bike, or coming to her aid. If shes god knows how far away he can't so that would be a nightmare situation, I would also hope that she would use her noggin and make sure her insurance covered her for that aspect. Only last week she got mega lost and turned a short journey into a huge one, but she wasn't that far away in the grand scheme of things, so although it ended up late at night, it turned into a mini adventure. when you are far away from home and get yourself into a situation from breaking down or lost, it can be pretty frightening, especially a woman on her own. I just think this ones a slightly too big chunk to be tackling within the next couple of months.

I already said last night, on the phone to her it may take me less than 4 hrs to get to the same destination on my bikes, and Peg a couple of hrs, but thats because we have bigger, faster more capable machines to do it. Plus we are hardened to riding for hundreds of miles, without stopping(well only for fuel in my case). I am concerned my mate will get very tired, it'll take her all day(which it will) the bike won't be able to cope with constant throttle at times, and lorries and traffic that overtake her will get to her after a while.....no matter how pigheaded she is, and I know she is, as shes like me on that one.....I seriously think she should give it a miss, and maybe go in six months time, or when she has a bigger bike.

[Messie]

On the plus side though Maria, however you get there, it'll be worth the visit. It's absolutely stunning scenary around there. Yes it's a bit flat compared to what you're used to, but it has charms all of it's own. The study centre is really cool, but don't bother with the touristy Dedham

[rictus01]

Hi Mark ,:smt039

I see that your response is supposed to promote enthusiasm and be uplifting to a newbie......and it is.

However, given that you have all the experience in the world, and i have no doubt that you could make a 1970's C50 cub circumnavigate the globe quite easily with only the use of gaffer tape and a tin opener as a tool kit,

I fear that you are making this "epic" journey sound all too tempting to someone of limited experience with a bike that will not keep up with flowing traffic....50mph max!!! without the engine power to get you out of sticky situations this could cause more problems on route on what is 1 of the busiest freight routes in the UK.

Logistics as well, what about if the bike breaks down? I am sure that Maria would not contemplate such a journey without break down cover, but its the inconvenience of sitting around and waiting knowing you have to be somewhere at a certain time.

I respect your experience and opinions Mark, but this time i think you have to take into account the OP's experience and machinery.

:smt039

Hi Pete, I understand and agree with quite a lot of what you say, and of course there would be concerns, but then isn't that always the case when a friend is out on any bike, and even more so when you know they are undertaking something new to them :smt102, perhaps Maria* is just flying the idea to see what is involved, after all this is an enquiry post on a route, the logistics,expense and time are easy factors to caculate, having the experience and stamina and bike to do it on are more down to the individual.

I noted in her OP the timing is July, and will admit given the timings would be a massive undertaking, but then who am I to limit anyones enjoyment of their bike?, I've no idea how she's getting on or what preperations would be put in place, but given enough time, a variation on the roads she travels and enough breaks it could well be great fun, and after all isn't that one of the main reasons we all ride bikes ?

being local you may well be in a better position than myself to judge whether the pros out weight the cons (for now), I can't, but it's not me doing it, perhaps my love of the adventure and bikes clouds my vision, but sense and just about eveyone else tells me to sit in a chair; and look how much I listen.....

we've all had falls, knocks, got lost, had breakdowns and alike, and we all learn something from them, it's what makes up experience, I myself have run a little rxs100 back home from Plymouth so am aware of what distance can feel like on a small bike. and yes your right I wouldn't do it now, but 20 years ago it was great fun.

Good planning and covering as many eventualities is always the key, but you can never cover everything to make it risk free, and it'd be boring even if you could, if Maria thinks she's up to it and has considered the limits and ramifications, prepared well and practised; then not only is it do-able, but could very well be a one of those life long memories you treasure so dearly.

Both me and you don't have her age and perspective on things and quite frankly never will again, a certain degree of "caviler nature" is what drives the young to achieve what I can only remember.

