GMvi Loch Ness Edition

[andrewsmith]

IT'S SCOTLAND - all of the above can and will occur during our typical summer!!! and all on the same day.:cheers:

and in a hour too!!
Seen Summer/ Spring/ Summer/ autumn/ winter/ spring in a 40 mile ride around here

[carelesschucca]

Have we had rain on the actual GM rideout? I can remember damp roads but never actual rain?

This year it will be perfect I booked the weather with Santa a while back...

[yorkie_chris]

Yes I remember it lashing it down following haggis back to the campsite one year. Think it was the one with the slippy bridge to cross.

[carelesschucca]

GM 3?

The Only one I've not been on or lead and was it not through one they got lost on too?

[andrewsmith]

On the bets of rain sleet and snow. I've just ordered a set of these

http://www.nationalbiketyres.co.uk/images/uploads/Azaro-Pro-Xtreme-Rain-Pair.jpg

[haggis]

Yeah, it rained at gm3, maybe it was only on the Sunday tho? I remember bikenut, wulfie and me getting drowned on our way thru Glencoe, then blistering heat after fort William.

That bloody slippery bridge, my nemesis on gm1! Damn thing cost me a mirror and lever. I'd forgotten we were back there for gm3.


All this talk of rain is bad karma guys. Positive thoughts, and we will be fine. The weather round here has been fantastic this winter, none of the snow, no rain, just chilly.

[andrewsmith]

Chucca you book nice weather for April?

[carelesschucca]

Didn't have enough credits with him upstairs for that one mate sorry.

[andrewsmith]

You know its probably going to be snowing

[carelesschucca]

Andy if its snowing for GMvi I don't care if I'm meant to be organising I'll be going to Cardiff for this instead! I WILL get to this event one year... I just think the whole thing would be amazing, you can't beat the smell of Methanol fumes.

http://www.welshrugbypics.co.uk/events/fim-british-speedway-grand-prix-100710/CDF_Speedway_Grand_Prix16.jpg

[andrewsmith]

Andy if its snowing for GMvi I don't care if I'm meant to be organising I'll be going to Cardiff for this instead! I WILL get to this event one year... I just think the whole thing would be amazing, you can't beat the smell of Methanol fumes.

http://www.welshrugbypics.co.uk/events/fim-british-speedway-grand-prix-100710/CDF_Speedway_Grand_Prix16.jpg

Like!!!!

[davepreston]

TO ALL GM ATTENDEES
Mrs Giggles shall be attending this event , as such each and every one of you is responcible for here safety and well being, if she does not return overjoyed at her weekend away, i shall make the trip north to re-educate each and every one of you

lots of love
Dave Preston :)

[andrewsmith]

TO ALL GM ATTENDEES
Mrs Giggles shall be attending this event , as such each and every one of you is responcible for here safety and well being, if she does not return overjoyed at her weekend away, i shall make the trip north to re-educate each and every one of you

lots of love
Dave Preston :)

Would that re-education involve this gauge by any chance ;)

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/24294_10151416962930073_151130077_n.jpg

[carelesschucca]

Well Folks this is a wee update on how the organising of the GM is going.

Last weekend a (fool)hardy bunch of us went up to Fort Augustus to spend a few nights, say hello to the owners of Stravaigers Lodge and check out the proposed route for the GM run.

Bar the odd bike refusals, getting lost and bald back tyres the weekend was successful. We now have a full route of just under 200 miles that will be used* for the weekends entertainment.

If you have a room booked in the lodge itself you will not require to bring your own bedding as this is supplied, but the pillows were on the slightly thin side. You will however need to bring your own towel as this is not supplied by the lodge.

The lodge has a no alcohol policy, but we had a few refreshments while we were there and there was no issue with the owners as long as we kept the noise down and didn't disturb any of the other guests.

If you are allergic to cats please be aware that there is a fairly large cat that has free reign in the site and will be around while we are there.

