Inverness and the highlands......
The
idea was to test the luggage, bikes and overall stamina
of the riders on this 700 mile trip to Inverness (
and grab some beer). Set off 10.00am Saturday from
Morpeth to Carter Bar. Pulled in to find Dave’s
storm covers for the panniers were ripped. Looks like
they we’re not on tight enough and the wind
resistance on the fabric was too much for them. Shit
really considering we have gone only 50 miles. Not
to worry, on to Galashiels and North we go. All dry
and warm so far, but leaving Gala the rain started.
Funny thing was, 10 miles later it was dry again.
We can handle these showers no bother in fact it added
to the endurance of the trip.
Past Glasgow and up the A8 I think until we entered
the Highlands of Scotland
at Glencoe. Fantastic scenery and views so stunning
it was hard to keep an eye on the road. But then,
the mother of all rain hit us like a brick –
Simply couldn’t see a bloody thing. Rain was
so bad we we totally soaked through our leathers but
descending from Glencoe the rain stopped and the warm
breeze help dry us a bit. We could see the damn rain
clouds stuck to the hills we had just ridden through.
On towards Ben Nevis and Loch
Ness but the rain followed and we gave up after
an hour or so. Pulled into a Little Chef where we
took up a few tables to try and dry out. Gazing at
the bikes through the window, they were getting whissed
on. Sausage bun and coffee cheer us up and we're off
in to more liquid joy. As we got towards Ben Nevis
the rain faired up and the roads became dry again.
On reaching Loch Ness, the roads were totally dry
and we blasted up the side of Nessies home towards
Inverness – The roads were built for bikes,
I swear ! Arrive at Inverness about 7.30pm a bit knackered
and very wet. Our boots and gloves were totally soaked
but we didn’t care as the final leg of the trip
was so good.
Relax with good food and beer, crash out for the night,
but of courses didn’t really sleep that well.
Next day, up to Nairn and back towards Pitlochry via
stunning roads made for bikes. Arse up, head down
the Viffer and SV loved every minute of those twisties.
Arrive at Pitlochry
for refreshments and off we go to Perth. From here
back over the Road Bridge the A7 to Gala, Jedburgh
on the A68 and Carter Bar for a smoke. Stop at Belsay
and Geordie and I depart company heading home.
Absolutely superb weekend away, life doesn’t
get any better than this. The rain was crap at times,
but added to the endurance and touring ethos, also
a good test for the luggage which did leak without
covers, but not too bad considering.
So with suicidal lambs, wet roads, dry roads and the
best twisties I have ever been on, this trip is one
to remember.
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