I love her enthusiasm, as long as it's tempered with real world understand a bit, then the choice, like all of us, is down to the individual.

Cheers Mark

* my appologies for talking about you in the third person Love.......:smt054

[-Ralph-]

Hmm. I know the question was about the route, but the thread seems to have derailed into whether or not Maria should do the journey, so if Maria will forgive me I'm going to post my tuppence worth.

It's a difficult one. I couldn't say don't do it, because I did some stupidly long journeys on my 50 and 125cc bikes when I was 5 years younger than Maria and a complete newbie to riding a powered two wheeler on the road, though I was quite accustomed to dealing with heavy traffic on a pushbike. I had my head screwed on in terms of dealing with traffic, had confidence and cockiness by the bucket-load, and like it or not, as a young bloke I was less at risk than a young lady if I ended up stood at the side of the road with my thumb out.

Would I wholeheartedly recommend that Maria did this trip? No I wouldn't, I think it's a bit too much too soon, but that's 35 year old me talking, and to say that would make me a bit of a hypocrite wouldn't it? It was OK for me, but it's not OK for you?

So it's up to Maria if she want's to do it, and I'd just give the following advice if she does


Make sure you have breakdown cover
Make sure your mobile phone is charged
Take a pepper spray and be prepared to use it
Do the journey because you want to as a leisure activity, not because you need the transport. If this is solely about transport a 125 is not the most suitable form, take the train instead.
As you are doing it as a leisure activity, invest some time and money in it and don't put yourself under time pressure. Take the day before off and get a B&B at your destination, leaving yourself the whole day before to complete the journey, and the same goes for the journey back.
Avoid routes with very heavy traffic, trucks overtaking you on a 125 all day long isn't much fun, try to use smaller A and B roads instead where you have an alternative that heads in pretty much the same direction.
Where you do have to mix with faster moving traffic, take your position in the road and hold it. Don't ride in the gutter, or the other traffic will treat you as if you belong there. You get stuck behind plenty old grannies in cars at 40mph, and the rest of the traffic doesn't try to ride over the top of them, so don't be bullied just because you are on a 125 at 50mph.
Take care, take your time, and think about everything you do before you do it.

[missyburd]

Cor blimey, I wasn't expecting this kind of response.

First and foremost I don't want the mates who know me to be getting to het up about whether or not they think I should be doing this 200 mile trek. At the end of the day if I wish to do something I know I'm darn well stubborn enough to do it. However, I do VERY much appreciate everyone's opinions on the subject, and every single one will be taken into account :-)

Poor Maria better do some right hand exercising if shes heading that far, I fear her hand might drop off with the constant vibey throttle as she rings the poor little things neck :-(

The vibrations are not actually that bad! :p



I fear that you are making this "epic" journey sound all too tempting to someone of limited experience with a bike that will not keep up with flowing traffic....50mph max!!! without the engine power to get you out of sticky situations this could cause more problems on route on what is 1 of the busiest freight routes in the UK.

60-65mph max actually! :rolleyes: ;) (70mph at a push but I don't go that far)

As far as being one of the busiest freight routes goes then that could be got around by taken perhaps a slightly longer route, I'd look into that. If anything Pete I would very much appreciate your help in creating a perhaps better route seeing as you know the area so well. Maybe a tea and cake session poring over the old map could be in order!

Logistics as well, what about if the bike breaks down? I am sure that Maria would not contemplate such a journey without break down cover, but its the inconvenience of sitting around and waiting knowing you have to be somewhere at a certain time.



I have free breakdown cover with the RAC with my insurance so that's not an issue.

My main concern is Maria isn't experienced enough yet to do such a journey on her own. If she said she had YC with her, then I'd pat her on the back and say go for it. But as she seems to be wanting to do it on her own, knowing the routes myself, I'll be discouraging her.

I just think this ones a slightly too big chunk to be tackling within the next couple of months.