As for Fort Augustus itself its a fairly small village but has a couple of take aways and a couple of pubs all of which are within 200 yards of each other. There are also a couple of small supermarkets that are in the same area. I only noticed one petrol station in Fort Augustus and it was substantially more expensive than the Morrisons in Fort William (I would advise filling your bike here on your way past)

I'd like to thank everyone that I've pestered and annoyed by asking lots of questions while I've been organising this whole thing. But special thanks go to Ron, Andy and Murdo for being daft enough to come along and help test the route out.

Sorry that this has been a fairly wandering message (but at least I'm not worrying, just yet)


*there will be a proper thread set up soon once the map has been annotated and vetted

[JamesMio]

Seriously, folks...

If you've been sifting through this thread and making hmming and haarring noises to yourself while wondering whether:

- it'll be worth such a long ride to get there
- it's actually any good up there anyway
- whether Chucca actually does put out if you get him drunk enough

I promise you - it's amazing up there - utterly, utterly beautiful.

I urge you - stop fannying around, get yourself a room booked and start looking forward to what will be a fantastic weekend on two-wheels.

Not least of which, cos I won't be there to annoy/crash into you.

[andrewsmith]

Bar the odd bike refusals, getting lost and bald back tyres the weekend was successful. We now have a full route of just under 200 miles that will be used* for the weekends entertainment.

*Cough* Key left in ingnition with lights on!!! *Cough*

On a serious note, make sure your tyres are decent!!! Mine had about 2.5mm on at chuccas and it was down to canvas 400 miles later!! The roads are Scotland smooth (read as sandpaper!!)

Fuel, 13 litres at the main stop cost me about £19.50.

Fill up in Fort William or Inverness

Seriously, folks...

If you've been sifting through this thread and making hmming and haarring noises to yourself while wondering whether:

- it'll be worth such a long ride to get there
- it's actually any good up there anyway
- whether Chucca actually does put out if you get him drunk enough

I promise you - it's amazing up there - utterly, utterly beautiful.

I urge you - stop fannying around, get yourself a room booked and start looking forward to what will be a fantastic weekend on two-wheels.

Not least of which, cos I won't be there to annoy/crash into you.

To give people distances its around 175 miles from Glasgow to Fort Augustus, its a days ride on those roads. Bloody worth it!!!!
It is stunning on the route for GM, and worth every penny :)

Mio change your plans around and make it a biking one ;)

[andrewsmith]

To show the org how bad the said bald tyre was

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/923317_753778632188_1324135133_n.jpg


Yes I'm the dunce in the corner

[SIII]

Beautiful, taken last week on trial run.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-EgnFIPwV7_A/UWxZ-A2sBvI/AAAAAAAACQo/1ruS9DjOCAU/w843-h428-p-o/P1010243.JPG

Can I just point out - my Sv started every time ( even started the poorly trumpet) and both my tyres were fully legal !!!! Go Pointies :cool:

Not so beautiful -

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7LeXFK8hcpE/UWxZwts7DAI/AAAAAAAACP8/DBK7VUanvwk/w790-h454-p-o/P1010238.JPG

[andrewsmith]

Hahaha

That is even worse than I thought

[AJC]

Ha I did exactly that to a Pirelli Diablo, driving 400 miles back from Cardiff...

Pics look awesome, cant wait!

[andrewsmith]

Ha I did exactly that to a Pirelli Diablo, driving 400 miles back from Cardiff...

Pics look awesome, cant wait!

That is one of them, albiet the touring type

[littleoldman2]

Looks good. Still working on a weekend pass.

[markc123]

To show the org how bad the said bald tyre was

Yes I'm the dunce in the corner

That's actually worse than the tyre I finished GMIV on. Current rear tyre will be toast before May so this year I will turn up on new rubber (and possibly a new bike :-) ).

[andrewsmith]

That's actually worse than the tyre I finished GMIV on. Current rear tyre will be toast before May so this year I will turn up on new rubber (and possibly a new bike :-) ).

Do it!!!! :D

[missyburd]

To show the org how bad the said bald tyre was

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/923317_753778632188_1324135133_n.jpg


Yes I'm the dunce in the corner
You think that's bad?!?! Try being a stunt rider (NOT me btw :-P)

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/524802_497692396945011_1389597710_n.jpg

[markc123]

Do it!!!! :D

I already have the bike, the question is can I finish fixing it and put a few miles on it before the GM? Said bike has been to Scotland before. It came home on a recovery truck :-).

