First Long Journey

To re-iterate what others have said:

Don't go the whole way on the motorway, you'll miss some cracking roads. I recently went up to Leeds from Cirencester and instead of a quick blast up the motorway after work, I took the afternoon off work and went a far more circuitous route. Slower pace, stopped for a breather and to admire architecture etc. fairly regularly. Sit down meal at a pub rather than a Ginsters in a services, etc.

Towards the end, when I realised I was in danger of being late, I just joined the motorway and blasted for the last half hour that way.

If you can afford the time off work I'd strongly advise doing it that way.

RE: Practicalities, waterproof suit (I recommend the Spada 406) is a must, spare gloves are a good idea too. Give your boots (if they're leather rather than plastic) a few coats of dubbing (let it soak in overnight between coats) as it'll help prolong their waterproof qualities. Likewise, give your luggage and trousers/jacket (if they're textiles, not leather) a few coats of nikwax. Again, it won't make them 100% waterproof, but it'll prolong the period of time before they start to leak.

http://www.discountbikespares.com/pr...roducts_id/242

these are cheaper

[Sid Squid]

Originally Posted by chazzyb

Hmm, isn't that where Jonboy lives? :P

Pay attention: http://forums.sv650.org/viewtopic.ph...hlight=#438811

who cares if its dark anyway ?

Why are some people trying to talk this guy out of his ride?

Enjoy your ride and the adventure that goes with it. (Stay safe)

("When was the last time you did something for the first time")

I rode almost 1000 kms (round trip) last weekend ( in New Zealand) and it was brilliant. Roads I had never travelled and sights I had never seen. I just rode and rode but knew thqat eventually I would get where I was going. ( Turangi on the edge of Lake Taupo - Trot Fishing Capital of the World)

thanks for all your advice, whether I stick with it or not.

those handlebar mitts.... might just get me a pair. look stupid as hell but my hands will thank me...

I think I will attempt to ride a few A-Roads, the hundred or so miles or M1 looks veeeery boring indeed.

Originally Posted by caines

who cares if its dark anyway ?

No one, it's simply a factor to take into account, that's all. I didn't say don't ride at night - I'd be a hypocrite if I did. I never thought much of my SV's headlights though, so I bought more powerful bulbs.

well my trips postponed till the spring now, various reasons including the fact that the wind is particularly strong today....

roll on summer

...but the wind is always strong on a motorbike.

Come on now ...admit it...your heart wasnt in this trip from the very beginning :P

Better luck when Spring comes to you.

Originally Posted by JakeRS

well my trips postponed till the spring now, various reasons including the fact that the wind is particularly strong today....

roll on summer

The weather is indeed unpleasant. I was supposed to be delivering
Christmas presents to orphans today but decided to give it a miss.
The poor orphans will have to wait another year ...
But at least I didn't create new orphans by riding today.