I know what you mean Dizz but with all due respect only I can really be the judge of that :D The key word you've used here is "yet". I've already done more than 500 miles in the last 3 weeks and I plan to get a hell of a lot more in in the next couple of months so we shall see what I feel like closer to the time. I've done 100 miles in a day and that didn't bother me too much and I personally feel that 200 is more of an adventure than a chore.

I would however like to perhaps split the jorney into 2 legs, see if I have a mate somewhere in those parts and kip over or maybe a b&b like Ralph has suggested.


On the plus side though Maria, however you get there, it'll be worth the visit. It's absolutely stunning scenary around there. Yes it's a bit flat compared to what you're used to, but it has charms all of it's own. The study centre is really cool, but don't bother with the touristy Dedham

Cheers Messie. There are a couple of places I definitely want to stop off at either on the way down or back from my destination, one of those is the Wash, a hotspot for birdies, somewhere I've always wanted to visit :-D



* my appologies for talking about you in the third person Love.......:smt054
No worries Mark :-D And thanks for the advice, right as usual ;)

[dizzyblonde]

Better get training then, and eating more pies ;-)
But remember, stubborness caught you out last time. So be prepared, and listen to those around you. Make sure you have had many people out with you, who can help you on your riding capabilities, who will comment productively, and not just encourage to make you feel great.
500 miles or not hun, I think you need to slow down slightly, take things on board a little. Don't let your new found experience turn into a head popper. Us mates only say these things because we care, and sometimes brutal honesty is the only positive thing to do.
Be sure to come up for cake, peruse maps, drink tea, and cross every T and dot every i. But be warned whichever route you take, will not be in google map times, it'll be double.
It took me a year to plan the France trip, I'd only done 200 miles in one go once, and it knackered me, I'd been riding for three years by then on a big bike.

Please don't take my posts in the wrong way, but don't cloud your own judgement with ambition above your capabilities. Great achievements are there for the taking, when you are fully geared up in the right way in strength, ability and mental state. Makes the journey extremely fun, and not a chore.
So if you are going to do it, listen....to all of us. We'll encourage you all the more if you really are ready for it.

I write this, because, you are my mate Maria, and as usual am brutally honest. I'd rather have a friend go away like this fully prepared, knowing that I've helped through all the options, than turn a blind eye, and say yeah, it'll be reet :-):love:

[-Ralph-]

I would however like to perhaps split the jorney into 2 legs, see if I have a mate somewhere in those parts and kip over or maybe a b&b like Ralph has suggested.

There's a blow up bed in Solihull any time you like, except the first two weeks in July when we'll be on holiday.

Your route would look more like this http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Halifax+HX2+8TP&daddr=Stafford+Rd%2FA518+to:52.383144,-1.793518+to:The+Granary,+Flatford,+East+Bergholt,+ Colchester,+Essex+CO7+6UL+(Flatford+Mill+Field+Cen tre)&geocode=FSL-MwMdzxXj_yk9hm-7Puh7SDFZJH7OfkeJQw%3BFSQRJwMdrFzj_w%3B%3BFb_TGAMd DZYPACHVI7QZkdfv9A&hl=en&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=2&sz=10&via=1,2&dirflg=h&sll=52.626395,-1.540833&sspn=0.65604,1.234589&ie=UTF8&ll=52.736292,-0.439453&spn=2.617648,4.938354&z=8, but you would be travelling across parts of the country where there are more motorways, so the roads would not be so heavy with trucks.

[Dicky Ticker]

Not wanting to put a damper on your enthusiasm but reading some of your previous posts I would suggest the train

[Messie]

You seem to take patronising quite well Maria, so a 200 mile jaunt should be a walk in the park.

Go girl!

[dizzyblonde]

I don't think its patronisation at all Messie. Quite the opposite.
What would you prefer folk to do, say yeah yeah go ahead, or help her in the task so she goes ahead with eyes wide open?