[andrewsmith]

Doable I'd say, whats left to fix?

[andrewsmith]

You think that's bad?!?! Try being a stunt rider (NOT me btw :-P)

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/524802_497692396945011_1389597710_n.jpg

How has that not gone bang

[davepreston]

I already have the bike, the question is can I finish fixing it and put a few miles on it before the GM? Said bike has been to Scotland before. It came home on a recovery truck :-).

SV's dont like Scotland, FACT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[andrewsmith]

SV's dont like Scotland, FACT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chain wasn't it??

[SIII]

Properly maintained and shod one's work just fine. :takeabow:

[andrewsmith]

Dave thats you sunk then ;)

SIII; its had the following put on/ done
- New tyres
- New Discs
- New plug and the coil cleaned
- Oil change
- Fender extender

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/540473_753838557098_1362835335_n.jpg

[Mrs_giggles]

Hhmm after seeing those tyres and knowing im comming a fair distance gonna have mine checked.

[Dicky Ticker]

More like wanting to save on petrol;)

[Luckypants]

Due to a wedding that clashes and a lack of holiday time we will have to bail on this. If things change I may be able to make it on my own, if so I'll just rock up and camp.

[TamSV]

It looks like I have to go to a boxing match on the Friday night.

Still coming though. Plan is to set off at dark o'clock on Saturday morning. If the ride out route gets posted up in advance I might try to come out and find you all, but most likely I'll just skip it and crack open a beer. :)

[Paul the 6th]

The SRAD started weeping fuel from the fuel pump under the tank.. it started fine and was rideable, just didn't fancy being that guy who closed the m6 because he set fire to his **** at 90mph lol. It had done 1100 miles in 5 days leading upto that point and was an absolute dream :)

[andrewsmith]

Not long now Folks!
Time to get the bikes ready and the waterproofs sorted.
Remember this is in Northern Scotland and if you have codura or goretex underwear bring them with you!

[carelesschucca]

Route for the GM should be posted onto the main website either Wednesday or Thursday. No other info to give the now. Just praying for some decent weather..

I'll add a link once its done...

Be good to see all of you guys.

[missyburd]

I'm thinking I might finally invest in a pair of one piece waterproofs, then it won't rain! :D

[andrewsmith]

I'm thinking I might finally invest in a pair of one piece waterproofs, then it won't rain! :D

It didn't rain on the test run!
It rained the rest of the sodding time

[littleoldman2]

Rain, sleet, hale and snow last weekend aplenty.

[ethariel]

Lying in bed, nebuliser in standby, Steroids and antibiotics on the go, watching the days tick by, thinking oh sh*te!

[andrewsmith]

Lying in bed, nebuliser in standby, Steroids and antibiotics on the go, watching the days tick by, thinking oh sh*te!

oh s**t.
Whats up?

[Speedy Claire]

Lying in bed, nebuliser in standby, Steroids and antibiotics on the go, watching the days tick by, thinking oh sh*te!


Oops... hope you feel better soon :(

I`ve fractured my coccyx and have been on steriods for 2 months as pain relief for a muscular condition - suffered the awful side effect of weight gain too :( I`ve now been told I`ve got heart failure tho still waiting to hear how severe.

I`m probably mad for attempting the trip but I couldn`t miss out on such a fantastic route. We have booked accommodation in Edinburgh tho for the Thursday night to break the trip up a bit on the way up.

All the same if anyone has a spare defibrillator could you please strap it on the back of your bike for the rideout [-o<

[ethariel]

Bu66er, thought i was bad! (Bad Chest as usual, just picked a bad time to hit me :()

[Speedy Claire]

Bad chest can be really scary and I hope you recover in time, would be a shame to miss out ... bring your nebuliser with you and i`ll bring the defib and steriods :D

[munkygunn182]

What's on the plan for 'social' on Saturday night? (If anything?) I'm DJing on Friday night so won't make the ride-out, but if there's a social plan for the evening I'm sure I could head North for it...