I want Maria to be safe, and enjoy her trip,
FFS, I'll keep my gob shut. I'm no friend at all if I did that, in fact quite the opposite.
True friends give honesty, and within that more encouragement than expected/

I know which option I'd prefer to have on my side.

[Messie]

I think that she's more than able to make up her own mind tbh. She only asked for adivce about the route, not whether she should do it or not

[pegasus]

whenever your ready Maria;)

btw very very good post from Ralph, good words of wisdom.

Mark :thumright: agree with all your words.

Thats it from me 1 years worth of posts in 1 day in 1 thread, back to the chair in the corner now. :smt028

[missyburd]

But remember, stubborness caught you out last time.

Sorry Dizz, I'm not quite with you on that one? If you mean me getting lost, that wasn't stubborness. I just decided to try out Chris's way of getting home and ended up taking a wrong turning which ended up thoroughly lengthening my trip. If you mean stubborn about getting home then fair enough, I wasn't planning on sticking arounbd in Leeds at 9 at night on my own for too long!

Not wanting to put a damper on your enthusiasm but reading some of your previous posts I would suggest the train

Okay. Care to elaborate a little? Just outright telling me you don't think I'm capable isn't exactly helpful.


I know you all appear to have my best interests at heart but as Messie has quite rightly pointed out, I wasn't asking people whether or not they think I'm capable or not, I was asking what the route was like i.e. places to avoid and such. Some of you appear to making small judgments of my riding based on a) seeing nothing of me on the road and b) one little off I had which appears to have neither dented my confidence or injured my pride.

I thank you all again as I know you want what's best for me, for that I am indeed grateful, you're a cracking bunch :)

[Dicky Ticker]

Elaborated--Your time scale is out as it is a lot harder to maintain a good average speed for such long distances especially on roads you do not know and the route is pretty hard to follow.Not the newest of bikes and it isn't you overtaking trucks it is trucks overtaking you,they tend to suck you into them.As you wouldn't be using motorways some of the route isn't that wide and you would have to ride round loads of crap. You would be punishing the engine to keep up a good cruising speed over such a sustained distance on a hilly route.You either have to go through cities which are unfamiliar to you or take diversions to go round them increasing your mileage.
I am not being patronising but more concerned about your welfare so if you do decide to go ahead just be careful please and remember you are on a 125cc bike with L plates

[yorkie_chris]

Take a pepper spray and be prepared to use it

Some w*nker included that in Sect 5 of firearms act "prohibited weapons".

[sunshine]

Also she isnt using motorways so the fastest a truck can go is 50mph unless the speedlimit is faster than national speed limit in places on route idk. And trucks cant speed because of there tachograph, i know where i work speeding trucks are sacked as its gross misconduct.

And theres not much wear on an engine when its warm, the most damage is done when its cold.

The only risk i can see is tiredness causing an accident or other people on the road, remember what you was taught on your cbt and yc has taught you about riding and you should be fine, But this cant really be a factor in not doing the trip as its a factor everytime you go out on the bike.

[-Ralph-]

I know you all appear to have my best interests at heart but as Messie has quite rightly pointed out, I wasn't asking people whether or not they think I'm capable or not, I was asking what the route was like ....

I thank you all again as I know you want what's best for me, for that I am indeed grateful, you're a cracking bunch :)

Certainly wouldn't like to see you hurt anyway, that's very true.

Sorry if you thought my post was patronising at all, I realised that you were asking for route advice, which I couldn't help on, which is why I said "if Maria will forgive me I'll post my tuppence worth".

I just posted my opinion on what was being said really, when I was doing that kind of journey I thought I was indestructible, and I'm still stupid enough to do silly hours in the saddle. In two weekends time I'm doing 375 miles to Belfast on the Friday, 250 mile rideout on the Saturday, 100 mile rideout on the Sunday and then 375 miles back, I'll probably be on the road for 14 hours on the Sunday, getting home about midnight.

When I said wouldn't I "wholeheartedly recommend" you did it, I was thinking about the fact that although I think I'm indestructible, my family are probably far from thrilled by the idea, to the extent that I don't even tell my mother I'm doing these things, and Sandrine doesn't realise the kind of mileage I'm doing in Ireland, she thinks it just a ride up to Holyhead and the 100 miles from Dublin to Belfast. They were probably much less thrilled when I was doing it on a 125.

I know however that I would have done it myself in your shoes, and you'll always remember your first really long bike journey, so just be careful ;)

Some w*nker included that in Sect 5 of firearms act "prohibited weapons".

Really? I bought one for my wife a few years ago when she had to walk across Glasgow at dark regularly. She carried it in her handbag. I can't remember where I bought it, but it wasn't difficult to find one. Well you got the right word to describe whoever made that decision anyway!

Also she isnt using motorways so the fastest a truck can go is 50mph unless the speedlimit is faster than national speed limit in places on route idk. And trucks cant speed because of there tachograph, i know where i work speeding trucks are sacked as its gross misconduct.

The national speed limit for an HGV over 7.5t on single carriageway roads is 40mph, 50mph for vans. HGV's speed all the time.

[yorkie_chris]

Really? I bought one for my wife a few years ago when she had to walk across Glasgow at dark regularly. She carried it in her handbag. I can't remember where I bought it, but it wasn't difficult to find one. Well you

Trust me, really.
All you can buy now is that high pressure foam stuff that has UV dye in it. Do more good if you fed it to them. But that is not pepper/CS it is just a can of froth!

[-Ralph-]

Trust me, really.
All you can buy now is that high pressure foam stuff that has UV dye in it. Do more good if you fed it to them. But that is not pepper/CS it is just a can of froth!

The stupidity of laws in this country never cease to amaze me.

[yorkie_chris]

Same possible penalty for a .45 as for a 2 ounce tin of pepper spray AFAIK!
I know which I'd rather defend myself with!

I have a nice wheel brace with a 22mm socket welded on the end "oh it's part of my toolkit occifer" ... even fits the wheel spindle :-D
That is perfectly fine and you could knock somebodys head off with it.

[Specialone]

Defo true about pepper spray, I bought wifey one back from the states 10 years ago, expired now.
You can buy them in wal-mart over there ;)

[yorkie_chris]

I think it will still bite.
You can buy a 12 bore with your shopping over there can't you?

Anyway... off topic...

[-Ralph-]

I'm sure there are quite a few fluids readily available in a little spray bottle, that would be very nasty if sprayed in the eyes.

[Specialone]

I think it will still bite.
You can buy a 12 bore with your shopping over there can't you?

Anyway... off topic...

They sold rifles, didnt see any shotguns.
You could buy ammo though, might vary state to state, this one was in texas, didnt see any guns in the one in florida.

[robh539]

I'm sure there are quite a few fluids readily available in a little spray bottle, that would be very nasty if sprayed in the eyes.

want pepper spray ? use deep heat spray. Works every time, and not an offence to carry (yet) lol

[ophic]

want pepper spray ? use deep heat spray. Works every time, and not an offence to carry (yet) lol
I've only got the cream stuff. I'm not sure that'd be very effective unless the nasty assailant happens to accept the offer of a massage :smt036

[G]

Its a blooming long way that 6Hrs 3 Mins without factoring in fuel stops and the odd break. How early are you going to have to leave.

The roads from Sheffield to Spalding are not very inspiring or fun you pretty much past my house though lol.
any deviation from that route to some of the very nice local road will just add loads more time and a massive amount of zigzaging.

Fractionally longer in distance and a bit longer in time is...