[SIII]

There's a couple of options for the Saturday night -

Option 1 - first we could the pubs and clubs in Fort Aug - there's a choice between strip clubs and your usual dance venue - not sure who's DJ'ing on the night - think it's either Carl cox or some fat boy - not sure - and then we could then go to the pink rhino after. That was option 1 on the planning meeting.

Option 2 - was to get a carry oot - stand around outside and feed they midges and set fire to skin so soft (it does burn - thanks AJC) and watch chucca get drunk and cuddle lots of peep's.

Maybe we should start a poll? but I image we would all rather do option 2 - chucca drunk is hilarious.

[carelesschucca]

Cuddles are good!

[AJC]

Option 2 - was to get a carry oot - stand around outside and feed they midges and set fire to skin so soft (it does burn - thanks AJC) and watch chucca get drunk and cuddle lots of peep's.

Oooh yeah feel the burn!...

[Blue Flame]

The T - Shirt is ready so it must be close now.
1268112682

Sent from my Galaxy S3 using Tapatalk

[andrewsmith]

You got your order of earplugs for everyone else? ;)

[Blue Flame]

You got your order of earplugs for everyone else? ;)

:p

[andrewsmith]

"Ladies and Gentlemen, This is your captain speaking.
Will the 3 Scotsman snoring please shut-up, as the engine room can hear you"

;)

[ethariel]

Oooooo someone remembers my snoring from GMII then - and i may be big but im not 3 person sized!

[andrewsmith]

Well you must be worse than Blue flame then.
Could hear him at 20 yards away

[haggis]

Off to Lochcarron in the morning, bike MOT, so wish me luck.... Its a long way back if i fail!

Afterwards, pop over to Muir of Ord and set up the 'diversion' signs so we all get lost in the mist ;-)
Wouldn't be the first time on a gm.

[Mrs_giggles]

ooo getting closer now just booked b&b for thur night seeing you all soon:-)

[Tiger 55]

Today, a full 72 hours in advance, and quite out of the blue, I suddenly came over all excited about the GM.

See you all there. :smt039:riding:

[missyburd]

I'm working tomorrow, wed nite, thursday and thurs night...I think that gives me permission to start looking at my route now...and maybe think about packing...

[andrewsmith]

And the high speed fun way north

[missyburd]

route will have to wait, new website is calling! :D

[carelesschucca]

Oh my lordie its GM weekend. Has anybody organised anything?

Sitting here thinking i haven't got anything sorted for myself.

Big question is Kilt or not to Kilt?

[andrewsmith]

Just the sporran ;)
May aswel have been last year

[carelesschucca]

Am I allowed to panic right now... Nothing to do with the actual GM just more me getting myself organised... Been more interested in getting things finalised with the weekend more than myself...

One thing though I did get the beers in today on the house fund RESULT!

[SIII]

You's only happy when you's panic'ing !!!!


:laughat::smt091


Packed my tailpack's tonite, just a bit of food and last minute bits to do. Check out bike, tyre pressure's, etc (tyre tread depth for you - Andy).

3 more sleeps :cool:

[markc123]

Fixed the pessimistic speedo tonight, now reads higher than the GPS which is probably safer around gatsos :-). Think thats it bike wise, MOT doesnt run out till the 5th June..... 2 more days of work and then its time to get heading north.

Even got the Monday off so I can play a bit longer in the Highlands.

[andrewsmith]

You's only happy when you's panic'ing !!!!


:laughat::smt091


Packed my tailpack's tonite, just a bit of food and last minute bits to do. Check out bike, tyre pressure's, etc (tyre tread depth for you - Andy).

3 more sleeps :cool:

Bugger off :laughat:
about 700 miles on these Stradas so far, the other ones were at 3,500 and a testament to well shagged tyres

[missyburd]

Geez you're all a bit organised...

[christopher]

Go to bed Thursday night. Wake up early Friday morning. Throw some clothes in a bag. Ride 400 miles. Buy beer. Drink beer. That's my planning for the weekend done!