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Halifax+HX2+8TP&daddr=A629+to:Derby+Rd%2FA61+to:A38+to:A610+to:A61 0+to:52.501176,-0.914612+to:The+Granary,+Flatford,+East+Bergholt,+ Colchester,+Essex+CO7+6UL+(Flatford+Mill+Field+Cen tre)&geocode=FSL-MwMdzxXj_yk9hm-7Puh7SDFZJH7OfkeJQw%3BFV7dLwMdC_vo_w%3BFXwaKgMd-rbq_w%3BFTf0KQMdF4Dq_w%3BFVKaKQMdKpHq_w%3BFc2VKAMd ngrt_w%3B%3BFcDTGAMdDZYPACHVI7QZkdfv9A&hl=en&mra=dpe&mrcr=1&mrsp=6&sz=9&via=2,3,4,5,6&dirflg=h&sll=52.494487,-0.769043&sspn=0.859528,2.620239&ie=UTF8&ll=52.283282,-0.258179&spn=0.86365,2.620239&z=9

But Sheffield to cambridge is pretty aswome.

[robh539]

I've only got the cream stuff. I'm not sure that'd be very effective unless the nasty assailant happens to accept the offer of a massage :smt036
lmao

help,stop!!!! eyeball massage Youth??? worth a try :)

[G]

I'm sure people could tag along for section too for support :p if its a weekend I can show you from sheffield to cambridge.

[-Ralph-]

use deep heat spray. Works every time

How many times have you tried it? :shock:

[robh539]

quite alot, on myself never learn :)

[missyburd]

Thanks for the delightful derails lads :P


And Ralph I wasn't getting at anyone in particular so please don't think I was pointing the finger! Enough said about my welfare now though eh? I get the gist :-P

Maybe what G has said about people accompanying me in sections could be interesting...

[ophic]

Maybe what G has said about people accompanying me in sections could be interesting...
I'll accompany her head. Someone else can do her feet.

[missyburd]

I'll accompany her head. Someone else can do her feet.
oh dear, where did you put your coat again? :p

[Messie]

If I can help you out in the Essex/Suffolk region drop me a line!
When is your trip?

[missyburd]

Cheers Messie. Need to be in Flatford for 9th July.

[missyburd]

So I'm considering the train...£78 or more in fares which is bloody extortionate. Costs me a third of that to get to Wales! :(

[muddi]

If you do go on the bike, I would say try to set off day before as someone else said and get B&B halfway there somewhere nice, make a short break of it. Have you got a satnav? Would take some of the guess work out of the journey, plus better than stopping somewhere on your own (even at a garage) and getting your map out - just screams out to weirdos - look im a female on my own in unfamiliar ground.

No reason why you cant do it IMO, just plan, plan and plan some more before you set off - plenty of breaks for a bit of rest etc and you should be ok.

If it was me I would break the journey up by trying to stay overnight somewhere - especially as you have to be where you want to be by dinnertime.

No reason why a 125 wont make the journey. Just make sure you are prepared etc.. and if worse comes to the worse - you have break down cover.

If you do decide to ride down, then good luck with it - and try to get as much mileage under ya belt before your journey!

Just a thought to the other guys who are discouraging her, would you honestly be saying the same if she was a guy?? I can't help feeling that you lot are being a bit over protective. (not that there is anything wrong with that) but just wondering if the advice would be the same for a bloke? ;)

[missyburd]

Thanks for the reply muddi :-) As it turns out I managed to find a train ticket for £50 instead of £80 so the train has won :rolleyes:

I was up for it yesterday morning, and even considered borrowing a satnav as I was more concerned about the getting lost factor adding onto travel time. I personally don't think i would have had too much of a probably, especially with the wonders of Google Streetmap these days but probably better to be safe than sorry :-)



Just a thought to the other guys who are discouraging her, would you honestly be saying the same if she was a guy?? I can't help feeling that you lot are being a bit over protective. (not that there is anything wrong with that) but just wondering if the advice would be the same for a bloke? ;)
I did wonder...

[muddi]

£50 is good price and you can now have a chill out and maybe catch up on some reading or something on your journey down there.. Enjoy xx ;)