[Mrs_giggles]

route planned, tail pack sorted, now feeling excited with a little nervous as I got one more day of prep then im on my way.....if it would stop ****ing it down here it would be easier to sort as I have no roof on my garage, suppose I better fight with the tax disk and attatch the new one before I go.

[ethariel]

Discharged from hospital this evening weekend looking possible, maybe....

[Tiger 55]

Discharged from hospital this evening weekend looking possible, maybe....
That's a definite yes! See you there. :)

[yorkie_chris]

Sorry I can't make it, have fun folks

[andrewsmith]

Sorry I can't make it, have fun folks

Bugger
Who do I give a hangover to now ;-)

sent from a weapon of mass distraction

[orose]

Guess you'll just have to keep it for yourself, and it'll serve you right :p

[andrewsmith]

Guess you'll just have to keep it for yourself, and it'll serve you right :p

Drinking Ol?

[Speedy Claire]

Bike just been checked over.... Am about to pack and we're setting off tomor. :cheers: Staying in Edinburgh tomor nite then will see you all on Friday. Safe journey everyone

[Terah]

Any plans for meeting up for the run up from Edinburgh-ish?

[orose]

Right - all packed and ready to go now, but I'll wait until the morning...

[AJC]

Yeah finished work til next Thursday! Time to vaguely pack ready for a leisurely jaunt on up there. Set off late morning methinks :)

[Quiff Wichard]

Ollie.. take care you know how those midges love you above everyone else

[markc123]

Ready for the 400 mile day tomorrow. Wonder how comfy the SRAD is on longer rides? Guess I will find out soon :).

[TamSV]

Spose I better nip out and put the wheels back on the bike. It'll probably want a chain put on it too.

You lot are too organised. :)

[haggis]

Bah! Some of us will have to work tomorrow first, more's the pity.


Will see you all there tomorrow evening. Midge season has not really picked up yet, but please do pack you Skin-so-soft!

:cool:

[haggis]

Spose I better nip out and put the wheels back on the bike. It'll probably want a chain put on it too.

You lot are too organised. :)

Loving your casual approach Tam. Just fitted my race cans tonight. :twisted:

Which bike you bringing? Or do we have to wait n see?

[TamSV]

Just fitted my race cans tonight.

My bloody eardrums have only just recovered. WHAAAAT?

Which bike you bringing? Or do we have to wait n see?

FireBlade I think. But I really do need to go and put that chain on.

I'm not coming up until the Saturday so I might just have another beer and do it tomorrow. :)

[carelesschucca]

RGV!

[AJC]

What chucca said!...

[Bibio]

enjoy yerselves peeps, looks like the weather is going to turn for the better for ya.

[TamSV]

RGV!


lol. That would be a laugh actually but it's further away than the Blade - front calipers are off for a rebuild with new pistons. The SV's got no oil/coolant and the clutch side engine case is off for re-painting.

I might arrive on the bus. :)

[haggis]

If u brought the RGV it would save your eardrums. I'd be behind you inhaling the lovely 2stroke fumes.

Re. My cans : I sold the super loud migraine inducing cannons, these are merely offensive.
:smt040

[haggis]

I might arrive on the bus. :) That would be a first!

Route number 916, btw.

[Tiger 55]

Scorchio! :smt004

If anything, it looks like it's going to be too hot. Now, where the heckety heck is that sun cream?

See you soon. :riding:

[Blue Flame]

enjoy yerselves peeps, looks like the weather is going to turn for the better for ya.

Shame you can't make it Bibs.

[andrewsmith]

enjoy yerselves peeps, looks like the weather is going to turn for the better for ya.

Gutted your not coming north.

Tam stop fiddling start riding ;-)

sent from a weapon of mass distraction

[Quiff Wichard]

Sun is cracking the paving slabs here at 7am ! .. hope u get this weather guys .. ride safe all ..

[carelesschucca]

enjoy yerselves peeps, looks like the weather is going to turn for the better for ya.

Lance I'm gonna miss you sweetheart not the same being at a GM without getting a cuddle from ya.

Oh my lordie look at the weather change your mind come on out to play
:-D

[missyburd]

leathers or textiles aaaaaaaargh!!!! Not a cloud in the sky here :D